An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you’ll always treasure. As wildlife enthusiasts who binge on nature documentaries, we’d long dreamed of this experience. So, for my 30th birthday, we seized the chance and booked a two-week trip to Zanzibar and Kenya.
Kenya offers many options for an African safari, with the Maasai Mara National Reserve being the most famous. Known for the Maasai tribe and the Great Migration, it’s a top choice for many travelers. However, our best connection to Kenya was through Mombasa, far from these parks. Recalling glowing recommendations from fellow travelers, we opted for Amboseli and Tsavo East instead—and couldn’t have been happier with the decision.
African Safari
Our little misadventure
Now, here’s our little misadventure. We booked our African Safari through a small, highly recommended local operator. Initially, the manager was quick to answer our questions and provided detailed information about their packages. Feeling confident, we booked the Tsavo East and Amboseli package and paid 50% upfront (safaris aren’t cheap!). That’s when things took a turn. We didn’t receive a receipt or even a confirmation email—just the manager’s WhatsApp number. He assured us we’d get the pick-up details once we arrived in Kenya.
After Zanzibar, we traveled to Mombasa and then to Watamu, where our African safari was set to begin. But as departure day approached, we still had no pick-up time. With no internet at our accommodation, we spent the entire day at a local café, anxiously waiting for an update from the operator. Hours passed, and still nothing. Exhausted, we went to bed without answers, unable to relax. Finally, at 1 a.m., a message came through: “Pick-up time is at 3 a.m.” 
AVOID MISADVENTURES
To avoid misadventures like ours, we recommend booking your African safari through a trusted provider. Below, we’ve curated a selection of the most popular safari packages from our reliable partner, Get Your Guide.
African Safari: Tsavo East National Park
The adventure begins
Finally, African Safari began. We met our driver and guide, Babu—a friendly and slightly clumsy man who surprisingly spoke our language. The group in our 4×4 was great, the music was lively, and the vibes were perfect as we hit the road toward our first destination: Tsavo East National Park.
The journey offered a glimpse into Kenya’s diverse landscape: rugged, dusty roads stretched through vast deserts dotted with occasional oases. Along the way, we also saw the country’s harsher realities, passing rural villages with mud houses and no running water—a humbling reminder of the challenges faced by local communities.
A little bit of charity
A few miles into the trip, Babu suggested stopping at a shop to buy flour to distribute to those in need along the way. We all agreed, and for just $10 each, we loaded the jeep with bags of flour.
As we continued, I noticed people waiting by the roadside and asked Babu about it. He explained that villagers walk from their homes to wait for safari jeeps, hoping for supplies. He advised us to give the flour directly to the women, as men and children often sold it instead of using it to feed their families.
It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Seeing children perched on their mothers’ shoulders, full of hope, left us wondering what kind of future awaited them in such challenging circumstances.
The endless trip continues
Our seemingly endless journey to the park included a stop at a local school. Here, we handed over our remaining bags of flour, along with some clothes and money for the director. The school, a privately run institution relying entirely on donations, was in poor condition but clearly a valuable resource for the community. I even gave the pupils a quick English lesson—a skill I felt I was getting better at after my experience in Makunduchi! 
Some group members were starting to feel weary, and I understood their frustration. It was already lunchtime, and we hadn’t reached the park yet. Half the day was gone. Still, the smiles we brought to people along the way made the detours worthwhile. I felt truly inspired by how tourism could positively impact local communities and how small operators and guides like Babu genuinely cared for their less fortunate neighbors.
Tsavo East at last
Finally, we arrived at Tsavo East National Park, greeted by the sign: “Welcome to Tsavo East National Park.” We stopped at the entrance for a quick break and made the most of it by visiting a nearby lake, where crocodiles basked lazily in the sun.
As we continued toward our lodge, a curious family of warthogs watched us closely, and an ostrich casually crossed our path. We soon checked in at Voi Wildlife Lodge and enjoyed a much-needed lunch. The lodge was fantastic, with its restaurant overlooking a serene lake. I was fascinated by the vibrant lizards of all shapes and colors and spent some time observing them up close.
