Why you should embrace early morning game drives on safari

Embarking on a safari adventure is an unparalleled experience, promising encounters with untamed wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and the mysteries of the natural world.

And the best time to witness all of this? Sunrise. Or just before sunrise to be precise.

This, of course, means that you will experience a few early mornings on safari.

The crack of dawn on the savannah brings with it a symphony of sounds—the distant roar of lions, the trumpeting of elephants, and the melodious chirping of birds heralding the dawn.

For safari enthusiasts, these early morning awakenings are not just a necessity but a cherished ritual.

Not everyone is a morning person though.

If you are not quite sold on the idea of being woken from your slumber in the early hours to drive around in the hope of spotting animals, read on.

We explain why early morning is the best time of day for animal sightings and provide a few tips on how to cope with early mornings on safari.

Why do we need to go on early morning game drives?

The best time of day to go on safari is during the early morning and in the late afternoon.

Animals don’t like the heat of the midday sun and will often seek shade which makes them harder to spot.

They often like to head to find water in the early morning and early evening so you can see them on the move or on their way to get water. 

So why do you need to get up early for a morning game drive?

Quite simply, most animal activity occurs just before sunrise. Herbivores are often seen grazing and lions may be seen returning from a night of hunting.

For those who venture into the wild, each morning brings with it a sense of anticipation and wonder—a chance to witness nature’s spectacle unfold before their eyes.

It is during these moments at sunrise that the wilderness truly comes alive, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink as the sun rises over the horizon.

Personally, I prefer a morning safari because you can often be back at your lodge in time for breakfast and then the rest of the day is yours to do with as you wish.

How to cope with early morning awakenings on safari

Having established that early mornings are the best time to go on safari, here are some tips on how to deal 

At home we are often perplexed by the enigma of early morning awakenings and attribute it to something negative going on in our lives.

I am not a morning person. It takes me two coffees before I can have a conversation and I usually dread early morning wake-ups.

But transport me to Africa and early mornings have a completely different meaning.

Don’t get me wrong. I still need that coffee, but I’m prepared to wait as it’s worth the wait.

First there is the wake up call, possibly by a Masai warrior who waits to escort you to the lodge.

Then there is a briefing with coffee and a pre-breakfast snack.

The key is to think about early morning wake up calls on safari in a more positive light and use that anticipation of something wonderful to your advantage.

Some tips for dealing with early mornings on safari

• make sure you have an early night and get a good night’s sleep. You may be tempted to stay up indulging in the all-inclusive drinks, but that early morning wake up will become more difficult. Also think of your guide if he or she is staying up with you. They also need to get up early (even earlier than you) to prepare the vehicle. Often they are not meant to go to bed before the guests, despite needing to.
• try to take a nap during the quiet times. You will usually have some time after breakfast and before lunch or after lunch and before your afternoon game drive.

And this last one is not really a tip but we recommend that you plan your safari accommodation well.

Believe it or not, the safari accommodation plays a bigger part in choosing a safari for some people than the location itself.

And whilst animal sightings are a very important factor of any safari, there is no doubt that a comfortable night’s sleep is also important, especially when you have those early morning wake up calls.

The choice of where to lay your head after a day of exploration can significantly shape the safari experience.

Safari accommodations, ranging from luxury lodges to rustic tented camps, offer a diverse array of experiences tailored to suit every traveller’s preferences.

Even though some safari lodges are out in the middle of the African bush, you can find some of the most luxurious accommodation in the world.

For those seeking the epitome of luxury in the heart of the wilderness, safari lodges beckon with a selection of pillows and a mattress topper collection to rival the best hotels, promising a night of unparalleled comfort under the African sky.

Imagine sinking into a cloud-like embrace after a long day of game drives, the cares of the world melting away as you drift into a state of blissful slumber.

So with a great night’s sleep, early mornings on safari become much less of a challenge.