What To Expect On A Safari In Botswana: The Ultimate Adventure Guide

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Going on a safari and wondering how your typical day is going to look like?. In this article, I will outline exactly what to expect on a safari in Botswana on a typical day. Although no two days are exactly the same, there is a particular order in which your day will go.

Going on an African safari is a thrilling adventure. However, if you are going for the first time, you might not know what to expect and how to prepare for the day. As an avid Botswana safari travel, I share with you what to expect on a safari in Botswana.

You are going to learn about the routine on the day, from dawn to dusk, what does a safari guide do, how to post on safari and more.

After reading this article, you will have a complete picture of how your day is going to look and be able to prepare better.

This post is all about what to expect on a safari in Botswana.

What to expect on a safari on a typical day

WAKE UP CALL: 5: 30AM

If you are not a morning person , brace yourself, a typical safari day starts early. At 5:30 in the morning your guide will be at your door to wake you up. They will then give you 30 minutes to get ready for breakfast.

A lot of people have asked, what does a safari guide do? They do a lot, and this is where their journey with you begins for the day.For that reason, throughout this article, you will see me referring to them a lot, that’s how important they are to a memorable African safari.

BREAKFAST: 6:00 AM

At exactly 6 AM, your guide will come and escort you to breakfast. Because of safety risk from wild animals, guests are not allowed to walk alone from their tents to the reception area. You must always wait for your guide. Although this might vary from lodge to lodge, usually breakfast is self served. You will then have 30 minutes for breakfast.

MORNING GAME DRIVES: 6:30 -9:30

At exactly 6:30, you set off in a 4×4 safari vehicle to find out what the bush has in store, and this is where the magic begins. This is my favourite part of the day. There is something special and magical about morning game drives. The air is fresh, the bush is just waking up, and you can hear a beautiful chorus of birds.

As the first rays of sunshine stretch across the savanna, the opportunity to spot nocturnal hunters begins. African predators are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so if you been dreaming of sighting them, do not miss the morning game drive.

One more thing you might find interesting, you will be able to see their fresh footprints, and be able to track them.

Botswana safari guides have a wealth of knowledge about the Botswana wilderness. In my experience, it was always a win tracking these predators. And when you finally spot that leopard or a pride of lions, you’ll be glad you woke up early and did not miss the game drive.

Other animals, such as elephants, zebras, and antelopes, will be moving towards water sources for their morning drink. The morning drive is an excellent time to see a variety of animals.

GAME DRIVE SNACK: 9:30 – 10:00

Your safari guide will find a scenic spot for a mid-morning snack. Also, you will be allowed to exit the vehicle and stretch your legs. Surrounded by mopane trees, you will be served coffee, tea, wine, biscuits, muffins, fruit snacks, you name it..

When you are on a safari in Botswana, you will be spoiled. Ultimately, what makes these moments special isn’t just about snacks on a scenic spot; it’s about pausing in the wild. Indulging in the silence, standing there with a mug in your hand, spotting animals in the distance in their natural habitats.

Also, this is the time to answer the call of nature, something you might be wondering about, how do i use the toilet while on safari? Well, behind that tree.

GAME DRIVE CONTINUES: 10:00 – 11:30

After a quick breakfast in the wild, the game drive continues. You continue to see and observe wild animals in their natural habitats. At this point, the temperatures starts to rise, and you are likely quite far from the lodge.

If there aren’t notable sightings somewhere spotted by other safari guides, your guide will start driving towards the lodge. Usually, you will reach camp around 12:00 midday.

From my experience, you will have the most sightings on morning game drives than any other time of the day. So, if you are completely exhausted and plan to miss one of the game drives, I suggest you miss the afternoon one.

Here are some of the things to do after your game drive while waiting for lunch: you can rest at your tent, go for a swim, read a book, take pictures, or relax at the reception.

LUNCH TIME: 12:30 – 14:00

The chef will come around and discuss the menu with you. A member of staff will then come around to take your order. Botswana safaris are luxurious, and that goes to dining as well. Expect a three-course meal, expertly prepared by experienced chefs.

The food is delicious. Oh! You can go for seconds. Lunch time is also a social affair, and guests take this time to exchange stories about their game drive sightings.

DOWN TIME:1400 -15:30

You will have time to take a nap, after all; a long morning game drive and a hearty lunch, an afternoon nap is irresistible. You might wonder, how to post on a safari? This is the opportunity.

Some lodges have Wi-Fi at receptions only, while others have coverage in tents as well. If you are not napping, you can take this time to edit your photos and update your instagram stories.

HIGH TEA:15:30 -16:00

Just before you head off for your afternoon game drive, high tea will be served. There will be tea, coffee, pastries, muffins, cakes, savoury snacks, fruits, smoothies, and more. If you want a particular snack while on your game drive, just let your guide know, and they will pack it for you. I can assure you, you will be well fed while on your safari.

AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE: 16:00- 18:00

Once you have sipped the final drop of your tea, it is time for another game drive, the afternoon game drive. The atmosphere is quite different to the morning game drive. The morning game drive is calm, cool, and fresh, whereas the afternoon game drive is warm and golden. As the sun goes down and the golden hour sets, the landscape becomes even more breathtaking.

SUNDOWNER: 18:00 – 18:30

As the sun sets, your safari guide will find a beautiful spot for a sundowner. This is pretty much a safari tradition across Africa, and it is pure magic. You stand there with a glass of gin and tonic or coffee, watching the sun melt into the horizon. This hour makes for stunning pictures.

Photographers, this will be an opportunity to shine. Although this hour is for you to take a break and relax on your game drive, remember to stay alert and look out for wild animals.

As darkness falls, you pack up and head to camp. You will continue to spot nocturnal hunters as they get ready for a night’s hunt.

What to expect on a safari in Botswana: DINNER TIME: 19:00-21:00

As you arrive at camp, it will be time for dinner. You will be greeted with smiles and cool towels to wipe off the dust from your hands and face. After that, your safari guide will escort you to your tent to freshen up if you choose to, or you can go straight to dinner.

And just as you think the day couldn’t get more perfect, here comes the most beautiful dinner set up you can think of. Picture this, candle-lit dinner under the stars, soft chorus of crickets in the distance and a hippo grunt from a nearby lagoon.

This is where guests share stories, and laughter echoes into the night. Moreover, the food is delicious. Expect a three-course dinner.

The atmosphere is peaceful and romantic. Anyone looking for an anniversary or honeymoon destination? Look no further! I highly recommend Sable Alley Camp.

What To Expect On A Safari In Botswana: BEDTIME

After dinner, guests will start to retreat one by one to their tents. Again ,your safari guide will escort you to your tent. If you are not feeling tired yet, you can sit around the campfire and listen to the sound of the bush. As you get to your tent, you’ll find your bed prepared for the night. You’ll have cold water and some teas and coffees for extra comfort.

Without a doubt, You’ll the go on to have the most peaceful night sleep and start all over again the next day.

Still wondering what to expect on a safari? Well, expect wonder, thrill, laughter, and to completely fall in love with the African wilderness.