A Day in the Wild: Inside Life at an African Safari Camp

As the golden sun peeks over the horizon, casting its warm glow across the savanna, life at an African safari camp begins to stir. For many O.A.T. travelers, a safari adventure is the trip of a lifetime—filled with breathtaking wildlife encounters and unforgettable experiences.

But what does a typical day on safari really look like? We sat down with Blessing Dzikamai Muchenje—the top Trip Experience Leader for our Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari adventure—to get an insider's perspective on life in the bush.

Blessing Dzikamai Muchenje during an O.A.T. safari in 2018.

"Usually the day starts at 6am, or even 5:30am in summer," Blessing explained. "This is followed by a continental breakfast 30 minutes later, and then we depart for a morning game drive at 7am." As the safari vehicle rumbles across the terrain, guests are treated to the awakening wilderness. "A pit stop with tea or coffee is served out in the bush around 9 or 9:30am," Blessing added, providing a moment to stretch legs and marvel at the expansive African landscape.

Tea or coffee is served out in the bush around 9 or 9:30 am.

By late morning, the group returns to camp. "We're back between 10:30 and 11am for brunch," Blessing noted. "There's free time and freedom to explore until 3:30pm." This break allows guests to relax, journal, or simply soak in the atmosphere of their surroundings. The day's activities resume with high tea at 3:30pm, followed by either a Controversial Topic or some Learning & Discovery opportunities. This might involve discussions about conservation efforts, local cultures, or the complex ecosystems of the region.

As the heat of the day begins to wane, it's time for the afternoon game drive. "We head out around 4:30pm," said Blessing, when many animals become active again. This drive often yields some of the most spectacular sightings, as predators begin their evening hunts and herds gather at watering holes.

Dinner is served back at camp around 7pm—but the day isn't necessarily over. "Those ready for bed can turn in," Blessing shared, "or sit around the bonfire for a glass of whisky or two." It's a time for reflection, storytelling, and marveling at the star-studded African sky.

While this daily rhythm is consistent between the various safari destinations travelers will visit during our Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari adventure—from the Hwange, Kafue, and Chobe National Parks to the Okavango Delta and Shearwater Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve—each offers its own flavor: "The game driving part is pretty much the same," Blessing explained. "Experiences differ because each camp has something different to offer in terms of game density and diversity. For example, you'll see more elephant and buffalo numbers in Chobe, while Kafue and the Okavango Delta offer more birds, boat, and fishing activities. In the Delta, you can even experience rides in mokoros—traditional dugout canoes."

O.A.T. travelers can experience rides in mokoros—traditional dugout canoes—in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

However, Blessing has a soft spot for Zambia's Kafue National Park. "Other than my own home, Zimbabwe, of course, my favorite is Zambia and Kafue. There are 72 tribes, and the people are very respectful," he noted, highlighting the importance of cultural experiences alongside wildlife viewing. "An African safari is not complete without meeting the people of Africa themselves," he said. "A Day in the Life experience with local communities gives an in-depth understanding of how we live." O.A.T. facilitates these meaningful cultural exchanges through visits to local villages and markets.

A local guide standing alongside his safari vehicle.

To increase chances of spotting the "Big 5" and other iconic species, Blessing and his team employ tactical strategies. "We use two separate vehicles to ensure we cover more ground and explore more areas," he said. "In places like the Okavango Delta, guides go out during free time to scout around." This dedication ensures that guests have the best possible chance of witnessing Africa's incredible wildlife.

When it comes to safari attire, Blessing emphasized the importance of earth tones. "Khaki, olive, tan, brown, and earthy greens tend to be your best bets," he advised. "The idea is to blend into the bush so that wildlife is undisturbed, and you can view them in their natural habitat." He cautioned against wearing blue, as it's most visible to animals and can spook them. There's also a practical reason to avoid blue and black: "It has been suggested that blue objects are attractive to biting flies such as tsetse because they use the blueness and darkness of shadows to locate cover such as tree bark fissures and rot holes in which they frequently rest."

For first-time safari-goers, Blessing offered this advice: "Embrace the unexpected and get out of your comfort zone. As much as it is important to take that perfect shot, it is equally important to put the camera down and enjoy and live in the moment!"

O.A.T. travelers enjoying a moment with a lion.

He shared a personal highlight that exemplifies the magic of safari: "For the first time ever, I saw a pangolin with my guests in Hwange National Park. The joy and gladness on my face, as well as the guides', was infectious and it set the tone for the entire trip!"

As our conversation with Blessing came to a close, one thing became clear: A safari is more than just a vacation—it's an immersion into a world of wonder, where each day brings new discoveries and the potential for life-changing encounters. "Those seeking safari are usually in want of a few key things: incredible animal sightings, diverse activities like game drives and mokoro rides, and beautiful scenery—be it rivers, savannas, or waterfalls," Blessing reflected. "And while these things are all incredible, and certainly a joy to experience, safari is about so much more. Safari, to me, is a feeling—something that you cannot see in a photo or describe to a friend."

Spend 12 nights in tented bush camps and wilderness lodges during our Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari adventure.