1. Safari Experience

Base Camp Masai Mara ensured my days always started early with a soft knock on my tent and a warm cup of tea, followed by a gentle good morning.

Then, after around 20 minutes, I stepped out only to see a 4-wheel vehicle waiting for me that immediately showed I was going for a morning game drive, and I needed to be in my safari attire, and yes, I was in my cute safari attire, ready to blend and connect with nature.

Do you know what you wear really matters when going on a safari?

This is because bright colours and patterns distract wild animals, and you may end up not seeing any.

Therefore, it is advisable to camouflage with the environment while wearing safari colours, which are beige and green.

One thing about the Masai Mara is that the wildlife does not make you wait.

I got a chance to witness Cheetahs on the hunt, and it was so beautiful that it left me breathless.

2.Hot Air Balloon Experience

I have always believed that some moments in life last for a lifetime, and my Hot Air Balloon experience at Base Camp was one of them.

I was picked up from the camp before sunset, wrapped up in my Masai Shuka while at the same time feeling that mix of excitement that only the wild can give.

The Launch

When you arrive at the launch site, the first thing you see is the balloon slowly inflating and a giant colourful dome rising with each burst of flame.

A few minutes later, the balloon was ready to kick off, and the pilot gives a signal.

At first, I was very hesitant with anxiety all over me, but the risk-taker that I am, I gave it a try, and I got into the basket, my heart pounding, and within no time, I was floating.

The Experience

This was the best experience of my life, seeing the Mara from the sky felt unreal. I could see the meandering Mara River, dotted with Hippos, Giraffes moving like Shadows, Elephant families matching and I was also lucky to see lions.

Interestingly, during the Great Migration, the views became unbelievable. Watching thousands of wildebeests crossing the Mara River to the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, looked beautiful.

Safety Precautions

I can assure you, the Hot Air Balloon in the Masai Mara is remarkably safe. Do not hesitate to give it a shot, and thank me later.

Some of the safety precautions when experiencing the Hot Air Balloon include:

• Pre-briefing by an experienced and licensed pilot.
• Safe landing techniques
• Weighing Balancing
• Be calm and confident
• Live the moment

If you are looking forward to having the best experience as I did, Base Camp Mara partners with the best tour operators in the Masai Mara, like Africa Holiday Safaris, ensuring you get the best experience.

3.Cultural Experiences

I remember vividly one afternoon, when I was picked up for a village visit. As we drove, the driver started sharing stories about the Masai traditions and how they co-exist with the Mara ecosystem. Good thing, before we even arrived at the village, I felt prepared, and it was time to experience it in real life.

We are used to the Western culture kind of life back in Nairobi, and this time I saw it differently.

You say you hate attention, here you will experience it, you like it or not. Women greeted me with smiles on their faces as they showed me beadwork and traditional jewellery, and explained how each colour has a specific meaning.

Interestingly, tall men and boys demonstrated traditional jumping dances known as the Adumu in Masai. I did not hesitate to join the dances, which made me feel Part of their world.

If you would like to get a glimpse of the Masai Culture, the Mara is the place to be.