header picture

Maasai Mari, Kenya

Pictures by Jo & David Spinney

March 14th 2018

Day 11

We had a very early start and David was well enough to go on the balloon ride. We started out about 4am with the driver from Balloon Tour. We got to watch the balloon getting set up (while having coffee) While standing there watching I turned around (had a feeling I was being watched) and there was a Hyena walking a line behind us and watching us very closely. He was just curious and not interested in us but he was pretty close. We had to sign a few papers but that was just our name and passport number and then the count down was on for the balloon to rise above the plains. We met our Balloon driver whose name was Casey. He was pretty funny and told us what to expect and what to do, like where to sit and where the exits were in case of an emergency lol

Being in the air looking at the scenery and all the beautiful animals we could was amazing. We saw a few animals, herds of buffalo, a lone bull elephant and many gazelles but I’m pretty sure they were all thinking it’s way to early to get out of my bed and perform for your cameras.

We landed and were taken for breakfast in the middle of the reserve. It was set up beautifully. A table with eggs, toast, bacon, ham, sausages, French toast, lots of coffee and juices. My favourite bit was while we were sitting and eating someone noted there was a lion nearby, probably looking for his breakfast. Unfortunately, he didn’t join us hahaha

The toilet here was a toilet tent with a sign on it saying “Loo with a view” as you could sit on the pot and watch the animals.

After breakfast we went on a drive through the reserve which took about 3 hours before heading back to our camp. We got up close with a leopard looking for his breakfast. He chased a rabbit but didn’t get anywhere with that and we were parked right in front of him and he came within 1 meter of the jeep before the driver thought we had better move. It was truly a beautiful morning.

This was to be our last night before heading home. When we returned to camp we had a relaxing afternoon and then had an awesome steak for dinner. After dinner we were treated to a dance that is tradition in the Maasai Village. It was fun to watch and we enjoyed our entertainment. Everyone was fantastic and we were treated like a King and Queen being the only guests at the lodge.

Put your cursor over the first image, then click on the "Expand Gallery" button on the top right of the gallery to see the images in full size.
When finished click the "Close Gallery" button on the top right.