After lunch, we were given some time to rest, so we relaxed by the pool. The highlight? A group of elephants gathering at the lake, just steps away from us. The scene was breathtaking—nature at its finest.
Safari Tsavo East
It was time for our first proper game drive. Tsavo East’s landscape immediately stood out. As one of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks, its alien-like terrain, with red, dusty soil, is unlike any other.
We drove for about an hour, soaking in the scenery, but hadn’t spotted any animals yet. Then, we saw a cluster of jeeps—a clear sign that something exciting was happening. Sure enough, we stumbled upon three lionesses approaching a small pond to drink. We were incredibly close, and it felt like we had hit the jackpot!
On a safari, you never know what to expect. Sometimes the animals are near, sometimes far, so the thrill is in the uncertainty. We were beyond lucky to witness this rare moment up close.
We spent some time watching the lionesses, but eventually, it was time to move on. During our game drive, we also spotted plenty of impalas and a large herd of red-dusted elephants. These elephants love rolling in the red soil, leaving them completely coated in a vibrant hue. As the light began to fade, we headed back to the lodge.
But we weren’t ready to call it a day just yet. We decided to take a stroll along the path behind the lodge, leading to a small lake. From the top of the path, we had a perfect view of the animals drinking by the water—and spotted a hippo making his way back into the lake. We watched him up close, but as it was getting dark, our photos didn’t come out as clearly as we’d hoped.
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African Safari: Amboseli National Park
Amboseli Game Ride
We then moved on to Amboseli National Park.
As soon as we entered, we spotted two giraffes up close. We checked into AA Lodge Amboseli, a recently renovated spot with beautiful cottages overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro. The lunch was good, but we didn’t linger long—we were eager to explore the park.
Our game drive began, and this one might have been the coolest. We quickly came across a group of wildebeests and two more giraffes up close. Above us, a group of vultures perched on a bare tree, quietly waiting for their next meal. We made plenty of stops to snap photos of the animals and the stunning landscape.
I was hoping for something special. My eyes were scanning the trees, where leopards often hide, and I had a feeling one would appear soon. Instead, on the edge of our path, I spotted a solitary hyena.
Amboseli: A magic atmosphere
We drove past a watering hole teeming with pink flamingos—such a stunning sight. We paused to take it all in. The park’s colors and atmosphere were surreal. Soon after, we noticed a storm approaching, which blended perfectly with the landscape.
Then, we heard trumpeting and rushed uphill, downhill, and suddenly—there they were: a large herd of elephants. Other jeeps gathered, but the elephants were clearly agitated, so we kept our distance. Using binoculars, we spotted a group of lions, including an adult male, lying further away. The elephants, disturbed by their presence, were retreating. Sadly, the lions were out of our reach, and our cameras couldn’t capture the scene. I would have loved a closer view of the male lion.
On our way back to the lodge, we passed a herd of zebras and gazelles. Then, a buffalo herd blocked our path, as if telling us not to leave. We paused for more photos, but I really didn’t want the day to end. Just outside the lodge, we had one last chance to snap photos of zebras and an ostrich. Unfortunately, the day had come to a close, and our safari was winding down.
The end of our safari
The next morning, we rose early (as usual) to catch the sunrise and photograph the stunning scenery with Mount Kilimanjaro in the backdrop. After taking some group photos, we set off on our final game drive.
We arrived at a large water reserve, where we spotted various birds, elephants, wildebeests, monkeys, and gazelles. While we couldn’t identify all the birds, we especially remembered the grey crowned cranes, a hawk, and a striking secretary bird. Although it wasn’t the leopard I had hoped for, this bird marked the end of our tour.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience—one I’ll cherish forever. Words can hardly capture the emotions of such a trip.
