This Christmas, we decided to immerse ourselves in the heart of Africa’s wildlife and learn more about the Maasai people’s incredible relationship with the land and animals. After a long journey from New York to Kenya, we gave ourselves a well-deserved rest day in Nairobi. While the city offered a vibrant blend of culture and history, we kept things low-key - just a walk around the Sarit Centre. But if you're in Nairobi for longer, there’s plenty to explore, like visiting the Giraffe Center, the National Museum, Nairobi National Park and more.
The next morning, we were up early and met Patrick, our safari guide, who was ready to take us on the adventure of a lifetime. We left our hotel at 6:30 am for the long road to the Masai Mara National Reserve. And let me tell you - if you’re considering this drive, be prepared! The road is rugged and bumpy, and the 6-7 hour journey can be quite taxing. However, if you’re short on time or prefer a smoother ride, there’s always the option of flying from Nairobi to the Mara airstrip.
After hours of scenic (yet bumpy) drive, we finally arrived at Mara Maisha Camp around 5 pm. What a surprise it was! The camp offered an outstanding glamping experience. Imagine being surrounded by nature with stunning views of the Mara Reserve, delicious food, impeccable service, and drinks to unwind after the long drive.
Christmas Day arrived, and Santa could not have given us a better gift than what we experienced. We started our first game drive bright and early at 7 am, heading straight from Mara Maisha to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Most camps, including ours, pack a lunch box for the drive, as these safaris can last 8-10 hours, and you’ll want to keep your energy up!
The wildlife sightings were abundant and exciting. We quickly spotted impalas, gazelles, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, fouls, baboons, topis, wildebeest, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles and even ostriches. It was like nature’s parade, with animals popping up everywhere. But it wasn’t just the common sightings that made this drive unforgettable - on this Christmas morning, we got to check off 4 out of the Big Five on our first day! We were fortunate enough to see buffalo, elephants, lions, and a leopard. As if that wasn’t enough, we even spotted 5 lion cubs playing with each other in the bushes - a rare and absolutely magical moment.
What truly stood out during our game drive was the sight of Maasai herders guiding their cattle and sheep through the same reserve where we were watching wildlife. It’s a harmonious coexistence that feels like a living testament to how humans and nature can live side by side. The Maasai people have been part of this land for centuries, and seeing their traditions and livestock blend so seamlessly with the animals of the reserve gave us a deep appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of this region.
After a full day of exploration, we returned to Mara Maisha Camp around 5:30 pm, and the camp was buzzing with Christmas spirit. The staff put together a wonderful Christmas dinner with all the festive trimmings - perfect for unwinding and reflecting on the day's adventures. We ended up calling it an early night because the following day promised a new adventure: a long drive from Masai Mara to Serengeti, crossing the border from Kenya into Tanzania.
Christmas at Masai Mara was an unforgettable experience - filled with moments of awe, wonder, and a deep connection to the land and its creatures. If you’re ever in Africa around the holidays, we can’t recommend spending Christmas in the Mara enough. It’s truly a gift from nature, and one we’ll cherish forever.
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