Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya Africa

After leaving Nairobi we boarded a small prop jet that took us into the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The reserve covers 583 sq. mi in south-western Kenya. Flying into the park we could see just how huge this place was. It was fun to be up above and see all the animals roaming below. The great migration is the time of the year when all the animals travel from Tanzania's Serengeti National park to the Maasai Mara reserve to stay for better hunting. This is 1,800 miles and on that adventure an estimated 250,000 wildebeest die while traveling. We knew that we wanted to travel there in August to see them in action. 

During our stay at an all-inclusive lodge (Below) (there was nothing for miles) we went on numerous game drives (safari) in order to see the animals. We would get up early when they were hunting their prey and at night before sundown. It was a scavenger hunt to try and find all of them.

 One day we decided to catch the wildebeest crossing at the Mara River. For hours the wildebeest gathered at the foot of the river waiting to cross. The river is dangerous because it is filled with crocodiles and the current can be hard to cross. We watched and waited for what felt like forever before all of a sudden they started crossing the river. I was so proud of them! Watching hundreds of wildebeest cross the river was crazy to experience. Some had a hard time making the journey, and babies and mothers had to be careful once they made it onto the other side because they had to climb a steep mountain. Luckily we didn't experience any crocodiles hunting during the cross, but we saw them lurking nearby. 

One morning we got up before the sun to take a hot air balloon ride over the savannah. It was so peaceful floating up above and catching the sunrise over the reserve. After the balloon ride we were served a brunch in the savannah under a tree. We were lucky enough to spot some animals as we floated on. This was definitely a bucket list experience and I am glad we did it. 

One afternoon we wanted to go see where the Maasai people lived. We traveled right outside of the reserve and were taken to a tribe that lives off meager means. We were invited into their village and taught how they survive and their customs. It was sad seeing their living situations as they live in dwellings that were made of mud and cow poop. They showed us their tricks of jumping very high and how skilled they are at hunting and creating their houses. Although it was sad to see their living circumstances, I love seeing how diverse the world is and all the different cultures. 

 The Maasai Mara was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Africa is truly beautiful. I fell in love with the sunsets, the wildlife and the country. I loved seeing animals that you don't normally see in their own habitat instead of in a zoo. I could've watched them for hours. I am so glad we went during the great migration and that we were able to experience this amazing part of wildlife. I definitely recommend it. Heres the lodge where we stayed.  Check it out HERE.

After we left the Maasai Mara we headed to Zimbabwe and Zambia to visit Victoria Falls, which is where we experienced the craziest thing we've ever done. Stay tuned!