A Day on Safari: What Happens Hour by Hour
What does a typical safari day look like? Follow a luxury safari day from wake-up call to sundowners and dinner, with tips for each moment.
A safari day follows the animals, which means an early start, a long midday rest and a golden-hour afternoon drive. Camps vary, but the rhythm is similar almost everywhere.
What time do you wake up on safari?
Wake-up calls usually come around dawn, often before six, with tea or coffee brought to your tent. Animals are most active in the cool early hours, so the morning game drive is often the highlight. Dress in layers. See what to wear.
What happens on the morning game drive?
Your guide and tracker search for wildlife, often following tracks. Drives usually last a few hours, with a coffee stop in the bush. Private vehicles let you stay longer with a sighting.
What is brunch and the midday rest?
You return for a hearty breakfast or brunch. Midday is hot, and animals rest, so guests nap, swim, read or watch the waterhole from the deck. Some camps offer spa treatments.
What is afternoon tea?
In the late afternoon there is often a light tea with something sweet before heading out again.
What happens on the afternoon drive?
The cooler hours bring activity again. This is often when predators begin to stir. Many camps pause for a sundowner, where drinks and snacks are served in the bush as the sun sets. See Sundowners: The Art of the African Evening.
Is there a night drive?
Where permitted, drives continue after dark with a spotlight. Nocturnal animals such as genets, bushbabies and leopards come into view. Read After Dark.
What is dinner like?
Dinner is relaxed and often around a fire, with stories from the day. Read dining on safari. You may be escorted to your tent afterwards.
Can you change the schedule?
On a private safari, yes. Every journey we design is private, from two guests. You can sleep in, stay out all day with a packed lunch, or join a walking safari. Plan your safari day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are game drives?
Usually around three to four hours, though private guests can adjust.
Do I have to go on every drive?
No. Rest when you wish.
Is there Wi-Fi at camp?
Often in common areas, though some camps are deliberately off-grid.
Are meals included?
At most luxury camps, yes, along with many drinks.
What if it rains?
Drives usually continue, with ponchos provided. Rain brings its own beauty.
A safari day follows the animals, which means an early start, a long midday rest and a golden-hour afternoon drive. Camps vary, but the rhythm is similar almost everywhere.
What time do you wake up on safari?
Wake-up calls usually come around dawn, often before six, with tea or coffee brought to your tent. Animals are most active in the cool early hours, so the morning game drive is often the highlight. Dress in layers. See what to wear.
What happens on the morning game drive?
Your guide and tracker search for wildlife, often following tracks. Drives usually last a few hours, with a coffee stop in the bush. Private vehicles let you stay longer with a sighting.
What is brunch and the midday rest?
You return for a hearty breakfast or brunch. Midday is hot, and animals rest, so guests nap, swim, read or watch the waterhole from the deck. Some camps offer spa treatments.
What is afternoon tea?
In the late afternoon there is often a light tea with something sweet before heading out again.
What happens on the afternoon drive?
The cooler hours bring activity again. This is often when predators begin to stir. Many camps pause for a sundowner, where drinks and snacks are served in the bush as the sun sets. See Sundowners: The Art of the African Evening.
Is there a night drive?
Where permitted, drives continue after dark with a spotlight. Nocturnal animals such as genets, bushbabies and leopards come into view. Read After Dark.
What is dinner like?
Dinner is relaxed and often around a fire, with stories from the day. Read dining on safari. You may be escorted to your tent afterwards.
Can you change the schedule?
On a private safari, yes. Every journey we design is private, from two guests. You can sleep in, stay out all day with a packed lunch, or join a walking safari. Plan your safari day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are game drives?
Usually around three to four hours, though private guests can adjust.
Do I have to go on every drive?
No. Rest when you wish.
Is there Wi-Fi at camp?
Often in common areas, though some camps are deliberately off-grid.
Are meals included?
At most luxury camps, yes, along with many drinks.
What if it rains?
Drives usually continue, with ponchos provided. Rain brings its own beauty.
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
Where will Africa take you next?
Where will Africa take you next?
Where will Africa take you next?
Every route is private and tailored to you. Choose one to explore, or let us design yours from scratch.