On the way back, we stopped in Voi village for lunch. The atmosphere was more relaxed than ever, and by then, we had all become great friends. We’re still in touch with the group and try to meet up whenever we can, no matter where we are in the world.
The misadventures continue...
It was time to go, but as we boarded the jeep, Babu noticed an issue with the steering wheel. We had no choice but to visit a mechanic. They said they’d try to fix it, but couldn’t guarantee it. The agency assured us they’d send help, as other jeeps were heading back to Watamu.
Guess what? No one showed up. We were stuck with the same driver, same jeep, and same group. All we could do was wait. We took a walk around the village, but honestly, there wasn’t much to see or do.
Three hours later, the mechanics finished their work. They advised driving slowly since the wheel was still a bit loose. But did Babu listen? Of course not. He sped off like crazy, overtaking other cars as if he couldn’t wait to get home.
We said goodbye to Babu, the best driver ever 
, and a see-you-soon to the rest of the group.
Time for Conclusions...
Our African safari experience ended there. One thing to keep in mind next time is to spend more days on safari, given all the unexpected events that can arise. We split our trip between relaxation on the beaches and adventure, but once again, there’s never enough time to do it all.
The safari was the highlight of our trip. After years of watching documentaries, it was thrilling to see those wild animals in person. Despite the misadventures, we left with unforgettable memories of our Kenyan safari and can’t wait for the next one.
Items to Pack for Your African Safari
An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget. You’re probably already excited about your upcoming trip, but unsure of what to pack. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a list of safari must-haves to ensure you get the most out of your adventure.
1. A good DSLR camera
The number one must-have for your safari is a quality camera. Since you’ll be observing animals from a distance, a semi-professional camera with a good zoom is essential. While phones can capture decent shots, they lack the zoom power and advanced features of dedicated cameras. We recommend the Canon EOS Rebel T7 with an 18-55mm zoom lens to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife you’ll encounter.
2. Backpack
A small backpack or bag is essential for carrying your daily necessities like water, tissues, sun cream, and other essentials. It ensures you have everything you need conveniently at hand throughout your adventures.
3. Water bottle
A water bottle is essential for your safari. Skip the plastic bottles, as the heat can make your water taste unpleasant and isn’t the healthiest option. Instead, choose a vacuum-insulated bottle to keep your water cool and fresh. It’s lightweight and easy to carry. While the tour organizer will provide water, using a reusable bottle helps reduce plastic waste.
4. Sun protection
Another must-have to protect you from the African heat is sun cream. We prefer environmentally friendly, bio-certified products, which are healthier for your skin and better for the ocean. We’ve been using Sun Care Organic – Alga Maris from Laboratoires de Biarritz for years and are very happy with it.
5. Runners
Although you’ll encounter dry and rocky landscapes, you won’t be walking much. Instead, you’ll spend hours in a jeep, so comfort is key. Bring your most comfortable pair of runners instead of hiking boots.
6. Flip flops and towel
Most lodges have pools where you can unwind. If your lodge has one, make the most of it. After a day in the heat and sand, a swim will be exactly what you need. A microfiber towel is ideal in this situation as it takes up less space and dries quickly.
7. Light clothes
Your change of clothes will depend on the number of days you’ll be on safari. Generally, days are warm, but evenings can get chilly. Pack shorts and T-shirts/vests for the daytime, as well as light track-suit bottoms and a jumper for early morning game drives.
8. Power bank
While you won’t spend much time on your cell phone, having a power bank is essential. It can prevent your phone and camera from dying. Make sure to bring your camera charger as well and keep both items in your everyday bag.
9. Toiletries
You probably won’t bring your main backpack on a safari, but don’t forget your toiletries!
10. Binocular
As mentioned, you’ll often see animals from a distance on safari, so binoculars are essential. They needn’t be expensive; affordable options like Kylietech High Power Binoculars are available.
Want to read more about our trip? Check this out:
7 Days in Zanzibar: Stone Town, Best Beaches and Much More
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