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As dawn breaks, you are found driving across empty plains, save for
copious amounts of game, through woodlands or along river banks
looking for any sign of lion stalking, a fresh leopard kill, a herd
of elephant coming down to a river to water and bathe, to name but a
few of the delights that make getting up this early, on safari, one
of life’s treasures.
After a few hours of game spotting, we stop for a lavish cooked bush
breakfast, which we have packed in the car. The view and the light
will be breath taking.
After a leisurely breakfast, the game drive resumes for a few hours.
As the sun approaches its mid point we return to camp. The rest of
the morning is spent reading, playing games, fishing (if we’re by a
river), writing journals or whatever other activity you choose.
Remember this is your safari, where you decide how you want to spend
your day.
Lunch (freshly prepared by our safari chefs) is taken under the
shade of a glorious acacia tree and served by immaculately uniformed
staff. Everything from the chilled wine to the freshly pressed
napkins serve to remind you that, in the bush, very little has
changed since the first safaris over a hundred years ago.
If you have decided to opt for a full day of game viewing and
adventure then, lunch will be an indulgent packed affair.
After lunch, if in the camp, with the African sun at its hottest and
whilst most of the game rest up in the shade, some will retire to
their tents for a siesta, others may spend the afternoon sketching,
the more energetic will head out of camp to explore some secret
spot, known to your guide.
On safari time takes on a new dimension measured not in minutes and
hours but in the numerous experiences that make up your day.
Whilst you indulge yourselves, the camp staff ensure that your
clothes are laundered and ironed (using old Indian charcoal irons),
shoes are polished, bread is baked etc.
Around 4.00pm tea is served (most likely with freshly baked scones).
After tea, suitably relaxed and refreshed, we head out on another
game drive- early evening being another of the best times to see a
myriad of wildlife action.
After an hour or two of game viewing and as the sun drops, it is
time for that time honoured safari tradition- sundowners. A suitable
spot, perhaps a “kopje” (a rock outcrop) or the edge of an
escarpment is chosen to set up the safari drinks cabinet. To the
clink of ice and the sound of laughter, that speak of another
glorious day in the African bush, we watch a magnificent African
sunset.
Back in camp, hot showers are taken, clean clothes are donned and in
dribs and drabs friends and family find their way to the campfire
for pre-dinner drinks and canapés.
A gong announces that dinner is served. The beautifully laid, candle
lit table, set under a star filled sky, with the vibrant sounds of
an African night are the setting for the final experience of the
day- a wonderful three or four course dinner.
After dinner, we all “retire” to the campfire, for a coffee, herbal
tea or digestif and then after yarns, parley, tales and jokes folk
gradually drift off to bed, where crisp cotton sheets and a duvet
await.
To the sound of hyaena laughing, the barking of zebras or a lion
roaring you fall asleep, content to know that tomorrow will bring
another day of new experiences, for no two days are ever the same on
safari.
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A cheery announcement that “Chai” (tea) is ready and outside your
tent, begins your day. It is still dark, but the dawn chorus of
hundreds of birds, reminds you that in Africa, the pre dawn stir, is
when the best game viewing happens.
