Magnificent Masai Mara

Have you ever wondered why is Kenya titled The Safari capital of the world? Friends, we had the privilege of witnessing it and no wonder it truly stands out to its claim. To set the stage the vast spread of Nairobi National Park right in the heart of the city with the skyscrapers encircling it is beyond imagination. The safari here is marvelous with good probability of viewing the wild. The good highways, infrastructure, lane driving & honk free only adds feathers to its marvel. The proximity to the world famous Masai forest is the killer.

Our trip was set out with the expectation of having a so-so experience due to all the articles that gave negative vibes. Soon the myths were all shattered.

1. Nairobi and all the surrounding region was very safe, clean and mosquito free

2. The Kenyans are very down to earth with splendid hospitality

3. Nairobi was looking like a Toyota exhibition on road with more than 95% coverage. The models included Harrier, Alto, NOAH, Racks, VOXY, etc. to name a few. There could be easily another 25.

4. The temperature is moderate all throughout and in fact, the days we visited were very cloudy that made it so favorable

5. Their English vocab is commendable and are very good in communication

6. They give accurate estimates; never was there a breach. This makes your planning so easy breezy

7. Super markets available every corner accepting card & USD payments. In fact, there is no need for Kenyan Shilling as USD/card is accepted across

8. Good network coverage to stay connected; except in deep forest

Now's the time to unfurl the itinerary. We had spent 5 days in Kenya that was enough and have not missed anything remarkable. We were made cognizance of the fact that the Great Migration happens round the year solely depending on the pasture availability in Tanzania vs Kenya; definitely the Jul – Sep is a best bet to watch the abundance of migrated animals. In addition, the crossing in the Mara river occurs only when the herbivores are sure that there are no crocodiles on their way. They are shrewd in finding alternate ways. There are safaris that can extend based on your zeal spanning across forests & countries. We started with 2 days in Nairobi.

Day 1:

·??????? Nairobi National park - This is where we had the privilege of sighting the very rare Rhinoceros. Even our guide was in awe as this was his first close experience. You will find plenty of Giraffe, ostrich and others ready to welcome you.

·??????? Sheldrick Elephant Nursery - The orphan baby elephants under rehabilitation program would keep you mesmerized with their playful actions. You could be lucky to feed and pet them too. This is only between 11 AM - 12 PM and needs a prior reservation over email while the payment is done at the gate. The entry has to be via the national park that has a separate fee and can be booked via eCitizen portal to avoid Q's.

·??????? The Carnivores - this is a buffet feast to all the meat lovers. I am not listing the menu here to keep it clean :). They also serve veg course. It is better to reserve table due to the very high demand

·??????? Giraffe center - must visit as the adorable herbivores await your entry to quench their taste buds. Yes, you can feed & pet them

·??????? Snake park - a small enclosure where you have reptiles including cute little mini turtles

Day 2:

·??????? Nairobi museum - a very good cultural & historic insight of Kenya. We could easily spend 2 hours here and it was totally worth it

·??????? Village market - do not go by the name like what we did :). It is a colossal shopping mall with international standard food court. This is where I found the I&M bank ATM with option of withdrawing USD/Euro/Kenyan Shilling at my discretion. I was very impressed as none of the many other big banks had this

·??????? Masai Market - Well again we were a little off track as this too was right on one side of the top floor in the same mall :). This is straight from the tribal selling his or her own produce.

·??????? City center - viewpoint from the sky scrapper surrounded by the Govt. offices & Parliament

Its time to embark on the much-awaited Masai Mara safari. An early morning kick off in the coveted Land Cruiser. It is a good 6 hour drive with stops which they call or body stretch :). The first one would be the splendid Rift Valley. Be prepared for the last 1.5 hour (30 KM) which is a strenuous bumpy ride. Our driver guide was cruising on 50-60 kmph even on a road where others were only hitting 20-30. Never ever witnessed this spectacle earlier and no wonder Land Cruiser is the best choice for this terrain. We reach the camp located near the forest gates for lunch followed by some leisure time to get set for the Dusk game drive and try your luck on jungle residents. There is a dining area where they have Wi-Fi. The dinner is ready by 7 PM for the exuberance required to face the plethora of action next day. The breakfast is available at 7 AM to cater the varied departures depending on the tour programs.

Second day was an early start for the awesome Hot air balloon that takes off during Dawn to give you the best glimpse of the sunrise. This lasts 1 hour giving you an expansive top view of the forest beneath. This is followed by a lavish champagne breakfast in the jungle to provide the adrenalin for the daylong safari. Although the bush toilets are more common, there is one stop where they have good provision. Your driver guide can take care of any emergencies and reroute. We had a picnic lunch in the shades. Well calling it a day depends on energy, patience and your list of must do encounters; negotiation and compromise is very essential. We were fortunate to complete the Big 5 & many others in time and head to our camps for the much-needed rejuvenation.

Third day was the most harrowing realizing that the vacation ends :( with the return to Nairobi for the way back home. However, with all the fond memories it will be subjugated. This was the first reveling trip to the eyes and less of capturing them in the cameras; thoroughly worth it. I would end here, as you know whom to contact for any further details.

Your hodophile :)