What To Expect On A Typical Day In The Serengeti?

Serengeti isn’t just a destination, it’s a rhythm. A typical day in this world-famous destination is full of adventure from early morning to bedtime. Knowing what to expect on safari is very important to make sure you plan your day effectively and have a good time. In this guide, we’ll describe your Serengeti safari daily schedule – from game drives, meals, downtime, and of course, a few surprises. Let’s start the journey.

Morning

You start the day with a friendly wake-up call, around 5:30 a.m. It starts with a soft knock on your tent or room door signals, then you’re up. You’ll enjoy a quick cup of tea or coffee, perhaps with some snacks. Once you’re ready to go, we begin the journey into the wilderness of the Serengeti.

A pro tip here is: predators are so active in early mornings because it’s cool. When the heat sets in, they hide under a tree’s shade or up a tree. So, early mornings come with plenty of predator actions. If lucky, you may witness lions finishing off a kill or even a cheetah scanning for prey.

The plains are also golden due to sunrise: if you have a nice camera, it’s time for those stunning pictures. If your camp offers a bush breakfast, why not head to the site (often under an acacia tree) to enjoy your meal in the African bush?

Late Morning

You’ll drive back to the lodge or camp at around 10:00-11:00 a.m. At this time, heat has just started setting in, so many animals start to rest in the shade, climb up trees, or hide in their burrows. The lodge chef will welcome you back with a hearty brunch or late breakfast. Fresh fruits, eggs, toast, bacon, or a buffet with local and international flavors – all these to enjoy on your own. Then head to your room for a shower and recharge your nap.

Midday

As it gets hotter, animals sleep under shade, birds enter their nests, while leopards nap on acacia trees. This is not the best time to go for a game drive. It’s time for resting and recharging. Depending on the accommodation you’re staying at, you can do any of the following:

• Swim in a large swimming pool to cool your body
• Enjoy Wi-Fi to catch up with friends back home or the news
• Nap in your spacious tent or room
• Read in your tent
• Sit on a private game viewing deck or lounge area

Also, you can use this time to review your photos, jot down what you’ve just seen, or watch giraffes wander in the distance.

Afternoon

Set off for an afternoon game drive around 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. The heat has just cooled, and the light is soft. Animals are back again. This time, search for elephants at watering holes or along the Seronera River. Also, go for hippos as they emerge from rivers after a hot midday sun, or crocodiles. Explore the plains to see plains animals like zebras and wildebeests. Go into the acacia woodlands to seek buffalo and impala grazing. These grass-eaters use this time to fill their gut before dawn. So, it’s an excellent time for watching herbivores. In addition, predators lurk nearby herds, so relax and watch the dramatic predator-prey chases.

Evening

As the plains turn amber and rose, leopards come out to search for prey. So, if you didn’t see it in the morning or want to maximize your chances of spotting this elusive predator, it’s the right time. There’s a greater chance of spotting other elusive animals like jackals, foxes, civets, and porcupines.

After all game activities follows a sundowner follows, one of the magical safari traditions in the Serengeti. Your guide will find a scenic spot on a hill or under a giant baobab tree. Enjoy drinks and light snacks as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Night

Your night starts with a delicious dinner under the stars – yes, a bush dinner. In this candlelit dining experience, you’ll enjoy your favorite dishes served in African style. After this incredible experience, it’s time for campfires. The guides are good storytellers: they share their experience in the Serengeti as well as mythical stories their grandparents told them. You can also hear distant sounds of a lion’s roar or a hyena’s laughter. Some lodges and camps offer a stargazing experience.

By 9:30 to 10:00 p.m., you may go to bed and prepare your mind for the next day’s adventure.

Does the routine change?

Yes, there are slight changes to this schedule. Changes depend on:

Accommodation type: Luxury lodges or camps have many activities included in their package, while budget camps have fewer activities.

Type of safari – Private safaris have flexible schedules compared to group safaris. What you’ll do while alone might not be the same if you were in a group.

Time of year – if you travel between July and September to witness the Great Migration river crossings, your schedule may change. For example, you may have extended drives to catch up to a river crossing.

Activities included – if you start the day with a balloon ride, you won’t follow the same schedule.

Final word

A Serengeti safari may follow the same rhythm, but no two days are ever the same, because nature is unpredictable here. This day you see this, the next day you see that. There’s much going on in this spectacular destination. At Active Safaris, we guide you in your life-changing journey to see wildlife, with just one call. Ready for an adventure? Why not call us?