Postcard From Kenya: On Safari – A Day in the Life

When you’re on safari, the day revolves around the morning and evening game drives, with 3 and sometimes 4 eating opportunities in between.  Morning drives start after coffee, at around 6:15-6:30 and are geared to sighting animals as they begin their day, coming out of hiding, or visiting the watering hole.  During morning drives, we’ve seen giraffes, elephants, zebras, any manner of impalas and gazelles, and a male lion devouring a wildebeest while his female harem and a pack of jackals looked on.

At around 9:30, you’ll head back to the lodge for a full-on breakfast, which may include cereal/muesli, yogurt, fruit, pancakes, eggs to order, bacon, sausage, grilled tomatoes and baked beans.  If you’re especially lucky, one morning you’ll be treated to a “bush breakfast”.  At some point during the morning game drive, your guide will stop at a lovely spot and before you will be a fully set table, camp chairs, and perhaps a campfire. Hot and cold breakfast is served al fresco. I’ve had bush breakfast at each camp I’ve visited and trust me, it’s a highlight!

After breakfast you may have some down time to shower, grab a nap, or answer a few emails (if you have power and internet access, which you may NOT!) and then it’s back to the lodge for lunch.  You’ll be amazed that your hosts are already feeding you again and even more amazed to find yourself filling your plate so soon after breakfast.

Afternoons are for activities and excursions, which vary, depending on the camp.  There may be a visit to a nearby village or market.  One day, we went fishing in the Mara River.  Depending on the camp, there may be a pool or spa available. Naps are always a good option.

Afternoon drives begin at 4:30 and last until sundown. The lions are still lounging during this part of the day, resting up before the coming night’s hunt. Last night, we watched a pride of 3 male and 5 female lions lying camouflaged in the tall grass as the sun went down.  Another afternoon, we met a young leopard just hanging out by the side of the road.  Often, you’ll stop to watch the sun set and enjoy sunset cocktails, or “sundowners”, which are served from the fully-stocked mobile bar that miraculously appears from your safari vehicle.

Once the sun sets, you’ll head back to camp in time for dinner. You may or may not have time to shower and change clothes. Dressing up immediately evokes safaris from a century ago where gentleman and ladies would have gathered to celebrate the day’s hunt instead of it’s photographs.  You may have already ordered your dinner earlier in the day or they make take your entree order as the hors d’oeuvres arrive. The wine is free-flowing. The bar is always open. Dinner is followed by dessert, which is followed by after-dinner drinks and coffee or tea.

If you’re at all like me, you start nodding off soon after dessert is served. You’ll be more than ready to retire to your tent, check your email, and crash. That 5:45 wake-up call, even if delivered in person with coffee and fresh baked cookies or muffins, will be here all too soon.