Entering the Masai Mara, Kenya

Terry and Sherry arrive in style

 Warm Welcome to the Masai Mara

     After our narrow escape from the charging elephant in Samburu, we split into two 12-seater prop planes for a quick flight down to the famous Masai Mara. I was excited to see everyone's reactions to our next destination, which is considered the jewel of Kenya. Plus we were staying in style at andBeyond's exclusive Bateleur Camp. Not everyone can travel Africa like this, but if you can it is an incredible experience. Flying into the Kichwa Tembo airstrip was an Out of Africa experience as the closer we got the larger the herds of zebras and antelopes became. There were topi and zebra grazing just off the side of the airstrip as we landed.

Massek with champagne

Jack and Erin in Africa

  We were met by the team from Bateleur Camp right as we disembarked the plane. They took care of all our bags and walked us over to a beautiful picnic table. Snacks, cold drinks, flowers, coffee and even champagne were there waiting for us. Now imagine all of this, in the middle of the savanna, with giraffes and zebra walking across the back ground.

Arrival at the Mara

I was in the first plane so I waited eagerly for the second plane just to see their reaction. And this was just the beginning of our amazing safari into the iconic Masai Mara. Our camp is located on a private land concession which opens up the possibility for walking tours, night drives, and overall flexibility that lodges inside the park proper can't offer. But as the group would soon find out it is the staff that really makes the experience exceptional. It is the true luxury experience in the middle of the bush.

Raft of Hippos

Rare daytime Hyena

  Before we even made it back to the camp to check out our new lodging our guides, Massek and Jackson, took us to the river to show us where the famous crossings happen during the great migration.

Dangerous drinking

Almost crossing at the Mara River

     When we got there they were very excited to find a zebra stallion who was thinking about crossing the river to join females grazing on the far side. A few minutes after touching down and we were already watching one of natures great events unfold. The zebra ended up calling it off, possibly after seeing some huge crocodiles swimming his way, but the excitement would continue our entire stay. We also saw our first hippos, hyena, masai giraffe, topi, eland, and buffalo on our way back to the lodge.

Family style dining...

...with a view

   The awe and amazement really settled in for good when we were greeted at the lodge. All the staff was out to sing a welcome song. Esther, the camp manager, invited us out to the lawn where lunch was set up for us. Every seat was a seat with a view, looking out across the lush expanse of the Masai Mara plains. Elephants and gazelles mingled out in the grass while the delicious food and wine flowed around the table.

Fiona, Terry, and Jack at the Mara river

Roughing it in the tent

   One of the benefits of flying between parks means that you don't lose any game drive time. Just a few hours ago we were cruising through Samburu, and now we are all charged from lunch and ready to head out into the Mara. This is how you do Africa.