Like the body, a day in the life of an African Safari has its own circadian rhythm.
Early morning wake-up call at Eagle Island Lodge
It all begins with a 5am wake-up call, where your friendly lodge team greets you with a steaming cup of coffee. They say coffee tastes better in the wild, perhaps because the aroma mingles with the crisp morning air, creating a concoction of caffeine and anticipation.
At 6am, buckle up for the morning game drive! With binoculars in one hand and a camera in the other, you're off to witness the spectacular wildlife theatre that is Africa. It's a real-life version of Animal Planet, starring lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and hopefully some leopards stealing the spotlight. Anyone who has seen The Lion King knows that warthogs are hilarious; prancing along with their tails in the air and their little bums swaying as they run. Well, it’s true!
The elusive leopard
After a thrilling safari adventure, it's time to eat. Picture this: indulging in a feast at the lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the wild (and yawns from the other early risers). Breakfast becomes brunch as you savour every bite, thinking, "I could get used to this."
If you are really lucky, your safari team will set up a savannah breakfast. Imagine, after a morning of following a lion following their prey, you pull up to a ridgetop, with a beautifully laid out breakfast, overlooking the savannah below and a chef ready to cook your eggs just the way you like it. I could definitely get used to that!
Savannah breakfast at Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Uganda
Then comes the most critical part of the day: rest and relaxation from 12pm to 3:30pm. It's siesta time at the camp! Whether you are napping in a hammock, swimming in your private pool, or enjoying a spa treatment, this is your chance to recharge before the afternoon escapades.
 Afternoon Tea and board games at Kwai River Lodge |  Relaxing in my private pool, Eagle Island Lodge |
The afternoon game drive kicks off around 3:30pm, filled with excitement as you chase the most majestic animals and sunset with your camera lens.
And what better way to bid adieu to the sun than with sundowner drinks on the savannah at 6pm? Sipping cocktails while watching the sky change colours – it's pure magic.
Sundowners in Chobe National Park
Back at the lodge by 7pm, it's time to glam up for dinner. By “glam”, we mean clean clothes! Pre-dinner drinks are a must, of course. By 8pm, you're seated at a candlelit and moonlit table, savouring a gourmet meal under the stars. The evening continues with stargazing, nightcaps and recounting tales of animals caught…on camera. The perfect ending to a day of luxury and adventure.
Finally, at 10pm, it's bedtime. The night symphony of the wild serenades you to sleep until the 5am wake-up call jolts you awake, ready to start the wild, wonderful cycle all over again. Ah, the safari life – where every moment is a masterpiece, and every day is an adventure!
My safari tent accommodation at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, Botswana.
