This is How a Typical Day on Safari in Africa Looks Like

Few experiences invoke images of romance, incomparable beauty, and a vast sense of exhilarating adventure as a safari in Africa does. And for those travelers who have journeyed to Africa and have savored her sweeping landscapes, untamed wildlife, absolute tranquillity, and jaw-dropping sense of escapade, the mighty land beguilingly summons one to return again and again. Like a passionate love affair, a safari enthralls, excites, and enchants. The desire to experience the same and more makes firmer imprints into your conscience.

In recent years, the world of safaris has changed dramatically. The growing variety of accommodations now available has made the competition fiercer than ever. However, this is a positive development, as it has raised the standard for everyone in the industry.

Today’s range of accommodations includes properties in major cities, which typically serve as gateways to national parks and reserves. Other options include hotels, lodges, villas, houseboats, small camps with chalets or bungalows, permanent tented camps, seasonal mobile tented camps, and private mobile tented camps.

When it comes to safari camps and lodges, there is a wide range of comfort and style, from unassuming simplicity and rustic bungalows to extravagantly indulgent suites with private swimming pools. 

The size of the accommodation and the tour are paramount when selecting the lodges or camps. In smaller camps and lodges, you will receive more personal attention, and they are often more willing to amend their schedules according to their guests' preferences. However, larger accommodations tend to be less expensive, but the downside is that they tend to stick to a set schedule almost all the time. Where you choose to stay during your journey will make a monumental difference in the experience that will ensue. 

Upon arrival at your chosen accommodation, you will be briefed on the upcoming activities before being escorted to your room or tent. Take some time to settle in and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. If you’re wondering what it’s like to be in Africa, you’ll soon discover its unique charm.

A typical safari itinerary offers two or three activities per day, usually beginning with a morning game drive, followed by an afternoon excursion. Guided by an expert in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, these drives take you on an exploration of the land in search of fascinating wildlife. Each drive can last between 2 to 5 hours, typically during the early morning or late afternoon/early evening—when the animals are most active.

For a more customized experience, you can book a private vehicle and guide, allowing you the freedom to enjoy a packed lunch and stay out all day. This gives you the opportunity to explore more remote areas that are too far for a shorter game drive, or simply to soak in the quietude of the vast savannah while other visitors return to camp for lunch.

On your first day in Africa, the adventure begins. You wake up to a knock at the door of your tent, where a friendly camp guide greets you with a steaming cup of coffee or tea to help kick-start your day. And of course, there are biscuits, rusks, or muffins—perfect accompaniments to that first cup of perfectly brewed dark roast. The day begins early in the bush, but it’s well worth it.

The Rising Sun

There’s something undeniably magical about waking up at dawn with a hot cup of coffee in hand, watching the sunrise, with nothing but a thin layer of canvas between you and the wild African savannah. Every sound is amplified—the rustle of zebras passing by your tent on their way to the river, or the snap of twigs as elephants, or perhaps giraffes, feed just outside your room. This is Africa, and a spectacular day is just beginning.

Morning Safari

An exciting alternative to starting the day is an early morning drive before breakfast, venturing into the remote wilds. The animal kingdom has already awoken and is on the move. The cold air before sunrise nips at your nose as the open-air vehicle rolls along dirt tracks, your guide leisurely searching for wildlife. As life-changing dramas unfold before you, they envelop you, and you begin to feel a deep connection to an environment where animals are born free and roam as they have since the dawn of time.

Elephants, lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, buffaloes, and a wide variety of antelope and gazelles—sometimes encountered in vast herds—are unforgettable once seen in the wild. Witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat leaves an indelible mark, and it’s heartbreaking to think of them confined to cages ever again.

Coffee Break & Savannah

After witnessing the classic sights of spectacular wildlife on the open savannah plains and in lush green forests, you’ll realize that sunrise has come and gone, and the rumble in your stomach signals it’s time for a morning coffee break. The guide will pull up at the edge of a waterhole, where hippos wallow and the most vibrant birds you’ve ever seen flit about. As you sip your coffee and enjoy a freshly baked treat, the rumble in your stomach fades, and you reflect on the incredible sights you’ve already witnessed: perhaps giraffes play-fighting, a grouchy elephant arguing with trees, or a regal leopard basking in the golden morning light. By this time, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how hungry you’ve become, and breakfast will be ready and waiting.

A Royal Breakfast

Expect a royal treatment when it comes to breakfast. Picture yourself tucking into a cheesy omelette or Eggs Benedict, accompanied by cheese, herb scones, and cinnamon flapjacks drizzled with honey. It’s just what you need after a night of intoxicating campfire ‘bush tales’ or following an early morning drive. With everyone surprisingly energetic so early in the day, you sit down to a delicious, satisfying breakfast that sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Lunch is Served

When you return from your morning drive, there is a much-needed perfumed face towel and a cold drink awaiting you at the bar. The lunch menu is strategically placed next to your drink to whet your appetite with enough options and variety to keep everyone’s taste buds satisfied. Few pleasures come close to what you encounter on a safari, such as enjoying lunch in the shade of an old tamarind tree overlooking a flood plain packed with wildlife. A view from the tableau of the wildlife going about their schedule that you might get to see in the middle of your lunch being served could be a herd of elephants making its way to the water hole just in front of the camp. Although the food is delicious but not as engaging as the live show in front of you, leaving everyone mesmerised as the gentle giants quench their thirst only a few metres away. 

