Masaai Mara – A Brief Glimpse
The Maasai Mara in Kenya, an extension of the Serengeti of Tanzania, is what remains of the famous African Savannah. Its a land we have repeatedly visited. It is addictive!
Over the years we have seen the Mara in her many moods. We have been privileged to see joyous births and pained at sightings of tragic deaths. We have been lucky to watch families of lions, leopards and cheetah over multiple generations. And we live in happy mis-belief that they do recognize us!
On this visit, around Christmas 2019, we had some wonderfully close encounters with the inhabitants of the Mara. Here, we share some of the memories we have brought away with us. We hope it will enthuse you to learn more about this beautiful land, try and do your bit to prevent its destruction and visit if you can!
Unless the whole world cooperates and works to a solution, a decade from now we would have lost many hundreds of species to extinction and the rest would be on the brink. As it is, all the iconic animals are critically endangered. While these get some public attention there are numerous smaller beings that are not even known to most of us. And while these are sombre thoughts, for now, please join us on our safari!
The vastness of this land comes into sharp focus the very first time we see the lone acacia tree in the midst of rolling grasslands. The sense of being alone is immense. What is hard to believe is that this sensation hits us between the eyes on every single trip we make.
Then we spot the first animals.
During this visit we were blessed to meet some of the rarer creatures – species we had never seen before.
We have seen many black backed jackal. But this time we encountered the strikingly beautiful side-striped jackal.
We were very fortunate to find her at her den with her pups.
Stopping for breakfast one morning we surprised a family of klipspringer – a shy antelope that inhabits rocky terrain.
This conservancy, Olare Motorogi, is a haven for all animals, but most especially, the big cats.
On a late afternoon drive, the soft post-rain light threw a golden canopy over the land. And the lioness!
Sunrise another morning, revealed a pair of secretary birds nesting on a tree
Equally beautiful were the sunsets each day. One evening the zebra on the horizon decided to create stunning silhouettes against cloud laden skies.
Zebra are social animals. They live in large herds and are often to be found nuzzling each other or resting their heads on each other’s backs.
That they have beautiful brown eyes with graceful long lashes, you only realize when you get really close. This is not easy given how skittish zebra are.
The cape buffalo is one of Africa’s Big 5. The Maasai who cheerfully face the lion or the leopard when on foot, will do their utmost to avoid the buffalo. This animal is known to be unpredictable, mean and aggressive. It attacks without any apparent reason. Indeed, even the lions are known to run away from a herd of charging buffalo. But it has one very special friend – the red-billed oxpecker. This little bird helps to clean the ticks off his host and is seemingly not at all afraid of him!
Another animal that was also hungry was this cheetah! She had two cubs to feed and by all reports had not eaten in 2 days. After following her for many kilometers, we were fortunate to see her chase and capture this impala.
The even more fortunate impala managed to escape as the cheetah had not got a firm grip!
The cheetah decided that she needed to look further afield for her lunch. She crossed this raging river with her two tiny cubs while we all held our breaths hoping they would not get swept away. But cats land on their feet! Even if those feet get a bit wet!
This one seemed to find our fears and doubts funny!
This cheetah, one of a coalition of 5 males (a very unusual occurrence for unrelated males to live together) had a minor altercation with the striped hyena…
… who walked away with the spoils of war! The prey was an extremely unlucky baby warthog.
A completely disinterested eye was being cast over the antics of the other creatures by this gentle giant.
Though he seemed very interested in us!
Other eyes were also always alert.
At sunset this leopard went up the tree where she had hidden her meal.
And next morning stopped midway to scan her surroundings before alighting!
And then, as the sun rose, she walked among tall grass – queen of her land.
The land has its own curious wonders … rocks with perfectly round holes. This land is made up of ancient volcanic deposits. Geologists speculate that these holes are caused by air bubbles bursting through molten lava.
The rains had washed away most of the tracks and they were often deeply rutted – a challenge to the most experienced of drivers.
The usually almost dry river beds had turned into uncontrolled torrents.
But tiny gems sparkled amidst all these harsh conditions.
Other tiny treasures were practicing their royal walk.
Little balls of fur were attempting to climb trees.
And wondering how to get down!
As once again the day ended on this ancient land, creatures big and small were walking into the sunset. It was a picture perfect end to our year. Already we are ready to return!
P.s. We use Gamewatchers Safaris for our safaris in Kenya! Disclaimer : We are not receiving any commission for sharing this information! We are just very happy clients!
