If you’re not a fan of surprises – or to get a head-start on that safari-mood – take a look at what you can expect to see, do, find, and eat on safari. It’s a taste of what’s to come. Bon appetit.
A typical day on safari
Safaris have a rhythm to them. You’ll be up before the sun each morning for the best game viewing. After a strong coffee and a bite of breakfast, you’re off on a game drive, walking safari, canoe or mokoro ride. And when the day starts to heat up, you’ll head back to camp for a hearty brunch and a few hours of siesta. Some lodges offer an afternoon high-tea that could compete with a London hotel, where tables groan under the piles of sweet and savoury treats.
Afternoons are usually best for game drives and boat cruises – and compulsory sundowners. After-dinner drives are a great way to spot nocturnal species. Speaking of dinner, brace yourself for a casual but multi-course affair each night. Round it off with a nightcap and star-gazing fire-side, before being safely escorted to your door by your guide.
Getting around
Most fly-in safaris involve transfers from camp to camp in small planes – or helicopters – with great game-viewing along the way. (You often get the first glimpse of your guide as you’re coming into land, frantically chasing impala off the airstrip ahead of you.) If your camps are close to one another, you might take a short game drive – or a boat – to get there. On transfer days, you’ll usually make the move around mid-day, so you don’t miss out on your morning and afternoon activities either side. Smart.
Seeing animals
This may sound like an obvious one but seeing every bird or animal on your wish list might not happen. Likely? Yes. Guaranteed? No. Your guide may seem like a miracle-maker – and the good ones really are – but some things are out of even their hands. Enjoy the experience of trying to track your favourites down –that’s the best part. Just don’t expect to find them. That way, when you do, it’ll be even more special.
What to wear
On safari, neutral colours and cool natural fibres are your friends. Your lumo activewear may be comfy, but it’ll make you stick out like a sore thumb. Great for school runs and coffee catch-ups. Tracking the Big Five on foot, not so much.
The African sun is no joke. It’s hotter, brighter and way more intense than elsewhere in the world. Come prepared. If you’re travelling in winter (around June to August) you’ll want to bring a few extra layers. Morning game drives in the Kalahari regularly drop below freezing, though you’ll be headed to the pool by midday.
Food, glorious food
You will never, ever starve on a safari. Trust us on this. As a rule of thumb, expect to be fed approximately every five minutes. And if you’ve got a noticeably empty hand, it probably needs a drink too. Each day is a never-ending stream of home-baked treats, Mimosa-fuelled brunches, heaving afternoon tea tables, candy jars, sundowner snacks, fireside canapes, and multi-course dinners paired with some of South Africa’s finest wines. Everything is flown in fresher-than fresh, and lovingly prepared by a team of smiling, talented chefs who are always happy to try and accommodate your dietary needs. (Springing something like a nut allergy on them when you step off the plane can be a little unfair, so the more we can prep them in advance, the better.) Come hungry.