MASAI MARA

Masai Mara.

Everybody was ready at 5:00 am on Hans's request. He wants to get out of Nairobi before the morning rush. Coffee was served by Tertia, Johan and Sarel. Their hospitality had no limits!

Big, big thanks to them. We've made life time friends.

A horrific road down the RIF Vally, truck after truck, from all sides. After 70 km -  the nightmare was over. Narock is the Safari get together of Kenya.

Sekenani Gate was our next GPS setting. To get their we had to face a dirt road which has its MASTERS DEGREE in CORRUGATIONS. 

Mara Gate looks like Commissioner Street in Johannesburg.

          

3 Nights of living with the Gnu's at 2700$ and 2 Masai guards at 4000 shillings per night, a pretty penny - so it must be worth while.

Serena Lodge impressed us all. This Architect really knew what he was doing. Everything is an open plan with each table a private feeling. 

     

                   Topi on a hill - our first sighting. Adding to the list of Wimcar first seen photo...

Eluai Campsite was a perfect setting. Awesome view over the plains. Stones and small bushes surrounded us.

Dark clouds were visible on the horizon. The Boys parked the vehicles close to each other, to form a shelter with their Awnings.

Joseph's fire was soon burning. Beef curry and rice with cheese cauliflower. Just the right thing for this rainy chilly evening.

8 Lions laying on a Plato, searching in patience for breakfast. This was our first welcome this morning.

Gnu gathering as far as the eye can see. Between  Tanzania and Kenya, running all in the same direction.  Then one change direction, everyone follows. These once did the crossing and they survived.

Vulture' flying high in the air, giving away the place of their newly found food bin.

As Wimcar puts it. "DIS SALIG" the circle of life. 

Evidence of those Gnu not so lucky to cross alive. Now they became a weeks meal to some birds, fishes like  the Barbers, Crocodiles and Hippo's enjoy it to. They must think it Christmas this feast.

Not even the Crocodile could prevent the Marabou's  from taking part in this feast.

The disgusting smell was enough to chase us away!

Look Out Hill - you have a view of the Masai Mara Park. As Wimcar puts it, he doesn't think he has EVER seen such a beautiful landscape.

The next morning you could feel the excitement in the air. As we drove from Serena Lodge towards The Mara River, all game viewing vehicles were speeding at 50 km/p hour. Towards the same GOAL - to see some of the THOUSANDS of Gnu CROSSING the Mara.

 Parked on the hill with a view on the Wildebeest gathering. Coming to the river and then just not enough carriage to jump. Turn round and walk back with all his followers.

Patience  is a virtue!!!!

This continued for hours.... 

Hans sixth sense with nature and very good skills out of his career got him moving, just to the left on the Mara, a Land Rover putting his vehicle in second and speeding.

Only 3 vehicles and us of the 20,  MADE IT!

Julia very excited said, " they're getting out of their cars"    

We Broke all the Park rules!

Viewing the crossing on the banks of the Mara.

Feeling the a ancientness of the Gnu. Our little group of human-beans emotions were heard by, " come on just 2 more meters" then spontaneous clapping of hands when., they made it.

As Julia describe it, this I don't need to see again. As the heads of those who don't make it, comes up for the last time. Then their bodies slowly drift along the Mara. To complete the circle of nature.

Thunder and lightning was spelling out our last evening in the Masai.  Mara. Rain came down in buckets. Creamy Chicken in a cheese sauce, steaming hot was just what the   Doctor  subscribed  for us.

As thousands of Wildebeest wave us GOODBYE we say our last fair-well to the Masai Mara.

Memories will stay with us.

Thank you GOD for sharing your beautiful creation with us.

  OUR SHELTER

Johan, Tertia and Sarel were once again our home of shelter in Nairobi.

Tertia made us a Milk-tart,  Wimcar said its the best he ever tasted, Chris agreed. Nellie and Julia asked for the recipe.

Elisme made a true Italian Lasagne and Julia a Tomato and Cucumber Salsa.

South African Wine and 18 year old Chivas and the party was on.

                                 8000km on the clock and Arusha in Tanzania is in site.

Masai Camp and Equator hotel will be our place of get together with Anton, Michelle, Flip and Nadia. We cant wait to see them.

Serengeti will be our 9 day HIGH -LITE of our SAFARI. We all look forward with excitement.