While both Siddharth and you have been exceptional with your cameras, this time you came up with a whole series of a completely different styles of photography. Each pic speaks for itself.
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This time it was a photography workshop with a mentor who does some amazing photography. Please check his work on Instagram and Facebook – Gurcharan Roopra.
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Oh wow! These are fantastic pictures! You should publish all your works in a series that can be preserved for posterity ! Best of wishes… V
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Thank you for the encouragement!
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Stunning photographs with write up to set context!
Thank you Honey for taking us on this virtual Masai tour
Priya
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Thank you!
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Swati , the pictures are wonderful and everyone has told that already . Let me see if I can Nit pick . There’s hardly anything to complain except that we who read feel insanely jealous !
But I would have appreciated the details of the camera used, the lens , exposure and shutter speed for some of us who want to do wildlife photography but haven’t gone that far
The names of the flowers too please . My favourite pic is that of the lioness in the twilight !
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Thank you! I’d be happy to share camera details of any picture – on whatsapp / messenger?
The flowers are all minute wild flowers growing in the grass … about 1-2 cms.
Jealousy is a wasteful emotion! Why don’t you plan a trip instead?
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Stunning photos – they really bring the commentary to life. Felt like I was there. Kudos!!!
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Visit!
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Brilliant piece and photographs Swati! Loved reading about your trip and so tempted to go there! Keep writing and sharing .
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No writing and no pictures do justice to the experience. Please go!
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awesome pics swati and siddharth. Very candid and priceless. So refreshing and is propelling us to join you in your next trip. Thanks for sharing!!!
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High time those plans materialise!
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Greetings, Compliments of the season to you & yours. What fantastic pictures you have and thank you so much for sharing. They are a joy to behold! Kindest regards Brenda ++
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Thank you! And a happy 2020 to you and yours too!
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Soul- stirring. Gentle giant is my favorite, reminds me of the ancient Indian story of Gajendra moksha. This picture speaks a thousand words. Thanks for sharing.
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Swati,
I felt like I had gone on this trip with you.. and loved every minute of it
The photography was also awesome…
Thankyou … hope to travel (visually) with you on the next one as well.
We are so blessed to have wonderful wildlife and amazing scenery to enjoy.
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Truly Africa and we are so blessed!
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Thank you for transporting me there
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Once the kids are a bit older, make a trip!
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Either you have keen eyes or you have an excellent camera or both. The pictures are spectacular and some of them are out of the world. It was a virtual tour for people like us who can not take off in a jiffy. Keep it up.
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Thank you!
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Swati, one often wonders why one is put down on earth at a particular place. With you, there are no doubts why you are where you are because your pics reflect your love for the place. This is where you were meant to be and your respect for nature and wild life is apparent.
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Yes. We are blessed to be where we are truly contented. And we are grateful for that every moment of our lives.
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Cheetahs are so beautiful! The zebra’s eyelashes are like my little boy’s 😁
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Love all the cats! And all the others too!
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Very nice photography and excellent blog. Transported me to Masai Mara, I should say. Would love to visit sometime.
God bless.
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Please visit!
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This piece is truly fantastic – reading this I almost feel transported to the Mara! Waiting for our youngest to grow up a bit more so we can visit in person 🙂 Do keep writing – it is a pleasure to read.
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Thank you.
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Very nice blog. Some of the pictures are stunning.
Makes one want to go…👍🏼
Arvind- (Priya’s cousin)
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Please go!
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Each capture is stunning! The jackal with her young one, the nesting birds, the long shots, the leopards… and the narration. Beautiful!
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Thank you. The Mara is beautiful. No pictures and no words can capture that fully.
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Beautiful, both the pictures and the narrative.
How close did you get to capture the eyes so well?
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If they wanted, they could have touched us!
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Thank you for sharing the pictures and the commentary! Such beautiful creatures!
This is on our bucket list !! Bookmarking this !
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Amazing. The zebra picture is my favorite!! Lovely narration. We saw a cheetah with her kill too! Good job.
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Time to come back?
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Thoroughly enjoyed your blog & absolutely stunning captures Honey!! Felt like we were there with you during your exciting adventures in Masai Mara 😊. Such beautiful & majestic African wildlife in their element, pleasure indeed to see them roaming free in their natural habitat. Leapord climbing the tree during sunset is one of my many favorites 😁 . Your photography skills are just superb!! 👌👍. All the cute little cubs are so cute & adorable!! I recall when we lived in Indonesia, we went to this Taman Safari in Java, where all animals were free to roam & not be cooped up inside cages (unlike many Zoo’s). At this Safari, luckily I had the opportunity to hold & cuddle few weeks old Lion & Tiger cubs, which were born there!! ☺️ This was an unforgettable experience.
