A Day on A Luxury African Safari, Meaning & What to Expect

What to Expect From A Day on a Luxury African Safari.

Every day on an African safari is an adventure, whether you’re on foot or in a 4×4 Africa searching for the Big 5, in a hot air balloon watching the Great Wildebeest Migration, or trekking with gorillas through the dense rainforests of Rwanda or Uganda. An exciting new experience and priceless memories await you at the end of each and every day.

Although the specifics of each day can vary depending on factors like season and geography, safaris generally adhere to a routine that allows guests to experience the thrill of seeing wildlife up close while also giving them plenty of downtime—the vacation ideal, according to many. Typically, game drives are scheduled twice daily, once in the morning and again in the late afternoon, when animals tend to be more active.

For those interested in a more in-depth look at the itinerary, we have compiled a guide that covers all the bases about what to anticipate on an average day on safari in Africa, specifically while staying at a traditional lodge or camp that provides game drives in a private concession, conservancy, national park, or other similar setting.

6am – 9am: Morning Game Drive or Hot-Air Balloon Safari

Even if you leave before dawn, there’s still something enchanting about being in nature when the sun rises and the moon sets. In Africa, the dawn chorus of birdsong is accompanied by the sound of nocturnal predators like lions and leopards either resting for the day or, in the instance of the former, devouring their prey (leopards will hide their prey in a tree).

Large mammals will begin to congregate around waterholes in search of a drink, including elephants, gazelles, antelope, buffalo, and giraffes. They look stunning reflected in the lake as the gentle morning light paints a picturesque scene. Now is the time for wild dogs to try to make a kill before the weather turns too hot and exhausting to hunt in.

During a pause in the drive for refreshments, your guide will typically provide coffee, tea, and additional cookies.

Also, you’ll need to get up early if you want to do hot-air ballooning, which is mostly done in Kenya, Tanzania, or Namibia, because the weather is greatest around dawn when the winds are least.

While national parks and reserves require you to wait for the gates to open, private concessions and conservancies allow you to go out whenever you like.

11am – 1pm: Relaxation Time to Read, Nap, Swim, Walk or Enjoy the Spa

Afterwards, you are free to do what makes you happy. During downtime, guests can take use of the many amenities provided by the lodge or camp. Relax by the pool with a good book, get a manicure or massage, work out at the gym, or, honestly, just sleep it off. If you’re looking for a place to stay that offers a wide variety of amenities—a spa, fitness center, pool, library, media center, Wi-Fi, guided walking paths, kids’ clubs, etc.—ask your Africa Safari Expert for a recommendation. However, keep in mind that these are not necessarily present at every camp.

Get in touch with your campground or resort the night before to see whether they offer guided nature walks if you’re an active camper. Some guides may opt to skip the morning drive altogether if the weather is too hot. Closed shoes and long pants are required. We’ll be focusing on the small details of Africa that are easy to miss from a car: the way the wind “whistles” through a whistling acacia tree, the way dung beetles know which way to go, the way termites build those huge mounds, and the intricate nests that yellow weaver birds make.

1pm – 2pm: Lunchtime

Lunch should be eaten about noon if you ate breakfast early. Many camps will skip lunch if you have a late breakfast; guests frequently lament that they gained a few pounds due to the abundance of tasty foods offered on safari.

Napping after lunch, going for a swim, or finishing up your photo editing are all great ways to unwind. Many safari goers before setting out on their journey familiarize themselves with the habits and behaviors of the creatures they hope to see.

3.30pm: High Tea

Gather your binoculars, fill up your water bottle, place your drink order for sundowners, and, if it’s winter, don’t forget your scarf, gloves, and beanie; it will become chilly after the sun goes down. Your afternoon game drive is scheduled to begin at approximately 3 o’clock.

The age-old custom of having high tea while on safari dates all the way back to the leisurely 1800s. From little savory sandwiches and petit fours to chocolate cake and scones with cream, the snacks you may expect to nibble on will vary from camp to camp. You should still eat a couple snacks before the game drive, even if you’re not hungry. Dinner is still a ways off, and you don’t want to get sick. On the evening game drive, there will be refreshments served at a viewing position.

4pm – 7pm: Afternoon Game Drive

Now that the weather is cooler, the animals are getting back to their hunting ways. Lions that wandered off from the pride will start crying out to each other in the hopes of reuniting for another night of hunting, and slowly, the animals will emerge to drink at waterholes.

Midway during the afternoon drive, safari goers often stop at a picturesque area for “sundowners,” a snack and drink ritual. Get your camera ready because the sunset will be shorter the closer you are to the equator.

On the way back to camp, you can use a spotlight to search for animals that are active at night if you’re in a private concession or conservancy. Anyone planning to spend the night in a national park must vacate the premises no later than sunset, as that is when the gates are closed.

Nighttime is when mosquitoes are most active, so it’s best to protect yourself with long sleeves and pants and an environmentally friendly repellent. If you want to keep them at bay in the evening, don’t wear anything black or blue. Instead, stick to greens, greys, and browns.

7.30pm: Dinner Time

You might not feel hungry at the moment, but being outside in nature has a way of making you crave food even more. In most cases, you can expect a multi-course meal with wine served either buffet-style, plated, or a la carte for evening. The boma, a traditional outdoor space with a warm campfire, is the perfect setting for this meal if the weather is clear. If the wait staff invites you to join in the boma singing, dancing, and drumming before dinner, you should definitely do it! When are you planning to return to Africa to perform under the starry Milky Way?

9pm: Turn in for Bedtime

Evening safaris in Africa often wrap up at about 9 o’clock. Most individuals go to bed after dinner because of the early wake-up call. Most camps just let you relax and enjoy the African night (except from the occasional distant sound of shouting hyenas and chortling hippos), while a few do provide stargazing through telescopes or lectures given by knowledgeable guides or researchers.

A big selling point of safaris is the relative lack of decision-making required, according to many. In contrast to city life, where you are constantly on the go and must choose between competing demands, a safari offers an inherent rhythm that is both soothing and, dare we say it, addicting. A good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, some fresh air, and an early morning are all soul-nourishing ingredients.