Going on Safari

Going on your first Safari is possibly the most exciting element of your journey to Southern Africa and to ensure that you don’t feel like a fish out of water, below is some important information that will help you make the most of your “Big 5” experience.

Even in summer it’s essential that you take a sweater with you as the temperature can drop quite substantially immediately after sunset.  In winter, we like to recommend layered clothing – early mornings and evenings can be quite cold – especially since you will be open-air vehicles, although day-time temperatures are usually very pleasant.

Daily Safari program at a Private Game Lodge:
Summer Schedule

05h30: Wake up - An early morning call from the Ranger will wake you before first light, while the kitchen brews hot coffee or tea, and prepares cool fruit juices with a muffin, rusk or other freshly made delicacy. So begins the morning safari.

06h00 – 09h00: Morning Safaris - The bush is already alive and the air filled with birdsong. Nobody, not even the tracker who can read the bushveld like a book, knows what's in store. He will watch the road for spoor, leaning forward intently to find any print left by a predator during its hunt in the dark. There may be hushed discussions in Shangaan between Ranger and Tracker, and brief radio interactions from one vehicle to another. Sharing information ensures that the occupants of each Land Rover have the best chance of a wide range of sightings during their drives - and also ensures control and responsible behaviour as the vehicles move in close to the animals.

09h00 – 10h30 Breakfast is served at the lodge

10h30: Morning Guided Bush Walk (optional) - On the morning safari walk you can be part of a small group that sets out on foot together with the Game Ranger. Guests may also opt to stay in camp to relax, use the pool or spa facilities, or watch some educational wildlife video’s.

13h00: Lunch is served at the lodge

16h00: Afternoon & Evening Safaris - Afternoon tea and refreshments are served before guests meet up with their Ranger and Tracker and set off into the African Bush. Your Ranger will choose a spot where you can stretch your legs and enjoy sundowners alongside the vehicle. Watch in awe as the sky turns to the sensational vibrant reds, golds and oranges typical of an African sunset. It is during evening safaris that the nocturnal hunters start stirring, and their prey needs to be alert for survival through the night. Nocturnal are spotted with the help of a spotlight, their eyes reflecting back the light.

19h30: Return from the safari & dinner – guests have some time to freshen up before joining their fellow guests for dinner.

(The winter schedule is similar to the summer program, but the day starts a little later and the afternoon program a little earlier)

Useful Safari Terminology

Game: Animals or wildlife.

Bush: The vegetation (trees / grass) and area where animals are found, but also the destination for a safari.

Big Five: Refers to Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo. These are the five most dangerous animals to hunt.

Plains Game: Refers to antelope normally seen in the Bush, such as Springbok, Impala, Kudu, Giraffe and Zebra.

Nocturnal Animals: Animals that are active at night – for example: The Leopard or the Bush baby

Game drive: Excursion either in the morning or in late afternoon in an open 4x4 vehicle into the Bush to look for game. The drive normally lasts from 3 – 4 hours. Guests are accompanied by a Game Ranger and sometimes a Tracker.

Sundowners: As the sun sets over the African Bush is customary to have a drink (traditionally a “G&T” or Gin Tonic, but all kinds of drinks are served). In the mornings, the vehicle stops for a tea / coffee break.

Game Ranger: Qualified guide who accompanies guests on drives and walks in the Bush. The Ranger speaks English and has a vast knowledge of the environment, animals and their behaviour. In certain areas the Game Ranger is armed.

Tracker: This person normally sits on the front of the vehicle in a special seat and looks for animal tracks (spoor / footprints) in the road, and spots animals (sometimes called The Spotter). At night, he will operate the lamp and search for nocturnal animals. Sometimes the Game Ranger acts as the Tracker.

Private Game Reserve: Land owned by a private individual or a private company. Normally exclusive luxury lodges are built to accommodate guests. Game drives can be done “off-road” - the game drive vehicle can drive into the bush and follow the animals. These reserves are not open to the public and are for the exclusive use of the guests booked at the lodge(s).

National Park: A Game Reserve owned by the State or local authorities – for example: The Kruger National Park or the Addo National Park. These Parks are open to the public, accommodation is in chalets or camp sites. People can drive in their own vehicles through the Park but must stay on the roads.

Wildlife Etiquette

* It is important to note that Africa’s wildlife is just that – wild.

* In many places there are no fences and potentially dangerous animals can (and do!) wander through. Attacks by wild animals are rare, however.

* Please listen to your guides and hosts. The safety precautions need to be taken seriously.

* Don't go wandering off on your own, approach animals on foot, or leave your vehicle to do so, unless you are with a qualified guide.

* Don't swim in rivers unless your guide recommends it. Crocodiles, hippos and bilharzia are potential dangers.

* Always observe animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud talking on game drives can frighten the animals away.

* Never attempt to attract an animal's attention. Don't imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle or throw objects. Erratic movements will frighten or disturb the wildlife.

* Please respect your host-driver-guide's judgment about proximity to lions, cheetahs and leopards. Don't insist that he take the vehicle closer so you can get a better photograph. A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.

* Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly.

* Refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can kill animals.

* Don't drive off the roads in game reserves and National Parks. Only Game Rangers can drive off-road and have learned special driving skills.

* Don't feed animals or birds (especially baboons and hyenas) - this creates dependency, so they become a threat to travellers and rangers have to shoot them!

* Don't buy products made from endangered fauna or flora. If you see such curios for sale on your trip please notify Neil Greenwood (ngreenwood @ ifaw.org) at the International Fund for Animal Welfare on who in turn will notify the relevant authorities or CITES.