The fascination of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve and its abundance of wildlife brings fond memories to many seasoned African safari travellers; I am no exception. In January this year, I was invited by some good friends from the USA to join them on a trip to this remarkable reserve.

We departed from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, and upon landing in the Mara were greeted by a lineup of friendly Maasai guides and their safari game-viewing vehicles parked next to the dirt airstrip.

MAGNIFICENCE OF THE MARA

The open plains of the Mara are known for providing safari goers a rolling landscape filled with wildebeest, zebras, lions, large hyena clans and elusive leopards stalking in the riverine forests; this is a healthy ecosystem for prey and predator.

We were privy to several fascinating moments that depicted the reality of the wild; from lion prides successfully catching large prey, to cheetahs devouring a steenbok they had caught.

Although the annual migration into the Maasai Mara takes place from July to October every year, the plains were filled with thousands of zebra and wildebeest, grazing on the short, green grasses. On our first game drive, it didn’t take long before we met a pride of 14 lions, blustering with confidence as they walked towards the hills, oblivious to the many zebras gawking at them from a close but safe distance.

This scene was totally opposite from many other wildlife reserves where contact between predator and prey is not as seemingly nonchalant.

Early the next morning, our attention was drawn to a different lion pride that had killed a large eland. The lions had dragged the carcass into dense bush, protecting it from a clan of about 19 hyenas who stalked the area from all directions, typical behaviour of Africa’s cunning scavengers.

The hungry lions feasted on more than three quarters of the eland overnight, resulting in full bellies. Afterwards, they lay spread-eagled all over the place. The insolent hyenas that approached, eager to claim the scraps, were instantly chased away by two sub-adult male lions.

A PHOTOGRAPHER’S PARADISE

Our guides’ knowledge and ability to steer the vehicles across the river tributaries allowed us to explore new areas of the Mara, offering opportunities to take unique photographs.

I was privileged to share my journey with the formidable marine biologists and NatGeo explorers, Christina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen, from SeaLegacy fame. This was Paul’s first trip to Africa, and being able to almost immediately capture photos of the abundant wildlife was a stark contrast to his explorations across the Arctic observing polar bears – he’d often walk for days before he had an opportunity to capture images of these endangered bears.

We quickly found common ground through our discussions about the effects of global warming on conservation efforts pertaining to marine biology and savannah conservation in Africa.

Clockwise from left: 1) Maasai Mara is a haven for photographers looking to capture photos of the diverse wildlife; 2) An elephant cools off in the Mara River; 3) Two elegant grey crowned cranes. All photos © Dex Kotze

It’s not often that two cheetah kills are observed within an hour. On one of our morning drives, we came across a male cheetah that had successfully caught a steenbok. We spent nearly 40 minutes with him before we trekked north, only to witness another cheetah who was halfway done with devouring a newborn impala.

Apparently, wildlife vets had treated this particular mange-infested cheetah the day before, as well as a pride of about 17 lions who also suffered from the same disease.

Later, the sight of a huge wet and muddy male leopard stalking the wet riverbanks (after a serious confrontation with another young leopard) had guides clambering for position to allow their guests the best visibility of the majestic cat. The leopard was visibly irritated. A territorial fight had left him with puncture wounds to his head and neck. It was clear that he was not enamoured by the array of vehicles following his escape route.

We also had a special viewing of ‘Bahati’, a beautiful female leopard and her young cub who live around the Talek River. According to our guide, she has successfully raised several cubs and we were fortunate enough to spot her on two occasions; one being with her extremely cautious cub.

At another fantastic sighting we saw a lion pride of about 17 lions that had taken refuge on a small koppie. The remaining bits of a wildebeest kill were being tossed around and played with by two sub-adults as the others relaxed. Not far away a hyena clan, hopeful to scavenge some of the wildebeest’s remains, became embroiled in their own territorial dispute. The pecking order left several hyenas attacking one of their kin in a display of irritability – possibly caused by the fact that the lions had left nothing for them to eat.

