Falstaff Magazin International Nr. 2/2022

destinations / WALK ON

destinations / WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Bathtub safari: As the camps harmoniously blend in with nature, you can watch wildlife casually passing by your tent. A never-ending journey: Wildebeest and zebras never stay in one place for long before embarking on the next stage of their journey. At first glance, the change is barely perceptible, but then the guides’ excitement rises as the Serengeti Bushtops Luxury Camp Jeep slowly approaches southern Kenya’s Mara River in the early morning hours. This is the big day, they are certain. Today the wildebeest, zebras and gazelles will finally start moving and make their way across the river, after holding out on the bank for the past several days. The safari guests, too, can sense that something is about to happen. There are only four of them per vehicle to ensure unobstructed views and leave sufficient space for their photography equipment. Then the first wildebeests brave the water; muscles clenched, they plunge into the stream. Over the coming days, thousands of their fellow creatures will follow their lead. The animals’ tension is justified: for many, the plunge will inevitably lead to death as countless hungry crocodiles are lurking in the river to claim their prey. Not all of the roughly two million animals that set off in the south of the Serengeti in Tanzania for the north of < Photos: Sanctuary Retreats, Andrew Howard/Great Plains / Illustration: Blagovesta Bakardjieva/carolineseidler.com, Andrew Howard Photo, Getty Images, , photos provided 82 falstaff jul-sep 2022

KENYA AND TANZANIA ON THE EAST COAST OF AFRICA ARE EXCELLENT SAFARI DESTINATIONS. BOTH COUNTRIES OFFER UNFORGETTABLE ANIMAL SIGHTINGS YEAR-ROUND. WITH A LITTLE LUCK YOU WILL EVEN CATCH A GLIMPSE OF WILDLIFE STROLLING RIGHT BY YOUR TENT. the Masai Mara in Kenya at the beginning of each year in search of food and water are still moving at this point. There are several dangerous river crossings on their route. Sooner or later, all the animals that survived the first hurdle will arrive at one of roughly ten crossing points along the Mara River. Here, travellers from around the world eagerly await their arrival, hastily clicking the shutter buttons on their cameras in the hope of capturing as many spectacular scenes as possible. But they are not the only ones looking forward to the migrating herd’s arrival – natural predators are pleased to see them too. The animals that make it to the other side can take a well-deserved breather on the green plains of the Masai Mara for a couple of weeks. Only when the dry season in Tanzania ends, which is usually some time in October, do the animals begin the return journey south. After witnessing this unparalleled spectacle of nature, the watchful observers of the Great Migration head back to the lodge where freshly-cooked breakfast awaits in luxurious surroundings. In addition to morning and evening expeditions, the guides can also take you out during the day, sharing much of their knowledge and pointing out signs of wildlife. With a well-trained eye, they manage to spot even the most well-camouflaged animals – from quite a distance. Finding yourself in such proximity to wild animals and witnessing life and death up close is a most moving and memorable experience – it also calls for a relaxing counter-programme to help calm the nerves. MOMENTS OF INDULGENCE IN THE BUSH There are plenty of ways to relax and pamper yourself at the Serengeti Bushtops Luxury Camp. Here’s one: climb into the hot tub on the terrace, gaze and take in the vast expanse and feel your muscles release their tension – locals refer to the rides on the Jeep as the “bushman massage”, which, despite the comforable interior, can be < Luxury in the savannah. Countless lodges in Africa are living proof that you don’t have to forego luxury on the African plains. jul-sep 2022 falstaff 83