what to expect on your First safari in Kenya : Imagine soaring through the skies at dawn in a hot air balloon while you watch wild creatures wake up, or imagine exploring the Great Plains in search of Africa’s Big Five and the beloved faces of The Lion King this is what you should expect on a Kenya safari for the first time. Imagine yourself crawling over the savannah at night in the hopes of spotting a leopard or trekking through the forest on foot and tracking large animals up close. When on a kenyan safari , each day is unique. It’s at the top of many people’s bucket lists because it’s one of the most amazing experiences on earth. However, the technicalities might be rather intimidating when it comes to making a safari vacation reservation.
In addition to the vast diversity of alternatives available, many individuals are unsure of what to anticipate when they go on a safari vacation. Here are most commonly asked questions about safaris and to tell you what you can expect on an average day out on safari in Kenya.
What to expect on a typical day on safari in Kenya?
The norm in Kenya is to engage in two game activities every day, most often game drives, regardless of one’s location.
This is an average kenyan safari day itinerary based on my most recent visit to the Masai Mara. This is the usual itinerary for the majority of safari trips in Kenya.
what to expect on your First safari in Kenya : 6:00am wake up call.
The aroma of freshly made tea or coffee in your tent will greet you each morning. In order to avoid the heat of the sun, an early start is required to enjoy some of the greatest game viewing of the day.
Because of the gorgeous lighting, this is the time of day when big cats are most active and may provide for some of the most dramatic photos. This is a game drive you won’t want to miss, despite the temptation to stay in bed and wait until the afternoon to explore!
6:30 – 7:00am: Morning game drive.
Get into your safari vehicle with your knowledgeable guide and head off to hunt animals, including the big five mammals. You may need to bundle up in the mornings due to the chill, but make sure you have layers that you can take off when the sun rises and the temperature rises.
At the beginning of your game drive, let your guide know if you have any particular interests. But, they usually base their route on recent sightings in the area, so all you have to do is kick back and enjoy your kenyan safari excursion.
Depending on what you see, the journey should take two to three hours, and you should return to camp with some exciting tales to tell.
9:00 – 10:00am: Breakfast.
You’ll show up for a well-earned breakfast at your lodge or camp. This is a great opportunity to arrange your free time, share your sightings with other guests, and enjoy an abundance of freshly prepared food and drink that is provided in a communal setting with your host.
10:00am – 1:00pm: Free Time.
Even though a safari in Kenya may consist of long, busy days, you will still have spare time to rest, unwind, or participate in extra activities.
Numerous lodges and campers provide a variety of extra activities, such trips to nearby villages, specialized sanctuary visits, or even more opportunities to see wildlife.
Some even offer on-site spas where you may indulge in a relaxing massage. As well you can spend time viewing deck reading a nice book while taking in the passing wildlife and among many others.
1:00pm: Lunch.
Refuel with even more delectable food and beverages during lunch. Usually consisting of three courses, meals will keep you satisfied well into the evening.
Snacks are always available, and you can always talk to your host if you’re becoming a little peckish in between meals.
1:00pm – 4:00pm: Free Time.
It’s the hottest portion of the day, perfect for a refreshing swim in the pool or a nap. Your lodge or camp will have a variety of fascinating amenities and activities to keep you occupied if you’d rather get moving.
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Afternoon Game Drive.
As the sun falls, go on another game drive. Animal activity is higher and they are less likely to be hiding in the bushes for some shade due to the cooler evening temperatures.
After an amazing day on safari, your guide will stop at a viewpoint to serve you a sundowner a toast to the sun while pulling out a chilled box loaded with your favorite beverages. This is a customary way to cap off a safari day, and the spots that have been selected have an alluring aura.
You may view a lion pride while sipping a gin and tonic at Hemingways Ol Seki Mara Camp, or you can watch the sun set over Mount Kilelioni from Saruni Mara.
Note : Exciting afternoon game drives are available in certain places; these depart later than 2:00 p.m. Sundowners can still be enjoyed at the camp before heading out, or they can be incorporated into your game drive.
what to expect on your First safari in Kenya : 8:00pm Dinner & Evening Drinks.
After arriving back at the camp, savor a delicious three-course dinner before gathering around the fire with a drink in hand beneath the stars.
While it may be tempting to stay up late in this stunning setting, remember that you have an early wake-up call at 6:00 am the next morning. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep to prepare for your excursion the following day.
What happens on a game drive on safari?
A game drive is the most popular safari activity, but what actually occurs during one. A game drive is typically performed in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle with a maximum occupancy of eight people (but it is not uncommon to have less passengers or even private usage of a vehicle). There are a few minor variances between sites.
