Going on an African Safari is probably one of the most exciting and thrilling things you can do. Exploring the wide open savannah in search of the Big Five (Lions, Leopards, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephants) is an amazing thing to do. It makes you realise how wonderful our planet really is! It is also one of the most relaxing and romantic things to do!
Many people wonder what happens when on safari, so I thought I would draw up a rough outline of what a typical day on a magical African Safari is like.
05h00
Your game ranger will knock on your door. Wake Up! Wake Up! … it’s an early start but well worth it to see the animals just beginning their day.
05h30
Meet your ranger and tracker for early morning tea and coffee before heading out on safari in search of the African “Big Five”! This is typically done in open 4X4 safari vehicles. The best game viewing is often to be found first thing in the morning when the animals are waking up and making their way to the waterholes! Keep your eyes open – anything can happen!
09h30
Safari vehicles start returning from the game drives and you can enjoy a sumptuous and well -earned hearty South African breakfast! Believe me, the fresh air makes you appreciate good food! The rest of the morning is at leisure for you to do as you wish. Perhaps laze by the pool, or rummage through the wildlife books often available for you to read through.
11h00
Depending on the season and the rules of the reserve, most private game lodges offer a short walking Safari with an experienced ranger and tracker. This gives you a wonderful opportunity to concentrate on the smaller wonders of the Kruger National Park such as insects and birds. Your ranger will tell you fascinating stories of the bushveld as well as the traditional cultural and medicinal properties of trees and plants. A fun game while on this safari is try to and spot the “Little Five” - Buffalo Weaver - Elephant Shrew - Leopard Tortoise - Ant Lion - Rhino Beetle Or, search for the potential “Big Five Trees” (most popular and common trees in South Africa) * - Yellowwood - Protea - Fever Acacia - Rose Gum - Baobab After your walk you will have a chance to relax and unwind or enjoy a swim to cool down from the relentless African sunshine.
13h00
A delicious lunch is served. After lunch there is more time to relax and soak up the splendour of your surrounds.
16h00
As the African sun begins to descend and shadows start to form across the bushveld, meet with your ranger for afternoon tea before heading off on an evening Game Drive.
16h30
Enjoy a Sundowner Safari! You will head out on your second Game Drive for the day as the magical African sun slowly sets on the horizon. This time of day can allow for the most incredible sunset photographs! After the heat of the day, the animals start to become more active again and the nocturnal animals are getting ready for their night hunting. Your ranger will be driving the vehicle and the tracker sits up front looking out for tracks and spotting the animals.
18h00
As the sun sets the ranger will pick a good spot for a sundowner drink where you will be able to relax and enjoy the sunset and listen to the bsuh activity all around you. Surrounded in splendour, enjoy some cocktails and refreshments. A real safari tradition! You may even be offered the famous South African “Biltong” (dry cured meat! Yummy!)
18h30
As it starts to get dark, your ranger and tracker will use a powerful spotlight to catch sight of the animals. The animals’ eyes reflect in the spot light which is how your ranger and tracker are able to spot the animals in the dark. Your team will concentrate on finding the more nocturnal animals such as Leopards, Lions and Hyenas. Just sit back, watch and listen, as the stars twinkle into existence and the sounds of Africa call all around you!
19h30
Your return time to the lodge is flexible and is determined by the activities on safari! If you see lions on the hunt, or a leopard stealthily stalking - then your dinner will wait. Enjoy a chance to freshen up before dinner.
20h00
The best time of the day - Dinner Time! At most lodges, there are a number of places to enjoy dinner and weather dependant the camp manager will select the perfect venue. Your ranger usually joins you for dinner and it is the perfect time to regale everyone with your days antics! And after an enjoyable but busy day, you finally get to retire to your suite for some peaceful sleep before the next exciting day!
Enjoy your African Safari!
* South Africa does not yet have an official Big Five Tree list, and the trees above were suggested by Bruce Dalbrack as the top options