Hoosier Cruiser

March 20, 2026

We had an early start today for a safari in Tsavo East National Park. A fleet of specialized Toyota Land Cruisers awaited a group of bleary-eyed passengers. The vehicles are 7 passenger plus a driver with a poptop for better viewing and photography once in the park. Being the only solo, I rode shotgun with our driver/guide.

The park is nearly 95 miles from Mombasa. The journey there was on a mostly two lane highway used mainly by large trucks. The pace of travel was frustrating to say the least.

After entering the park, we strained to spot wildlife with the aid of our guide who understandably was much more skilled. If one of the other vehicles stopped, we would pull closer and view whatever had been sighted. Since I could not stand up to view like the six behind me, the guide would take photos with my iphone on his side. The morning drive lasted about two hours and then we broke for lunch at a nearby lodge outside the park.

After lunch we re-entered the park for what was supposed to be a short visit before returning to the ship. I think our guide felt bad about our morning safari and was determined to find some better viewing. We drove to a couple of scenic locations that were evocative of The Lion King but still no Big Five sightings. (Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo).

Near the end of the short safari we did encounter a herd of elephants as well as some solitary males. This was definitely the highlight of the day, but we did see a variety of other wildlife including: Grant’s Gazelles, Hartebeast Antelope, Impala, Oryx, Zebra, Ostrich, and Baboon.

Upon reflection, I decided my notion of a safari was unrealistic. Vast herds of animals roaming the park and being stalked by predators just waiting for our arrival was pure fantasy. The level of expectation needed to be more Forrest Gump-like: “you never know what you’re going to get.”

Next: Madagascar