Trips of a Lifetime-Bucket List Travel, Part 2-Amazing Africa: Kenya

by Teri E. Popp, Tastemaker in Residence

Spectacular! Breathtaking! Fantastic! All of these superletives, and more, describe a safari in Kenya. And while you may not be able to travel yet, now is the perfect time to start planning a future trip to Africa to partake in a camera safari.

We started our trip by flying from Minneapolis to Nairobi, then hopping a puddle jumper to the Mahali Mzuri—a luxury, 12-tent compound which abuts Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Mara North and the Olare Orok Conservancies near the borders of Kenya and Tanzania. This sophisticated, all-inclusive lodge features an infinity pool, spa, restaurant and game drives. Mahali Mzuri offers two camera safaris per day: one in the morning from approximately 6:00 a.m. to noon (sunrise), and one in the late afternoon from about 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. (sunset).

Fortunately, we tracked many big cats-my favorites-as we drove through the gorgeous vistas of Kenya. From lion prides, to a statuesque cheetah, to a leopard mother who had dragged her previous night’s kill up a tree to feed her juvenile son, we enjoyed hours of viewing these beautiful animals.

But, while my first love of African safaris is the big cats, the central purpose of this trip was to see the Great Migration. The migration is not a singular event, but consists of the fluid and yearly migration of over 1.5 million wildebeests, along with numerous zebra, topi and other grazing animals, as they move across the Serengeti in search of food.

And, along our daily trekking, we saw herds of Cape Buffalo (aka the African Buffalo or Water Buffalo), giraffes, wart hogs, hippos, birds, ostrich, and baboons. We were most delighted, though, to see several large families of elephants with younger ones in tow!

As a special treat, we visited and toured a local Maasai village, learning about their people, customs, and traditions. Several of us participated in the Maasai Jumping Dance, which Maasai warriors employ to attract the eye of the local ladies.

We finished our trip by celebrating a birthday with fine wine, exquisite food, and a little bubbly with cake. So, cheers to you as you plan your future trip to see the beauties of Africa!