3 Days at Maasai Mara

Day 1. Nairobi-Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Depart Nairobi in the Morning for masai mara passing through the dramatic Great Rift Valley stopping at the view point, Ascend the western rim of the valley crossing the loita plains (maasai-land),see red-clad maasai warriors tend their multi-colored herds amongst plains game. Game viewing enroute to lodge for lunch. Afternoon game drive inside the most scenic park in Kenya where great concentration of game is seen including the "Big Five". Dinner and overnight at Camp site.

Day 2. Maasai mara National Reserve.
Morning and afternoon game viewing inside the Park. Search for wild game black manned lion for which Mara is famous for, cheetah, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, leopard, grants gazelle are quite common, even the rare rhino might come out of the thicket for you, hyenas are plentiful, Extend your drive to the hippo point where schools of hippo submerge on the approach of vehicles only to surface seconds later to shot and gamble their displeasure as the crocodiles sunbathe on the river banks mouths agape. Between meals there is optional visit to the maasai villages for an insight to their culture if clients so wish. Meals and overnight at Campsite.

Day 3 . Maasai Mara-Lake Nakuru National Park
Early morning (before breakfast) game viewing drive at maasai Mara in search of any wild game you might have missed previously. Return to lodge for breakfast

KENYAN CULTURAL SAFARIS

A truly unrivalled cultural adventure that offers so such more beyond that of your regular safari. Wildlife galore and breathtaking scenery and luxury are but one facet of this safari. The safari embraces the warmth of the African tribes, their culture and traditions while visiting Kenya’s best game parks.

The Masai Culture

There was an age-grade system, in which the males were divided into three groups: youths, warriors (moran), and elders. When youths became warriors, they moved to a different type of village, called a manyatta. In the manyatta lived the warriors, their mothers, sisters, and uninitiated girl lovers. In contrast, the kraal was made up of families of married elders.
The warriors constituted the standing army of the Masai. Males were youths until they were circumcised, at about the age of 13 to 17. A year or two before circumcision, the e-unoto ceremony was held. This ceremony signifies the handing over the defense of Masai country to the incoming warriors. The ceremony lasted from three to six months in each division, and, at the end of it, the outgoing warriors started to get married and take their place as elders. The warriors of a single age-group in a single area live in one such village. A warrior company that lived in a single village was called sirit. It is known that there was a council of elders in each village, but apparently they had little power to compel the warriors to do anything
Little is known of the religion of the Masai, and those who have studied it are in disagreement with each other. Evidently the Masai were monotheistic, and prayed often. The central figure in the religious system was a "medicine man," known as laibon. The laibon were involved in shamanistic curing, along with divination and prophecy. Their positions were inherited along "clan" lines.

SEVENTH WONDER OF THE WORLD!!

Kenya's Maasai Mara Reserve has been named one of the new Seventh Wonders of the World in a poll of experts conducted by ABC Television's Good Morning America. The incredible annual migration of over a million Wildebeest from the Serengeti plains to the Mara has been described as being one of the most awe inspiring sights on earth, and a broadcast on US morning television took this spectacle into millions of American homes.

The sheer spectacle of this event draws visitors keen to witness one of the planet’s largest and most fascinating natural cycles to Kenya each year, and is regarded as the planet's greatest natural spectacle- and it is this remarkable event that saw the Mara ranked as one of the new Seven Wonders.

The central migratory herds of over 1.3 million wildebeest spend much of the year grazing throughout the plains of the Serengeti. The herds calve in January to March, the young born ready to make their first, epic journey. In June, as the dry season withers the grasslands and a distant scent of moisture brings promise of rain in the north, they begin to gather, massing together to form a single vast herd.

They pour northwards, a pulsing, surging column of life. The sound of the approaching herd is a deep, primal rumbling of thundering hooves and low grunts. This endless grey river of life is mottled with black and white as zebras join the throng, drawn onwards in the search for the rains and fresh life giving grass.

