A first safari can feel unfamiliar, so it helps to know what a normal day looks like. Most days follow the rhythm of the animals, with early starts, a quiet middle of the day and a second activity in the late afternoon.
Early morning
Wake-up is usually around 5:30 or 6:00 with tea or coffee. Animals are most active in the cool of the early day, so you leave soon after sunrise. Predators are often still hunting, and the light is perfect for photography.
Mid-morning to lunch
After the first drive you either return to camp for a full breakfast or have a bush breakfast. Some itineraries include a full-day drive with a packed lunch, which suits parks like the Serengeti where distances are large.
Midday rest
Animals shelter from the heat, and so do you. Use the time to relax, read, swim if your lodge has a pool or take a short nap.
Afternoon game drive
Around 3:30 or 4:00 you head out again. Activity picks up as the day cools, and sunset often brings the best light and the most dramatic sightings.
Evening
Dinner is usually early, around a campfire or in the dining room. Many camps offer a quiet evening, and you will probably be asleep by nine.
Small tips that help
- Wear neutral colours and layers, as mornings can be cold.
- Bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen and a charged phone or camera.
- Listen to your guide, stay seated in the vehicle and keep voices low.
- Be patient. Some of the best moments come from waiting quietly.
