Day 20 - 23: Masai Mara & Nairobi

We apologise for being so slack with the blogging for the last few days, we all decided to disappear to the Masai Mara and just unplug, seeing that our bikes were being serviced and we were waiting on our new set of tyres. On Saturday the 14th of June the team set off very early to the Nairobi Airport to catch their flight into the Masai Mara and after a short 45 minute flight and a quick check in we found ourselves on our first game drive. The drive was fantastic and we were fortunate enough to see a lion kill, a cheetah kill and loads of buffalo and elephant, it was then back to our very beautiful tented camp for a spectacular dinner. The next morning we up early for our morning drive, yet again we saw an amazing array of antelope and big five. Shortly after a rather large lunch the team said farewell to Nicola, Paul’s girlfriend, who had come with us to the Masai Mara. The afternoon drive brought with it a spectacular black rhino and lots of rain. The next morning the team had decided to take a trip in a hot air balloon and after arriving at 5:30 am, we all clambered in the basket and lifted off for an unforgettable experience. Just barely, skimming the tree tops we floated over the beautiful Masai Mara, seeing bushbuck, reedbuck and even a large, solitary male leopard. Utterly blown away by the experience the team was quite apprehensive to climb on the plane and head back to Nairobi, where our tires have yet to have arrived. We have currently set up tent at Jungle Junction and are apprehensively awaiting the arrival of our tyres and have started to devise a plan B, C ...... etc. Hopefully tomorrow we will be back on the road, heading up to Isiola, where the REAL ADVENTURE begins.

Arriving in the Mara.

Lunch at Kitchwa Tembo

A Masai Mara Sunset

The Balloon

Mark in the Balloon

Les and Rob in the Balloon

The Landing

Breakfast after the Balloon Safari

Paul really excited to be using his tent.

Craig setting up his tent.

Grant playing camping.

Our Five Star Accomodation.

COMMENTS

 

responses to this article

Awesome! Well this certainly is an experience of a lifetime and what beautiful photo's! You seemed to have been treated to an absolute feast of wildlife - literally - reading about all the kills you saw. Hope by now all your spares for the bikes have . .more arrived and that you will be able to be on your way again soon. Love your tented camp - looks like a beautiful garden. Have fun boyz as you set off again - be safe and happy - and keep in touch!!! Love from us all in Pretoria, Marilyn. . .less by Marilyn on June 16 2009, 16:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Big Five Hi Mark, I read the site with much interest, no small degree of envy and only a little relief that I at my age I am not under the pressure you are with those boys (having only girls). I have a few of the big five under my belt achieved far too many . .more years ago but still memorable for that. My only regeret is that I never had the opportunity to share some of the thrills with my own old man, so I commend your vision and wish you and the boys all the best for the rest of this very exciting trip. Keep safe and above all enjoy! Charles . .less by charles H on June 16 2009, 18:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The Adventure Continues I absolutely love keeping up with you all from the blogs and wonderful pictures! I know you all are getting a little antsy and I definitely hope you clear up the tire situation sooner rather than later. Remember that you all are still on the trip . .more of a lifetime and it is these moments, the bumps, that you will look back on, laugh, and tell stories about. Keep the pics coming and stay safe! Love, Rebecca . .less by Rebecca on June 17 2009, 00:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Traffic Cone for a tent Mark - we are wondering how Grant managed to fit into the tent. by Clive on June 17 2009, 07:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Chilling out Just to touch on a subject not mentioned to often.... Which beer gets your vote as the best so far? by Harry on June 17 2009, 11:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Watching You Hi Mark, Grant and Craig We are following your progress with the help of Joyce and Tim. Have a good trip and travel safely. Love Dad by Grandad on June 17 2009, 17:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Masai Mara What a stunning experience to be resting a bit in the Masai Mara! You chose the servicing of the bikes very well. I am sure this decision was not by chance but well planned. You all look very well and healthy. I love the 5 star accomodation. by annette on June 18 2009, 10:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Reply to Grandpa Hi Grandpa Thanks for your blog. Everything is going well. Missing everyone back in SA. What an adventure it has been so far and hope that everyone is enjoying the feedback from our side. Craig by Craig Bristow on June 22 2009, 17:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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