By July the herds begin crossing from Tanzania to Kenya, bringing the plains to life as predators are drawn to this perfect opportunity for easy hunting.

At the edge of the Maasai Mara the herds face their greatest obstacle, a series of rivers that must be crossed. At the Mara River the herds gather at the banks, piling together in front of the broad fast flowing waters. As the pressure built the herds finally surge into the river, many animals hurling themselves off high banks.

As they struggle across the rivers many are drowned or swept away by strong currents. The crossing attracts massive crocodiles who each year await this season of bounty. There is always great frenzy in the waters as the crocodiles plunge into the herds and pull down the prey, as the mounting pressure on the shore pushes more and more animals into the water.

As they reach their goal, the herds spread out to graze across the expanse of the Mara. October sees the herds turn southward and repeat the same journey back to the Serengeti, where the renewed grasslands await.

This is truly a Wonder of the World- an incredible display of nature at work. Of all the calves born in the Serengeti, two out of three will never return from their first and most demanding migration. It is the inextricable binding of renewal and sustenance, feast and famine, life and death that saw this latest honor bestowed upon Kenya.

A safari to witness this event is an unforgettable experience. You will see the forces of nature at work in a massive complex system that has always existed, and continues oblivious to the influence of our modern world. This is life at it most elemental and enigmatic- without doubt the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle.

kilima Safari Camp This August Deal!!!!

Nairobi Excursions and surroundings

Nairobi City Tour

Daily at 10:00HRS & 1400HRS (3 Hours)

This excursion includes a drive around the city. You'll pass by modern day Nairobi landmarks like: the law courts, Parliament buildings, and the uniquely shaped Kenyatta International Conference Centre and perhaps pick up a few bargains at the colorful City Market.

Thereafter, a visit to the Snake Park and National Museum: "the Finest Small Museum in Africa" well known for its spell binding exhibits and displays of early man, tribal regalia and the flora and fauna of Kenya also a close visit to the botanical garden.

 Karen Blixen Museum and Giraffe Center

You will be driven toward Ngong Hills to the Karen Blixen Museum, situated 30 minutes drive outside Nairobi City Center. Here you have the opportunity to experience the former residence of the world famous Danish writer Karen Blixen (Out of Africa) and to admire the view of the Ngong Hills from the beautiful gardens. Proceed to Giraffe Centre where you come face to face with the tallest mammal on earth; having a chance to even feed them with your bare hand

Carnivore Restaurant

The restaurant, located just outside Nairobi, is recognized as one of the world's most unique dining experiences.

As the name suggests, Carnivore is a true meat lover's paradise. Boasting a spectacular "all the meat you can eat" menu, the entire restaurant is centered around a large open fire pit, on which massive skewers of roasted. Fire roasted meat (locally known as Nyama Choma is a genuine Kenyan specialty.

Dinner or lunch at the Carnivore provides the opportunity to zebra, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, crocodile and other game meats. Waiters bring the skewers straight from the fire to the table, and the meat is sliced onto pre-warmed, cast iron plates. A range of sauces, condiments and relishes are served as accompaniments. Despite its reputation and carnivorous menu, the restaurant does also cater to vegetarians. If you are visiting Nairobi, Carnivore offers a not to be missed opportunity to enjoy one of the worlds finest and most unique Epicurean experiences.

David Sheldrick & Giraffe Centre

Daphne Sheldrick: As part of the David Sheldrick Conservation Foundation rehabilitates baby elephants and other wildlife here at her home just outside of Nairobi National Park. These babies have lost their mothers to poaching, death, injuries, on getting lost in the wild or other tragedies. Daphne and her dedicated staff raise them to be released back into the wild when they are ready. It is worth a visit to see humanitarian care to the wildlife and the heart it takes to care. After the visit drive to the former home of Karen

Blixen – author of “Out of Africa”. Now a Museum, you may explore the beautiful house and grounds at leisure. Drive towards the Ngong Hills to the former home of Karen Blixen – author of “Out of Africa”. Now a Museum, you may explore the beautiful house and grounds at leisure before proceeding to the Giraffe Centre where the rare Rothschild giraffes are being rehabilitated before being returned to the wild. You will be able to see them at close range, even feeding them. Thereafter return to your hotel.

