Game Drive
Safari Adventure: Into the Heart of the Wild on a Game Drive
when on safari in the Masai Mara, do as the local wildlife does. Most animals are early risers and like to set out for a meal long before the crack of dawn. Accordingly, most safari lodges offer early morning game drives giving you the best opportunity to catch a glimpse of as many animals as possible. Breakfast is either served before the drive, packed for along the way or can be enjoyed upon returning to the property. After a morning safari (which typically lasts two to three hours) you’ll have some downtime and can freshen up for lunch.
After an afternoon nap, some light reading or spotting wildlife in the surroundings you may head back out for an evening game drive at dusk. Naturally it is not all work and no play, to add to your safari experience your lodge may surprise you with a chilled bottle of an excellent fine wine to sip during your sundowner. After an exciting day of safari in the Masai Mara a lovely dinner by campfire awaits. The perfect ending to the perfect day.
Things to carry on the game drives
- Leave your brightly coloured statement items at home and choose instead to pack clothes in muted, understated colours that blend in with safari surroundings
- Pack light fabrics and loose-fitting, quick-drying clothing. Most camps and lodges offer laundry service, so no need to pack much.
- Pack a warm sweater (or jacket) and a scarf. Mornings and evenings can get rather chilly, you won’t want to set off on a game drive without something to keep you warm. If your favorite sweater doesn’t do the trick, most camps provide ‘bush babies’ and blankets.
- Shorts are totally fine to wear during the game drive.
- No need to glam up for your stay at the lodge, casual dress is the norm at safari camps and lodges.
- A flexible hat and a pair of sunglasses with UV protection are a must-have during your trip.
- It may seem like a good idea, but please leave your camo-wear at home. Wearing camouflage or military-themed clothes is considered inappropriate in the Masai Mara and could lead to you being questioned by the local authorities.
- Since you'll be navigating uneven terrain during game walks (and may also encounter some creepy crawlies along the way), we recommend wearing closed-off, lightweight, sturdy footwear with ankle support. It is best if they’ve been worn-in a little and given a test run during a few long walks at home. There’s nothing like ‘new shoe blisters’ to make you feel miserable during a walking safari.
- Curiously enough, it's better to pack a few pairs of thin socks than one pair of thick socks. Wearing several layers of thin socks is actually more comfortable. Visit an outdoor specialty store for more information on the best socks to bring along. They're more important than you would imagine.