After that delicious lunch and some generous glass of wine, it is time to retire to your tent for a few hours. 

Siesta or More?

For those seeking a deeper connection with the savannah, a midday walking safari is a fantastic option. Led by your guide, you’ll get a closer look at the intimate details of the wilderness—wildlife, plant life, and even local settlements—often overlooked when driving quickly through the plains. This may include spending time in a “hide,” where you can quietly observe animals coming to a waterhole or river.

The experience is thrilling as you silently walk through the tall grass toward a vantage point, scanning for signs of wildlife you may have missed earlier. Your guide will reveal a quieter side of the safari, allowing you to listen to the subtle sounds of the beasts moving in the distance. In addition to the walking safari, you may also have the opportunity to visit a local village or school, offering a glimpse into the culture and daily life of the region.

Or, of course, if you prefer to relax, you can opt to laze around the swimming pool or take a nap.  However, if you are a book lover, this is the ideal time to catch up on the book you have been dying to read. The lounge chair looks like the perfect spot for the occasion to immerse in the serenity of Africa, including the fresh air, big sky and seeing nothing but wilderness whenever you look up from your book. Take some time to jot down your experiences in your journal, watching birds and wildlife pass by your tent or lodge as you reflect on the day’s adventures.

Sunset Cruiser & Sundowner

After a refreshing afternoon nap, it’s time for a cup of rooibos tea to energize your sleepy bones and prepare for the afternoon’s adventures.

While afternoon tea is a distinctly English tradition, it has also become a beloved part of the safari experience. Along with your tea, you’ll be treated to a traditional scone with jam and clotted cream, or perhaps a more modern fruit smoothie. Whatever your preference, there will be something to satisfy your taste.

By this time, the guide will round up the group and escort you on a game drive or sunset cruise. There is a cherished safari tradition, practiced religiously, that involves a salute to the setting sun—a celebration of another glorious day in Africa drawing to a close. The "sundowner" is akin to happy hour, often featuring a glass of your favorite cocktail as you watch the sunset over the African bush, nibbling on moreish snacks like flavored peanuts, sun-dried tomato pinwheels, or beetroot and soft cheese samoosas—treats that somehow find their way into your stomach despite your best intentions. One thing is for certain, though: no arm-twisting is needed to ensure a full turnout for this timeless gathering.

Wild Date in the Evening

Once the sun has set, a new adventure begins: a hunt for the creatures of the night. And if you're lucky—which you often are—a hunting predator may cross your path before your search ends. As the darkness deepens after an exhilarating drive, you’ll return to the lodge or camp. After freshening up, gather around the bonfire, where you can relive the day's adventures over a pre-dinner drink and a few more delectable tidbits—like fish frikkadels with wasabi tartare sauce, lemon and chili olives, or sweetcorn fritters.

There’s nothing quite like sitting around the fire, sharing stories of the day: how close you got to that lion or who was fortunate enough to spot the pack of wild dogs on the hunt. It’s truly remarkable when you realize how much you've seen in a single day. As you sit and reflect, slowly taking it all in, you are mesmerized by the flickering flames. For a moment, you feel as though you are nowhere and everywhere, all at once.

Dinner with Old Friends and New

As you enjoy the warmth of the fire, your waiter will arrive to invite you to dinner, where you can savor a selection of delicious European and Pan-African dishes. More often than not, a safari dinner is a communal affair, with everyone sharing their stories and experiences around the table. Your guide will also be there, graciously hosting and always ready with some fascinating ‘bush tales’ to share.

With service that rivals any five-star experience, your wine glass is kept full, and your three-course meal is beautifully presented. Expect to find some iconic African dishes on the menu, such as vegetable tart, bobotie, Senegalese fish yassa, Mozambican spiced calamari, chicken jollof, African pot roast chicken with vegetables, roast guinea fowl, braised duck with orange and lime sauce, spiced lamb chops, mutton with sweetcorn and beans, and roast loin of pork with fennel bulbs. There will also be a variety of side dishes, including savory rice, chutneys, potatoes, and fresh salads.

Star Gazing

Africa’s vast, open sky and sprawling wilderness provide the perfect backdrop for awe-inspiring views of the night sky. On a cloudless evening, it’s an incredible opportunity to gaze up and identify various constellations and notable stars. At any given time, one or more of the planets—Venus, Jupiter, or Mars—will be visible. The Milky Way is especially breathtaking when viewed through binoculars.

As the warmth of the fire soothes you and the cool breeze invites a sense of calm, you can’t help but wonder what tomorrow will bring. Sitting beneath a canopy of stars, reflecting on life, is one of the most peaceful ways to spend a night in the bush.

An End of the Journey….For Now.

Big and small, every experience on safari makes it a precious adventure. Each day presents a new opportunity to embrace the wild and discover something extraordinary. As the "cradle of mankind," Africa connects with our deepest roots, speaking to our very souls. Travelers return home with a sense of nostalgia, a feeling of belonging, awe, and a broadened understanding of the world—having witnessed nature in its purest form.

Before your current trip even ends, you'll find yourself already planning the next. Perhaps Uganda, to come face-to-face with a silverback gorilla? Or a journey to the remote Caprivi Strip in the far northeast of Namibia, where wild animals roam across an otherworldly landscape, surrounded by lush tropical greenery? Or maybe Botswana, where you’ll glide silently through the magical Okavango Delta.

One thing is certain: safari gets into your blood. Once you've fallen in love with it, it becomes a lifelong affair.