Nairobi National Park

The 117 km2 Nairobi National Park is unique by being the only protected area in the world with a variety of animals and birds close to a major city. As expected, the park is a principal attraction for visitors to Nairobi. The park also serves many residents and citizens living in the city.

The park has a diversity of environments with characteristic fauna and flora. Open grass plains with scattered acacia bush predominant. The western side has a highland dry forest and a permanent river with a riverine forest. In addition, there are stretches of broken bush country and deep, rocky valleys and gorges with scrub and long grass. Man-made dams have also added a further habitat, favourable to certain species of birds and other aquatic biota. The dams also attract water dependent herbivores during the dry season.

The park has diverse birdlife with 400 species recorded. However all species are not always present and much depends on season. Northern migrants pass through the park primarily during late March through April.

Nairobi National Park is one of the most successful of Kenya's rhino sanctuaries that is already generating a stock for reintroduction in the species former range. Due to this success, it is one of the few parks where a visitor can be certain of seeing a black rhino in its natural habitat.

Crescent Island - Full day

Crescent Island is situated on the western side of Lake Naivasha, 80 kilometers from Nairobi. It is a small crater lake that is home to a number of hippos. From its wildlife sanctuary, a number of mammals can be seen grazing in the surrounding lake environs, such as zebra, impala, buffalo, giraffe, Kongoni and, at night, hippos. The Island hosts a wide array of bird species including fish eagles, ospreys, lily-trotters, black crakes and a variety of herons. A boat ride at the lake is an exciting experience offering a close view of swimming hippos, breathtaking sceneries of the Great Rift Valley walls and the surrounding wildlife.

Bomas of Kenya

The Bomas Harambee Dancers the only resident dance company in Kenya perform daily in a spectacular circular theatre possibly the biggest and unique structure of its kind in Africa which seats 3,500 people. You will have the opportunity of seeing a colourful cross- section of the people of Kenya dancing to the pulsating beat of Coastal drums and other traditional instruments. Dancers from all the tribes in Kenya move across the stage in a vibrant kaleidoscope of rhythm and the hue. Proud Maasai warriors vault skywards as they woo their maidens with chanting and twirling spears.

Before or after watching the Bomas dances, patrons take a leisurely guided tour of traditional villages with our trained information officers for an insight into the rich diversity of the culture of people of Kenya. The Word "Bomas” is authentic and African

Lake Nakuru Tour – Full Day

Lake Nakuru National Park Tour is a full day trip to the rift Valley escarpment, 160kms from Nairobi. It is one of the most scenic parks in East Africa, a bird and rhino sanctuary and is home to a wide range of animals including lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck and rhino, the only notable exception being the elephant. The park is also a bird watcher’s paradise, with 400 known species having been spotted here. Vegetation ranges from savannah to various indigenous forests. A world heritage site, Lake Nakuru is most famous for its million-plus grand pink flamingo population.

About the Maasai Mara

Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's finest wildlife reserve. Everything about this reserve is outstanding. The wildlife is abundant and the gentle rolling grasslands ensure that animals are never out of sight. Birds, too, are prolific. Including migrants, well over 450 species have been recorded, among them, 57 species of birds of prey. The climate is gentle, rarely too hot and well-spread rainfall year round. Rain, when it falls almost always chooses the late afternoon or night. Between July and October, when the great wildebeest migration is in the Masai Mara National Reserve, the sensation is unparalleled. Masai Mara is one of the best plains' game reserve where you can actually encounter a live Discovery Channel, a haven for viewing a congregation of all sorts of animals in a five-mile radius: A pride of lions can be spotted ready to make a run for a gazelle (actually, the last time we visited the Masai Mara we saw a lioness take down a giraffe), a cheetah and its cub taking a nap on a rock, a pair of ostriches walking the open stretches of the savannah or a gazelle giving birth (we saw this too).

