Spotlight On Richard Coke

Is there something you are passionate about besides safaris?

Absolutely. Travel is a major passion of mine. I love immersing myself in different cultures and exploring new places, seeking to understand how people live and interact with their environment. Each place has its own unique rhythm, whether it’s the quiet moments drinking maté with gauchos on the horse trails of Patagonia, the streets buzzing with athletes and adventurers in Chamonix or the vibrant, multicultural streets of New York City.

Any hobbies you pursue?

One of my favorite hobbies is climbing, both sport climbing and alpinism. Even though I have a fear of heights, I’ve always admired the skill and courage of climbers. It was when my partner introduced me to climbing in the Cederberg Mountains that my interest was really sparked. There’s something about touching those ancient sandstone rock formations and being out in nature that’s really special. This passion led me to take on bigger challenges, like climbing in the Alps, where the tough conditions pushed me to discover new things about myself and my limits.

If you could be any African wildlife species for a day, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose to be a Bateleur Eagle. The idea of soaring through the sky has always fascinated me. Throughout my years as a guide, I’ve found myself mesmerized by these magnificent birds of prey. They are among the first to ascend into the morning sky and are captivating with their majestic flight.

What’s particularly intriguing about Bateleur Eagles is their unique way of flying. They lack a well-developed tail, so they must rely heavily on their wings for balance—much like a tightrope walker navigating a slender rope. This adaptation makes their flight seem like an elegant, delicate dance in the air.

These eagles are also incredibly efficient in their energy use. They can rise just 20 or 30 meters above the ground and glide effortlessly, barely needing to flap their wings. They spend their days cruising over the landscapes, scanning for carrion. The thought of being able to glide at such heights, observing the world silently from above, seems like the ultimate freedom.

What’s the most amusing or unexpected encounter you’ve had with an animal while on safari?

One of my most memorable and amusing encounters occurred while fly camping in Shaba National Park in northern Kenya, a stunningly beautiful location. One afternoon, while my guests were exploring the area by helicopter, I decided to scout out a potential sundowner spot near a rocky outcrop along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.

While walking through the bush, I was particularly wary of buffalo, especially the “dagger boys”—old, solitary males known for their unpredictable nature. As I approached a gully, I unintentionally spooked three of these buffalos. The sudden noise of them taking off startled me, and as soon as I identified the threat, I didn’t hesitate. I dashed to the nearest tree, about 10 to 15 meters away, which I had thankfully noted moments earlier.

Climbing up to the safety of the fork, I watched as two of the buffalos headed towards the river, but the third charged towards me. There we were, just looking at each other while I was perched in the tree. Despite my heart racing, the situation was so surreal that I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. After a tense moment, a shout from me was enough to turn the buffalo around, and it finally followed its companions towards the river. This unexpected face-off was not only a heart-pounding experience but also a humorous reminder of the unpredictability of the wilderness.

If you could invite any historical figure, alive or not, on a safari, who would it be and what animals would you hope they would encounter?

I would choose one of my distant relatives, Lt. Col. The Hon. Wenman Coke, nephew of the agricultural reformer Thomas William Coke, who explored East Africa during the late 19th century. Wenman’s adventures across Somalia, Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania, during a time of significant change and exploration, continue to fascinate me to this day.

As a traditionalist at heart, I imagine that accompanying him on a safari would offer a phenomenal window into both the past and the natural world as it was during his travels. Specifically, I’d like him to encounter the Kongoni, an antelope also known as Coke’s hartebeest. This species, found in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, was named after him in the 1880s, after he brought the first full specimen back to Europe.

It would be a safari not just through space, but through time, reconnecting with the adventurous spirits of my ancestors.

If you were stranded in the wild for a day with only three items, what would they be?

First, I’d take a pair of binoculars. They’re crucial for spotting any potential dangers from a distance, allowing me to make informed decisions about my movements and ensuring my safety in the bush.

The second item would be a kikoy, a versatile piece of cloth that is incredibly useful in a variety of situations. Not only can you sift water through it to drink, but you can also wet it to keep cool under the sun. Its colorful nature also makes it a potential signal for rescue.

Lastly, I would not forget my Leatherman. It’s an indispensable tool in the wilderness—perfect for cutting vegetation, preparing wood for a fire, making rope or even fashioning a spear for protection or hunting. 

What’s the quirkiest or most interesting wildlife behavior you’ve ever observed during a safari?

One of the most interesting—and indeed intense—wildlife behaviors I’ve ever witnessed occurred during a dramatic interaction between lions on a safari. We observed six male lions over about half an hour, which was not only intriguing but turned out to be one of the most emotionally powerful experiences I’ve encountered in the wild.

The incident involved a territorial dispute where three lions chased another trio out of their territory. We followed the tracks and eventually found three of the lions resting, panting heavily after the chase. After catching their breath, they began returning into the core of their territory, and stumbled upon one of the lions from the opposing group who had been separated during the initial chase.

The ensuing scene was chaotic and violent as the three lions attacked the lone male. The confrontation was so intense that it brought some of my guests to tears, yet they were completely captivated by the raw and unfettered nature of the interaction. Ultimately, the single male lion succumbed to his injuries, although not before inflicting wounds on two of his attackers.

This encounter was a stark reminder of the brutal realities of life in the wild and highlighted the fierce territorial instincts of lions.

If you had to give a safari animal a personality trait, which one would you make the “class clown” of the animal kingdom, and why?

The warthog immediately springs to mind as the “class clown” of the animal kingdom. They have a quirky and somewhat comical appearance, with their long faces, tiny eyes that always seem to express surprise, and their distinctive way of trotting through the bush with tails held high, often lined up one behind the other. This sight alone can bring a smile to anyone’s face.

What truly cements their status as the class clown, however, is their unusual behavior. Warthogs are often seen kneeling to dig up roots, a feeding habit that appears both awkward and endearing. Initially, many people might find warthogs rather ungainly or even ugly, but as they observe these animals more, they often grow to love them for their unique character and resilience. They’re not only strong but also surprisingly challenging to catch, and their piglets are among the cutest of any safari animal babies.

If animals could talk, which one do you think would have the most fascinating stories to share from the savannah?

It would undoubtedly be the baboon. Baboons are incredibly successful primates, second only to humans in terms of their adaptability, and spread across diverse environments. They thrive in a range of habitats—from the arid deserts to lush montane forests across sub-Saharan Africa, making their experiences uniquely broad.

What makes baboons particularly interesting is their dual life, spending time both on the ground and up in trees. This lifestyle gives them a unique perspective on the world, allowing them to observe various species of mammals, insects, reptiles, and birds from different vantage points. Their interactions with these creatures, coupled with their ability to see great distances from atop trees or rocky outcrops, would fill their stories with intricate details of their bush life.