You will be accompanied and given a tour of the area, the animals, and their culture by your guide (and frequently another spotter). It’s okay if they remain silent for a time; after all, their job is to search for animals, which does need a lot of focus. What they can see at such a far distance will amaze you. A game drive never pauses, unless it’s for a sundowner or bush lunch, which are always held in a designated area that is safe.
Sadly, safari does not include lavatory breaks, so please make sure to use the lavatory before departing. Never hesitate to notify your guide of any emergencies; they will advise you on what to do next.
When your guide spots an animal, he or she will first pull over to make sure it’s at ease and not in danger before moving in closer. Recall to remain as silent as you can when around the animal.
At each visit, you will have as much time as you like to examine and take pictures; your guide won’t go until you’re ready. There are only a few locations where there is a cap on the number of cars each sighting. The first car to arrive has to proceed if the maximum is reached.
Off-road travel is occasionally allowed to access more remote portions of the reserves. This provides a singular, untamed experience with a greater diversity of creatures. But frequently, it also means a rough trip or a complimentary “Kenyan Massage.” Hold on tight and make sure everything that’s loose is put away securely.
Every one of our tour guides is a skilled driver who has frequently taken advanced driving courses. You may relax and take in this thrilling excursion because you’ll be in very safe hands the entire way.
Besides game drives, what else is there to do on safari?
Although there are many other kenyan safari activities available, game drives are the most popular. Everybody’s interests can be satisfied by the range of safari experiences available, from photography classes to bird watching.
Below is a list of some of our favorite things to do, along with our best picks for accommodations related to each activity.
Bush walks.
The bush walk is the second most popular safari activity. You’ll go into the forest to track large game on foot and discover the hidden intricacies of the bush with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide and security.
Additionally, it’s an ideal chance to discuss their way of life and culture with your guide, learn about local conservation initiatives, or ask all the questions you’ve always wanted to about the native flora and fauna.
Horseback safaris.
Horseback safaris are a fantastic way to explore the wilderness and are available in parts of Southern and Northern Kenya. Ideal for both beginners and experts, and frequently accommodating kids as well, this provides a distinctive means of traversing the plains and seeing large game.
Nestled in the Amboseli slopes of the Chyulu Hills, Ol Donyo is the sole resort in the expansive Mbirikani Ranch that provides exclusive access to one of Kenya’s last wilderness places. Experienced riders will be evaluated and given the chance to do something more liberating, such speed riding and jumping over logs.
Quad biking safaris.
Experience the exhilarating sport of quad-biking to discover genuinely isolated areas that are difficult to reach with larger vehicles. Although Namibia is one of the most amazing places in Africa to go quad biking, Kenya has some excellent options as well, especially in the Lewa regions. You will travel on narrow paths to discover seldom-explored regions, providing an authentic off-the-beaten-path encounter.
Mountain-bike safari.
Mountain biking, one of the most athletic safari versions, provides a unique perspective on the bush. Though up-close encounters are less likely, riding in the bush is an amazing experience and the ideal way to get some exercise in one of the most breathtaking natural settings on earth. Wildlife is comparatively wary of bikes compared to vehicles and horses.
Ol Malo is a great area to go mountain biking because to its low visitor numbers and breathtaking surroundings. You’ll ride two wheels through the bush at your own pace and get up close and personal with knowledgeable guides. Mountain riding is also a great experience at Ol Donyo and Borana Lodge.
Hot air balloon safaris.
For many people, going on a hot air balloon safari is the ultimate dream trip. Take in the breathtaking sight of the sun setting over the horizon while soaring above the plains well before dawn. Observe the animals as they come to life from above.
The majority of hot air balloon rides take an hour or more, and when they return to Earth, they are followed by a champagne breakfast. It’s a morning routine that will never be forgotten!
One of the greatest places to go on a hot air balloon safari is Masai Mara, and Saruni Wild is the ideal place to stay. Although you’ll be near the ballooning launch site, you’ll be far enough away to have an off-grid vacation in the Mara. Because Saruni Wild is located in the Lemek Conservancy, which is home to a wealth of wildlife, you’ll also get to enjoy a game drive to and from the balloon.
What to pack for a safari in Kenya?
Although it can be tempting to over pack, safari vacations offer a very laid-back atmosphere; all you really need is lots of sunscreen and bug repellent, comfortable shoes, light-colored, long-sleeved, loose clothing, a hat, and a camera.
There won’t be much room for luggage if you’re travelling by light aircraft, so only pack what you need.
