Africa safari is exciting, awe-inspiring, beautiful and unique! Give yourself plenty of time to stop and enjoy the spectacular vistas of Africa! But always remember that you are stepping into the animals’ home and you are in their environment. With this in mind, it is important to know the facts surrounding your safety while travelling. Below are some facts to keep in mind:
Always listen to your guide, Guides are experienced and professional individuals who have a very intimate knowledge of wildlife and the bush
Stay in your car all the time. When on a game drive, only get out at designated stop and follow the rules that will be posted or given by the guide/ park Management .
Don’t stick anything out of the car. Many safari vehicles are open-roof. If you wave something around on the side, some animals will get annoyed.
Don’t watch an animal at close range. If do, you should be careful of its behavior and move away as soon as it starts appearing agitated. It’s not possible to tell when an animal will decide to step into the middle of the road. Remember, you have to stop if this happens.
Quiet! Don’t make noise, even as the animals have become accustomed to the sound of the vehicle, human noise will disturb them, either making them run away, or get angry. If you need to communicate at all, do so in a whisper. Remember to put your phones onto silent at all times and avoid using flash on camera. A digital sound can trigger an animal response.
If you are on a walking safari stay downwind from the animals to keep them from catching your scent, when the animals you are approaching look hostile, create an escape route without making any noise.
Walk away slowly, if you encounter an animal that doesn’t like your presence move back slowly and quietly.
Avoid swimming in rivers or lakes. Most safari drives take place early in the morning or evening because that’s when the animals are most active. If you’re hanging around camp during the day, don’t be tempted to take a swim in any nearby waterways. Unless you are absolutely sure there are no hippos or crocodiles.
Always wear boots and socks when walking around the bush. There are plenty of venomous snakes around that could bite you.
Don’t run around or leave your tent at night in areas where you know there is wildlife present that can be potentially harmful to you. When you run, you are acting like prey. Wild animals will, instinctively, want to chase you. Similarly, don’t walk alone, especially at night. Don’t get separated from your group. If you need to, call the security to help you.
Wear mosquito protection. In the context of the actual safari drive, the most important thing you can wear is insect repellent. The mosquito is surely the most dangerous creature in Africa, killing more people than any other, by spreading diseases like malaria. The accommodation we use will always include mosquito nets over the beds and/or be mosquito proof. In the evenings and early mornings, if you are with kids make sure your kids wear clothing that protects their ankles, calves, wrists, and necks.
Do not drink the tap water. Only drink fresh water that is bottled and supplied for you. Tap water is generally not filtered, so it’s safe to wash in but not to drink.
Never risk safety for the selfie: As much as we all understand that need for evidence of that must-experience safari moment: the giant elephant matriarch arms’ length away, or the fierce lion looking straight into your camera lens, regardless, never risk your, or theirs, for the ultimate safari selfie. Stay focused on the animals, their movements and act slowly and carefully in harmony with wildlife.
Carefully consider choosing the self-drive option as it may add extra, unnecessary stress to your African holiday. Find out about road conditions in the area you’re visiting before choosing your vehicle. Some areas may require a 4X4.
Take a guide: Skilled guides can make your safari more memorable and safe. They know where to go for the best viewing opportunities and provide excellent commentary as well as safari safety tips. More importantly, they understand animal behavior.
Email us at info@astepintonature.com
Sources ;
https://www.yourafricansafari.com/articles/8-ways-to-stay-safe-on-safari
http://www.especiallyafrica.com/for-a-safe-safari.html
https://www.tripsavvy.com/is-going-on-safari-dangerous-p2-1454112
Latest News
February 4, 2020Common Travel Scams And Tips To Avoid Them
January 12, 2020Batwa Cultural Experience
December 28, 2019Interesting Facts That Will Make You Fall In Love With Flamingos
December 13, 2019Tips For Novice Wild Campers
December 2, 2019Hyena Facts
