LOOKS Travel Diaries

Maasai Mara, Kenya-Africa

MarcyYu_Kenya_Mara

We have reached our last safari destination in Kenya. Yes, I am super sad that our safari adventure in this beautiful country has come to an end but grateful to have explored every corner with so many beautiful memories and unforgettable stories.

Our adventure in MagicalKenya could not end without visiting the famous Maasai Mara National Park. Yes, we left one of the best for the end since this region is one of the most impressive regions of the African continent for many reasons:

  • It is where you can find all of the big five: the lion, the leopard, the elephant, the buffalo and if you are VERY lucky, rhinos too!
  • It is super famous for the Mara River and its exceptional fauna.
  • It where you can see great herds of animals as part of the migration towards the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
  • And it is also the place where all those balloon rides photos in Kenya are taken that you see on Pinterest and Instagram. Yes, that was one of the things I really wanted to do on this trip. (I’m obsessed with balloon rides lol)

To get to Maasai Mara we took a flight from Safari Link from Nairobi which takes about an hour. The cost of this park is $97 USD per person, per day. Upon landing at Maasai Mara, the Anagama Mara hotel picked us up at the airport to take us directly to the hotel.

Anagama Mara is located in the highest part of the Great Rift Valley. This charming new safari lodge is inspired by the Swahili word “suspended in the air” which has 2 totally private and separate camps with 15 luxurious tents and magnificent 180° views around the triangle of Mara.

Upon arriving at the hotel Robert and I were impressed by the incredible welcome given by the staff and by the modern and exceptional design-architecture that this lodge offers. It was definitely something very different from what we had visited locally at other national parks. If you have ever heard the phrase “heaven on earth” exactly this safari lodge is what represents this phrase as it has the most incredible panoramic views between the sky and the land of the triangle of Mara that really leave you breathless.

All tents on the property have the same view – none are better than the last – which have a balcony with incredible views of the Mara triangle. Certainly one of the things we enjoyed most was seeing the incredible sunsets and sunrises on the balcony of the room as well as in the main pavilion where meals are taken. There is even a library!

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Safari days begin with a wakeup call at 5:30 am, get up and go to the shower and get ready and hope to have the luck to see all the beautiful animals in the early morning light. A second knock brings hot coffee and biscuits. Then make a quick check list: binoculars, sun screen, sunglasses, hats, cameras, batteries, water bottles, and phones, ready to make a game drive that begins 10 minutes drive from the property.

In my previous post I mentioned that to go on safari we really need to have a lot of patience, luck and trust in your guide as this really depends on them. I have to say that our guides on this trip were amazing and I’m still amazed at how well they know the park.

Although we did not see the migration, we really wanted to see the big 5, and we were able to see several of them very close to each other, lions, leopards, buffaloes and rhinoceroses.

Many of you may not know but Kenya started a few years ago a new “shoot to kill” policy against poachers to protecting these beautiful creatures. In previous years many people hunt and kill these animals such that sadly they are close to extinction, especially the rhinos.

On our balloon ride we could also see many elephants and hippos. For those who have known me for a while, know that balloon rides are my thing hahaha since I really love doing them. Previously I have done about 5 balloon rides and I have to say that this was definitely one of my favorites since it felt so peaceful and serene to be able to witness this beautiful Mara triangle from above, and not even my camera could catch it!.

When going on safari one of the most common activities to do is a “Bush Breakfast” which consists of doing a picnic in style, out in the open. In many of our game drives we made one, and the truth is that they are super fun not only because of the great company of our guides, but also by really being able to sit and share stories with them. No doubt these guides always have the best tales to tell you while you enjoy a rich and refreshing meal.

One of my favorite moments during this trip was definitely to experience the bush dinner which is truly amazing. Just imagine a scene of an outdoor dinner surrounded by trees with lights and a sky full of stars enjoying a delicious bbq? If there is anything that has impressed me about Kenya it is that it is one of the places with the most stars I have visited in the evening! They are so clear and bright!

