A day in the life on safari at Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Learn more about what to expect from a typical day spent on one of our wish-list South African safari escapes.  

There are few experiences quite as memorable as a safari, and for many people, it’s a holiday that’s been on their travel wish-list for years. That being said, for the uninitiated, it can feel like a step into the unknown. With that in mind, we’re looking at one of our most popular options, On Safari in South Africa – Karongwe Reserve, to give you a better idea of what to expect from your time in the bushveld. From early-morning animal-spotting to the activities you can enjoy on your downtime, here’s everything you can expect from a typical day on safari in South Africa. 

What to expect at Karongwe Private Game Reserve 

05:00-09:00 – Watch the sunrise on an early morning game drive 

Staying at Chisomo Safari Camp, within Karongwe Private Game Reserve, you’ll wake up to the sound of the bushveld before sunrise. Fuel yourself for the adventure ahead with a hot drink and some light snacks before boarding your open-air vehicle. Prey animals are at their most active in the softer morning light, so venture out at the break of dawn for the best chance of spotting herds of zebra, antelope, and wildebeest grazing the savannah. Keep an eye out for your chance to spot the reserve’s predatory species, from leopards to lions, on the hunt through the thicket.  

On these early morning game drives, the temperatures can often be a bit cooler than you might expect, so it’s worth bringing a thin extra layer or two to ensure you’re comfortable throughout.  

10:00-15:00 – Enjoy a late breakfast and lunch at the camp 

After your first game drive of the day, you’ll be served a brunch back at the camp. It’s the perfect way to unwind after the thrilling animal encounters you’ve already experienced and offers an opportunity to try some unique local produce and flavours.  

Once you’ve finished, you’ll usually have a few hours at leisure at the camp, which you can spend however you see fit. Whether you’d prefer to take a complimentary treatment at the camp’s first-class spa area or simply relax by the poolside, the camp’s refined amenities will be yours to enjoy. It’s usually around this time that you’ll be offered the chance to take part in an optional activity, from guided bushwalks on the camp’s unspoilt nature trails to anti-poaching talks and tree-planting sessions.  

15:00-19:00 – Head back into the reserve as the sun sets 

As the midday heat begins to ease, most days will see you head back out in the late afternoon for another safari game drive. With many of the native species venturing back onto the savannah plains as the sun begins to set, there are likely to be just as many fascinating wildlife-spotting opportunities at dusk.  

These later game drives typically end with a sundowner, a time-honoured safari tradition which will see you watch the sun set over the savannah accompanied by your drink of choice. Afterwards, you’ll head back to the camp for dinner as the bushveld’s nocturnal species begin to emerge.  

19:00 onwards – Tuck into a starlit dinner and time to relax 

Evenings at Chisomo Safari Camp offer guests the space to unwind, with ample time at leisure. Typically, dinner will be served in the camp’s restaurant, but occasionally you’ll enjoy your meal under the star-speckled African skies in a traditional boma, a fenced meeting area centred on a firepit. Certain days will end with additional activities, which are designed to enhance your safari experience, with gin-tasting sessions by the poolside and a special farewell feast on your final night at the camp.  

After all the excitement of the day, you’ll be free to spend the rest of the evening how you like, perhaps stopping at the bar for a cocktail or two or heading back to your room for a well-earned rest.  

Say ‘yes’ to your own safari adventure with Newmarket Holidays 

Have you always dreamt of spotting the world’s most majestic wildlife in their natural habitats? With our award-winning escorted tours, it’s never been easier to make your dream safari escape a reality, and you can choose from a range of destinations, including South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe and many more. For more information on our featured itinerary, or to enquire about our other options, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. You can also see our full range of escorted tours on our dedicated destinations page.