Game drive & night drives
Game drives are either part of your private safari with your own driver guide who stays with you the entire multi day safari. Or you can go on a game drive as an activity arranged by the lodge you stay at with a local guide.
The word ‘gamedrive’ can be split into 2 different words: Game and Drive
‘Game’ is generally referred to as ‘animals that are not domesticated and are roaming the plains of Africa. In general we speak about ‘big game’ if we refer to animals like elephants, Cape buffaloes and other larger mammals. ‘Drive’ is referred to as a ‘drive with a vehicle’.
The combination of the words could therefore be described as a ‘drive with a vehicle in/over the plains of Africa in order to view these animals. Over time however, the word became mostly known as a ‘drive with a vehicle in Africa, in order to find (large) game for photographic reasons’.
Most of the time you will have two game drives a day; one early morning and one late in the afternoon. A gamedrive can vary in length and distance, depending on preferences of the people in the vehicle (if you are hsaring a vehicle) and the animals you encounter on the way.
Early morning game drives
Game drives leave (very) early in the morning. Never forget that you are on a holiday and that it is no shame to sleep in if you feel like doing so. Not every game drive has the same level of excitement, but you will see, the first time you do sleep in, that leopard will show itself in all its glory (get the point?).
Afternoon game drives
Your afternoon game drive is sometimes extended into an evening game drive. During the dark hours of your drive you may see – with the help of a spotlight – nocturnal animals that you would normally not see during the day.
What to bring on a game drive
If you go on a gamedrive, make sure you carry your camera, binoculars, some reference books (if they are not in the vehicle), your sunglasses and a hat of some kind. In case you come back after dark, don’t forget to take something warm to wear.
During a gamedrive you will have to possibility to stretch your legs and (maybe) have a drink. Always stay close to the vehicle and tell your guide when you go to the bush room! And do not go by your self.
In a lot of National Parks and Game Reserves it is not permitted to go off-road during your gamedrive. This is to prevent vehicle-damage to the environment. Please don’t force your guide to do so.