The Masai Mara National Reserve lies about 270 kilometers from Nairobi, and takes about 4 to 5 hours by road. There are scheduled flights, twice daily from Wilson Airport Nairobi, which take about 40 - 45 minutes. The reserve is about 1510 square kilometers having been reduced from 1672 square kilometers in 1984. However, the wildlife is far from being confined within the reserve boundaries, and an even larger area, generally referred to as the "dispersal area" extends north and east of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Maasai communities live within the dispersal area with their stock but a century of close association with the wildlife has resulted in an almost symbiotic relationship where wildlife and people live in peace with one another. The first sight of this natural wonderland is breathtaking. Here the great herds of shuffling elephants browse among the rich tree-studded grasslands with an occasional sighting of a solitary and ill-tempered rhino.

Thomson's and Grant's gazelle, Topi and Eland and many more species of plains' game offer a rich choice of food for the dominant predators; lion, leopard and cheetah which hunt in this pristine wilderness. In the Mara River, hippo submerges at the approach of a vehicle only to surface seconds later to snort and grumble their displeasure. Seemingly, the drowsy crocodile sunbathe on the riverbanks, mouth agape, waiting with subtle cunning for prey at which to strike with lightning swiftness. But this richness of fauna, this profusion of winged beauty and the untouched fragility of the landscape, are all subordinate to the Mara's foremost attraction, the march of the wildebeest.

Each year, far south in the great vastness of the Serengeti, the wildebeest raise their dignified but quaint heads, sniff the air and, as if by one accord, start the long trek to the Kenya border and the Masai Mara. After exhausting the grazing in Tanzania's northern Serengeti, a large number of wildebeest and zebra enter the Masai Mara National Reserve around the end of June drawn by the sweet grass raised by the long rains of April and May. It is estimated that more than half a million wildebeest enter the Masai Mara National Reserve and are joined by another 100,000 from the Loita Hills east of the Masai Mara. Driving in the midst of these great herds is an unimaginable experience. Whilst the eyes feast on the spectacle, the air carries the smells, the dust and the sounds of hundreds of thousands of animals. There is nowhere else on earth to compare with this wildlife marvel. But the trek is costly. The herds' draw ravening packs of predators, especially hyenas and lions, and thousands of the lame, laggard and sick never complete the cycle. More die, by drowning or by the teeth of the cunning crocodile, while trying to cross the swirling muddy waters of the Mara and Talek rivers. Once the Masai Mara National Reserve's grass has been devoured and when fresh rain in Tanzania has brought forth a new flush there, the herds turn south, heading hundreds of kilometers back to Serengeti and the Ngorongoro plains. There the young are dropped in time to grow sufficiently strong to undertake the long march north six months later.

Although July, August and September are the months when the Masai Mara plains are filled with migrating wildebeest and zebra, there is much resident wildlife year round. Apart from the better-known species there are numerous opportunities to add some of the rare and less frequently seen animals to the visitor's checklist. In the southwestern sector, you may be lucky enough to see roan antelope, a handsome creature regrettably rare countrywide. Bat-eared foxes peer from their burrows and there are thousands of topi, an antelope not found in other major parks save Tsavo National Park. The combination of a gentle climate, scenic splendor and untold numbers of wildlife makes the Masai Mara Kenya's most popular inland destination park.

A well worth it and recommended activity in the Masai Mara National Reserve is the balloon safari. Early in the morning, you will be woken and driven to the departure site. Once in the air, the view of the surrounding landscape, the rising of the sun between the mountains and the congregation of the animals at the river is beautiful. This all concludes with a champagne breakfast and memories of a lifetime.

Mada hotels Massage offer to any of the two mentioned camp below

Tarangire Balloon Safari Camp

Want to read more about Balloon Camp Tarangire. visit Mada Hotels.

