The Salt Lick At Mara Bushtops
I have enjoyed visiting Mara Bushtops Camp since it opened, spending a couple of days every year on game drives to the Masai Mara National Reserve and around the camp’s own conservation area. The camp is a destination in itself, with amazing views over the Mara Plains. It lies at the heart of its own private conservancy – a protected wildlife haven.
Going on safari – without getting in the car!
Mara Bushtops is blessed by the only salt lick in the area – the focal point of the camp and the reason it was built in this particular location. The minerals and water hole attract regular visits from elephants, buffalos, giraffes, wildebeests, elands, zebras, impalas and warthogs. In turn this draws visits from a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, hyenas and jackals.
Watching local wildlife coming down to the salt lick – or simply passing by – creates a permanent spectacle. The attraction is redoubled for bird enthusiasts: a couple of hours spent on the restaurant terrace has led to a succession of my favorites flitting past, including the lilac-breasted roller, kori bustard, crown crane, saddle-billed stork, tiny weaver- and sunbirds.
What is a salt lick?
A salt lick is a natural source of nutrients, made up of salt deposits and other minerals. Natural licks are common, providing biometals such as sodium, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus and the trace elements the local wildlife needs for bone and muscle development and healthy growth. The weather naturally exposes these salty mineral deposits, attracting animals from miles away.
Wildlife observation with wine glass in hand
Of course, there is no substitute for the excitement of greeting the dawn with a trip into the bush in one of Mara Bushtops’ superbly-equipped Landcruisers. That’s when you are most likely to seek out the Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo and elephants.
However, the ideal complement is to simply equip yourself with a camera, binoculars and a glass of wine or beer, sitting quietly on the lawn or restaurant terrace overlooking the salt lick, and listening to the sounds of the African bush whilst watching the constantly-changing tableau before you. It’s a marvelous place to eat breakfast or lunch, but also a constant thrill even unaccompanied by food. The salt lick is also illuminated into the evening, so there is there is always something special to see.
Truly an amazing experience
The natural salt lick makes Mara Bushtops utterly distinctive and endlessly fascinating; being able to eat your meals whilst observing animals grazing and drinking just feet away adds an indescribable element to the experience. All I can tell you is that it is one of the most incredible experiences you will ever have!
