I didn’t know what to expect before my first safari, but nothing prepares you for waking up to the sound of birds, the chill of the morning air, and seeing giraffes quietly grazing as the sun rises over the plains. here are a few things I wish someone told me before my first safari game drive: 1. Stay the night at a safari lodge if possible. A day trip is ok, but sometimes you need to go on more than one game drive to see all of the animals in the wild. Since this is a real Safari, not a zoo. Sometimes they are sleeping, or hard to find. We saw three of the big five during the first drive and so call five of the big five animals plus lots of others by the end of our second drive. 2. You can dress for the weather and the photos. Safari style is all about comfort and blending in — think neutral tones, layers, and a hat for the sun. It gets chilly in the mornings and surprisingly hot by midday. 3. The lodge is part of the magic. Between drives, you get to slow down, stop for brunch or snack, eat incredible food, relax by the pool, or just sit and listen to nature. Umoya Lodge felt so personal and peaceful, like a little hidden paradise. All of the food and drinks were included in the price. There’s something so humbling about being that close to wildlife & you realize how small you are in the most beautiful way. ##safarioutfit##UmoyaLodge##SouthAfricaTravel##TravelDiaries##SafariExperience