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24 hours in a safari lodge

by Stephanie Debere

For most people, holidays mean spontaneity and control of their time - and what better than a safari, combining comfort and untamed wilderness, to deliver this freedom? It can come as a surprise, then, to arrive in camp and find your daily routine dictated by the workings of the bush and the logistics of running a remote operation.

Dawn alarm-calls, set mealtimes and a ban on solitary walks - it all sounds more Tom Brown's Schooldays than Out of Africa. Yet the day is designed to maximise game-viewing success and guests' safety and comfort.

The following timeline shows the framework of a typical day on safari. Remember, however, that this is a general outline. Throughout Africa there are variations. In southern Africa, for example, several lodges may operate a system of longer game activities with two main meals (brunch and dinner) and larger snack offerings in early morning, afternoon and on the game-drive. The routine may also vary depending on your location and the scenery and activities available.

Seasonal changes also need to be considered. The timeline presented will hold true for most times of the year except mid-winter, when it can be so chilly at dawn that even the wildlife rises late. Your morning routine may be swopped around, so that your game drive takes place after breakfast, which will be taken earlier.

Safaris may be more structured than most ordinary holidays, but with an understanding of the routine, you can tailor them to fit your needs (even if you can't arrange the whole day according to your whim). Camp staff are generally as accommodating and flexible as possible. If you're tired and want to miss a game drive or a meal, that's fine. If it's pouring with rain at dawn, the game drive can take place later, when the rain has stopped but before it gets too hot again. Further activities can also be arranged, but be reasonable with your requests: your guides have a long working day, from dawn until after dinner, and their breaks are well earned.

Ultimately, life in a lodge is centred around you having the most enjoyable and successful safari possible.

5am-6am - Wake up with the animals
This isn't a holiday for enjoying lie-ins. Most game-viewing activities occur early morning and late afternoon, when the light is rich and animals are not hiding from the searing midday sun. This highly logical behaviour forms the basic structure for safari camp life. You'll be woken in your tent or chalet by staff bringing tea or coffee (place your order the night before) and a basin of hot water for washing (if you don't have running water). Alternatively, hot drinks and rusks might be served in the dining area or round the fire before the morning's game drive, walk or mokoro (dugout) trip.

6am-9am - Morning game activities
The guides will show you the best of the area. Be sure to ask if you have any special requests to see particular places or species. Water and soft drinks - sometimes coffee and rusks - are carried on board. Drink enough to avoid dehydration.

On cold winter mornings, the game drive may occur a little later, after an early breakfast, when the day is warming up.

9am-10am - Breakfast
Breakfast is the first self-control test of the day. Large amounts of good food will be laid before you, but as safari life is relatively inactive (unless you're on a walking safari), several days in camp can feel like a premeditated assault on your waistline. Expect a buffet of cereals, fruit, toast, and The Full bacon-and-eggs Monty, cooked to order.

Usually this is served at the lodge, although some camps, especially in East Africa, will vary the routine by including a bush breakfast. Staff will set this up during your game activity.

In southern Africa there is an increasing trend towards having longer morning game activities prior to a brunch, a real feast to see you through to afternoon tea.

10am-12.30pm - Free time
Tempting as it may be, you can't go wandering off into the bush on your own. Most camps or lodges have a small library containing reference books about the bush and wildlife, and possibly novels left by other guests, but it's advisable to take a couple of your own books. You could play cards or use the time for things you don't normally have time to do, such as sketching. This is an excellent time for bird watching, as camps are usually constructed in the shade of trees. Many also overlook waterholes and there may be a hide you could sit at. You'll be surprised how good the game viewing can be at this time.

It may seem like a void at first, but you soon appreciate having this free time structured into your day.

For more information on travelling in Africa, visit Travel Africa Magazine

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