Your day will typically begin before 6am with a gentle wake-up call from your hosts. Freshen up and join your fellow guests and guide in the lounge for a cup of tea or coffee before you head out on your first game activity. Breakfast is generally served after your morning activity, but at some camps or at certain times of the year, you might enjoy breakfast first thing.

Set off on your morning game activity. Typically in South Africa and East Africa these are game drives, whereas in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia they could also be walking or water-based activities. Your host will discuss the options available when you arrive. At this magical time of day the animals are at their most active and you’ll spend the next few hours searching for wildlife while your guide brings to life the secrets of the animal kingdom. Your activity will be shared with other guests, unless you have paid extra for a private game drive.

On your return to camp it’s time to enjoy a hearty breakfast. With several hours at your leisure you might like to relax by the pool, perhaps enjoy a spa treatment or simply look out for passing wildlife from the viewing deck, depending on the facilities available at your camp. Later enjoy a laidback lunch or afternoon tea.

Mid-afternoon you will set off on your second game activity, as the temperature cools and predators awaken from their afternoon slumber. For many, spotting some of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) is a highlight and certainly nothing compares to the thrill of a big cat up close, however, you’ll also discover colourful birdlife and a diverse range of smaller creatures. At many camps you will stop for a well-deserved sundowner drink in the bush, before making your way back to camp.

Join your fellow guests for pre-dinner drinks, reliving the day’s captivating sightings. Evening meals on safari are often communal, occasionally with your guide, and may be served in a variety of atmospheric locations: perhaps in the candlelit dining room, under the stars or beside the campfire.

Make sure you wear plenty of clothing layers as, while blankets are provided, dawn and dusk temperatures can vary hugely and activities can last around 3 hours. 4WD vehicles are comfortable and typically seat between 6-10 guests. They are usually open-sided with a canvas roof. 

If your camp is accessed by air, you’ll have the chance for a spectacular bird’s eye view of the area en route and perhaps some aerial game viewing. Flight schedules are only decided the afternoon before and you may find that you miss a game activity or a meal on any day that involves a light aircraft flight.

For more inspiration take a look at our Safari Holidays pages.