Congratulations, you’ve decided to go on safari, but what does a typical day on safari look like? Going on an African safari is without a doubt the most unforgettable adventure. There’s something magical about seeing wildlife in their natural habitat for the first time. However, if this is your first safari, you may be wondering what a typical safari day on safari entails. This quick guide offers insight into a typical day on safari in Africa.
An early start to your day
An early start necessitates an early wake-up call. The staff at your chosen lodge will serve tea and biscuits at around 6 a.m. After your early morning tea, you depart for a morning game drive at sunrise. This is generally the best time to see wildlife because the weather is cool and the animals are still active after a night of hunting.
Morning game drives
Morning game drives usually commence at around 6.30 a.m. Along with your guide, you will drive into the bush in a 4WD safari vehicle while keeping a lookout for wildlife. Please note that it tends to be chilly in the early mornings and late at night because game drives are in open vehicles. The mild weather keeps animals active, including big cats that are coming home following a night of hunting.
Though blankets are often supplied, we recommend wearing layers of clothing and sunscreen and bringing along rain gear. To determine where the animals are gathered, your guide will examine the trails, sounds, and sights. During your guided game drive, the professional guide will point out resident wildlife within the area, including large game, smaller animals, birdlife and plant species. The morning activities typically last three or four hours, depending on the game being watched.
Time to relax
The safari days are planned around the heat of the day because the animals are most active in the morning and evening. After spending a few hours on safari in the early morning, you return to your camp or lodge in time for a hearty breakfast. During the warmest time of day between mid-morning and mid-afternoon, you can enjoy some time at the lodge or camp. Guests can unwind after breakfast, escape into the page of a book, relax at the spa or lounge around the pool if your lodge has one. A safari holiday provides a unique opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and get back in touch with nature.
Afternoon game drives
By 3 or 4 p.m., as the heat begins to subside, you’ll have tea and snacks before leaving on an afternoon game drive. During a typical day on safari, your guide will make sure you see as much as possible. Each ranger is in contact with other vehicles about locations of sightings. Much like morning game drives, afternoons are the best time to spot wildlife as predatory animals start to stir after sleeping in the shade during the warmest portion of the day. The length of the game drive may extend into the early evening, depending on where you are staying.
Afternoon game drives are perfect for sundowners while watching the sun set and the bush come to life. While searching for more elusive nocturnal creatures and big cat species like lions and leopards, a strong floodlight is often used.
Evening and dinner
As dusk falls, the predatory animals awaken from their midday nap, and their prey equally becomes more active and vigilant. To arrive in time for a shower, pre-dinner drinks, and supper, vehicles normally return just before it gets dark. Drinks around the campfire are a common way to end the day while warming the toes and exchanging safari tales.
Night game drives
You may occasionally have the opportunity to go on a night game drive. Vehicles are outfitted with powerful spotlights and expert trackers who will usually spot any wildlife before you. This is frequently the best time to spot the elusive leopard, which is usually high up in a tree. A night game drive provides an entirely new perspective on the bush and is an unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking the ultimate safari experience, check out these safaris across Africa.