‘LONG FACE’

The next day we came across a beautiful lion called ‘Long Face’. We followed him for nearly two hours as he crossed rivers and eventually entered dense bush where two eland were grazing, oblivious to his presence. I asked our guide to re-position our vehicle, expecting the lion to give chase to the eland.

From left to right: 1) A regal lion named ‘Long Face’ about to cross a river in pursuit of two eland; 2) A sensational portrait of Long Face. Both photos © Dex Kotze

Exactly three minutes later, two eland (who were each nearly 1,000 kg in body weight) came charging out of the bush. One of them narrowly avoided colliding with a Land Cruiser by way of a mind-boggling, gigantic leap over the vehicle – clearing it by several feet – as can be seen from some astonishing photography by Eric, our host.

HIPPO SUNDOWNERS

The large hippo population in the Mara River, combined with backdrops of idyllic African sunsets, provided the picturesque scene that had everyone reaching for their cameras – with sundowner drinks in hand.

Hippo pods in the river are plentiful and I was surprised by how many submerged hippo bulls appeared seemingly out of nowhere every few minutes in a splendid display of power, with water gushing around their large legs as they made their appearance known to all the cows.

A highlight was the one evening when Eric invited Jonathan Scott, of BBC Big Cat Diary fame, to join us for dinner and share his experiences of over 30 years in the Mara. A charming and intelligent man, Jonathan delighted us with many captivating tales of his Kenyan adventures after studying Zoology in Britain and settling in Africa; an amazing artist and wildlife photographer living the dream life in paradise.

On the last day we enjoyed another hearty breakfast while observing life on the vast savannah plains. We embraced the final game drive with a bit of sadness before departing on a Cessna Caravan plane from the Talek airstrip en-route to Wilson Airport in Nairobi.

Karen Blixen’s paradise provided us with a whirlwind trip that will never be forgotten.

WHERE TO STAY IN MAASAI MARA

GOVERNORS’ CAMP

Governors’ Camp is situated in a forest which runs along the banks of the Mara River within the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This luxury camp (originally reserved for the exclusive use the colonial governors of Kenya over 100 years ago) boasts a plethora of wildlife; it’s also a haven for bird-watching enthusiasts. There are 37 tents that have en-suite bathrooms. There is also a bar tent that offers uninterrupted views of the river.

Clockwise from top left: 1) The luxury tented accommodation lines the banks of the Mara River, offering unrivalled views; 2) Enjoy a drink on the deck that overlooks this wonderful region; 3) Incredible wildlife encounters are abundant – even when you’re enjoying a meal. All photos © Governors’ Camp

COTTAR’S 1920s SAFARI CAMP

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is situated on a 6000 acre private conservancy, located a mere one kilometre from the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The location allows for day and night game drives, walking safaris, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime privilege to interact with the Maasai community and absorb their fascinating culture. There are 10 tents available (one honeymoon, five double and four family tents.)

Clockwise from top left: 1) All of the tents have en-suite bathrooms, offering spectacular views of the private concession; 2) Comfortable rocking chairs give you the opportunity to sit back and take in the breathtaking landscape; 3) For ultimate luxury, indulge in a stay at the beautiful ‘Cottar’s Bush Villa’; 4) Make use of the infinity pool and spa area – the perfect way to unwind after an activity-filled day. All photos © Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp

SARUNI MARA

Saruni Mara is the only boutique lodge in the region. It’s located in the Mara North Conservancy, which is a private wildlife-rich concession that borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The exclusive lodge has five charming cottages, a family villa and a private villa. The decor of each room is unique – with names such as ‘The Love Shack’ and ‘The Artist’s Studio’.

Clockwise from top left: 1) The private villa has a picturesque dining table for you to enjoy delicious meals; 2) The luxurious rooms exude a wonderful, tranquil ambience; 3) Sit under the stars while keeping warm at the fire pit; 4) Relax on a private deck of the ‘Literary Room’ with an enthralling book. All photos © Saruni Mara