What would your day be without an extra touch that says, ‘relax, you’re on holiday’? One of the ways we do this is through a little something special whether it is a coffee in the morning, or a gin and tonic at sundowners or the world-loved creamy textures of Amarula that so perfectly compliments the tones of a sunset. You don’t need to worry as there is always someone on hand whether it is your guide or camp manager who will bring you enough of the good drinks. Swivel the ice in your glass, sit back, and enjoy the best of Africa’s safari drinks.

I’m driving along the roads of Londolozi with a guest and we’ve been watching the Sparta pride as they laze about, tummies heavy, their paws stretched towards the sky. We both have an interest in lions and simply watching the sleepy cats is enough.

A Sparta lioness amongst the greenery after a summer rainstorm. Richard Laburn

We later come across the Mashaba young female leopard. Her caramel coat and the blonde grass become one as she twists her body through the long grasses. Twenty minutes pass as we watch the leopard– only leaving as the sun begins to dim on the horizon.

The Mashaba Young Female. James Tyrrell

The point is: simply being in the bush is enough, even if you don’t come across a lion or leopard. To have great sightings is a bonus, and as you’ll come to realize, a sundowner on drive can add the final highlight to your day.

Our ranger stops the vehicle and offers us a drink. A simple touch. My choice is Amarula on ice, made from the plum-like fruit of the marula tree, a popular choice that has become synonymous with safari lifestyle.

I stand outside our vehicle. The heat of the day has evaporated and a cool breeze runs along my arms. The time of day has come to reflect on what has been, to reminisce about the experiences shared and to simply be. Insect sounds vertebrate through the bush, and as a blanket of darkness descends on another day, frogs begin their nightly chorus. It is time to indulge…

A honeymoon couple enjoy a sunset drinks stop. Elsa Young

Because we love a good drink and there’s always time to enjoy one on a holiday, we’ve realised that it’s the small things that make a big difference. We invite you to try some of our favourite drinks best enjoyed while on holiday in Africa or on game drive at Londolozi!

The Classic:

Gin and Tonic:

This is the ultimate classic safari drink to have at the end of your day whether it is on your deck overlooking the Sand River at elephants passing below or while you’re in the bush experiencing the golden hues of a sunset. We would not either be adverse to a gin and tonic while lazing in one of the camp’s private plunge pools.

A drinks stop in the bush at sunset. Kate Collins

Directions: A shot of gin topped with ice and filled with tonic. Add a wedge of lemon.

The Spirit of Africa:

Amarula: ‘One of the world’s most favourite cream liqueurs.’

Amarula: simply delicious

Amarula is a favourite drink of ours. The creamy liquor is made from the exotic marula fruit, a delight for many animals such as elephant, baboons, kudu, rhino, warthog, vervet monkeys and people alike!

The drink is best enjoyed on game drive. An early morning cup of coffee with a shot of Amarula is a good way to kick start your day. Add in and enjoy the delicious flavours. At night, gather around a fire and have as a nightcap.

Directions: Delicious poured over heaps of ice.

Crafted in Nature:

Local Craft Beers

South Africa has a thriving microbrewery industry that has taken the country by storm with a fantastic range of craft beers. Today the country boasts over 40 different microbreweries. One of the beers that we stock at Londolozi is the local Darling Brew.  The names of the beer are inspired by endangered or misunderstood wildlife. Local craft beers stocked at Londolozi include: Darling Brew, Brewers & Union, Cape Brewing Company, Everson’s, Devil’s Peak and Citizens Alliance.

The Darling Brew range. Courtesy of Darling Brew

Unwind from a day in the bush by cracking open one of these refreshing beers.

 The Celebratory Drink

Champagne

“I only drink Champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad.  Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone.  When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not in a hurry and drink it when I am, otherwise I never touch the stuff unless I am thirsty” – Lilly Bollinger

There’s always a reason to celebrate and therefore to drink champagne! Bubbles represent sophistication, glamour, elegance, luxury and happiness… Everything that we affiliate ourselves with at Londolozi! A local favourite is Graham Beck, the leader of MCC in South Africa. The Dom Pérignon is another great champagne… reserve this for a special occasion, preferably in the wilderness under a starlit sky.

To be enjoyed on a special occasion

Graham Beck Sparking Wine is a favourite at Londolozi

Directions: Best served chilled.

The Refreshment

Rock Shandy with or without a twist

A wonderfully refreshing drink. Amanda Ritchie

A rock shandy is a wonderfully refreshing drink to quench your thirst on a hot day. The low alcohol content of a shandy makes this drink a popular choice for those wanting something a little more on the tame side! Shandy can however be made to your preference. Why not add a shot of Vodka to give it a twist! 

What is your favourite Safari drink? Share your favourite in the comments below.