We often say, ‘there’s something in the water in Africa, but the truth is, there is something in the fire in Africa. A tradition that has been a firm part of our history for centuries, the campfire is where we join together to break bread, to share stories, to pass lessons, and where the wild feels closer than ever.
At our safari properties, this tradition continues. The adventure does not end when the vehicle returns to camp after a game drive; it simply changes pace. Around the fire, the bush reveals a different side of itself. There’s something about the crackle of the burning wood, the distant call of a hyena, and the vast starlit sky that creates an atmosphere that encourages reflection and connection.
Historically, fire has been central to life in Africa. It is a place of storytelling, and where the knowledge of the land, wildlife and ancestry was shared through the oral tradition. In a safari setting, this tradition continues in a modern way, as guides and trackers become storytellers, translating their experiences into moments and stories that guests carry with them long after they leave.
Stories that bring the bush to life
Every guide has their own campfire stories, which are often shaped by years of close encounters, quiet observations, and unexpected moments in the wild. Around the fire, these stories take on a new life.
Our guides tell us what they like to share around the campfire:
Ntwanano Baloyi, guide and tracker at Africa on Foot, recalls a moment of stillness: “My story is about a close encounter with an elephant herd passing quietly near camp at night—it shows how powerful they are, yet how calm they can be.” This is a reminder that the bush is not just about drama, but also about balance and quiet presence.
For Royden Freeman, tracker at Africa on Foot, the campfire becomes a place of personal history. He explains how he often talks about “how I got into the industry by growing up at my uncle’s camp on the Klaserie River and how he taught me how to do trails at a young age.” Stories like these connect guests not only to wildlife but to the people who dedicate their lives to it.
Other guides’ stories lean into the unpredictability of the bush. Edward Reynolds, guide at Chacma Bush Camp, shares a moment that could easily belong in a movie, involving a sudden encounter with a black rhino while on foot. What began as a routine track turned into a race for safety, ending atop a termite mound before a passing vehicle brought relief. This is the kind of story that holds a campfire audience completely still.
Julian, a guide at nThambo Tree Camp, had a unique experience with a black mamba. He said, “I was guiding a photographic game drive, and we found this black mamba swimming in the water from the vehicle, which was eye-level with the water. It was an incredible experience until the black mamba decided to get out and come right to the vehicle, at which point we quickly closed all the windows. The black mamba kept tapping its head against the windows until it eventually disappeared right where the door was, leaving us no option but to crawl out of the window, where I knew it wasn’t, because that was visible. We walked around trying to see where the snake went, and then I had to call for backup from the other guides. They then searched the area around the vehicle’s entrance to ensure it was safe for the guests to exit. It went from an incredible sighting to quite an adventurous story.
Ruan Spies, a guide at Chacma Bush Camp, reflected on a quieter but equally meaningful milestone. “My favourite campfire story…is the story of my first leopard that I found on foot.” Moments like these represent years of learning brought into a single, unforgettable encounter.
And sometimes, the stories that are being told are those that bring laughter. Matt Smith, a guide at Chacma Bush Camp, shares: “I always like to talk about when I dislocated my shoulder at the lodge trying to keep an elephant out of our accommodation area…I embarrassed myself and lost that battle!” Humour is also a great way to keep the circle engaged and socialising together.
Amy Verhoeven, assistant manager and guide at Nyala Safari Lodge, often tells a story that goes back to the fundamentals of bushcraft: spending a night out during training, maintaining fires for safety, and waking to find lion tracks just metres away. It highlights the respect required to move through wild spaces, even for those who know them well.
Why the campfire is important
At Sun Destinations properties, we put a large focus on spending time around the fire. Many of our properties have a boma area where our evening meals are served. For us, campfire storytelling is more than entertainment; it is a way of understanding the bush on a deeper level.
The campfire bridges the gap between guest and guide; it turns a safari into a shared experience rather than a passive one.
In African tradition, storytelling has always been a way of preserving knowledge. Around the fire, lessons are woven into narrative: about animal behaviour, respect for nature, and the interconnectedness of life. On safari, this continues in a setting that feels both timeless and immediate.
There is also a shift that happens around a fire. Without distractions, people listen more closely. The darkness beyond the flames reminds everyone that they are part of a much larger ecosystem. It’s in these moments that the bush becomes not just something to observe, but something to feel.
