Going on safari is the ultimate adventure, but it’s not all about lazing around—it’s about making the most of every magical moment in the bush! From early morning drives to afternoon sundowners, every part of the day is carefully planned to give you the best chance of seeing wildlife while leaving time to relax and enjoy the camp’s comforts.
💤 05:15 – Wake-Up Call
The day begins with one of our watchmen (the nighttime heroes of camp) gently knocking on your door. There’s no need for alarms in the bush—just the call of the wild and a warm wake-up from our team.
🍽️ 05:30 – Light Breakfast
Head to the main area to grab a light breakfast and fuel up for your morning adventure. Whether it’s a quick cup of coffee or tea, or something more substantial like cereal, fruit, and toast, you’ll be ready to tackle the day ahead.
🦁 06:00 – Morning Safari Time!
Hop into the safari vehicle with your guide and set off in search of wildlife. During the dry season (June–October), you’ll cross the Luangwa River via the iconic pontoon to access the park, while in the rainy season (November–January and April–May), you’ll use the main gate.
☕ 08:30 – Tea/Coffee Break in the Bush
Halfway through your safari, it’s time for a tea or coffee break paired with delicious biscuits or muffins. Stretch your legs, enjoy the scenery, and recap the morning’s sightings—whether it’s lions on the prowl, elephants grazing, or giraffes wandering through the trees. Pro tip: it’s also a great time for a quick bush bathroom break!
🚙 10:00 – Return to Camp
Depending on what you encounter (and perhaps a special sighting like a leopard with her cubs), you’ll return to camp around 10:00–10:30.
🍽️ 11:30 – Brunch
You’ll hear the sound of drums signaling brunch—no, it’s not an alarm! It’s our way of saying the food is ready. Kafunta’s brunch leans more toward an early lunch, usually with a buffet of fresh salads, savoury pies, kebabs, and other hearty dishes to keep you satisfied.
💆♂️ 12:30–15:00 – Chill Time
The midday hours are for relaxing and recharging after a busy morning. Whether you prefer lounging by the pool with a book, enjoying a soothing massage, taking a nap, or sipping on a cocktail, this is your time to unwind.
☕ 15:00 (or 15:30 in hotter months) – Afternoon Tea
The afternoon safari begins with a refreshing glass of iced coffee or iced tea, accompanied by a sweet treat—think carrot cake or brownies.
🦁 15:30 (or 16:00 in hotter months) – Afternoon Safari
It’s time to load up and set off again. The afternoon drive often delivers incredible sightings, and as the day cools, the bush comes alive with activity. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket, as it gets cooler after sunset. Make sure to check out our suggested packing list.
☀️ 17:30 – Sundowner Stop
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Stop at the edge of the Luangwa River, a G&T (or your drink of choice) in hand, and watch the sun sink behind the mountains. There’s truly nothing like an African sunset. Once it’s dark, the spotter will use a light to seek out nocturnal animals you wouldn’t see during the day—think leopards, hyenas, and bush babies.
🚙 19:00 – Back to Camp
Arrive back at camp, still buzzing from the day’s sightings. Sometimes, a wild dog chase or an elusive predator will keep you out a little later—and that’s always worth it!
🍽️ 20:00 – Dinner Under the Stars
After freshening up, gather around for a delicious 4-course dinner. Whether you’re sharing stories of the day’s adventures or watching hippos grazing right in front of camp, it’s the perfect way to wrap up a day in the wild.
End of the Day
Head to bed whenever you’re ready and fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush, knowing tomorrow brings another exciting day of exploration and discovery.
Make It Your Own
While this schedule is a typical day, your safari experience is yours to shape. For guests staying at our bush camps—Three Rivers Camp or Island Bush Camp—mornings often feature walking safaris, while afternoons bring game drives. At Kafunta, you can also add a cultural experience to your itinerary by visiting Mfuwe village, where you can visit local schools and shop for handcrafted souvenirs to take home. Another option is to do a full-day drive which means you’ll have lunch in the bush – this gives you the chance to explore parts of South Luangwa National Park that you may not get to see on shorter drives.
No matter what your ideal safari looks like, we’re here to make it happen.
Ready to start your dream safari? Contact us today for rates, packages, or any questions you may have—we’d love to welcome you to Kafunta Safaris soon! 😊
