African Safari Travel Ideas: An Adventure amidst the Lions of the Mara
As the global travel industry gradually opens up, and several destinations yet to fully loosen up their tight Covid-19 travel restrictions, maybe now is the time to go on an African safari. As travel ideas go – its a great one. Winter is set to kick in across Europe. The chilly weather plus the reported 2nd Coronavirus wave means months of another lock-down are likely.
credit: Ed Yourdon
A little African safari, plus the allure of attractive deals and freebies amidst the warm African weather, is a perfect post-Covid-19 adventure retreat. Kenya’s Maasai Mara, the Mecca of all safaris, should be your pick.
Adventure or no adventure, there are many reasons why I’d highly vouch for a post-Coronavirus safari trip to Kenya. For the ultimate adrenaline-pumping experience, a sneak peek of the threats the reserve faces, and a different dose of adventure!
Walking through the Mara – with Lions
The Mara is one massive flat savannah wilderness in southwestern Kenya, along the Tanzanian border. The reserve is probably best known for the annual wildebeest migration – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
But, there’s so much thrill, perhaps even more jaw-dropping than seeing the wildebeests cross the croc-infested Mara River. Traversing different conservancies within the reserve, getting stuck in the middle of the muddy roads, spending a night at one of the camps inside the reserve, or finding fresh lion tracks in the bush, you choose your adventure.
It’s way too ordinary to explore the Mara atop a Land Rover.
The real treat is actually climbing down the car and setting foot in the park. It may seem a truly terrifying experience, and perhaps it even is. Each rustle of dry leaves sends chills down your spine and even the breeze of cold Savannah air makes your armpits drip with sweat.
Nevertheless, there’s no better way to make a lifelong memory of an African safari in this reserve than going by foot. It is a kind of adventure best reserved for the true daredevils – the most intrepid of all safari enthusiasts and animal conservancy enthusiasts.
The Maasai Mara is home to some of Africa’s most dangerous animals – Lions, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Elephants, leopards, hippos, buffalos, snakes…all of them. And walking through it, you get to learn about the threats the animals face, government and NGO-run conservation measures, and more.
Across the vast, open plains pockmarked with wild fig trees and acacia groves, you are most likely to bump into many of them – in groups. But perhaps the most surprising thing about your trek will be how peaceful some of them are – when unprovoked.
Just like many have attempted and successfully ended their Mara African safari on foot before, maybe you too can. Trekking across Mara demands a lot of careful planning and a few tough guides – just that. It is a remarkable idea, often best for those who would love to explore it beyond its adventures.
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