Yesterday began in the pouring rain, in a Jeep, water sloshing everywhere, a scene utterly miserable in every way — but then we stumbled on a huge herd of buffalo … an astonishing sight, especially as so many of them resemble Teddy Roosevelt.

Safari life is bookended by two drives — one early and one late — that maximize the light, minimize the heat, and catch the animals grazing in their natural habitats. We’re up by 5:30, in the jeep by 6am and not back until half past nine when we’re rewarded with a spectacular breakfast. The morning is quiet here at the lodge, where we work, swim and eat lunch on a veranda overlooking a grassy valley where elephants roam. We’re back in the jeep again by 4:30 and not back until after sunset. This is unlike anything else: even though we live in the country and see our occasional share of bears and bobcats, nothing compares to the bounty of this experience.