Going on a safari holiday is a magical way to spend quality time with your family, surrounded by nature with a host of activities to share, along with the chance to spot amazing wildlife!

Below we have outlined a rough guideline of what to expect, however please note that this can change between countries as alternative activities can be offered or these can take place at different times of the day.

An early start….

Depending on the time of year (winter or summer which will of course dictate sunrise and sunset), the start to your day is early! You will likely wake around 05:30am, before sunrise, get dressed in your safari gear (including gloves, beanie, scarf and fleece lined jacket for the winter months) and head up to the lodge for a quick coffee and snack before loading onto your safari vehicle and heading out.

Morning game drives offer an experience to watch the bush wake up, as you drive through the dusty roads, the mist starts to lift leaving moisture in the air. There may have been excitement during the night with a potential kill and the rangers are always keen to share an experience like this with their guests! As the sun rises the air warms up and the layers tend to come off.

Countries like Botswana may offer a morning motorboat trip, or a mokoro (dug out canoe) excursion through the lily-pad waterways of the Okavango Delta. Other areas may offer a game walks if you in Zambia or a morning Canoe on the Zambezi if in Zimbabwe.

Whilst on game drive you will likely stop for a morning coffee, sometimes overlooking a lake where you can enjoy a biscuit, muffin or traditional rusk – potentially with a pod of hippo’s!

Most game drives usually last approximately 2.5 – 3 hours, after which you would head back to the lodge to enjoy a hearty breakfast / brunch.

When on safari in Tanzania, often you have breakfast first, before heading out for a full day with a picnic lunch.

Time back at the lodge….

After returning to the lodge, most guests head to breakfast where you are offered a choice of cold buffet as well as a hot cooked delicious fare.

You’ll then have the day to yourselves – you may opt to catch up on some sleep, read a book, maybe head to the pool if you don’t have a private one at your room and its Summer (most pools are not heated, so can be chilly in Winter). Or if your feeling more energetic most lodges offer the option to head out of a game walk around the outskirts of the lodge.

Game walks usually carry an age restriction of 16 years + – but this is dependent on where you are, if the reserve is Big 5 and how far from the lodge you will be. Game walks offer a different perspective – where you get to see things you may have missed from the safari vehicle – insects, spoor, dung, grasses and birds.

Some family friendly lodges may have a kids play area where they offer games, a TV, books and crafts.

Lunch is usually a light affair for those that find they have space still after your late breakfast. Some lodges even exclude lunch and instead offer brunch followed by a High Tea before your afternoon game drive.

Heading out again….

Around 3pm / 4pm – head back up to the main lodge for tea / coffee and cakes, before setting of for your afternoon game drive. Remember to take warm jackets etc with you, as the sun sets – especially in winter, the temperature tends to drop!

The late game drive is equally exciting as the predators tend to wake up from their afternoon snoozes with rumbling tummies. Keep your eyes open for potential predator / prey activities!

As the sun starts to dip – your safari guide will likely stop for sundowners – where you can enjoy a cold bear, glass of white or nothing beats a Gin & Bitter Lemon in the bush. Sundowners are usually accompanied by biltong, nuts, dried fruit and possibly additional baked savoury snacks!

The last hour of your game drive is usually experienced in the dark, with a spotting light to try and pick up the eye shine of nocturnal animals, before arriving back at the lodge.

Wine and Dine……

After returning to the lodge – you can opt to freshen up before dinner, but most guests tend to head to dinner in their safari gear.

Most lodges offer communal dining, but if you prefer to have a private table – all you need to do is ask.

Often dinner is preceded by drinks around the fire, where stories are shared of the day’s excitement. Some lodges also have a Boma (under the stars dining), some may even surprise you with a dinner surrounded by twinkling lights and stars set up in the bush.

You’ll likely be seeking an early night, before being up early again the next morning!

About the author

Amy Wheeler - Africa Specialist