Why do we get up so early?

A phone call or knock on the door before sunrise during vacation doesn’t quite sound like most people’s idea of relaxation. But this vacation isn’t like any other. If this is your first safari here are some things you should know about why we schedule our drives or walks so early in the day:

Although we will never insist you get out in the bush at sunrise, we do highly recommend an early start as this tends to be the peak activity time for most wildlife. It starts off just before sunrise with the first calls of birds advertising their presence with beautiful high-pitched chirps and melodies that tend to travel further in the crisp still air. The layers of sounds don’t stop there as the chances of hearing lions roar is best is while they are still roaming about before the temperatures rise. We love watching lions no matter what they doing but it’s that much more captivating when they walk past your vehicle and you can actually hear them panting while their paws tread on the dry grass. There’s a small window to watch lions moving during daylight and it’s normally when it most cool and the light low.

Being one of the first vehicles on the undisturbed dirt road means the element of the unknown is still about. Watching your guide and tracker crack the code of tracks and signs laid before them brings you back to a practice that has been around for eternity. This primitive art form can unravel a whole sequence of events that was going on while you were enjoying the comforts of your suite the night before. Being able to be a part of this and even find what you’re following is simply thrilling. When the light is shining low, shadows show even on the smallest of tracks which gives you a clear canvas to with which to work.

As the morning goes on you may start to notice new characters joining the show. Dwarf mongooses sunning themselves on termite mounds are among the first to recognise the warmth from the sun. Like a solar panel these critters charge up before creeping through the grass foraging for insects. To the skies we see large birds of prey catching the thermal winds rising off the wooded crests of the savanna. Effortlessly they keep an eye out for any opportunity to fill their crop. If you’re up early you see more from start to finish.

Making the most of the day also fills the soul with a sense of achievement and responsibility that we need in our lives. Let us lead you on an adventure into nature, to see what comes your way.

A delicious brunch filled with seasonal flavours awaits once we return back to the lodge, and there’s always time for a midday siesta or an energetic session in the gym!