What to Expect on a Game Drive

A Typical Day on Safari

Early mornings.

Usually you will be getting up before dark, while it's still cold out and preparing for the drive. Dress in layers, as it warms up quickly after the sun comes up. But remember, you'll be in an open safari vehicle, which can be really cold when you're moving.

Depending on your camp, breakfast could be before you head out, mid-way through the morning, or after you return. But typically, you will get coffee and a snack of some sort - muffins, protein bars or something to take and go.

Then about mid-morning, you'll stop for an actual breakfast. Sometimes it is a packed meal that you may have pre-ordered, and sometimes it's an amazing spread that they prepare for you in the field. Either way, it's a nice way to stretch your legs, peal off layers if it's getting hot, and refresh yourself for the remainder of the drive.

My experience in Kenya is that you'll stop and be back at the lodge, usually by 10:30 or 11. This gives you a block of time to relax, download photos, recharge your phone and get lunch. If you opt for a community visit, guided walk or another cultural visit, this might be the time. (sometimes those are in lieu of a game drive)

Game drive in the afternoon usually starts around 3:00 or 3:30 and depending on where you are, lasts until 6pm or after dark. National parks close at 6pm, and you'll need to be back in camp by then. In conservancies you are able to stay out after dark, offering another side to game drives: Animals after dark just feel so different, so wild, when a lion is staring right at you as he walks past.

In most cases, while out on your afternoon drive, you'll stop for sundowners! Your guide will fix a nice alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink of your choice and like in the morning, you'll have a chance to get out of the vehicle and stretch your legs.

Finally, you'll return to camp, usually just in time for dinner, a bit of time around the campfire, then off to bed.

A note for the women: You'll notice that these drives can last four hours or more at a time. Women often ask how they're supposed to relieve themselves. Often, drivers stock TP in the vehicle, but don't count on it. I always bring some along, including a small bag to dispose of it in, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer or package of wipes. Your driver will look for a safe bush for you to go behind, or in some cases, you just go behind the vehicle. (I hope you've been doing your squats!)

Some women use items such as a "shewee" that allows them to stand while they pee. Other women use a Kula cloth, to avoid having TP.

Guides: Your Expert in the Field

Your driver and, if you have one, your tracker are basically walking encyclopedias of the bush! Use them! They love answering questions because this is what they love. Many have grown up in the bush and know all the animals, plants, trees, bugs, birds and more!

Wildlife Expectations and What Makes a Great Safari

Just remember, though, just because you have an amazing guide, this isn't a zoo, and they can't make animals appear out of nowhere.

In most cases, they are in contact with other guides in the area via radio or cell phone. They kindly alert each other as to what sightings they come across, which will help.

But I can almost guarantee that you will have quiet times, where you wonder why you came here or why you got up so early... then all of a sudden it's crazy. Wildlife sightings are unpredictable, and while overall, it is likely to be amazing, there will be moments of down time and patience matters.

Five things to remember:

• Time with the animals is so important. You're not ticking off a list. Don't rush from sighting to sighting. Rather, watch, wait for what comes next, and experience.

• The quiet moments give you time to reflect. Nature unfolds before you. The peacefulness between sightings can be as rewarding as the exciting ones.

• One great encounter can outweigh many rushed sightings. Give it time and see what happens.

• Being fully present in the moment is golden. No distractions, no texts or calls. Remember what a privilege it is to be here.

• Long after you're gone, what you'll remember is how it all felt. Yes, the animals are amazing, but it's the feeling that stays with you.

And remember, sometimes you just have to put down your camera and enjoy.