Jambo Gallivanters!
I just got back from the bucket list trip of a lifetime.
If you read my blog post Turning 26 – My 30 Under 30 list, you’ll know that going on an African Safari has been a dream of mine for so long. And I finally got to experience it.
And guess what? I’m taking you along for the bumpy game drives, breathtaking views, and amazing wildlife!
Without further ado, let’s spend a day at the Thawale Lodge on Safari in Africa.
4:30 AM Wake-Up Call
In Africa, you get to pretend to be a morning person.
The 4:30 am wake-up call is so that you have plenty of time to get your safari gear on, spray down with DEET, and enjoy some quality time in your tent under the mosquito net..
5:00 AM Coffee and Meet & Greet with Guide
Before heading out to your morning game drive, the lodge will welcome you with some coffee and tea.
The caffeine is the way to make sure you are bright eye’d and bushy tailed, ready to spot all of the African wildlife hiding in the bush.
5:30 AM Load Up for Morning Game Drive
Finally, it’s time to meet your guide and load up in the safari truck.
TIP: I thought any seat on the truck was great, but some of the best pictures came when I sat in the back row in the aisle seat!
5:45 AM – 9:30 AM Morning Game Drive
This is the time to be alert, and oh so quiet.
Enjoy the scenery, the serenity and the sunrise.
The morning is when we saw most of the wildlife, including this African elephant!
10:00 AM Formal Breakfast
After our morning game drive concluded, we headed back to the lodge to enjoy breakfast.
This is the time to recap with your group about all the wonderful things you got to see, and still hope to see on your evening game drives!
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Relaxation Time
Now time to relax! Enjoy the pool, take a nap, or hang out by the waterhole at the main lodge.
You may have some unexpected vistors:
1 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch
Before heading out on another game drive, enjoy a quick lunch by the watering hole in the main lodge.
2:30 PM Afternoon Game Drive
I highly recommend reapplying sunscreen before this game drive, we saw more of the smaller animals during this time, while the lions slept and the other creatures wait for nightfall.
4:00PM Relaxation Time
More down time to relax before the evening game drive was necessary to recharge ourselves and our cameras!
6:00 PM Evening Game Drive
Nightfall in Africa comes earlier this time of year, so the animals should be out and about!
Unfortunately, we missed our evening game drive, but that’s only one more reason to come back to the Thawale.
9:00 PM Dinner
After a long day of sightseeing and driving, dinner couldn’t have been more enjoyable.
Once we finished our meal (and a fabulous dessert), we got to sit by the fire and enjoy a refresher.
Finally, it was time to head off to bed before another day of adventure!
Well folks, the trip of a lifetime was had.
I hope you enjoyed a day on safari and the Thawale lodge.
I know I sure did!
-Allison