From Porini Mara Camp, we took about a two and a half hour drive to our next camp - this one is inside the National Mara Reserve - Entim Camp. There are two camps here. We were in the Main Camp for this visit (yes, we returned later), where there are 12 permanent tents, each with running hot and cold water. Wow! Showers whenever you want them.

We had a group briefing from Michael, the Assistant Camp Manager, and soon met many more of the absolutely incredible staff here. Our drivers/spotters would be J. Cool, Joseph and Duncan and they were great. The camp chef Joseph was incredible, always asking “Master Korver” if there was anything special he would like on the menu. And of course we had 8 cheeseburgers one night that were fantastic. And Mary, the mixologist became a very dear friend (after the first case of Chardonnay).

There was a beautiful sitting area overlooking the Mara River where you could watch and listen to the hippos and enjoy the sunset (when you were not out on a game drive). The dining room was gorgeous and you had several choices for each meal. A spa was also available where I believe everyone in our group (even the boys) enjoyed a massage.

But enough about the camp (can you tell we loved it?). The game drives here were incredible, always seeing something a little different each time. Our first full day would start with a 5 AM departure to get to our Mara Balloon Adventure, complete with a Champagne breakfast afterwards. At ‘O dark thirty, our driver Julius, who was taking us to the balloons, spotted “eyes” in the grass. Lions on a kill! Had to use the flashlight for pictures and video, but it was amazing. We had Julius let the late sleepers know where we were and they had a chance to see this later as well - with a little challenge. It had rained the night before, and once they finished viewing, they took off - but no - stuck! Had to get two cars to pull them out of the mud - one just positioned itself between them and the lions so guys could get out and attach a cable!

The balloon ride was incredible. Both Eileen and I thought we may have some issues with this, but neither did. It was slow up and easy down (although you start out laying down). And the views from the balloons over the Mara and thousands of animals was amazing.

We landed after about an hour in the air and enjoyed a wonderful “Champagne Breakfast”, before getting back in the Land Cruiser to join the rest of the group.

We enjoyed spending time with a family of Cheetahs - mom and four cubs - and watching as they searched for food. Not at all afraid of the paparazzi that follows them, they also have an escort from the park to help protect them as they are quite rare here. Beautiful animals!

Seeing animals everyday and everywhere was incredible - lions, hippos, a leopard, zebra, wildebeests, topy, hyenas and others.

Of course a highlight was seeing part of the Wildebeest migration. Usually happening from about July through October we thought we could be right in the middle of it. But of course every year is different and this year many wildebeest’s had already returned to Tanzania. We did get to see a “mini-migration” though - about 500 or so coming across the Sand River from Tanzania into Kenya. It was beautiful!

After seeing the crossing, it was time for a bush breakfast, but as we pulled in to the guides chosen spot one of them said wait - and then we all noticed two lions taking a morning nap - yikes! We soon found another beautiful spot a mile or two away. Driving a bit further we had a chance to step into Tanzania, straddling the border.

A few more days with amazing game drives, wonderful meals and a great time with our family and newfound friends at Entim.

Lions on kills, moving and hiding their kill (putting the leftovers out of reach of hyenas), and so much more. I must have taken a couple hundred photos a day on my iPhone, but someone (Renee) did far better! A leopard in a tree with a kill almost set that camera on fire!!

So many amazing things to see and many stories to tell. Entim was a special place for all of us, and we all hope to return someday. One final sundowner with our guides - a beautiful and fun evening, and time to move on.

Please make sure to check out all the pictures and videos in the albums - yes there are many more.

Take care and more to follow soon.

All the best,

Tim & Eileen