What an incredible long weekend away! If there was one thing that topped my list of things ‘must do African adventures’, this is it. I've wanted to visit the Maasai Mara for a very long time, wowed by its incredible wildlife and authentically African environment.
I’m writing about this Maasai Mara experience over two posts - I don’t want to overwhelm you too much!
Known as the Mara by locals, this is a national reserve in the south-west of Kenya. It borders the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, which together, host the annual migration of wildebeest that has become famous in recent years thanks to some outstanding BBC and National Geographic documentaries.
The Mara Naboisho Conservancy forms part of the wider Mara region, which although not part of the national park, appears to be run extremely well based on a governance structure involving local landowners, camp/lodge operators and the local government. This seems to result in more effective land-use than even the national reserve, balancing the needs of the environment (and visitors) and the local Maasai farmers.
We were very fortunate to visit a family of local Maasai who kindly showed us around their village and share their unique, remarkable way of life in the Mara. Coming from a country where the clash between indigenous rights and commercial interests is ever-present, it was great to see a model in practice, working.
The trip was organised by my good friend Troy Smith who now runs TrueAfrica - The Safari Company. He organises tailored and specialised trips across East Africa which I can now testify are amazing. For all those prospective African adventurers, I wouldn’t go any further!
Along with Pete Joubert, it was great to have a mini university reunion albeit a long way from the Gold Coast, Australia. We were also joined by Sarah, a guest of Troy’s from Cape Town who provided great entertainment (and perhaps some balance to the three of us males). Thanks to Pete for his awesome photos of the Maasai and Naboisho Camp included in this post!
We were staying at the Naboisho Camp in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy. The camp was truly magnificent, complete with large permanent tents that gave the impression of a luxurious resort whilst affording all the sounds and smells of the bush. There are no fences here, and nothing to keep out the roaming herbivores (or leopards or lions).
Highlights at the camp included arriving home after a night drive to the sight of 9 elephants who had also just arrived in the camp, and napping on the sunbed to the grass-munching of the nearby zebra and wildebeest. Nevertheless, nature is not always full of friendly beasts, with Pete finding the puff adder (see picture below) in the communal lounge building!
Although staying at this type of camp has its luxuries, it can also be very tiring. We were awake before 6am each day in order to head out for a sunrise game drive, finishing the day as late as 10pm after a late night drive.
In my next post, I’ll share some of the cool photos of the Mara wildlife and picturesque environment.
