What is the Daily Routine While on a Safari?

A typical day on safari is built around the wildlife, so it starts early and revolves around two game drives — one at dawn and one in the late afternoon — with meals, a midday siesta and sundowners in between. A standard day runs roughly like this: a 5–6am wake-up with tea, a morning game drive from about 6 to 9am, a full breakfast, downtime through the hot midday hours, lunch, afternoon tea around 3.30pm, a second game drive until sunset with sundowners in the bush, then dinner back at camp and an early night. Timings shift a little from camp to camp, but the rhythm stays the same.

Here is a closer look at what to expect from your safari schedule. 

A Typical Day on Safari at a Glance

5:00 to 6:00 a.m. — Wake Up and Get Prepared for the Day 

Safaris have very early wake-up times. This is because the mornings are some of the best times to see the animals. Once the hot midday sun comes out, the animals like to hide in the shade, so it’s best to head out while it’s still cool. 

If you have a longer safari, such as a week or more, there might be some days when you sleep a little later. Most days, though, you’ll need to be ready before the sun comes up. Don’t worry — there is plenty of time to sleep and relax during the evenings and nights. 

After showering and getting dressed, you’ll head to the dining area for a quick breakfast and tea. Some of the fancier lodges and camps will bring tea to your room. This early breakfast is usually small, as you’ll have a larger one later. 

6:00 a.m. to 9 a.m. — Morning Game Drive 

These early morning hours are spent on your first game drive. If you’re doing a walking safari, this is the best time to walk too, as it’s not yet hot. If the morning is extremely cold, your guide might wait an hour or so until it warms up. 

Your guide will take you to the best areas of the park where animals are commonly spotted. This is the time to tell them if there is a specific animal you want to see — they’ll do their best to find the perfect spot where it’s most likely to be. 

During your morning game drive, water and drinks are provided. 

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. — Breakfast

Now it’s time for the big breakfast. Depending on where you’re staying, you might be taken back to camp or to a lodge for breakfast. If your accommodation is further away, a bush breakfast will be set up for you. 

Staff put out tables and chairs and lay out the buffet so it’s ready before you arrive. Most safari breakfasts include cereals, bread, fruit, meat and eggs, and at a lodge you can often request dishes cooked to order. It’s also the perfect time to get to know your guide and the other guests. For more on what’s served, see our guide to the food and drink on safari. 

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. — Downtime 

This is your first block of downtime. You can rest or relax with the other guests, and many camps have a pool where you can cool off. 

Plenty of people bring a book or a deck of cards for this time. If you’re at a luxury lodge, this is when to enjoy a massage or spa treatment. 

If you have another activity scheduled, such as a hot air balloon ride, your guide may take you during this time. The African sun is warming up, so most animals are hiding away until it cools. 

12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Lunch 

Now it’s time for the second meal of the day. Lunch is usually served at your lodge or camp, with a buffet much like breakfast — salads, bread, rice and meat, plus Tanzanian dishes alongside some Western choices. 

You can eat in the dining area or have the staff bring lunch to your room if you’d prefer some quiet. 

1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. — Free Time 

During these hours you have another block of free time. You can plan extra activities such as a hot air balloon ride or a cultural visit — your lodge and guides will tell you what can be booked.

Some people simply prefer to relax at the lodge. You can take a nap, chat with other guests, or explore the camp. 

3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Tea Time 

Most safaris serve afternoon tea and snacks before heading back out for another game drive. You’ll be offered tea or coffee along with cakes and savoury snacks. 

4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Afternoon Game Drive and Sundowners 

Now it’s time to head back out as the animals become active again. The harsh sun is dropping, and just like in the morning, your safari guide will take you to the best spots for sightings. 

Midway, you’ll often pause at a scenic overlook for sundowners — a classic safari tradition of drinks and snacks while you watch the sun set over the bush. 

You might even see some of the same herds as in the morning, as animals move naturally through the park as the day goes on. After sunset, you’ll head back to your camp or lodge. 

7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. — Dinner and Entertainment 

Dinner is usually waiting when you arrive back at camp. You might eat in the dining area or outside depending on the weather, and it’s often a multi-course feast — soups, salads, meat, rice and dessert — sometimes served in a traditional open-air boma or under the stars. 

Depending on your lodge, wine and beer may be served, and camps sometimes have a bar where you can buy drinks. 

After dinner, many places offer live entertainment, usually an African dance performance — and you’re welcome to join in and enjoy yourself. 

10:00 p.m. — Winding Down and Bedtime 

You can go to bed whenever you like on safari. Most people turn in early, as the next morning starts before dawn, but some nights you might want to stay up talking around the fire. 

The staff stay up as late as you want. It’s often fun to spend time with them, learning about their lives, Tanzanian culture, and maybe even a few words of Swahili. 

Other Safari Schedules 

The schedule above is for guests staying within the same park for a few days. Yours might look a little different if you’re travelling between parks, as you’ll need to allow for transport time. 

If you’re only on a one or two-day safari, your days will be busier with less downtime. A one-day safari, for example, usually includes an early breakfast, game viewing, lunch, more game viewing, and then a return to camp for dinner and sleep. Shorter safaris will often serve lunch, and sometimes dinner, inside the park before heading back. 

The best time to travel also shapes your days — read our guide to the best time to do a Tanzania safari to plan around the seasons. 

Our office team and travel consultants will always give you an itinerary so you know exactly what to expect. The most important thing is simply to enjoy your time. 

While on safari, the staff take care of your meals and everything you need. All you have to do is show up and enjoy the amazing animals that call Tanzania home.