Game for a Kenyan safari

It was at the end of October that a friend and I decided to go on a four-day Kenyan safari.

We managed to book a tour package through a friend based in Nairobi, Africa, and once the visa had been done and the tickets booked, we were ready to go.

Nairobi, apparently, means “cold'' in Maasai, a native African tongue. Owing to the elevation of the Kenyan capital, the weather was pleasant.

Right next to the international airport lies the Nairobi National Park and we could see giraffes roaming by the road as we drove down.

The roads of Nairobi, and other Kenyan towns as well, were beautiful — a treat to watch, with the purple flowers of the jacaranda tree in full bloom.

Interestingly, this tree is said to be native to Australia, introduced in Africa by the colonialists.

Short, lucky trip

Our short itinerary included two nights at the Masai Mara National Reserve and one night at the Lake Nakuru Reserve.

But thanks to our guide, David, and our luck, we were able to see most of the wildlife the place is famous for.

Most of the famous game reserves of East Africa are located in the Great Rift Valley, which slices through several countries.

The Masai Mara Reserve is, in fact, a continuation of the larger Serengeti Reserve in neighbouring Tanzania, and animals roam freely, unrestricted by man-made borders.

It is in the East African plains that the human species is said to have originated.

It was an enthralling experience to look at the vast, serene landscape in its full glory, with the most beautiful, clear blue skies above, as pure as in the days of our ancestors a million years ago. Certain tribal groups, however, still live a life not too different from then.

The Big Five

We were lucky enough to see the Big Five — the lion, the leopard, the elephant, the rhinoceros and the buffalo.

The selection is as much on the basis of aggressive behaviour as on size. But the most exciting experience was the hot-air-balloon ride over the Masai Mara at dawn.

As the day proceeded, we made a landing inside the park and were treated to an unforgettable breakfast in nature's lap.

Primitive life

A trip to Masai Mara would not have been complete without a visit to a Masai village.

These people, one of the 40 native tribes of Kenya, are known to be fearless warriors who still live a primitive life.

Being nomadic herders, their life revolves around pasturing and protecting their livestock from the wild animals.

Lake Nakuru is a beautiful game reserve located at the floor of the Great Rift Valley and is ideal for viewing wetland birds, the white rhino and the elusive leopard.

However, the most famous denizens of the lake are the flamingos, which, together, paint the landscape pink.

Tips

Rough guide to Kenya

• The people of Kenya are friendly, helpful and courteous. They speak English in addition to various native dialects.
  The common East African language is Swahili. Communication should not pose a problem.
  
• The drive to Masai Mara from Nairobi is a long one and can be extremely bumpy.
  
  As an alternative, you can also take one of the domestic flights available if you are not that hardy a traveller.
  
• Five-star hotels, equipped with all the necessary amenities, are located inside the game reserves.
  
• The food at the hotels is mostly non-vegetarian but some others offer a range of vegetarian or Indian dishes.
  
  Kenya has a sizeable Indian population. Though the quality of food and water is generally good, taking medication along is advisable if you are not blessed with a strong stomach.
  
• Slightly harrowing is the dust. It might cause irritation if you are allergic to it; it can also get into your electronic equipment. If it rains, that problem is taken care of.
  
  However, rain or no rain, a bit of dusty irritation should not prevent you from enjoying this safari experience.

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