A typical day on safari

On foot, from a vehicle or on horseback, watching the animals and birds becomes a ritual. Some guests prefer to stay active, others prefer some quiet bird watching, or just want to spend time relaxing on their verandah, taking in the stunning African views. Every day takes its own shape.

The best times for viewing animals are in the cool hours of the early morning and late afternoon. A typical day on safari is, therefore, as follows:

• Rise early to a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate before departing for a game drive in a 4×4 safari vehicle, or your guided bush walk. It is best to be out on a game drive by 6.30am.
• Breakfast is traditionally taken outside of camp, your guide will stop at a beautiful location to lay out a picnic breakfast, returning to the camp during the late morning before the main heat of the day.
• With a delicious lunch back at camp, this hotter part of the day is a relaxing time; a siesta, or catch up on your journal. Occasionally guests might go out for a full day with a picnic lunch – it all depends on where you are.
• After a cup of afternoon tea and cake or biscuits, set out on an afternoon activity at around 4.00pm – be it a game drive, guided bush walk, horse ride or…
• At sunset your guide will find a perfect spot to watch this dramatic time of day unfold, accompanied by a selection of drinks and ‘bitings’. This activity is fondly known on safari as ‘Sundowners’.
• On the way back to camp, your guide may sometimes use a spotlight to look for unusual nocturnal species. Back at camp – hot showers, sharing stories around the campfire, and candlelit dinner.

Thank you Cheli & Peacock for the article.