What Are Scheduled Safari Activities & Shared Activities?

When looking at safari lodge rates, you may see that scheduled safari activities or shared safari activities are included. But what do these terms actually mean?

It is important that you know and understand what you are booking, and what is (and isn’t) included in your booking otherwise you might end up feeling disappointed when you get to the lodge.

What Are Scheduled Safari Activities?

Safari game lodges include game drives in their rates. Well, most of them do.

Sometimes they are called game activities. This is when a lodge offers more than game drives. It might include guided walks, night drives, canoeing, boat trips, or even fishing.

But let’s specifically look at the term, ‘scheduled safari activities.’

Scheduled safari activities take place at times determined by the lodge ie. they are scheduled.

Most safari lodges offer two activities each day:

• An early-morning game drive
• A late-afternoon game drive, which may continue after dark

The departure times vary according to the season, weather and location. In summer, for example, morning game drives may depart earlier to avoid the heat and to catch the animal action.

Depending on the lodge, scheduled activities may also include guided bush walks, boat trips, mokoro excursions or other wildlife experiences.

Because these activities follow the lodge’s schedule, you generally cannot choose your own departure time. If the morning game drive leaves at 6:00 am, you will need to be ready at that time.

You are not required to join every activity. You can skip a game drive if you would rather sleep late, enjoy the lodge facilities or simply relax. But if you do decide to skip out on an activity, you will not be refunded for that game drive/ walk etc.

What Are Shared Safari Activities?

A shared safari activity means that you will participate with other guests staying at the lodge.

For example, you may share a game-drive vehicle with several other travellers. The number of guests will depend on the lodge, the size of its vehicles and how busy it is during your stay. It’s also a great way to meet new people from around the world!

Everyone on the vehicle will depart and return at approximately the same time. Your guide will consider the group’s interests, but the drive will not be tailored entirely to one person or travelling party.

Shared activities are standard at most safari lodges and are usually included in the accommodation rate.

Are Scheduled and Shared Activities the Same Thing?

Not exactly.

Scheduled describes when the activity takes place.
Shared describes who participates in it.

An activity can therefore be both scheduled and shared. It departs at a set time and is enjoyed with other lodge guests.

What Is the Alternative?

The alternative is usually a private activity or private game-drive vehicle.

With a private vehicle, only you and your travelling companions participate in that vehicle. This gives you more flexibility over:

• Which animals you would most like to find
• How long you spend at a sighting
• Whether you want to focus on photography, birds or specific wildlife
• When you would like to return to the lodge
• How long you are out in the bush for

However, a private vehicle does come at an additional cost (unless the lodge isn’t full, then you might get lucky but that is never guaranteed because bookings change at the last minute).

Private vehicles are also subject to availability, which means you can only get one if one is available, and that is why you should always prebook this and not wait until you get to the lodge.

Who Should Book a Private Vehicle?

• People who want privacy
  
  
• People who want flexibility
  
  
• Photographers. Photographers need certain angles and light for their pictures, and it can take time positioning the vehicle correctly. Sometimes they will want to sit and wait for something specific to happen and this takes time. If you are a photographer, you can often also request bean bags to rest your camera on, on the side of the vehicle (not all lodges have these so check beforehand).
  
  
• Birders. Birders are happy to sit for a couple of hours watching birds or watching a specific bird. People who aren’t that interested in birds are generally not happy to do that.
  
  
• People who have been on a safari multiple times in the past. This is because you may be paired up with first-time safari travellers who will ask the questions that you can answer.

What Should You Check Before Booking?

Ask the lodge or your safari specialist:

• How many guests are seated in each vehicle?
• Which scheduled activities are included?
• Are all activities shared?
• Are any activities subject to availability?
• Can you book a private vehicle?
• How much does a private vehicle cost?
• Must it be booked for the entire stay?
• Are there age or fitness restrictions for certain activities?
• Can the activity change because of weather or water levels?

The Simple Explanation

When a lodge includes scheduled shared safari activities, it means the activities depart at predetermined times and you will experience them with other lodge guests.

This is completely normal on safari and can be an enjoyable way to meet fellow travellers. If you would prefer more flexibility or an experience tailored to your particular interests, ask about booking a private activity or private vehicle.