Five Wonderful Days of Intimate Animal Encounters in the Masai Mara, Kenya

 Embarking on a safari adventure in the Masai Mara is a dream for many wildlife enthusiasts, and my recent journey at andBeyond's Kichwa Tembo luxury tent camp exceeded all expectations. Guided by the knowledgeable and passionate Jackson, our days were filled with awe-inspiring encounters with the Mara's diverse and majestic wildlife.

This momma lion and her cub were perched up on an old termite mound, perfectly posed for this shot.

Our safari began with a roar, quite literally. Shortly after landing on a bush plane, we were greeted by the sight of two magnificent male lions. One of them, named Chongo, held a special place in my heart. A year ago, I witnessed Chongo in the midst of a fierce battle with nomadic lions. His triumphant return was a testament to the resilience of these incredible creatures.

While the great migration had already migrated south, the Masai Mara still offered an abundance of wildlife wonders. We chose to linger, patiently waiting for glimpses into the elusive world of leopards. Unlike other safari-goers who rushed from one sighting to another, our dedication was rewarded with intimate views of leopard activities, creating lasting memories.

Another encounter where patience paid off. We waited for an hour and a half in the hopes that this sleeping leopard would wake up and come down the tree. I was ready when it did!

Kris, a fellow adventurer, became the hero of the day when he skillfully spotted a cheetah in the distance while scanning the vast plains with his binoculars. The excitement that rippled through our group was palpable as we marveled at the grace and speed of this remarkable big cat. It was a moment that truly defined the essence of a safari—unexpected and extraordinary.

Kris spotted this cheetah far off through his binoculars. We were in a quiet corner of the park, and had this cheetah all to ourselves for a good long time.

Every day brought with it the dramatic beauty of the Masai Mara's landscapes. Thunderstorms rolled through, casting the savanna in a mystical glow. Remarkably, these natural spectacles coordinated themselves to avoid disrupting our scheduled game drives. The result? A series of breathtaking sunsets that painted the sky in hues of gold and pink, creating the perfect backdrop for our safari tales.

The sun setting over the savanna painted a beautiful canvas at the end of each evening game drive. Thunderclouds rolling in added to the mystique.

Our five days at andBeyond's Kichwa Tembo luxury tent camp, under the expert guidance of Jackson, were nothing short of extraordinary. From lion reunions and patient leopard sightings to the thrill of cheetah spotting and the majestic beauty of the Mara's landscapes, each day was a new chapter in our safari adventure. As the thunderclouds rolled away, leaving behind a canvas of vibrant hues, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the magic of the Masai Mara—a place where nature's drama unfolds in the most spectacular fashion.

Red Breasted Barbet, one of the 'star' birds to find in the Masai Mara.

The always beautiful lilac breasted roller. I've been waiting years to get a good, in-focus picture of one of these rollers in flight. They are beautiful at rest, but the incredible blue flash while flying is the ultimate photo!

A group of female impala, with babies huddled in the middle.

Yawning hippo, showing off some impressive teeth. This is another photo I have been waiting for!

An elusive leopard, motionless, watching from the forest edge. She was stalking a group of impala. We watched for several hours. Eventually she gave up the hunt, and called her two cubs out from hiding.

Our cheetah feeling a bit like a yawn.

The beautiful crowned crane. This is the national bird of Uganda.

The mara was our first encounter with the beautiful Topi antelope.

Perhaps the most elusive of the Big 5, we had our leopard luck in the Mara. We even came across 2 different leopards on our night drive!

A group of giraffes is called a 'tower' if they are still, and a 'journey' if they are moving.

Early in the morning you might see a wild scene like this in the Masai Mara. Hot air balloons flying over a grazing hippo.

Amazing photo opportunities abound in the Masai Mara.

A very close encounter with an adorable spotted hyena. Well, adorable as long as you aren't on his list of prey.