A Time-Honored Ritual the Sundowner Safari Experience
It’s Time for Sundowners on Safari! Africa’s Happy Hour in the Ugandan Wilderness
The Sundowner Safari Experience is a time-honored tradition that began with the British during Africa’s Colonial Period. When you watch the sun dip below the horizon with a Gin and Tonic in hand, the sundowner experience is a classic safari tradition.
Most do not realize that the Sundowner Safari Experience came about because the British Colonialists and Soldiers used quinine power to combat Malaria.
First in India and then in parts of Africa. The quinine was too bitter to swallow, and soda water blended it. Gin soon followed, and Gin and Tonic Drink were born.
Winston Churchill, who popularized “Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, also said, “…The Gin and tonic have saved more Englishmen’s lives and minds than all the doctors in the Empire.” Originally the Sundowner Tradition was partially rooted in preventing Malaria, and today the Sundowner is a part of the rhythm of daily Safari Life. The Sundowner is that time of transition from the equatorial Sun’s warmth in Uganda and the refreshing African night.
The Sundowner Safari Experience – A Time-honored Safari Tradition in Uganda
The Sundowner Safari Experience refers to a popular activity offered at many lodges. It typically involves a late-afternoon game drive followed by a scenic stop at a picturesque location within the safari reserve or national park to enjoy the sunset.
During the Sundowner Safari Experience, you’ll typically embark on a game drive in a safari vehicle accompanied by an experienced guide. The guide will take you through the wilderness, pointing out various wildlife species, sharing interesting facts, and answering any questions. The game drive allows you to observe animals in their natural habitat, such as elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species.
As the day progresses and the Sun begins to set, your guide will find a suitable spot to pause and enjoy the breathtaking sunset. This location is usually chosen for its scenic beauty, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It could be a hilltop, a riverbank, or a clearing with a vantage point.
You can step out of the vehicle and stretch your legs while savoring the serene ambiance at the sundowner spot. Often, a selection of drinks and light snacks is provided, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing beverage while watching the colors of the sky change as the Sun descends below the horizon. It’s a magical experience as the African savannah transforms under the warm hues of the setting sun.
The Sundowner Safari Experience is an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature, capture memorable photographs, and soak in the tranquility of the wilderness. It combines a game drive’s excitement with the allure of a stunning sunset, creating an unforgettable safari adventure.
The Sundowner Safari Experience with a Waragi and Krest Bitter Lemon Soda
The Sundowner Safari Experience in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, has developed into its tradition using Ugandans’ choice, Waragi.
Uganda Waragi Gin has been called “The Spirit of Uganda” because of its do-it-yourself Culture. The taste for Gin in Uganda was birthed by the British when Uganda was a British Protectorate. Uganda Waragi is a statement by Uganda that Uganda became independent from British Rule and British Spirits.
The word Waragi comes from War Gin, and the British used to give Ugandan Soldiers courage before going into battle. Uganda Waragi is Africa best known Gin.
In Uganda, Waragi is a tradition; it is a part of the local culture, whether as a brand or as a locally produced moonshine called Waragi, Enguli, Kasese, or Lira.
It is also a Tourist attraction in that Africans from all over the continent flock to Kampala, the city that never sleeps, fueled by Uganda Waragi.
No Ugandan Safari Sundowner is complete with a taste of Uganda. Waragi is best had with Krest Bitter Lemon, which has that traditional Tonic flavor that is part of the original safari sundowner dating back to colonial times.
The Sundowners Safari Experience is Uganda’s Happy Hour in the Wilderness
The Sundowner Safari experience in Uganda is not prominent in other African Safari Destinations such as Kenya or Tanzania.
Some lodges, such as Ishasha Wilderness Camp, offer it to their guests. However, we can easily include a Sundowner at a club or scenic Wilderness Setting.
The ingredients are simple, a comfortable Chair and stunning scenery. Add a breathtaking African Sunset, drinks, and some tasty snacks like Samosas. Mix it with some delightful conversation about the day’s activities, such as the incredible Gorilla Encounter, the Volcano Climb, the game drives, or the Hike in the wilderness.
With Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, the Sundowner Experience continues as in the old days, and it’s little wonder why. 
It is part of the Safari experience, and Gin and Tonic might not be your choice. Still, most Safari-Goers love the Sundowner Experience, and a wide variety of other Beverages are available.
The Sundowner is when we seize to be Human Doings and transition into Human Beings, relaxing, unwinding, and sharing experiences after a challenging Gorilla Trek.
In Uganda, we can even arrange sundowner cruises on the Nile at Murchison Falls Park or in Jinja, Lake Victoria, Lake Edward, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mutanda.
If you want to experience the Safari Sundowner on Safari in Uganda, let us know, and we will make arrangements for you.
The Sundowner Safari Experience, let us know if it is an activity you would enjoy on your Safari with us.
