http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masai_Mara
The Mara is truly amazing, one of the last remaining places in the world where animals are in abundance. However, there numbers are shrinking dramatically. This is another one of those places that I wanted to see before it changes forever. In this particular case, the Masai are using the land to graze cattle and goats. It is after all their main source of income. Encroachment into the animal habitats has produced a sharp decline in the number of animals in the Mara. There are attempts to lease Masai land and set up tourism to conserve the Mara. It remains to be seen if this will be enough. Kenya depends heavily on tourism dollars. I suppose it is only a matter of time before the corrupt Kenyan government and the livelihood of the Masai face off with one another. Perhaps some compromise will be reached before it is too late.
The journey from Nairobi was great. We started from the rim of the Great Rift Valley with views of Mount Longonot. Eventually we dropped into the Valley and proceeded to cross it. About a third of the way across we cracked open some beers and continued the journey. Shortly, thereafter, we got stopped by the popo. A speed trap in Kenya? Radar gun and everything. Apparently, we were going 1000kph in an 80kph zone. I know what you are thinking, what about the beers. It's ok to drink in the car, just don't speed while you are doing it. :) A 500bob(6 bucks) donation took care of the whole situation. Try that in the US.
We made to the campsite at sunset. What a spectacular sunset.
Our host Craig was developing a campsite he was hoping to open in April. We were the first to stay here, as Craig needed to oversee the development. The campsite was in a valley nestled against the hills overlooking the Mara.
The Mara is truly amazing, one of the last remaining places in the world where animals are in abundance. However, there numbers are shrinking dramatically. This is another one of those places that I wanted to see before it changes forever. In this particular case, the Masai are using the land to graze cattle and goats. It is after all their main source of income. Encroachment into the animal habitats has produced a sharp decline in the number of animals in the Mara. There are attempts to lease Masai land and set up tourism to conserve the Mara. It remains to be seen if this will be enough. Kenya depends heavily on tourism dollars. I suppose it is only a matter of time before the corrupt Kenyan government and the livelihood of the Masai face off with one another. Perhaps some compromise will be reached before it is too late.
The journey from Nairobi was great. We started from the rim of the Great Rift Valley with views of Mount Longonot. Eventually we dropped into the Valley and proceeded to cross it. About a third of the way across we cracked open some beers and continued the journey. Shortly, thereafter, we got stopped by the popo. A speed trap in Kenya? Radar gun and everything. Apparently, we were going 1000kph in an 80kph zone. I know what you are thinking, what about the beers. It's ok to drink in the car, just don't speed while you are doing it. :) A 500bob(6 bucks) donation took care of the whole situation. Try that in the US.
We made to the campsite at sunset. What a spectacular sunset.
Our host Craig was developing a campsite he was hoping to open in April. We were the first to stay here, as Craig needed to oversee the development. The campsite was in a valley nestled against the hills overlooking the Mara.
We raged that night at the campsite. It was so wonderful to be out of Nairobi and in the bush.
The pub in the Masai Mara, otherwise known as the last pub or as I like to call it the "Pub in the Bush"
Wow. You're right, the pics have a lot to say. Especially love the sunshots, and the leone shots!
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