Mara in February

It was music to my years when I heard our company had decided to hold the annual sales conference at Mara Serena, in the Masai Mara. This would be my second trip to the Mara and I was exited. Best part of the trip was that I flew directly from Mombasa making stops at Diani & Nairobi in a small 10 seat plane.

I landed along with our Managing Director at the Keekorok Airstrip and was picked up by a 4×4 sent by Mara Serena. We enjoyed the 45 minute drive from the airstrip to the lodge. We saw buffalo and elephants along the way and the scenic view was amazing.

We arrived ahead of our colleagues who traveled from Nairobi to Mara from the road. After lunch we had our first game drive. We saw a couple of Cheetah’s snoozing under trees and two prides of Lions lazing around

As we were returning back to the lodge we saw a pride of lions just by the side of the road. The lions were no even 50 meters from the vehicle. What a sight to end the day.

The next day just before the conference began we went on an early morning game drive. The best sighting was a pride of lions taking a stroll in the early morning sunshine through the Savannah.

After breakfast we had our full day conference. Believe me its not easy sitting in one place for over 10 hours listing to people when I could have been roaming around the Mara. I guess I can’t have the cake and eat the cake, can I? After a long long day we were treated to a Masai Warrior Dance followed by dinner. The next morning it was time for one final drive in the bush.

We saw two Cheetah’s taking a early morning walk but to our surprise we didn’t see any lions. Due to time limitations we had to cut our trip short. Overall it was rather a anti-climax trip as compared to my visit to the Mara back in November. I guess I can’t be too choosy when you go on a company paid trip! Anyway back on the small plane back to Mombasa!

This was one of the most uncomfortable flights I had ever taken. To start of I was the last person to get in to the plane and I was seated between a wife and a husband! I couldn’t understand why either one could have moved and given me a single seat!! I was sandwiched between them and it was a pretty awkward situation. Then the turbulence! Since it was very hot, the plane was getting thrown everywhere and there was no co-pilot. My boss was seating in the co-pilot seat! What a dreaded flight it was. I was never so happy to get out of a plane. Overall it was an eventful trip. A new plan was laid for our sales team and they left motivated to achieve their targets.

Even in such a small time, the Mara had me captivated through the abundance of wildlife and magnificent open plains which seem to never end. Fingers crossed, next visit to the Mara – THE GREAT MIGRATION!