In the African savannah, one adapts to the rhythm of nature, the sunrise and sunset and learns to experience a typical day on retreat. Depending on the retreat or workshop that you will participate in with specific activities, the schedule described below will be adapted to the schedule and requirements of the retreat or workshop.
Early mornings offer some of the best game viewing, as this is when most species are at their most active. Even nocturnal animals and predators can often still be spotted at this time – perhaps chasing prey, or, if you are lucky, strolling along a dirt road. With a bit of fortune, you might even catch sight of lions or a leopard on the move!
A staff member will come and knock gently at your door to invite you to share a quick coffee or tea and a few biscuits while it may still be dark.
These can last up to 3 hours or more. It may seem long but once out there and despite a bit of sleepiness, you will not notice the passing of time. There’s so much to discover out there, especially with all your senses on alert.
A copious brunch awaits after your morning activity, usually around 9:30am.
Midday is usually a tranquil time: as the temperature rises, both humans and animals tend to save their energy avoiding the heat and looking for trees or cooler places. You may be offered alternative activities such as a short walk with you armed guide visiting a community project in a nearby village.
The occasion to look at the pictures you took, chat with others what you will have seen or heard. Breakfast can also be organized in the wild.
Or you may want to have a swim in the pool, read a book, wander around the lodge or simply go back to your room and enjoy a nice long nap while the battery of you camera is charging for your next adventure. Lunch, sometimes called high tea, is usually served at the main facilities around 2pm.
You’ll set off from the lodge in your 4×4 vehicle around 3:30pm after a light lunch. Since the drive begins in the late afternoon, part of your journey will take place after dark, giving you the chance to spot nocturnal animals, from large predators like lions, leopards, wild dogs, and hyenas, to smaller ones such as genets, caracals, jackals, and owls.
As the sun begins to set, pause for a sundowner and marvel at one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever witness, drink in hand…
Far from any city lights or light pollution, the night sky comes alive with the Milky Way. Look up and be awed by millions of flickering stars: the Southern Cross, Orion, Venus, and Jupiter all on display. Big skies, big dreams.
As the sun sets, temperatures drop once again, especially in winter. Once you’re back at the lodge from your late afternoon activity, you’ll have time to freshen up – perhaps with a warm shower or a long bath – before heading to the boma (dinner area), where staff will have a fire crackling and ready.
Most lodges invite guests to dine with their guide at a communal table. As a retreat participant, however, you’ll be most probably staying in a private villa, lodge or tented camp reserved exclusively for your trip. With a drink in hand, it’s the perfect time to swap stories from the day’s adventures and make new friends.
Every so often, we may surprise you with a different setting for the evening: a bush dinner at a breathtaking spot nearby, set beneath paraffin lanterns glowing in the trees…
A très bientot !