There’s a kind of nostalgia that doesn’t fade with time—it quietly lodges itself deep within the soul, resurfacing without warning. It catches you off guard, brings a sudden rush of tears, and yet it soothes. That’s the longing for Africa. A genuine, almost spiritual homesickness.
And I’ve lived with it for years.
It started long before I ever set foot on the continent. As a teenager, I devoured Wilbur Smith novels late into the night. I dreamed of river crossings, savannah skies, and characters with dust on their boots and courage in their hearts. Long before I could afford to travel, I was already aching for Africa. That ache, that pull, never left me.
Years later, when I finally travelled to Kenya, the longing transformed into something tangible—red earth, endless horizons, and the unfiltered beauty of wildlife in its natural rhythm.
From Opera Houses to the Open Plains
I remember returning to Europe after my first safari, still trailing the scent of acacia trees and the hush of campfire nights. Back at the Palau de les Arts in Valencia, surrounded by costumes and the pursuit of perfection, I felt disoriented. The stage that once thrilled me now seemed artificial. My time in the bush had changed something fundamental in me.
I longed not just for Africa, but for a life that felt real again.
Midnight Journey: Malindi to Tsavo
That longing first became real on a midnight bus ride from Malindi toward the savannah. Crammed into an ageing school bus packed with people, produce, and goats, I travelled deep into Kenya’s interior. Through remote villages, baobab groves, and thorny tamarind trees, the journey became a visceral introduction to the African way of moving through life.
We drove under the stars—black skies so vast they pressed down, magnifying every whisper. I saw schoolchildren walking miles in darkness. I felt the continent’s pulse: raw, immediate, alive.
Tsavo East: The Red Heart of Kenya
My own ‘Africa sickness’ is intimately tied to Tsavo East National Park, one of the largest and oldest wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya. Established in 1948, Tsavo East spans over 13,700 km² and is known for its:
- Rust-red elephants dusted in iron-rich soil
- Expansive savannah landscapes
- Dramatic volcanic features, like the Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow
- Abundant wildlife including lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 species of birds
- The meandering Galana River, lined with doum palms and crocodile-filled pools
Roughly two-thirds of the park is dedicated to conservation and scientific research, preserving its wild essence for future generations.
Planning a Safari in Tsavo: A Practical Guide
When to Go:
- Dry season (June–October) offers the best wildlife visibility
- Short rains (November–December) bring lush greenery and fewer crowds
How to Get There:
- Fly into Moi International Airport (Mombasa) or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)
- From Mombasa or Nairobi, you can drive (4–6 hours) or take the SGR train to Voi, then connect by road to your lodge
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: Satao Camp, Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Voi Safari Lodge
- Mid-range: Manyatta Camp, Ndololo Camp
- Budget: KWS Bandas or eco-camps near park gates
What to Pack:
- Neutral-coloured clothing (avoid bright colours and camouflage)
- Wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Binoculars and a zoom lens for photography
- Insect repellent and a basic first-aid kit
- Fleece or jacket for chilly mornings
- Malaria prophylaxis (consult your travel doctor)
What to Expect:
- Dawn and dusk game drives
- Dusty roads and occasional bumpy tracks
- Candle-lit dinners and stories shared under star-filled skies
- Wildlife encounters both epic and intimate
A Journey That Changes You
A safari isn’t just about spotting the Big Five. It’s about rhythm and stillness, about tuning in to the sound of wind through the grass or the call of a distant hornbill. It’s about rediscovering awe.
Africa humbles you. It slows you down. It changes how you move and what you notice.
On my last evening in Tsavo, I watched the sun set behind an acacia silhouette, and the longing returned—stronger, fiercer. The kind of feeling that makes you want to stay forever, or return as soon as possible.
A Longing That Lingers
My love for Africa has never faded. It remains lodged in my chest like a heartbeat out of sync with the rest of the world.
It flares up when I hear certain drumbeats, smell red earth after rain, or see light fall across dry grass.
It is a rare gift. A slow-burning desire that keeps me grounded—and dreaming.
Until I can go back.
Next Safari: Tanzania
My next safari will take me to Tanzania—a dream I’ve held close for years and one I’m finally about to realise. This journey feels even more meaningful because I’ve chosen to travel with Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris, a locally owned, Arusha-based company known for its excellence, sustainability, and deep connection to the land.
From the Great Migration in the Serengeti to photographic safaris, private group adventures, honeymoon itineraries, and even treks up Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, Foot Slopes crafts bespoke experiences that are as responsible as they are unforgettable. Their commitment to local communities and genuine hospitality ensures a journey that resonates far beyond the final game drive.
I can’t wait to share this next African chapter with you—stay tuned!
