Originally published 09 February 2011

The McCurdie family celebrate Christmas Day in the Masai Mara

Like so many other families hoping to get away over the festive season, our plans for a dream holiday over Christmas and New Year looked increasingly under threat as the snow and icy weather paralysed the UK’s transport network. Seemingly against the odds, our flight to Kenya departed on time from Heathrow on 21st December and so began our family adventure.

Within 24 hours we were enjoying our first taste of safari in the magical Masai Mara. Driving out from the Governor’s Camp with our guide and new friend Joseph, we soon met many of the local residents, including lions, leopard, giraffe, elephants and many more. The abundance of wildlife was truly overwhelming.

That first evening was our daughter Fiona’s 20th birthday, which was celebrated in memorable style by a group of local dancing Masai warriors, complete with birthday cake! Our first Christmas away from home a few days later would turn out to be just as special. We were treated to carol singing, roast turkey and even Christmas crackers – who needs snow!

To celebrate a birthday and Christmas far away from home was, not surprisingly, a very different experience, but one that we thoroughly enjoyed. To have spent the time with the wonderfully friendly people of the Governor’s Camp among the enchanting wildlife of the Masai Mara made it an experience we shall treasure forever.

Images taken by Dr McCurdie

Dr McCurdie's daughter celebrates her birthday.

Dr McCurdie's daughter celebrates her birthday.

A balloon trip in the Mara is a popular (and peaceful) way to view the wildlife.

A balloon trip in the Mara is a popular (and peaceful) way to view the wildlife.

Elland graze as two balloons take to the air in the early morning mist.

Elland graze as two balloons take to the air in the early morning mist.

The black 'tear marks' on a cheetah's face help keep sunlight out of its eyes - useful for when hunting.

The black 'tear marks' on a cheetah's face help keep sunlight out of its eyes - useful for when hunting.

With so many predators in the Mara it's wise that this calf stays close to its mother.

With so many predators in the Mara it's wise that this calf stays close to its mother.

Giraffe are quite a common sight in the Masai Mara.

Giraffe are quite a common sight in the Masai Mara.

Hippo spend most of the day in water for both safety and to prevent sunburn.

Hippo spend most of the day in water for both safety and to prevent sunburn.

Black-backed jackal are nocturnal so generally emerge at dusk to hunt.

Black-backed jackal are nocturnal so generally emerge at dusk to hunt.

The Steppe Eagle favours open and dry habitats such as the savannah of the Mara, for hunting.

The Steppe Eagle favours open and dry habitats such as the savannah of the Mara, for hunting.

A cheetah takes advantage of a little high ground to spot potential prey.

A cheetah takes advantage of a little high ground to spot potential prey.

The McCurdie family celebrate Christmas Day in the Masai Mara.

The McCurdie family celebrate Christmas Day in the Masai Mara.

The Masai Mara was the location for the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries TV series.

The Masai Mara was the location for the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries TV series.

The Steppe Eagle can be found in central and southern parts of Kenya.

The Steppe Eagle can be found in central and southern parts of Kenya.

Eland are amongst the largest antelope in Africa.

Eland are amongst the largest antelope in Africa.

A young zebra keeps a wary vigil.

A young zebra keeps a wary vigil.

With so much game in the Mara, predators like this lion are never far away.

With so much game in the Mara, predators like this lion are never far away.

 

 

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