A Day on Safari in Africa

Ever wondered...what's it actually like to 'go on safari'? Read below for a snap shot of a typical schedule:

Early morning:

Wake-up at dawn to the soft sound of your tent steward carrying your tray of hot coffee, tea or cocoa accompanied by cookies or biscuits. After enjoying your cup on your veranda you dress and meet your guide at the 4-wheel drive Land Cruiser and set off to look for big game as the sun begins to rise. For the next several hours you are on the hunt! Your guide is an excellent spotter and can identify a seemingly brown shrub across the riverbed as an actual adult male lion. During game drives you are close to elephant, zebra, hippo, giraffe, cape buffalo and all the major predators including prides of lion with their cubs, cheetah and leopard. The photographic opportunities are endless. 

Late morning:

Return to camp for a delicious and fresh lunch before heading to your tent for a mid-day siesta. During the heat of the day the animals retreat to the shade and the bush becomes quiet. Downtime is usually spent journal writing, ipad photo editing, reading, and napping. Game is often easily viewed right from your tent or camp. 

Midday:

Tea is served before meeting your guide again for your afternoon game drive or game walk. Tracking game on foot is vastly different from riding in a vehicle. Accompanied by an armed guard your guide will teach you the etiquette of a walking safari: single file walking, hand signs and low voices are required. The feeling of adrenaline is intense when approaching an animal in it's natural environment. 

The setting sun signals an African tradition: Sundowners and a mobile bar furnished in the bush just for you. Gin & tonics are tradition but the bar is always fully stocked with a variety of libations. 

Evening: 

Evening unfolds as you return to camp. Your spotter will shine a bright spotlight across the bush to locate nocturnal creatures. Conditions could be ideal to witness all the drama of a 'kill'. Back at your luxury tent enjoy a hot shower before meeting other camp guests for a freshly prepared and delicious candlelit dinner under canvas. The atmosphere is celebratory as everyone is eager to share the adventures of the day. Night owls enjoy an evening campfire and the excuse to view billions of stars while sipping a night-cap.

Late evening:

An askari (Masai night-watchman) will escort you back to your tent. The king sized bed outfitted with down pillows, fresh linens and warm duvet is usually a perfect outfit for the bush but for a chilly night your tent steward will slip a cozy hot water bottle between the sheets for even extra toastiness. Fall asleep to the sounds of the African night: hyenas whooping and hippo claiming their turf. Listening to a lion call his pride as you lay safely warm and tucked into bed is something you'll never forget.

Photo: Gary Strand