Many people assume that being a safari guide is just about driving or walking guests through the bush while pointing out wildlife. While that is certainly a big part of the job, it comes with far more responsibilities than most realize. A day in the life of a safari guide is busy, unpredictable, and often exhausting—but also incredibly rewarding.
When I was still guiding, my daily routine looked something like this:
Morning: The Early Start
The start of the day depends on the season, as sunrise dictates our schedule. In summer, it can be brutal, with the sun rising as early as 05:00 AM. In winter, there’s a little more mercy, with sunrise only around 06:40 AM. For now, let’s assume it’s summer. My alarm goes off at 04:00 AM, and after quickly brushing my teeth and drinking some water, I’m ready to go.
Before anything else, I check the safari vehicle—fluids, tires, and a general cleanliness check to ensure everything is in working order. Once that’s done, I park the vehicle at the departure point and head to the kitchen, where my incredible tracker is already preparing all the essentials for our mid-drive coffee stop—cookies, tea, coffee, juices, and of course Amarula. While he handles everything for the drive, I make sure fresh coffee is brewed and set up a small coffee and tea station at the main area, so that guests can have a little drink and snack before the safari.
Next comes the wake-up call for the guests. Most lodges schedule this about 15 minutes before sunrise, with departure around 15 minutes after sunrise, though this can vary. By 05:00 AM, I greet the guests and offer them coffee, tea, or water. This was always an amusing moment—some guests were hungover, others still half-asleep from jet lag, and most questioned why they thought waking up at 04:45 AM on holiday was a good idea!
My tracker and I do our best to get everyone moving, and after a quick discussion on what we hope to see, we set off into the bush by 05:15 AM. The next few hours are spent exploring, searching for wildlife, and taking in the magic of the African wilderness.
Mid-Morning: Post-Drive Tasks
By around 09:00 AM, we return to the lodge, where the guests sit down for a well-earned breakfast. Meanwhile, my tracker and I pack away all the gear, ensuring everything is clean and ready for the next drive.
Around 10:00 AM, I sit down for my own breakfast. After that, I do another vehicle check (never fully trust a Land Rover!), which often leads to some form of maintenance—changing light bulbs, replacing tires, or even clearing a tree knocked over by an elephant.
Afternoon: The Break That Isn’t Always a Break
From around 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM, there’s some downtime. I had a little routine: sorting through photos and videos from the morning drive, updating social media, squeezing in a workout, eating after training, reading up on interesting wildlife facts, and—most importantly—taking a much-needed nap.
That peaceful routine, however, was often interrupted by the arrival of new guests. Welcoming them meant handling luggage, introducing them to the lodge, and giving them a brief rundown of what to expect on safari.
Afternoon Drive Prep & Departure
By 03:00 PM, it’s time to get ready for the afternoon drive. New guests receive a more detailed briefing—especially on what not to do—and I make sure their requested drinks are packed.
At 04:00 PM, we set off on another adventure, once again hoping for some incredible sightings.
Evening: The Long Stretch
We usually return to the lodge between 07:00 PM and 07:30 PM. Guests often head to their rooms to freshen up before dinner, giving me a moment to catch my breath. Once everyone is seated, I run through the plan for the next morning and make sure drinks are sorted.
And then… the day is done. Or is it?
As a guide, I was sometimes required to host guests, which could mean sitting with them for dinner (a nice perk, as lodge food is fantastic) or simply hanging around to ensure everything ran smoothly. I won’t lie—when "hosting" just meant standing around, those nights felt painfully long. After an exhausting day, all I could think of was a shower and my pillow. Some nights were particularly brutal, with guests staying up until 02:00 AM—while I knew my alarm was set to go off in just a couple of hours. Safe to say, I don’t miss those nights!
Finally, Sleep (and Repeat!)
Once all the guests had turned in and the lodge was closed, I’d take what always felt like the best shower of my life before finally crashing into bed.
This routine continued on repeat for six weeks straight before we got a well-earned two-week break. This was something I truly loved about guiding—those long stints meant you could take proper time off to travel and explore while still experiencing incredible moments every day on the job.
Best job in the world!
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