Every safari has an element of danger; that’s what makes it exciting. While many of the animals you’ll encounter can be dangerous, the four that you really have to watch out for are—elephant, lion, buffalo, and hippo (add crocodiles to that list if you’re near water).
Most safari and various lodges and game reserves will stress basic precautions you need to take while game viewing. It will also help if you follow basic safari etiquette. If you are on safari in smaller, more remote game parks or encounter wildlife outside of game parks, here are some general rules to follow:
If You Are in a Vehicle
Always stay in your car. When driving in a game park remain in your vehicle. Only get out at designated “hides” and follow the rules that will be posted. There have been several fatalities that occurred because a hapless tourist has wandered out of their vehicle, camera in hand, to get a closer shot of an elephant or lion. It may sound silly, but it happens.
Don’t stand up or stick anything out of the car. Many safari vehicles are open-topped, and the wildlife is generally accustomed to these. But, if you stand up or wave something around on the side, some animals will get annoyed and consequently aggressive. You also have to remember that poaching is rife in many areas, and anything that looks like a gun can trigger a very nasty response from a wild animal.
Drive slowly and carefully. During the wet season, the grass can get quite high, and it’s not always possible to tell when a large buffalo or elephant will decide to step into the middle of the road. Remember, you have to stop if this happens. Buffalos and elephants are not in the least bit afraid or impressed by you or your car.
Keep your windows up. If you are in a car with windows, it’s better to keep them closed. You could end up being harassed by baboons as you drive through the more popular game parks. They are so habituated to cars they are not afraid to leap upon them and dent the roof. You don’t want one inside your vehicle.
If You Are on Foot
If you are on a walking safari, you will no doubt be briefed on safety by your guides. But, there are times when you’ll be walking in Africa and encounter wildlife without a guide. You could run into elephants even in the middle of town. Baboons are also a menace in many places and a lot larger than you think. Here are some basic tips if you encounter wildlife eye to eye:
Try and stay downwind from the animal. If the animal catches your scent, it will know you are there, and you have no idea whether this will make it angry or afraid.
If an animal you approach looks hostile, make sure you are not in the way of its escape route. Give the animal a clear birth and don’t make any noise to aggravate the situation further.
Walk away slowly. If you encounter an animal that doesn’t like your presence move back slowly and quietly.
More Safari Safety Tips
Avoid swimming in rivers or lakes unless you are absolutely sure there are no hippos or crocodiles. Hippos are the most dangerous of all the big animals. They feed on the banks of the river, and if they sense danger will charge and attack whatever lies in their path in order to get back to the safety of the water.
If you are camping out in the open, always make sure you have something covering you even if it’s just a mosquito net. Hyenas like to check out camps for leftover food and are especially attracted to protruding objects, so keep your feet and nose inside that tent or net.
Always wear boots and socks when walking around the bush. There are plenty of venomous snakes and scorpions around that could bite or sting you.
Don’t walk around at night in areas where you know there is wildlife present that can be potentially harmful to you. That includes the beaches and around lakes where hippos graze between tents on a camping safari. Also, be careful in towns.
What Should I Pack for my Safari?
- You won’t regret taking the walking stick that is offered. It’s extremely helpful when finding your footing on narrow pathways and slippery downhills.
- Garden gloves to push away tree branches and for gripping tree roots – you will be happy to have clean hands when taking photos.
- Long socks and gaiters to prevent cuts and scratches and protect from army ants.
- It often rains heavily, so a light raincoat is highly recommended.
- Water-resistant pants to protect you from the stinging nettle plants and sliding downhill on the seat of your pants.
- Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support and tread to grip the wet, uneven terrain.
- A lightweight, foldable backpack is necessary for carrying all your essentials
Last Advice For A Fun & Safe Safari Trip
- Want to increase your chances of getting assigned to the easiest trek or the gorilla family with the most babies? Travel with an established tour operator who will advocate for your preferred gorilla group.
- Support the community (and your back) by hiring a porter. Porters are locals who carry your backpack full of camera equipment, food, and water jugs. And should you need an extra hand, they’re there to help.
- Tipping can be confusing, so we put together a quick guide to help you prepare:
- Porters start at $15 per person and it’s customary to give an additional $5 tip – a $20 bill is sufficient.
$15 per person to be given to main tracker before you descend the mountain and they will share with other trackers
Which safari destination is your heart set on?
From vibrant jungle hills, to the vast savannah, Image Travel operate an incredible variety of safari tours across Africa’s wild and varied landscapes. Pick the ideal destination for your dream safari;
