5.00 to 6.00 am - Wake up with the animals
Early morning wake-up call - get up with the animals to see animals! Most game-viewing activities occur early morning and late afternoon, when the light is rich and animals are not hiding from the searing midday sun. You'll be woken in your room or tent by staff bringing tea or coffee (place your order the night before) and a basin of hot water for washing (if you don't have running water). Alternatively, hot drinks and rusks might be served in the dining area or round the fire before the morning's game drive or safari walk.
6.00 to 9.00 am - Morning game activities 
The guides will show you the best of the area. Be sure to ask if you have any special requests to see particular places or species. Water and soft drinks - sometimes coffee and rusks - are carried on board. On cold mornings, the game drive may occur a little later, after an early breakfast, when the day is warming up.
9.00 to 10.00 am - Breakfast
Breakfast is the first self-control test of the day. Large amounts of good food will be laid before you, but as safari life is relatively inactive (unless you're on a walking safari), several days in camp can feel like a premeditated assault on your waistline. Expect a buffet of cereals, fruit, toast, and "The full bacon-and-eggs Monty," cooked to order.
10.00 to 12.30 pm - Free time 
Tempting as it may be, you can't go wandering off into the bush on your own. Most camps or lodges have a small library containing reference books about the bush and wildlife, and possibly novels left by other guests, but it's advisable to take a couple of your own books. You could play cards or use the time for things you don't normally have time to do, such as sketching. This is an excellent time for bird watching, as camps are usually constructed in the shade of trees. Many also overlook waterholes and there may be a hide you could sit at. You'll be surprised how good the game viewing can be at this time. It may seem like a void at first, but you soon appreciate having this free time structured into your day.
12.30 to 1.30 pm - Lunch
Meals are at set times due to the obvious logistical constraints of preparing feasts over a fire in the bush and of keeping prepared food fresh. Lunch usually comprises a buffet including soup, salads, bread and a choice of puddings. Meals are also a nice chance to mix with other guests. Some camps arrange a special honeymoon meal as a one-off treat, so newly-weds can eat in a private (but safe) spot surrounded only by wilderness.
1.30 to 3.30 pm - Siesta time
When the heat haze rises, cicadas screech and light becomes blinding, all sane living things head for cover. It's siesta time. If it's really hot and you don't have a fan, try lying beneath a damp sarong or towel to keep cool. Some lodges will have a swimming pool or individual plunge pools to help you cool off. Alternatively, savour the peace and carry on sketching, reading or playing cards. Most tents and rooms have private balconies where you can relax in peace.
3.30 to 4.00 pm - Afternoon tea
Mid-afternoon, staff will alert you by knocking discreetly. If you have a bucket shower, they may bring warm water now so you are fresh for afternoon tea. You're likely to be offered cake or biscuits or a spread of savories may be served.
4.30 to 7.00 pm - Game drive 
Evening game drive or walk - a chance to search for a particular species you haven't yet seen, or perhaps follow the progress of a pride or herd spotted earlier. Guides usually find a scenic viewing spot for sundowners. Dusk is short and darkness comes quickly in Africa, so by the time you're driving back to camp, you'll probably be using a spotlight to pick out animals' luminous eyes and shadowy forms – you might just spot a jackal or hyena! Watching the movements of these nocturnal creatures gives you new appreciation for night vision!
7.30 - 10.00 pm - Dinner time
There'll be a short time for getting changed and having aperitifs round the campfire. Dinner is usually candle-lit and can be al fresco or within an open-sided dining area. Three courses is the norm. There may be a choice of two dishes, or there will be a buffet-style dinner. Most lodges are very good at providing a wide-ranging menu during your stay. The food in most camps is excellent, but do tell the camp manager if you have any specific dietary requirements or dislikes. Dress codes vary between camps; smart-casual is usually appropriate.
10.00 - late - Winding down
The most interesting conversations take place over drinks around the fire. Revelry can continue into the night if people are feeling boisterous (staff will stay up as late as you want), but often it feels natural to sleep early, following the rhythms of the bush. In unlit camps, guests may be given torches or a lantern for finding their way to their tents, or they may be escorted. By special request, or if there has been an interesting sighting in the area, there may be a night drive. An informed guide may give you a lesson in Africa's incredible stars. Fall asleep to the chorus of the bush. And while animals generally don't pass through camp during daytime, they may well do so in darkness, keeping you guessing as to which footprints will appear overnight.
Now that you know what a day on Kenya safari looks like, why not start planning your own trip? Click here to go to the Planning & Preparation page.
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