24 hours of a safari adventure
Part of the thrill of a luxury safari adventure vacation in Africa is that you never quite know what to expect next. That said, the lodge and camp operators we work with have arrived at a tried and tested formula for each day in the bush. Of course, this is a very flexible approach, and likely to change depending on where you are, the season, and the latest wildlife sightings in the area.
Your wishes and special interests will also play a factor – especially if you’ve booked a private safari vehicle and guide. To give you a sense of how a typical day could unfold, our travel experts have created a guide to 24 hours at a luxury lodge. Click here to peruse one of our favorite Botswana Itineraries.
Rise and shine – early morning wake-up
If you’re not naturally a lark, the idea of a wake-up call at 5am (or sometimes even earlier) may not sound all that appealing but trust us when we say it’s definitely worth it when it comes to your first safari adventure. For one thing, the ‘clock shock’ will be considerably lessened by having your choice of hot beverage delivered to your door.
Better still, this is a magical time of day – the bush is waking up, and color and light is returning to the world. Many animals will be more active due to the cooler temperatures, and you could spot elusive nocturnal animals as they end their ‘nightshift’. Once the sun has risen, the light is perfect for photography – one of two ‘golden hour’ periods that happen each day.
The most important meal of the day?
Breakfast tends to take a backseat on safari – it’s far more important to head out into the bush and make the most of prime gameviewing opportunities. That said, no guide worth his or her salt will set off on the morning game drive without a tea and coffee basket, so you can enjoy a caffeine recharge (with homemade cookies or rusks) at a scenic spot during the morning. Be sure to also keep your eyes open for a surprise bush breakfast set-up, perhaps overlooking a bustling waterhole.
Brunch or lunch – or both
The combination of fresh African air and the excitement of your safari adventure is certain to give you an appetite, so you’ll no doubt be delighted to be greeted by an impressive spread when you return to the lodge (typically after around four hours, although this may vary depending on what you see). You can expect a combination of a buffet, plus hot plated options – the cuisine in luxury lodges and camps really is superb.
Different operators take different approaches when it comes to meals between the morning and afternoon safari adventures – you may be offered lunch also, a couple of hours later. Of course, all meals are optional, but with the standard of cooking being what it is, another dish or two could prove hard to resist!
Post Safari Adventure Siesta time
Either way, you’ll have the opportunity for some downtime around noon, and into the early afternoon. This is the hottest part of the day, and many animals are less active in the heat, so it makes sense for you to relax, too.
A power nap is always a great move, so you can recharge your batteries for later. Other options include catching up on your travel journal or reviewing your images, heading to the curio store, taking a dip in your pool or booking a massage treatment or gym session where these are offered. We can promise that being bored is very definitely off the agenda.
High tea and back to the bush
Another important ritual, high tea serves as a chance to meet up with your guide and fellow safari adventure enthusiasts over a selection of sweet and savory treats before your afternoon game drive. You might notice another basket beneath your feet in the vehicle – and that’s because the afternoon activity almost always pays homage to perhaps the most revered safari tradition of all: the sundowner.
There’s nothing quite like sipping a chilled drink in the middle of the wilderness as the huge red orb of the sun slips below the horizon, and the first stars appear in the velvet sky. Your afternoon drive may well segue into a night drive in search of things that go hunt in the night, before time for a shower and change of outfit back at the lodge, and dinner.
Surprise and celebration
The evening meal in a luxury safari lodge can take many forms – swapping stories with fellow guests around a communal table, or a more intimate dinner on a starlit deck, in a wine cellar, or at your room or tent. So-called ‘boma nights’ (al fresco dining involving traditional local foods, accompanied by authentic singing and dancing) are always a popular change of pace, and it’s almost certain that your day will end where it began, watching the ‘bush TV’ – that is, gazing contentedly at the campfire. After that, only your dreams remain!
If you would like to know what to pack before you embark on your safari adventure check out our blog “The Ultimate Safari Packing Guide”
To enjoy a safari adventure like this, contact the travel experts at Journey Beyond today.
