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Published: August 7th 2007
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As I stared out over the open plains of the Masai Mara, my mind played through the events of the past two weeks and I couldn’t help but smile. It had been a rollercoaster of mixed emotions and it was hard to believe that it was almost over. So much had happen in such little time and I guess it hadn’t completely sunk in yet. I stood there amped full of energy, for this was my first experience in a game reserve and I eagerly awaited my first glance at African wildlife.
The Masai Mara Game Reserve (721 square miles) is located in southwestern Kenya, bordering the Serengeti National Park, on the Tanzania border. Masai Mara is Kenya's finest wildlife sanctuary. Rolling grasslands with patches of acacia woodland stretch as far as the eye can see. The wildlife is abundant and the nearly treeless grassland ensures that animals are never out of sight.
From the second we crossed through the Masai gates and popped our heads up through the adjustable roof on our van, we were in the presence of wildlife. Elephants paraded through the bush beside us while Water buffalo, gazelles and antelopes roamed over the plains. Within
the first hour, we came upon a dozen safari vehicles watching a pair of cheetahs. We sat and watched as the two large cats slowly stalked a herd of gazelle. Suddenly, the alarmed herd attempted to flee their prey. The gazelle sped past our van (within feet) followed by the two powerful cheetah on their trail (the fastest animals on the planet). It was the coolest wildlife encounter I’ve ever had. The cheetahs flew past our vehicle at an amazing speed (0-60 mph in 3 secs.) and disappeared into the distance within seconds. What a start to the safari. This was going to be a blast and the perfect way to end our African adventure.
After the big chase, we made our way to the Mara Fig Tree Lodge. The Fig Tree is located on the banks of the Talek River within the Masai Mara reserve. The camp is situated on the northern border of the reserve and its location is great for game drive accessibility. We stayed in luxury tents (nicest I’ve ever seen) nestled along the river, giving us a splendid view of the sunset. Each meal was an all you can eat buffet of excellent cuisine
with an occasional performance by Masai tribal dancers. The ambiance of this place was so relaxing. Monkeys lurked overhead, the river soothingly flowed past and at night hippos stirred in the waters. That’s right; hippos were just outside of our tents (safely down a steep embankment). Periodically through the night, the sounds of the hippos grunting (or whatever that sound is they make) reminded me that I was not at home. What an unforgettable memory.
The second day was our big safari outing. We went on three long game drives and saw all kinds of amazing wildlife. The most memorable moments of our safari were: being surrounded by a herd of elephants (see video above), looking up at a group of giraffe while they grazed, of course the cheetah and hippo encounters, and watching a pride of lions on two separate occasions (see video above). Near the end of our final drive, we sat for a good hour and watched a group of lions play and lounge in the high grass. While this was taking place, a herd of elephant moved through the thicket just beside them, which caused a little commotion. The curious lions, the young ones of
course, crept in closer for a look. The mother elephants let out a thundering trumpet to warn them to stay away from their young. This went on for a few minutes and was quite entertaining. It is much different seeing an animal in the wild than through the cages of a zoo or on the tube. I just wanted to walk over and pet the pretty little lions, but the girls talked me out it. We saw so many different animals and there are many other stories, but I think I’m just going to let my pictures tell all (make sure and check all three pages).
Our drive back was the muddiest and bumpiest by far; maybe because it was my turn to sit in the back - wouldn’t ya know. We just barely made it through the muddy roads of the reserve and onto solid ground. Our trusty drivers, Simon and Sammy, pulled through again. They were with us our entire time in Kenya. They taught us about their culture and kept us out of harms way. These two men were a blessing and we thanked them for all that they did.
The team stopped off at
the IAA orphanage to pick up our trunks (packed full of souvenirs) and made it to the Nairobi airport just after night fall. It was the end of our stay in Kenya, but we still had two days of traveling until we were home. I must say it was sad to bid farewell to those we met in Kenya (bye, bye buttercup), but I’m sure we’ll meet again.
This trip has been a lot to take in, and I’m truly blessed to have been given this opportunity. This country has so much beauty and at the same time it has so much pain. It has a culture that captures your heart and inspires you. I can still hear the sounds of the cowhide drums and the children singing in unison. I know I’ll never forget it. God Bless and Asante sana Kenya!
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Dennis McCutcheon
non-member comment
Great stuff
Hey Jeremias, Good report. The sights and smells have a way of lingering. Praying the LORD puts our paths together soon. Will put you together with a few folks like I said when we talked last. In Christ Dennis McCutcheon