Our safari started in the afternoon with a 3pm train ride to the tourist town of Voi in Taita-Taveta County.

The train station was magnificent with several restaurants where we could have a snack. There was a big lounge where everyone sat and relaxed.

The train traversed through the beautiful landscapes of Tsavo National Park. We saw warthogs, gazelle, dik-dik, guinea fowl, baboons, zebras and a pack of wild dogs.

It was very exciting. We knew there was more to come as we settled in the hotel for the night.

We woke up early to beautiful views of the hills surrounding the town. A tour van picked us up from our hotel and off we went.

We could even see Mt. Kilimanjaro as we went into the dry and dusty savannah wilderness.

Our first stop was at an open field where we came across a lone rhinoceros.

When we moved closer, he was alert. He looked at us keenly. Then, slowly, he turned around and walked towards a mud pit.

Our guide explained that the rhinos like to cover themselves in mud. This way, they get rid of pests on their skin and keep themselves cool from the scorching sun.

The huge rhino dipped himself in a mud pond and sank in slowly. It looked so refreshing for him.

We moved on, coming across several other small animals. And then, there was a huge herd of buffaloes.

The buffalo calves were standing under their mothers. Our guide told us that is how they get protection from the hot sun and stay hidden from predators.

The buffalos were grazing on the beautiful brown grass, chewing lazily in what seemed to be slow motion.

They seemed to be enjoying themselves. Buffalo horns can be as wide as the height of a grown man.

A huge roar was heard and, suddenly, commotion ensued from the herd. On the far end, we saw dust and animals running in all directions.

What a spectacular sight it was! A huge male lion was chasing after a wildebeest and it soon pounced on it. Our guide told us this was rare as the lionesses hunt for the pride.

The wildlife service was conducting a census of all the animals. They passed overhead in green helicopters with rangers and scientists collecting data.

The census is conducted every three years to establish the wildlife population.

The lion dragged its kill to a nearby acacia tree.

A leopard sat inconspicuously on a branch of the tree. He had a menacing look in his eyes.

"The leopard is a solitary predator and encounters with its kind are always violent," said our guide.

It was now late afternoon and many animals had gathered near the watering holes to drink and play.

Big elephants drank and sprayed water on themselves to cool down. They were magnificent.

We spent over an hour looking at them without getting bored.

The sun was fading behind the hills as we drove towards the park gate to make it before it got dark. Visitors are not allowed in the park after dark.

We left the animals behind and what a beautiful day it was!

We were soon at the Sala Park gate, near the coastal town of Malindi.

We were spending our night in Malindi before travelling back home.

1. What animals are the Big 5?

2. Name the parks in your country.

3. Which is your favourite animal?

4. What is a census?

5. Why do you think visitors are not allowed in the park after dark?