Our adventure in Kenya’s Masai Mara began with an early morning wake-up in Nairobi. By 6am, we were on our way to the airport to board an Air Kenya bush plane to Mara. The journey itself was an experience—flying on a small aircraft with stops at several private bush airstrips before landing at Keekorok Airstrip, our designated stop, at 8am.

Paul, our driver and guide for the week, greeted us with a warm smile and a trusty Land Cruiser, ready to begin our first game drive.

Arrival and Game Drives

Straight from the airstrip, we embarked on our first game drive. Within minutes, the wonders of the Masai Mara unfolded before us. Highlights included:

• A lioness resting beside her kill, a buffalo carcass
• Herds of majestic elephants and elegant giraffes.
• More lionesses sprawled in the shade, seemingly unbothered by the world around them.
• Playful zebra and antelope dotting the savanna.

By noon, we checked into the Mara Simba Lodge, a comfortable retreat surrounded by the sounds of the wild. After a delicious lunch, we settled in for a short nap before heading out for our evening game drive, which offered more wildlife sightings and breathtaking scenery.

We arrived back at the hotel around 7pm, just in time to grab a drink at the bar and watch the playful hippos make their way out of the river. We then ended our evening with a boxing day celebratory dinner at the hotel.

A Morning in the Skies: Balloon Safari

The next day started even earlier, at 5:20 a.m., with a hot air balloon safari. Floating over the Mara for an hour was nothing short of magical. Rodrigo, our captain, skillfully adjusted altitude, dropping low to give us close views of wildlife and soaring high to navigate the terrain. From above, we spotted wildabeast, elephants, and even lions moving across the golden plains. The sunrise bathed the savanna in warm hues, making the experience even more enchanting.

The adventure ended with a champagne breakfast in the bush, complete with made-to-order omelets, samosas, and other hot dishes. We joined a table with our fellow balloon mates and new friends, Irene, David and their family. It was a perfect way to end the morning.

An Action-Packed Game Drive

Paul picked us up after breakfast for a full-day game drive that felt straight out of a nature documentary. The highlights included:

• Watching a cheetah on the hunt, though she didn’t catch anything this time.
• A dramatic scene with five lionesses attempting to hunt a buffalo. Despite their coordinated efforts, they were unsuccessful, but the chase was exhilarating to watch.
• A quick attempt by six lionesses to hunt a warthog (Pumba). They failed, but the action was captivating.
• Spotting baby lion cubs playing on their own while their mother hunted.
• Finally finding the king of the jungle, a magnificent male lion, lounging in the shade of a bush.

The day ended perfectly with a drink at the lodge’s bar, overlooking a group of hippos who had come out to play in the water below.

Final Thoughts

The Masai Mara is a place where nature’s drama unfolds in real time, offering moments of awe and wonder at every turn. From the sweeping views of the savanna during the balloon ride to the up-close encounters with lions and cheetahs during the game drives, this trip was an unforgettable journey into the heart of Kenya’s wildlife.

Whether you’re an avid safari-goer or a first-time visitor, the Masai Mara delivers experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left.