Of course, our last safari experience could not end without a Maasai dance, but this time it was the sunset background of the Maasai Mara, around by a campfire, with rich snacks and refreshing drinks.

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did !!!

Love,

Marcy

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Look# 1

Black Body: American Eagle

Pants: Flamingo Flamingo PTY

Belt: Hermes

Shoes:  Steve Madden

Shades: Bikinis and More Panama

Necklaces: Angama Mara Shop

Look# 2

Kimono- Cardigan: Polo Ralph Lauren

Belt: Polo Ralph Lauren

Gladiators Sandals: Schutz

Shades: Ralph Lauren

Look#3

Olive Top: Flamingo Flamingo PTY

Pants: Flamingo Flamingo PTY

Belt: Hermes

Boots: Steve Madden

Shades: Dior

Watch: Nicole Vienna

Look# 4

Denim Jumpsuit: Zara

Shades: Ray Ban

Hat: Annie Chajin

Firma

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Robert Michael Poole

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  4. Thomas Falkenstedt says on February 5, 2017

    Seeing the smiles of all the people, the beautiful nature, the animals, you describing the experience and the bright skies makes me want to make my dream trip to Kenya come true! It is seriously a beautiful place to visit for sure and your posts from there have been mind blowing!
    xoxo
    Thomas

    http://thomasfalkenstedt.com

    http://thomasfalkenstedt.com

  5. Sharon says on February 4, 2017

    OMG I am beyond jealous!!
    1. Your outfits are on point, seriously, give me that Hermes belt!
    2. I wish I was there too, I did enjoy reading all of your adventures as much as you did
    xx

    http://brandtravels.com

  8. Olga Gruzina says on February 3, 2017

    Wow, why an amazing experience!!!
    Thank you for showing this magical place!
    Kisses,
    Olga

  11. Christine Kong says on February 2, 2017

    I am so blown away by your trip and photos and really want to plan a trip out to Africa one of these days. The amazing adventures and picnics and up close and personal meets with the animals are just a dream! I am so glad that when I do book a trip, I have your blog as a personal guide to everything that I must see and do when I go there. xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com/

    http://dailykongfidence.com/

  13. Dom says on February 2, 2017

    Wow, my darling. These outfits, photos, and shots are just breath taking. I’m at loss for words. Your trip is truly beautiful and the photos here make your beautiful soul shine brighter. Another stunning post dear.
    All My Love,
    Dom

    http://www.mrdombaza.com/

  21. Jenn Hanft says on February 1, 2017

    Ahh Kenia sounds and looks like an amazing place to visit! Love hearing about your adventures! I definitely think that the Safari is such a special must-do activity! It’s incredible to be up close to such beautiful animals. Glad you’re having an awesome time!

    XO Jenn
    http://www.jennsemble.com

    http://www.jennsemble.com

    • marcyyu says on February 1, 2017

      Thank you so much Jenn!! Is definitely a must to visit specially this hotel that was the perfect end of our safari experience in Kenya.

      Love,
      Marcy

      http://marcyyu.com

  22. Stephanie says on January 31, 2017

    These photos are absolutely breathtaking! It looks like you had an absolutely incredible trip. I’ve loved reading all these posts about your safaris!

    Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com

    http://shesawstyle.com

    • marcyyu says on February 1, 2017

      Thank you Sam. Yes, theres so much to explore in Kenya!!!
      For sure we took the time to really explore this amazing country 🙂

      xoxo
      Marcy

      http://marcyyu.com

  27. gracie says on January 31, 2017

    Africa is on my bucket list and especially now after seeing this post. First let me say your clothes for the trip are so cute ! You look great and I love your photos. Looks like an amazing trip !
    xx, gracie
    snappedbygracie.com

    http://snappedbygracie.com

  31. Mariann Yip says on January 31, 2017

    I can’t get over your travel experiences!! This looks amazing and you definitely make me want to see all the animals and go on a on safari adventure. So glad you’re enjoying yourself!

    http://Www.mariannyc.com