Sojourn in the remote parts of The Mara

By N. G. Maroa

PARADISE FREEBIE: PART III

I now agree that blogging is pretty addictive. Probably it should not be encouraged to the underage. Why am I saying this? You realize that I have been out of action for close to two weeks and I have no suitable words to describe the psychological trauma I endured. How do you start a story and promise your readers that it will flow only to leave them in suspense without proper explanation?

It all started when the only laptop battery charger in our possession failed. Remember we were in the middle of the vast Masai Mara Game Reserve and far away from civilization. While I must say that we enjoyed ourselves, I felt disappointed that I could not update my blog visitors as I had promised and for that I apologize unreservedly.

On the positive side, I have with me tales and pics to share with you for the next few days. I start with day three of our trip. The long rains always bring with them renewed life. The weather looked promising and we decided to leave camp at eight for the morning game drive. We drove following the course of River Migori hoping to come across early drinkers. Our first glimpse of what’s in store for us was a herd of elephants. Some were busy feeding on tree branches while others were in the river drinking. The huge bull strolled through the plains to the river where other elephants played and drank. He gamboled in it and then chased a young male out of his territory-he was in a no-nonsense mood for competition from younger males.

There were elephants everywhere. We didn’t have to look for them. The river teemed with life. In the course of two hours at this spot, we saw about thirty elephants as they went in to drink. They were unperturbed by a loud roar of a lion that carried through the plains. We all clambered to catch the sound that came from the other side of the river but were unsuccessful.

As the day progressed, more animals joined in the queue. It was a scene to behold as we had the opportunity to see the largest assembly of different animals in one location. It’s simply amazing.

Besides its animals, West Mara has stunning landscapes. Migori River flows in a series of cascades through a chasm of granite rocks curved by the searing hot sun eons ago, which are currently flooded thanks to the rains. Thick chocolate-coloured water flows from Uasin-gishu Plateau all the way to Lake Victoria. The river is part of the numerous rivers that empty to this massive water reservoir that is the source of the Nile. We took a stroll to the water’s edge when suddenly a massive elephant trumpets not far away, walking towards us. It’s time to make a dash to safety. It is estimated that about 6,000 elephants inhabit this part of the Mara.

Much of the park is still inaccessible by road. But for those who get lucky like we did, this is the place where you can see large herds of different species of animals in one location.

Next time you visit the Mara, this is the place. However, do remember to carry spare chargers and batteries. It can be very disappointing when the inevitable happens.

by N. G. Maroa