On my fourth day in Kenya, my tour group headed back to the Masai Mara for another day of wildlife viewing. I arose bright and early for a 5am departure. One must arrive around sunrise to assure the best weather conditions for a hot air balloon ride above the Mara. We indeed arrived at the appropriate time to witness a glorious sunrise.
The crew began their task of inflating the enormous balloon, attached to its basket. Six people could fit within its interior for a safe and comfortable ride through the skies.
After the balloon was inflated, our group slid on our backs into its interior. When the burners were started that propelled the balloon, it eventually tilted upwards and we likewise were shifted into an upright standing position.
Up, up, and away we went! The panoramic views from the air were spectacular! The Masai Mara Reserve is quite massive. Almost immediately, we spotted groups and pairs of wildlife. From warthogs to cheetahs to hyena to elephants, all species were grazing in perfect harmony.
Soaring above the plains gave us ample opportunity for selfies with a spectacular backdrop.
I excitedly spotted a lone elephant poised serenely along the lush landscape.
Behold, a swarm of buffalo advanced their way across the grassy terrain, one after another in droves.
We could see other balloons floating across our view over the breath-taking landscape. From a distance, our eyes gaze upon the region where the Masai Mara intersects with the Serengeti.
Solo ostriches stroll upon the fields, sometimes stopping to interact with other birds.
My time on the balloon ride was nothing short of amazing. I literally did not want it to end.
The ballooning company guides had a breakfast on the Mara awaiting us. When we returned to that site, our group was greeted with a sit-down meal, fresh orange juice, and a picturesque view of the Reserve with its roaming elephants and other wildlife.
As a vegan, I opted for the fruit plate and roasted potatoes.
After breakfast, we got back into our 4×4 safari vehicles and started making our way out of the Park. Much to my delight, we encountered quite a few stunning wildlife species. A group of male and female lions were resting under the shade of a tree, at times standing up proudly and facing our direction.
It was quite exciting as we came across wild dogs, hyenas, elephants with their babies, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, hyenas, gazelle, topis, and various birds during our drive through the Mara.
Our next stop was a visit to a local Masai tribal village. For the most part, the community lives quite simply as in centuries past. A couple of members do have their own motorcycle. The women greeted us with dancing and invited us to join their performance.
The men of the tribe also lined up and performed for us. It is customary for young men to compete against one another in a jumping game. The one who jumps the highest “wins” the available single woman in their community.
Their homes are basic mud-like huts with just a straw bed and cooking pit. Several of the community members invited us into their homes to see how they live. Family members live crammed together in the small space with their children. For fun and socializing, they play games and sports. For their livelihood, they make beaded jewelry and pottery to sell to tourists. I purchased these beautiful, must-have souvenirs.
After the interesting and educational village tour, we headed back to our tented camp for lunch in the lodge dining hall. Just as the day before, the camp restaurant did not disappoint. Many vegan options(which the chef confirmed to me) included rice, a plethora of veggies, and other grains.
We napped and freshened up, then headed back into our 4x4s for an afternoon drive to hopefully encounter more wildlife within the Masai Mara Reserve. One of the first groupings of animals that we came across, were a family of precious warthogs.
Our tour guide mentioned that he was taking us to a special place. Our hearts were racing as we started guessing which wildlife species he would be leading us towards. We soon found out. He brought us to a waterway within the park, where lots of hippos were swimming about. They slowly eased their way across the waters. Eventually, a couple of the hippos jumped up and displayed their large teeth with jaws wide open. Some of them were just briefly peering through the water’s edge and then went into a horizontal floating position.
A few of them emerged slightly out of the water, just enough for us to see their ears. It was an exciting experience to behold!
Extraordinary birds with colorful plumes and wide wingspans presented themselves across our vistas also.
One of the cutest and most precious sights by far, was when we encountered a mother elephant with her baby.
Families of baby hyenas were an adorable sight, as well.
As our afternoon in the Mara was coming to a close, the glistening sunset took our breath away.
Making our way towards the edge of the Reserve in our vehicle, we encountered more majestic lions and their cubs.
This full day of thrills and excitement left me famished. The tented camp’s lodge restaurant yet again satisfied my hunger with a delicious dinner of rice, mixed vegetables, and roasted potatoes.
The chef prepared his special vegan dessert for me: a scrumptious pineapple pudding with tamarind sauce.
I slept well that night, enamoured with memories of the thrilling balloon ride, the fascinating visit to the Masai tribal village, and the drives through the Masai Mara with its precious wildlife. I looked forward to the next day’s adventure at the “Out Of Africa” author’s home.