Kenya is one of the world’s best wildlife destinations being home to the Big 5 as well as having breathtaking landscapes. To spend just one day in the wild observing animals in their natural habitat and experiencing the bush lifestyle is a dream come true for most travellers. This is what a Kenyan Safari is all about and the experience is bound to be magical.
Here’s what a typical day and night on a Kenyan safari looks like. Karibu Kenya (Welcome to Kenya)
Mornings in the wild with wildlife
A typical Kenyan safari will kickstart your day with a beautiful display of how the day begins for most animals. From the comfort of your 4X4 wheeler at the crack of dawn, you will get to see the animals’ morning routine in their natural habitat. From making trips to the river or watering holes to quench their thirst to families strolling side by side enjoying the sunrise. This sight to behold is unforgettable.
Granted catching this morning routine for animals will require you to part with your very warm and comfy bed bright and early, but it is worth it. The chirping birds will let you know it’s time to get up and catch the wild while the hot pot of uniquely Kenyan coffee or tea made available at the entrance of your tent will have you ready for the adventure ahead.
After mesmerizing your eyes and camera with the natural beauty of animals going about their business that Kenya has to offer, a one-of-a-kind bush breakfast awaits you. Breakfast in the Wild is mostly made up of homegrown fruits, freshly baked pastries and bread, locally sourced cereals, freshly made juices and yoghurts and a classic made-to-order fry-up. This feast is served up at a random spot in the wild to allow you to enjoy your food with a great view of the animals going about their business.
Midmornings are for relaxing at camp
When the African sun comes out in all its glory, it is time to head back to camp. At the camp a luxurious time awaits you. From taking a dip in the pool to cool off, lounging on the hammocks and day beds, lazy strolls within the lodge to catching up with your favourite show or book. To crown your mid-morning relaxation will be a bountiful display of fruits, salads, patisseries, meat and so much more for your lunch that will have your taste buds taken on a wild trip.
Get to know the community in the Afternoon
A Kenyan Safari Day cannot be complete without an introduction to the local communities that cohabit with the wildlife. The opportunity to witness what life is like for traditional African communities living in the wild is truly an honour for any foreigner. The display of close-knit families, who work closely together and source their livelihood through farming on the land and herding livestock is such a beautiful contrast to the fast-paced money-motivated and technology-run world we live in.
Alternatively, you could always choose to interact with the wildlife that comes close to the camp in the afternoons. A mighty elephant may come close enough to allow you to say hi, a family of Zebras may stroll by and you could even go horseback riding to enjoy the nature trails in the reserve.
A bonfire and sundowner kind of evening
When the Kenyan sun goes down, it is time for the sky in the wild to come alive. A fascinating sight unfolds as you catch the majestical Kenyan sun setting and the sky is transformed to a blanket full of stars under which you can enjoy a drink in hand in classic Kenyan sundowner fashion.
A candlelit dinner is a staple for most camps and as you will quickly learn a feast prepared for you is the norm in Kenya. Fresh food cooked exquisitely will be served for dinner in three or four courses as your last meal on a typical safari day. On a full belly, you can reminisce the spectacular events of the day as you stay warm by the bonfire wrapped in your Masai shuka before calling it a night.
Finally, your safari day comes to an end and as you fall asleep it feels surreal knowing that you are falling asleep to the sounds of nature and animals in their territory. What a magical experience this is.
