Lions and Zebras and ‘Beests…Oh My!

Our day started out rather long, with half of us driving to the airport and taking a short flight to safari and the other half driving halfway across Kenya to reach our lovely hotel. I was on the driving portion and it was definitely an experience to drive and see the whole of Kenya laid out before us. There were a few stopping points along the way where we could take panoramas of the Rift Valley below.

The Great Rift Valley.

Even before we entered Masai Mara there were some animals to be seen. Our first zebras were rather exciting, but they soon became almost like squirrels back home. There were also so many wildebeests you couldn't even count them. Seeing them here makes me understand how Mufasa was trampled to death in Lion King.

Wildebeest--a face only a mother could love.

After we met up with the flying group, all of us headed out on a true safari. Justin declared we were going to see 21 lions on this trip. Our driver Simon did not agree and thought it would be less. If today is any indication, though, we will definitely see 21 lions. It is absolutely extraordinary to look outside the car and see a fully grown lion standing less than 10 feet away.

Male lion keeping watch.

From all accounts we had a rather successful first safari day. My group saw 11 lions, 9 elephants (including the most adorable baby one ever), 3 ostriches, 4 giraffes, and numerous herds of zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, topi, elan, and water buffalo.

Mara giraffe on the move with a few bird hop-ons.

I know we all can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Angele, Kaley, Jennifer, and Justin get the shot.

-- Gabriela Gualano