'The track that runs along the foot of the Oloololo escarpment in the western portion of the Mara Triangle in Kenya is in my opinion one of the finest game drives in the whole of Africa. The reason being that on one side there is the precipitous upward slope and cliffs of the escarpment and on the other, a spectacular view over the vast plains that make up most of the Masaai Mara. Literally, one can see all the way to the opposite end of the Mara complex of reserves and group ranches.
There is no ‘dry season’ in the Mara, which is why the migration peaks there in August and September when every other part of the Mara/Serengeti ecosystem is dry. So this track is always slippery and difficult to maintain, with many spring fed pools blocking the way after rainstorms. I have seen everything on this particular route including black rhino and the ubiquitous groups of old male buffalo with incredible horns. If one stops for lunch somewhere, and getting out to stretch ones legs, often the first thing that you hears is the faint tinkling of cow bells wafting down from the lip of the escarpment. This lies a thousand feet above and along the top of the escarpment lies the boundary of the Mara Triangle reserve. Although almost invisible from below, there is lots of Masaai activity up there. Look upwards and you might see tiny moving specks silhouetted against the sky atop some of the rocky outcrops. These are Masaai longingly looking down on the grasslands below (which are off limits to them most of the time.)
They are also looking out for big male lions which might wander too closely to the base of the escarpment. Quite often any lions that make that mistake end up being speared by the Masaai as part of the manhood rituals - all of which adds up to an area that has a fascinating mix of wilderness and culture!' This painting is one of my many paintings which attempt to glorify this escarpment.

.