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Sometime I will write to you about cuddling baby cubs … we too used to think it’s cute … but that’s a different tale! Come to Kenya! Experience this for yourself!
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The photos are amazing!! Your words are simple and very natural it felt that I was right there experiencing the whole thing!! ☺️
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Thank you Hema. Please do visit Maasai Mara. It’s a beautiful experience!
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Beautiful pictures. Can u tell us aprtox per person cost for the trip?
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Please get in touch on personal email and I will be happy to give you what information I have.
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Thanks Swathi and Siddharth for taking us along on this safari with you and these breathtaking photographs. I strongly desire to go up Masai and yo do it with you.
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That would be fun!
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Spectacular Swathi ! It felt for a moment looking at the pictures that we were back there .
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Come back!
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Absolutely brilliant story and awesome photos yes gamewachers is a true best safari Tour company in Africa.
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Thank you Meschack. And this Safari was so wonderful only thanks to your fantastic guiding!
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Amazing pictures! The narration with the photos makes me feel I’m witnessing the action!
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Thanks!
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Thank you, Swati, for this absorbing armchair travelogue through the Mara..you have the gift of awakening and holding captive the reader..The animals all seem to beckon us…the photographs are superb! More power to your pen!
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Thank you Ma’am … and indeed it’s all thanks to you and my unbelievably fabulous set of school teachers!
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Thank you Swati for sharing your trip with us. Your story adds to the beauty of the Masaai Mara
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Thank you.
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Keep spreading the word through your photographs, Swati, Siddharth. Great blog.
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Thank you!
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Absolutely stunning pictures. My favorite is the giraffe against the stormy sky backdrop.
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Thank you!!
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What a well written article with breathtaking pictures. The descriptions and captions of the pictures are just awesome. Although I have followed you on your daily shares, reading all of it in this article was truly inspiring.
Thanks for sharing your whole journey so well.
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Welcome! And thank you for your encouraging remarks!
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Good on you Swati. Well narrated and equally good photographs. You took me back to the marvellous Mara and bring back the joy of being there. Thnx
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Thank you!
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Lovely images, Swati and great descriptions to go with these. Besides the fauna, It was pleasing to see images of flowers and rocks in your post. In our eagerness to spot the cats and the other big 5, we ignore the other joys of Mara.
I look forward to a sequel, now that you have whetted my appetite! 🙂
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Thank you! And yes prequel and sequel ideas are being worked on!
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Such a treat to our eyes. Hope to visit Masaai Mara soon.
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Please do!
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Wooow …what a wonderful trip …your blog and images make us also a part of this…there are some really stunning pictures like the one of silhouette of the leopard on the tree…stunning
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Thank you!
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As always, breathtaking photographs accompanied by apt descriptions. Cheers!
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Thank you!
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Well written, beautiful photos!
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Thank you!
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Enjoyed the write up and photos very much. Masai Mara has been on my list for a while, but after seeing this, feel like I should start making plans. Keep up the good work. I especially love your sunset photos with the animals.
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Please do go. And we would be more than happy to give you any further information you need to plan a trip!
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These are spectacular. You are so talented. Why don’t you make a coffee table book for your home with these pictures.
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It will happen by and by!
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Amazing pictures, views and animals. Very mesmerizing. Hope to visit them one day.
I am saving some pictures for my wallpaper 😊
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Thank you! Yes you must go!
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Great start to the week as I go through these wonderful pics . Splendid 👍🏻
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Thank you! Time for you to explore this continent!
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Superb write-up….felt like we were there again!
More power to the Conservancies and success in their endeavors.
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Come back!
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Breathtakingly beautiful. Captured to perfection.
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Thank you!
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The pictures are stunning! They are so beautifully taken especially those taken with animals. Keep the great work coming~
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Thank you! I do hope this survives long enough for your babies to enjoy too!
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Lovely pictures and stories along with them. Visiting Masai Mara is definitely on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing these amazing pictures.
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You will love it. But come soon!
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Amazing blog, so well written , it feels like I went there and experienced the whole thing. The Photos are so beautiful that I want to go to Masai Mara and see everyone of them
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Come!
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Lovely 🙂
Thanks for sharing and taking my head back to OMC where my heart lives.
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It’s exactly the same with us! We are ready to return now!
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Absolutely gorgeous mesmerizing pictures.
Just amazing
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Thank you! Come back again!
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