Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Exploring the wild through a safari adventure is an exhilarating experience that brings you closer to nature’s most fascinating wildlife. Whether you opt for a guided tour with an experienced professional or decide to navigate the trails on a self-drive journey, safety is paramount to ensure an enjoyable and incident-free adventure. Here are some essential safety guidelines and tips to help you navigate your safari safely:

  • Adherence to Professional Guidance: Always prioritize the instructions and guidance provided by your safari guide. Their expertise and experience are invaluable in navigating the wilderness safely.
  • Be Quiet Around Animals: Animals can get scared or upset if it's too noisy. Try to be as quiet as possible when you're near them.
  • Vehicle Conduct: During game drives, remain inside the vehicle unless you're in a location where exiting is expressly permitted. Refrain from standing up, leaning out of windows, or sitting on the vehicle's roof to avoid attracting undue attention from wildlife.
  • Cautious Proximity: On a self-drive safari, maintain a safe distance from animals. Should they exhibit signs of disturbance, increase your distance immediately. Specifically, avoid driving too closely to elephants, particularly around females with their offspring.
  • Walking Safaris: If participating in a walking safari, stay in close formation near your guide, ideally in a single file, to minimize disruption to the environment and maintain group safety.
  • Avoid Provocative Behavior: Never run or jog in wildlife areas as it may trigger predatory behavior. Also, ensure not to obstruct a hippopotamus's path to water, as they may charge if they feel their access is threatened.
  • Food Storage: Do not leave food unattended in your tent or lodging area, as it can attract animals.
  • Protection Against Insects: In the evenings, cover up arms and legs and use insect repellent to guard against mosquito bites. This is also crucial for preventing diseases transmitted by insects.
  • Appropriate Clothing and Accessories: Wear a hat and apply sunscreen to protect against the sun, and ensure to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly. Opt for clothing that is not brightly colored or heavily scented, especially during walking safaris, to blend more seamlessly into the environment. In areas known for tsetse flies, avoid wearing dark colors like black or navy, as these colors attract them.
  • Temperature Considerations: Early morning drives can be particularly chilly, especially in open vehicles, so bringing along warm clothing is advisable.