A Typical Morning on a Zambian Safari

A typical morning on safari in South Luangwa

Whether it’s your very first safari, or you’re a veteran and can’t count how many Safari’s or Impala’s you’ve seen in your lifetime – South Luangwa is always special.

Between the variety of animal and bird species, you are guaranteed to see something.

South Luangwa is a national park, unlike others. Most people go into national parks in Africa grateful for just being there, for being in the presence of Africa’s wilderness. South Luangwa spoils the safari-goer, by the end of your journey you find yourself becoming greedy with your checklist, ticking things off you thought you wouldn’t see, and searching for things that weren’t on that list before.

Let’s take you there, step by step.

05:00 wake up!: I know it sounds awfully early, but when you’re in the African bush it is the best time of day. The sunrise can be more spectacular than the sunsets, and no one is there to see them but you and your travel companions. The animals are active, it’s cooler in the morning so most animals will be foraging.

05:30: Let’s go eat, even though you do not want to eat at this hour, trust me you will be hungry later. Normally continental with other safari-goers as you romantically watch the sunrise.

 06:00 sharp: Let’s get you on that game drive! Don’t be late, that’s bad safari manners.

Hopefully, you packed all the essentials – water, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, closed shoes, camera, binoculars. Let’s also hope you didn’t wear bright colours!

Into the park, whether you’re lucky enough to stay inside the park, or outside crossing the Luangwa bridge into the park is always an experience. Don’t forget to look both sides, hippos and crocodiles everywhere! You might even be lucky enough to see elephants crossing (not as rare as you would think).

You’re now over your initial tiredness as you awaken in the African bush, you hear all the birds, and have a small breeze from the open game drive vehicle brush past your face, welcome to Africa!

The guide has taken you on a few loops now, you’ve been your best tourist and taken about 200 photos – even you the local to South Luangwa! You’ve gotten over your first Impala and now your craving that lion spotting that everyone keeps talking about, the famous Garlic & Ginger brothers who, yes, even have their own Facebook page.

Driving past the beautiful Luangwa River, enjoying the hippos, all the birds and their calls…..up ahead there are about 3 other game viewers.

Your guide is obviously well informed and knows quite well how to manoeuvre this large vehicle.

You get to sneak up behind another vehicle and look to your left, there they are!

Perfect photo opportunities as the two male lions are about 5 meters away, don’t worry its safe! Just don’t stand or make loud noises, enjoy every moment…this is Africa

After your adrenaline rush and your professional photos, all your friends will go green with envy. Your guide decides it’s time for a break and a stretch. You drive along the banks of the Luangwa River under a Winter Thorn tree – far from the lions don’t worry! Perfect spot for Tea/Coffee and a few baked goods as you chatter with the guide.

 The morning begins to get hotter as the day goes on, the last hour of the drive is more enjoyable as you have seen the famous lions, massive elephants and countless antelope.

You get to enjoy being in the moment since you have a good stock of photos and everyone is in a very good mood. The guide takes you back to your lodge around 10:00 am after a good 4-hour game drive. Time for a quick change if you need and put that backpack down, it’s Brunch time! Does this day get any better? The answer is yes of course…stay tuned to our page to get a preview of an Evening Safari – even more intense!

Would you like to spend your morning like this? Get in touch with us today and we can make it happen!