My Trip to Africa
It was on the fifth day of July the year 2015 that my trip to Africa was scheduled. I used to be traveling to Kenya which is in the South Africa. This was an educational trip organized by my faculty as a reward for my excellent performance in the end of faculty examinations. As a matter of fact, this trip was phase of scholarship arrangement that arose due to the excellent performance. Being the first time I was journeying to Africa, I was really excited about the trip.
Arrival in Nairobi
At exactly 1900hours, I used to be at JFK airport awaiting my flight which was due in one and a half hours. Finally, it used to be departure time and I could not wait to set my eyes on the beautiful features that Kenya had to offer. I had heard a lot from friends and read plenty of material on Kenya, including the wildebeest migration, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After several hours of traveling, the plane landed safely at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi Kenya.
A Warm Reception
The warm reception I got from the moment I arrived was impressively similar to the hot and cool climate characteristic of the capital city. The airport attendants and the hotel crew were homely and receptive. I checked into Marble hotel to spend the night there, in preparation for the trip to Maasai Mara the following day.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Mara National Reserve of Kenya is a large game reserve located in the Southwest of Kenya specifically in Narok County. On the following day, I woke up early in preparation for my trip to the famous Maasai Mara National reserve. I boarded a bus from Nairobi, which is the capital city of Kenya, to Maasai Mara national reserve, a journey which took about 4 hours. We were received well by the Maasai people, the native inhabitants of the Mara, with their long jumps, songs, and dances. After paying the entrance fee of 150 Kenyan shillings, I hired a tour guide to show me around at the cost of 1500 Kenyan shillings.
Observing the Wildebeest Migration
During the tour, I was fascinated to find out that it was during this period that the wildebeests migrated from Maasai Mara to Serengeti national park in Tanzania. I did not squander this opportunity but took full advantage of it and proceeded to observe the wonder of nature. There were a number of well-maintained lodges and tent camps such as AA Lodge Maasai Mara, Keekorok lodge and Mara Leisure camp and tent camps inside the reserve and conservation borders. The reserve was patrolled by rangers to ensure that poaching activities were tamed and to help out whoever was in need of their help.
Exploring the Reserve
Early next morning, we were able to use the van to tour the reserve, getting breathtaking views of the landscape, the rising sun and see the animal gatherings. The park has several animals such as Lions, leopards, buffalo, African elephants and black rhinos. While underrating this adventure, I had the opportunity to board hot air balloons, offered by hot air safaris. The aerial view was spectacular and simply impressive as the scale of the wildebeest migration could be seen as well as several other animals. At the Mara and Talek rivers, we were able to see the crocodiles and hippopotami in large groups. We got a good view of the lions and cheetah at the plains between Mara River and Esoit Siria escarpment. The plains are also home to the distinctive Maasai giraffe, antelopes, Grant's gazelles, duikers and impalas. The events of the day were amazing. The day ended well in the evening with entertainment from the Maasai people. I joined them in their dance and jumping which was a lot of fun. This was the last day of the three day trip that was enjoyable and memorable.
