A game drive experience in Kenya

Although I have enjoyed a wide range of travel experiences over the years, both daunting and thrilling, my visit to the Nairobi National Park humbled me, reinforcing the profound interconnectedness of all creatures in a meticulously balanced food chain for survival.

Kenyans take pride in this national park, as it boasts being the only game reserve in proximity to a bustling metropolis. Established in 1946, long before the trend of preserving endangered species gained popularity, the park was originally founded, in part, to protect endangered species. During my recent game drive on National Tree Planting Day, families had the opportunity to explore designated walk-around sections of the 117 square kilometre park.

The game area is not suitable for pedestrians due to the presence of over 100 mammals, some of which are dangerous, such as the hippo, known to cause more human fatalities across Africa annually than any other species. Access to the hot zone is exclusive to vehicles, ideally those specifically designed for safaris with an open protective top, perfect for observation and photography.

Specific sightings in Nairobi National Park are not guaranteed, and very much depend on factors like luck, time of day, and the season. But, upon entry, a captivating show begins. Our initial encounters included groups of gazelle and impala grazing in the grasslands, their colour and their markings blended seamlessly with the environment for effective camouflage against predators.

As we drive deeper into the park, the sightings grew more abundant. Buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, baboons and giraffes strutted around the landscape. Each new sighting prompted a moment of celebration, exclamations of ‘wow,’ enthusiastic cheers, and even the occasional ‘OMG’ scream, as if we had collectively struck the jackpot.

Certain sightings were truly extraordinary, captivating not only us, but even the seasoned guide and driver, Douglas. His expertise and excitement were evident, especially during our observations of the white rhinoceros, an endangered species. Douglas, a Nairobi native in his 30s, adheres strictly to park rules and boasts eight years of wildlife experience. His wealth of knowledge enriched our experience, offering detailed insights into both white and black rhinoceros behaviour and conservation.

Suddenly, during our ride, a hungry brown lioness emerged, strolling majestically along the dirt track. Douglas explained that she was likely on the hunt, searching for prey to bring back to the den for her cubs. The rainy season is bad news for lions as their prey become stronger, faster and even harder to catch. Intrigued, I eagerly rose from my seat, peering through the enclosure to observe the king of the jungle.

The spectacle continued without pause. I found myself captivated by an ostrich family delicately feasting on something in the grass. Douglas shared that an ostrich egg can feed a family of eight. Additionally, he mentioned the availability of ostrich and crocodile meats at Carnivore, a nearby restaurant known for serving game meats and premium cuts after the game ride.

The park’s grand finale was the spectacle of a cheetah swiftly taking down a male impala. Without any recipe, seasonings or preparation time, the cheetah devoured the bloody entrails before a captivated audience. The female killer graciously invited her cub to partake, while the mother maintained a watchful eye from a strategic distance. Given the risk of losing the prize to a stronger prey, the meal had to be swift and opportunistic.

On a less-pleasant note, two park rangers we spoke with hastily departed to apprehend unruly guests who had driven their vehicle into a restricted area. To make matters worse, the individuals were wandering in the hot zone outside the vehicle, a strict violation for obvious safety reasons. The outcome of the situation was unknown to us, but it seemed likely that the individuals were curious and overly enthusiastic tourists who, at times, overlook rules and regulations while travelling.

As the game drive concluded, I, like many participants, reflected on this remarkable experience. In a world where safaris are often prohibitively expensive, it’s commendable that the Kenyan government has maintained affordable safari prices. This accessibility ensures that ordinary Kenyans and their families can revel in the natural wonders of their homeland without shouldering the burden of a national debt.