Unforgettable Travel Company

A Typical Day On Safari

Going on safari is a unique experience and many people have no idea what to expect when they first go on safari. Here is the Unforgettable Travel Company’s guide to a day in an African Game Reserve.

Early morning

Safari starts early! The animals are active in the early morning before the heat of the day arrives. It is one of the best times to be out in the reserve. You will be woken just before dawn and will have time for a hot drink and a snack before you meet your ranger and head out for several hours on a game drive in the reserve. The early morning light is perfect for photographers looking for great shots. Some lodges offer morning safari walks as well as game drives. Doing a safari on foot is an amazing experience for people who want to get up close and personal with the wildlife.

Tip – take a small bag with you on game drive with all your essentials: Sun screen, water, tissues, binoculars, camera, extra clothes incase you are cold, insect repellent and a hat.

Mid-morning

Half way through your morning game drive you will stop out in the reserve for hot drinks and snacks. You never go hungry on a safari. As the heat starts to build your guide will take you back to the lodge for breakfast. Breakfast in the lodges is generally an impressive affair so bring your appetite.

Lunch and afternoon

Lunch and afternoon

During the midday heat the animals are resting and we suggest you do too. Relax by the pool, have a midday sleep or book a spa treatment. For those guests who are looking for something more active, this is a good time to book a cultural visit to a local village. Most lodges will offer a high tea around 4pm to get you ready for your late afternoon game drive.

Sundowners and evening

You will head back out into the reserve an hour or so before sunset, as the temperature starts to fall. The animals are waking up and the cats are getting ready for a night of hunting. As the sun drops below the horizon, you will stop at a view point for a drink and appreciate the beauty of an African sunset over the reserve.

You will drive back to the lodge in the dark and this is a great opportunity to look for nocturnal wildlife. This is the perfect time to spot owls as their eyes light up under the spotlight. When you return to the lodge you will have time to go to your room before joining the other guests for pre dinner drinks. This is a good time to chat with your ranger about your day and what you would like to do the following day. Always let the ranger know if there is any animal you really want to see, nothing is guaranteed but they can certainly try to find it for you. Dinner is normally a three course meal with wine, most people head to bed early, ready for another morning game drive!

Ready to Start Planning?

Gemma is our African safari specialist and is happy to design the perfect trip for you. Please feel free to get in touch today