Kenya
Maasai Mara National Park
From Samburu, head to the iconic Maasai Mara National Park - ideally with a local flight. It will cost you a tad more, yet it's an experience on its own! Spend 3 nights in the Maasai Mara, so you'll have enough time for game drives, a hot air balloon flight and enjoying the peaceful nature.
Ultimate safari experience in Maasai Mara
Kilometres of grasslands, the big five and safari lodges that make you feel at home immediately. Maasai Mara National park gives you the ultimate nature & wildlife experience. It's one of the most famous wildlife conservation areas in the world, located in southwestern Kenya along the Tanzanian border. A must during your trip in the country, especially because of the high concentration of animals in the park. The reserve is named after the Maasai people, a semi-nomadic ethnic group known for their rich culture, traditional dress, and warrior heritage. You can visit one of the tribes during your stay - would definitely recommend. - this trip was made possible in partnership with Brussels Airlines, that offers direct flights from Brussels to Nairobi.
Stay at andBeyond Bateleur Camp
With a very small airplane we land on the grounds of Maasai Mara, welcomed by a few staff members of the andBeyond Bateleur Camp with a refreshing drink. What a start of our stay! With a group of zebras grazing right next to us, this must be the first *pinch me* moment. We've dreamed about staying at this camp for some time by reading about it in several magazines. Now it's our turn to experience the hospitality and wildlife experience that the andBeyond group is famous for. In the Maasai Mara, they have two lodges to choose from: the high-end Bateleur Camp that we stayed in, and the slightly bigger Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp. Both offer a unique experience and are integrated in the local nature & communities with the best possible care. What I love about these places is that you pay one price, and all safaris, meals and treats are included. An experienced wildlife guide will ask you about your preferences and create a personalized safari schedule for each day during your stay. And it's all about the hospitality gestures here... When walking to the pick-up point of our daily game drives, we are welcomed with a selection of homemade snacks and drinks. Every staff member talks to us using our names as if they've known us for years and with the most genuine smiles. Three days at the andBeyond Bateleur Camp were three days for the books: waking up with the sound of the savanna, fine dining, meeting likeminded travelers and simply exquisite game drives. To put on your bucketlist.
Hot air balloon flight over the Maasai Mara
It's a Wednesday morning, 5.30am, and we're ready to drive to the hot air balloon take off site. Excited as a little kid! On our way there, we spot some hippo's on the road. Never a dull moment in Kenya. 😊 Once arrived, we get a coffee, a briefing, and a first glimpse on the balloons. Nothing but the sound of the fire hitting the balloon now, as the Maasai Mara is slowly waking up... Right before sunrise we get in the basket, in total silence. Wauw, how is this real life? For an hour long we are one with nature, flying over the Mara river and the big five. Everybody in the balloon is quiet, just taking it all in. Once back on the ground, a bush breakfast is waiting for us - just like the movies! • You can book this experience via your accommodation or travel agent, who'll make sure to pick a hot air balloon company that is close to your camp. For us, that was Governor's Balloon Safaris. I 100% recommend this experience, however please note that it's quite expensive (+/- $450 per person). • This experience was made possible via Brussels Airlines, via which you can book direct return flights Belgium - Nairobi.
