On safari in Kenya's Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park 

This is it. A moment I've been waiting for — my first game drive in an East African national park.

After a close encounter with a few baboons during our lunch stop at the park gates, I was itching to see what animals we would find inside Kenya's Lake Nakuru National Park. 

Rhino in Lake Nakuru National Park 
Located 140 km northwest of Nairobi in central Kenya, the park has 56 different species including the white rhino, water buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hyenas and a variety of terrestrial birds. Growing up, I had watched numerous wildlife documentaries on Africa's exotic wildlife, leaving images of lions and leopards chasing impalas dancing around my head. I'm not sure what to expect as our truck begins to snake its way through the windy road encompassed by giant trees. 
A smile is permanently glued to my face once I get my first glimpse of a heard of water buffalo and zebra (which I later learn are very common). But it isn't until our guide yells "rhino!" that my excitement goes into overdrive. 
In the distance I can see the massive animal standing by it's lonesome under some trees near the peaceful lake. It moves slowly, seemingly unaware there is a truck with 20 people pressed anxiously against the windows. Armed with cameras, we jockey for position, everyone eager to get a good shot of the prehistoric looking beast. But without the proper equipment, it's nearly impossible for the animal not to look like a fuzzy grey blob standing by some trees on my camera screen. 

It's the same story for the lone giraffe we later saw grazing on acacia trees far off in the distance, and the three other rhinos that grace our presence far from the road. I can't help but feel disappointed as we set up our tents in the park to spend the night, listening to the sounds of Kenya's wildlife. 

The next day luck is one our side. Not long into the game drive, three rhinos are standing on the road, sending a frenzy of excitement throughout the truck. They watch us closely for a few minutes before retreating to the shelter of the trees. Shortly after, we come across seven giraffes leisurely grazing on acacia trees a few feet from the road. Their long necks move gracefully as they reach for the top branches lined with thorns.

I'm tingling with excitement, frantically switching cameras and lens to capture the incredible moment. I can't wait to experience the excitement the next game drive will bring. There's nothing like seeing these incredible animals in the wild. 

Water buffalo in Lake Nakuru National Park