Kilifi Kenya Hotels and Lodge - Top Five (5) Star Kilifi Beach Hotels

Baobab Lodge

This is a small and casual lodge is built on top of a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean at Kilifi. Rondavels are scattered around a nicely shaded property. There are 26 attractively decorated rooms with Maasai murals on the walls and spacious verandas. Most rooms do not offer sea views.

There is a lovely pool with a swim-up bar and views over the ocean, but there is not much of a beach. Steps down through the rocks and past baobab lead to a small cove with more coral than sand underfoot. The lodge offers diving, and owns a glass bottomed-boat. You can walk to the reef at low tide. There is a relaxed and low key atmosphere- a dart board hanging on a tree, private shady places to lie and read and a cool, open sided dining area under high thatch.

Kilifi Bay Resort Hotel & Village

This Italian hotel can accommodate 85 and is typically booked in Europe. Designed and decorated with flair, it feels spacious and exotic. There are high thatched roofs, large open verandas, carved Lamu-Style furniture, and lush and colorful tropical vegetation. Public buildings are set well back from the beach and look over the pool and past palm trees to the ocean beyond. Accommodations are in three-roomed bungalows, some close to the beach. Stone steps lead down to a long beach with a thatched shelter for shade. Invigorating music was being played for scuba diving lesson in the pool.

Takaungu House

On a private curve of beach, far from the hotels of Mombasa and Malindi, is Takaungu House. Located south of Kilifi, the house is named after the neighboring small village of Takaungu-supposedly the oldest slave port in Kenya.

Guests stay in a very old slave trader's house with thick whitewashed walls, giant roof beams, and shutters on the windows. It is close to the ocean. The hosts themselves stay nearby on the property in a newly constructed Arab style house.

Takaungu House is special because of the wonderful setting, the atmosphere of tranquility and timelessness, and the delightful hosts. The small bay is edged with dark rocks and has golden sand seldom marred by human foot prints. The big old baobab trees and the hoary stone ruins bear silent witness to history, Africa, and inspired imaging. The house was recorded on a map drawn on the HMS Stork as she passed in 1844.

You eat delicious home-cooked lunch in the cool of the house. An odd horse peers through the door. You can ride horses when you stay at the house. You can also use boats.

There are three guest bedrooms, each with functional bathrooms. The house is comfortable and lived in-lots of books, slip-covered couches. There is a very small swimming pool. The hosts can arrange to pick you up from the airport-Mombasa, or Malindi. The tariff includes all food and activities except deep sea fishing. They close for May.

African Rainbow Sea Safaris

Mirella Riccardi, the accomplished photographer and author, has opened her Kilifi home to paying guests. From October to March Mirella will host guests herself and can arrange for alternate hosting at other times of the year.

There are actually two houses, perched high on the banks of Kilifi Creek. Steps lead down to a small private sandy beach, and massive baobab trees add a timeless feel. Between the two houses Mirella can host up to 10 people.

The newer house has an impressive high-thatched roof with a large opening through which bougainvillea spills. Below is a wide veranda. There are no windows-just big arched openings and metal grillwork. There is an artist's touch everywhere-carvings on wooden pole supports, relief designs in the plaster work. The house has two bedrooms downstairs and sleeping loft up a ladder. Te other house is an older coastal home with a spacious living/dining room with lovely views of trees and water. There are two bedrooms and Mediterranean style pergola over-looking the water.

There is a swimming pool and guests can take to the creek in rubber dinghies. From this base, guests can also arrange to take a sailing and goggling safari in a 50ft catamaran.

Robert is a travel expert to Kenya and the East African region. He is a director to Landmark safaris ltd. At Landmark, we let you tailor your own Kenya water or animal safari-the way you want it! See your Africa safari planner here: http://www.landmarksafaris.com/planner

Adventures Aloft Balloon Safaris

There is no better way to see the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most precious jewel, or Tarangire National Park, than from the air in one of our fleet of hot air balloons, a unique, unforgettable flight of fancy, a true Adventure Aloft.

