African Safari

Kenya Silole National Park 11 October 2017

Big George, Oldest Giraffe Proud Zebra Stallion The Impala out Grazing

It was a clear bright day. We started early in the morning from the cottage we had taken right in the middle of the Savannah. We had moved in the night before to watch the animals, when they come out to graze. As soon as we entered the gate of the Safari, we were met by Giraffes feeding on the bushes. Soon two ostriches were seen chasing each other. Then the Wildebeests came out in herds. The zebras were seen in families, one foal was feeding, while the mare grazed nonchalantly, the proud stallion strutted about. I was beyond myself with excitement! I had never seen these animals before except on National Geographic channel on TV and here they were in flesh and blood, just meters away from me! My camera went click, click, click!!!

And then the magnificent Thomson’s Gazelle appeared:


It was such a pretty sight!

All manners of antelopes grazed away merrily: The wildebeests, the gazelles, the topi and then we noticed the family of impalas, strolling, looking for grass to graze upon and basking in the gentle morning sun!


The wildebeests are such funny but fascinating animals. I was reminded of the documentary, ”The March of the Wildebeests”, how they clamor one after another to cross the river, many losing their lives to the crocodiles waiting to devour them! But, they keep going as if possessed! The wild African bull, was it not a magnificent sight? They were gathered near the watering hole, bathing drinking water and in general having a nice morning outing! This one was magnificent, formidable and proud!


Then when we had almost given up the hope of seeing a Lion, because we had started a little late (lions come out to hunt very early), there crouching in a bush, looking for something was a lioness! She seemed to be searching for something! Then she came out of the bush, as if to oblige us, she was majestic, healthy, a bit too healthy, I thought! Till I noticed, she was actually pregnant and probably looking for suitable places to lay her litter! Our quest for the day was over, we had spotted the king, or rather the queen, of the jungle. Though shy and elusive, she was oblivious of being just meters away from our jeep. Even the churring of the engine did not worry her a bit. We watched till she found her spot and disappeared into the bushes, but not before obliging us with a good look at her form.

I must say, I have been singularly lucky with lions! On my very first Safari in Sasan Gir forest, Gujarat, I had been able to spot a lioness. The jeep guards, accompanying me, told me that people do not notice lions for weeks together…


Then we came across Big George, our guide and owner of the Park told us that George was the oldest Giraffe in the park. No wonder he hardly moved, but kept posing for us, he must be used to all the attention, saying to himself. I have seen life, children, you cannot intimidate me!

We said good bye to old George and since it was already getting late we returned to our cottage, on the way catching a few magnificent starling, the beautifully plumed birds, endemic to the East African region.


Unwillingly, but completely fulfilled, we returned, just before the stormy clouds gathered. It was so dry for so many days that it was a welcome change, the animals who were parched, many ready to drop off, were suddenly revived! I am told, the desert comes alive, in minutes after the rain, the flowers bloom, the grass blades become green, little buds sprout on the branches of bushes and trees, the whole savannah is revived! And so were we! Driving back to Nairobi in the night was so pleasant, enriched, fulfilled, and high on excitement of the day! It was a most satisfying, enchanting, and fascinating experience to be cherished forever!

Author: Zoya Zaidi, MD (Honors), Moscow,
Aligarh (UP), India
Photos by and copyright: Zoya Zaidi