What to Expect on African Safari: Big Game, Big Views, Big Memories

Our family of five spent several glorious weeks in southern Africa, enjoying South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Our young-adult daughters were the perfect ages (23, 20, and 17) to revere and respect the awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife. We chose July—wintertime—because we decided we’d rather wear layers and blankets than feel the potentially excessive heat. For us, that was a perfect choice, because even the coldest days on safari were comfortable enough to forget about the weather and simply soak up the experience.

What to expect on safari

Life on safari is about surrendering to nature’s schedule. Early mornings in winter begin with a wake-up call and hot coffee before climbing into your open-air vehicle. The air is crisp, so layered clothing essential, as your guide navigates the clay-colored paths of the reserve. Slowly, the sun lifts and with it, the bush comes alive: giraffes stepping gracefully out of the trees, a lioness resting after her night hunt, or elephants gathering near a watering hole. By late morning, the heat builds, and the pace slows back at the lodge with long breakfasts, siestas, or time by the pool. Evenings invite you back into the vehicle for golden-hour game drives, where the light paints the landscape and the animals seem to glow against the horizon.

What stood out most to us was the rhythm. Each game drive stretched three to four hours, but never once felt long. There is a kind of meditation in the searching: scanning the horizon for movement, listening for a call, waiting quietly for nature to reveal itself. Our guide, Maifala, conducted the experience like an orchestra—shifting gears, coasting to silent stops, spotting animals hundreds of yards away that we could barely make out. The Land Cruiser itself becomes part of the adventure—its canvas pouches filled with cameras and gloves, its collapsible table transforming into the perfect sundowner station.

How to find your perfect lodge

The lodges themselves reflect the diversity of safari. At Lubbesrust in Botswana, remoteness defines the experience—you feel as though you’ve stepped entirely off-grid, into a vast wilderness where rhinos are protected with fierce dedication. At Lubbesrust, we were completely enveloped in the warm hospitality of the team who took care of our every meal, happy hour, and load of laundry. Along the way, they delighted us with surprises like lunch in the bush and dinner under an ancient baobab tree by candlelight.

In South Africa, each lodge offers its own character: the intimate tented luxury of &Beyond Ngala, the warm welcome at Motswari, the well-established game viewing at Thornybush, the boutique feel of RockFig, the understated charm of Amaya, and the conservation focus of Jabulani—where elephants are ambassadors. For travelers, it means you can tailor your safari to the style that resonates most—whether that’s rustic seclusion or refined comfort. Having sent many families and groups on safari, the best part of the job for me is discovering the perfect lodge to fit each family’s needs and personality. From budget to ultra-luxe, there’s literally a safari for everyone.

A safari is for those who want to feel small—in the best possible way. Families, couples, or solo travelers all find something here: the awe of first-time sightings, the wonder of star-filled skies, the camaraderie around a fire at night. Unlike other vacations, a safari isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less, but experiencing more deeply.

• Pack layers: Winter in Southern Africa means chilly mornings and warm afternoons, with temperature swings of 30+ degrees. Think breathable shirts, a sweatshirt or jacket, gloves, and a hat.

• Schedule downtime: The temptation is to see it all, but leaving time to reflect, nap, or just watch the savanna is part of the magic.

• Prepare for logistics: Some reserves are a full day’s drive from the airport, as was the case with ours in Botswana. Knowing that, we planned for a cozy day in the van, journaling and napping, and taking in the scenery from the road. For those who don’t like long drives, small planes are an alternative, but plan ahead.

• Bring the right gear: A long camera lens will reward you with stunning close-ups, but don’t underestimate your phone’s ability to capture the moment. Binoculars and water bottles are also essential. And, since bathroom breaks are outdoors, a roll of toilet paper is nice to have.

• Cash & tipping. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but plan your ATM stops and tipping strategy.

• Be present: Put the phone down, watch the sunrise, and listen to the stillness of the bush. You’ll never forget it.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Botswana and South Africa pages.