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When on safari in Africa, expect your daily rhythm to be totally different from everyday life. Expect to disconnect from routine as you rise to the reddish glow of the first light of dawn and gently settle into the purple hues of dusk as the sun bids the moon good evening.
Whether you’re staying for two nights or a week, the ritualistic hum of your safari vehicle will become all too familiar as you roll through the savannahs and grasslands under the expert knowledge of your safari guide in search of the iconic Big Five.
At Discover Africa, we work exclusively with lodges that include the standard game drives as part of your stay. This ensures a seamless experience without unexpected additional costs. It’s part of our commitment to crafting personalised, unforgettable safari itineraries to match your needs and expectations, with 24/7 support from our team.
The quality of your guide will also make all the difference. If you’re on a private guided tour, the experience will be more personal and tailored to your wildlife spotting needs. Ultimately, game drives are at the heart of the safari experience. But it’s certainly not the only thing you’ll do.
Let’s dig into what a typical day in the wild might look like (keep in mind no two lodge experiences are the same), but this is a guide to the immersive safari experience you can expect.
Early Morning: The Prime Time for Wildlife
5:00 AM – Wake-Up Call The day begins before dawn with a gentle wake-up call. At this time, the cool air and soft light provide perfect conditions for wildlife activity. Predators like lions and leopards are finishing their hunts, while herbivores, such as elephants and zebras, begin to stir in the first light of day.
5:30 AM – Light Breakfast A quick, light breakfast with coffee, tea, and a few snacks sets the tone for the morning. You’ll need the energy as you prepare for the first game drive.
6:00 AM – Morning Game Drive As the sun rises over the savannah, you’ll venture out into the wilderness with an expert guide. This is prime time for wildlife viewing. Predators and prey alike are active in the cool dawn, offering excellent opportunities for sightings and photography.
Your guide will help track everything from towering giraffes to elusive leopards, using their extensive knowledge of the animals’ habits and the terrain. Morning game drives typically last three to four hours, with endless opportunities to capture moments of raw nature.
Mid-Morning: Brunch and Relaxation
9:30 AM – Return to the Lodge After an exhilarating few hours, you return to the lodge for a well-deserved brunch. A mix of hot and cold dishes, often featuring fresh, local ingredients, will be waiting for you.
11:00 AM – Leisure Time With the sun climbing higher, the animals retreat to the shade, and it’s your time to rest. Many lodges offer a range of activities during the late morning, such as:
Guided Bush Walks: Experience the African wilderness on foot, where the smaller details of the ecosystem come to life. Your guide will introduce you to plants, insects, and tracks often overlooked on a drive.
Spa Treatments: Unwind with a massage or spa session to recharge.
Swimming: Cool off in the pool, surrounded by breathtaking views of the bush.
Afternoon: Siesta and Lodge Activities
1:00 PM – Lunch A leisurely lunch provides another chance to savour the local flavours. With the heat of the day at its peak, this is a time for conversation and relaxation.
2:00 PM – Siesta or Optional Activities During the hottest hours, both wildlife and guests tend to take a break. A siesta is a great way to recharge, but if you prefer to stay active, lodges often offer cultural visits to nearby villages, birdwatching tours, or craft workshops, giving you insights into the local culture and environment.
READ: Scheduled Safari vs Tailored Safari Tours – Which is Best for You?
Late Afternoon: Game Drives and Sundowners
3:30 PM – Afternoon Tea As the day cools, you’ll gather for tea and snacks before the second game drive.
4:00 PM – Evening Game Drive As the sun begins to dip, the bush comes alive once again. Nocturnal creatures start to emerge, and you may be lucky enough to spot a lion on the move, a herd of elephants crossing the plains, or the stealthy prowl of a leopard.
The golden hour light bathes the landscape, making it an ideal time for photography. Midway through the drive, there’s a cherished safari tradition: sundowners. Here, you pause to enjoy a drink and snacks, watching the sun sink below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
Evening: Dining Under the Stars
7:00 PM – Return to Lodge Back at the lodge, there’s time to freshen up before dinner. The air is filled with the sounds of the night as you prepare to settle into the evening.
7:30 PM – Dinner Dinner is often served under the stars, where the night sky provides a stunning backdrop. Meals are a social affair, with guests and guides sharing stories from the day’s game drives, adding a sense of camaraderie to the safari experience.
9:00 PM – Nightcap and Relaxation After dinner, you may choose to gather around the campfire for a nightcap or take part in a stargazing session. In some lodges, night drives are offered to spot nocturnal animals that are rarely seen during the day.
Night: Falling Asleep to the Sounds of Africa
10:00 PM – Bedtime As the day winds down, you’ll retreat to your tent or room, lulled to sleep by the distant calls of hyenas or the rustle of the wind through the trees. The African wilderness never truly sleeps, and the sounds of the night are a gentle reminder that you’re in one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
Are you curious about the different types of safaris you can choose from? Read this detailed guide to the different safari types available, from walking safaris to gorilla trekking. Then, contact our expert travel advisors, who will help plan the right experience for you.
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Author: Micky Baker
Published: 26 September 2024
Last Update: 3 January 2025