Adventures Aloft fly daily from Fig Tree Camp and Siana Springs in the Masai Mara Game Reserve and from Sopa Lodge in Tarangire. Flights take off at 6.30 each morning, in time with the sunrise, and allow one to experience an eagle’s view of the African landscape and all it’s beauty.

To complete your adventure, a celebration champagne breakfast is served on the plains after the flight, complete with butler service and an open bar.

Adventures Aloft organizes pick up services from most Mara and Tarangire camps and lodges.

This Week we focus in Kilima Safari Camp-Amboseli

The Spetacular new Camp is Shaded by mature black-barked acacia trees whose extended branches cast a welcome shadow in the heat of the Amboseli Day

 

BALLOON SAFARIS IN MASAAI MARA & TARANGIRE

Probably the most beautiful balloon flight in the world and the ultimate African safari experience. This can be arrange in Kenya (Masai Mara) and Tanzania in ( Tarangire).

 

Schedule:

5:00 am: Collection from your Tarangire  and Masai Mara lodge or camp, and transfer you by Land rover to the launch site. Here you will meet your pilot, receive a briefing and watch the inflation of your balloon.

At dawn we take off, rising as the sun rises and float in whichever direction the winds of the morning take us. Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon: sometimes flying at treetop height, sometimes lower, offering a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below.

At other times he will ascend to 1000' or more to see the enormity and wonderful panorama of the Tarangire. From time to time the pilot must put more heat into the balloon with the powerful whisper burners. In between these burns, there is silence apart from the natural sounds below.

The flight is for about one hour depending on conditions, on landing you celebrate in the traditional manner with champagne (well, an excellent sparkling wine), before sitting down to a full English breakfast prepared and served in the bush in 'Out of Africa' style.

After breakfast you receive your Balloon certificate and we drive you back to the Lodge or camp with game viewing enroute. 9:30 am Arrive at the lodge/camp ready to continue your day's activities. 

 

for more info: www.adventuresaloftafrica.com

Royal wedding set for today! Dont miss out on watching it in full royalty at Hotel Lamada and Oakwood Hotel.

A luxury safari in Kenya will bring out the romantic in anyone with a pulse. It inspired Prince William to pop the question to longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton a few weeks ago. A ten day trip to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy was what did the trick. The conservancy is partly owned by the Craig family, their children are close friends of the Prince.
The official announcement of the royal engagement came today, the couple plan to marry next summer. The British press are of course all over it, and the Kenyan press too.

Prince William has traveled to Kenya many times, he spent part of his gap year before going to university in Kenya and Tanzania. In 2003, he told the BBC he was studying kiSwahili. One of the first holidays the young couple took together was a safari in Lewa Downs. And just this past May, William traveled to Kenya to celebrate a friend's birthday.

Adventures Aloft Balloon Safaris

Baobab Sea Lodge Kilifi Mada Hotels

Adventure Aloft Maasai Mara

Fig Tree Camp Maasai Mara

A Stunning Video Of Kilifi Bay Beach Resort

Easter Special at Fig Tree camp Maasai mara

Talk About Balloon Safari

here is no better way to see the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most precious jewel, or Tarangire National Park, than from the air in one of our fleet of Hot Air Balloons, a unique, unforgettable flight of fancy, a true Adventure Aloft.

Adventures Aloft fly daily from Fig Tree Camp and Siana Springs in the Masai Mara game reserve and from Sopa Lodge in Tarangire. Flights take off at 6.30 each morning, in time with the sunrise, and allow one to experience an eagle’s view of the African landscape and all it’s beauty.

To complete your adventure, a celebration champagne breakfast is served on the plains after the flight, complete with butler service and an open bar.

Adventures Aloft organizes pick up services from most Mara and Tarangire camps and lodges.

http://www.adventuresaloftafrica.com/