Just before Covid pandemic hit the world like a bolt from the blue and brought all touring and
travelling to a grinding halt, I was lucky to have witnessed the most breathtaking shelter of
the wild, which left an indelible memory. Very few places on earth are as adventurous and
authentic as the Masai grasslands where the great migration happens between August to
October. Masai Mara is a wildlife enthusiasts’ paradise which features a stunning
kaleidoscope of the most enticing skies, unadulterated, wild, and rugged landscapes and an
array of wild creatures, in their own shelter yet very visible to tourists owing to the sparse
low grasslands of Savannahs.
No wonder Bollywood heartthrob Ranveer Kapoor chose this destination to propose his
ladylove, Alia Bhatt. This place is a dream come true for anyone who watched ‘ Out of Africa
‘and longed for the romantic nostalgia of an African Safari. We arrived at Masai Mara via
Nairobi where the flight landed on a barren land strip. After checking into Keekorok lodge
which boasts of hosting several dignitaries from around the world and a light lunch, the
adventure began. Our cab driver took us for a game drive where to our delight we spotted the
king of the jungle idling with its family. Evening was a bonfire dinner with dancing with
locals on tribal numbers and sumptuous local delicacies. We woke up early next morning for
a game drive which gives one a real feel of the jungle where the drivers are in contact with
each other on walkie-talkie and pass on information about spotting the big five or any
exciting event. So, we could see leopards, lions, cheetah, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, elephants,
ostriches, and birds in beautiful plumage, all in full wild glory. We saw a lion feasting on a
buffalo it had hunted, while the vultures waited patiently for their share of the meal. On a
narrow alley our safari jeeps tyre got stuck so we got down for a minute to help the driver
push it across. There was a palpable tension in the air as we spotted a cheetah pass by. After
lunch at our lodge and a brief rest we again went for an evening game drive. Evening in the
wild has a different feel to it. We spotted a leopard sitting on a tree. All the scenes appeared
straight out of a national geographic documentary. Though the rhinoceros remained elusive
there were many big cat spottings, which gave a thrill each time. After dinner in the open area
of lodge where we could feel the jungle buzz around, we called it a day early on.
Next morning was the most exciting ‘Hot Air balloon ride’. An aerial view of the jungle
activities from the balloon which sails above the forest for a good 45 minutes as the mysteries
of the jungle unfold before u with a surreal dawn is like awakening to a new world. We
landed amidst the wild for a luxurious champagne breakfast, where our cabs were waiting to
drive us back to the lodge. After some rest we took a trip to a Masai village where u get an
opportunity to interact with the tribals and see how they survive with most primitive ways. I
bought an ornament made of beads from them we danced with them and played with their
children. After grabbing some food on our way back we took our last drive which was very
fulfilling to the senses yet left us longing for more. Next morning, we checked out and took
our flight back to Nairobi where we carried with us priceless memories of an unforgettable
experience permanently etched in the mind and heart
