August 30

A Typical 24 Hours on an African Safari

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By Jemma Brewitt on August 30, 2017

‘The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa, for he has so much to look forward to’– Richard Mullin.

I stand with Richard on this one. If you haven’t been to this continent yet, well, then, Africa is your oyster. There is nothing quite like a safari and you will only truly understand this once you pack your bags and see with your own two eyes the wildlife and landscape silhouetted by the setting sun.

To give you a taste, here’s a typical day in the bush:

Elephant just behind the windows of Makanyane Safari Lodge
Photo credit: Makanyane Safari Lodge

5:00 am

Rise and shine! Generally, you will be waking with the birds (times differ based on season). For all those shocking morning people, don’t worry, it will all be worth it – we promise! The best game viewing is undoubtedly early in the morning. Rising with the sun you will meet your ranger and tracker for tea and coffee, before jumping into a 4×4 safari vehicle. No two mornings are the same, and so the anticipation is half the excitement.

Having beverages in the beautiful Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Photo credit: Londolozi Private Game Reserve
A jackal admiring birds at the Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Photo credit: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Leopard sightings at Mala Mala Game Reserve
Photo credit: MalaMala Game Reserve

9:30 am

With all that exhilaration, you are going to be ready for a well-earned, scrumptious breakfast. Return to your camp for tummy refueling, while catching up on the unbelievable wildlife you just encountered.

Breakfast with a view at Sabi Sabi Selati Camp
Photo credit: Sabi Sabi Selati Camp
Lion sightings at Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Photo credit: Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Hippo yawning at Elephant Plains Game Lodge
Photo credit: Elephant Plains Game Lodge

11:00 am

The adventure doesn’t end there. Depending on the reserve and the season, the lodges offer a safari walk with an armed tracker. Marvel at the smaller wonders of the game reserve, spotting hidden creatures such as insects and birds. Be told fascinating stories by your tracker and learn more about the traditional, cultural, and medicinal properties of trees and plants.

Guinea fowl at Little Ongava in Namibia
Photo credit: Little Ongava Camp
Chameleon at Londolozi Founders Camp Kruger Park
Photo credit: Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Kingfisher sighting at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Photo credit: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

13:00 pm

It’s time to eat again, and yes you will be in your element with the spread of delicious food provided for you. Feeling satisfied and lethargic, enjoy time relaxing, reading, swimming in the pool or give into a well deserved nap.

Lunch in the African bush at Singita Serengeti House
Photo credit: Singita Serengeti House
Massage at Singita Lebombo Lodge Kruger Park
Photo credit: Singita Lebombo Lodge
Elephants at Londolozi Private Game Reserve Kruger Park
Photo credit: Londolozi Private Game Reserve

16:00 pm

As the day cools down and shadows form across the bushveld, enjoy afternoon tea with an African sunset as a backdrop and chirping crickets as your music. With dusk approaching the animals become more active and so the nocturnal hunting ground begins.

Dining with an elephant at Singita Lebombo Lodge Kruger Park
Photo credit: Singita Lebombo Lodge
Lions at a waterhole at Singita Serengeti Lodge Kruger Park
Photo credit: Singita Serengeti House

Sunset

Just picture it: you’re sipping on your favourite, refreshing beverage with a picturesque view, watching the copper African sun set behind a glowing horizon. Is there anything more magical? This is a classic safari tradition, and your gin and tonic will probably be the most memorable one you’ll ever have!

Honeymoon safari at Londolozi Private Game Reserve Kruger Park
Photo credit: Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Rhino against African sunset at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Photo credit: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Perfect spot to watch the sunset at Makanyane Safari Lodge in Madikwe
Photo credit: Makanyane Safari Lodge

The night life

Now it’s time to catch the action hidden behind the blanket of the night. A powerful spotlight is used to catch sightings of creatures in the dark. See the reflective eyes of some of Africa’s most elusive, nocturnal animals such as leopard and the sunset hunters- the lions.

Star gazing at Makanyi Private Game Lodge in Kruger National Park
Photo credit: Makanyi Private Game Lodge
Hyena spotted with spotlight at Ongava Tented Camp in Namibia
Photo credit: Ongava Tented Camp

Dinner time

Just when you thought your thrilling day had come to end, you’ll find that there’s more to the agenda. Enjoy a scrumptious meal and be told stories by the fire underneath a blanket of stars.

Dinner time at Lion Sands Narina Lodge in Skukuza
Photo credit: Lion Sands Narina Lodge
Delicious safari dinning at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp Kenya
Photo credit: Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
Evenings around a fire at Singita Lebombo Lodge in Kruger National Park
Photo credit: Singita Lebombo Lodge

After a memorable day, retire to your suite and be rewarded with a sleep of a lifetime in anticipation of the next exciting day.

A luxurious bed found in Singita Castleton Camp in Kruger National Park
Photo credit: Singita Castleton Camp

Life’s too short for hesitation- book your safari today!

Note: safaris and activities may differ at respective lodges and camps.


Tags

Africa, Wildlife


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About the author 

Jemma Brewitt

Jemma's love for nature and culture grew while growing up on her family's dairy farm in the Natal Midlands. Since then she has been a ski lift operator in the Sierra Nevada, an Au Pair in London, an English teacher in Vietnam and is now writing about her favourite continent - Africa.

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