Taking a trip to Africa is one of the most exhilarating things you can experience in a lifetime! But it’s always important to remember that you’ll be coming in very close contact with animals during your adventures and there are several safety “rules” you’ll need to follow whilst on safari.
Below are some of our 5 safety tips for embarking on a safari:
Don’t stand up in your vehicle: If your vehicle has a canvas covering or is full covered, it’s ok to stand up. However, if you are in a vehicle that does not have a covering or a roof, it’s essential you remain seated (ask your driver to position the vehicle differently if you have an obstructed photography shot). When you stand up in an open top vehicle, you are changing the shape of the vehicle, which can cause alarm to the animals. You especially don’t to do this with a rhino or elephant that is close to the vehicle.
Don’t wear bright colors: Neon everything is in right now! And although it’s a fashionable thing to wear, don’t bring it on African safari tours. Animals can become alarmed and frightened by bright colors, and the whole point of safari is to get closest to the animals as possible. Even though those neon and bright colors attract us humans, they scare away the wildlife! So make sure to stick with neutral colors such as tan, khaki, off-white, brown, and green.
Don’t walk outside of camp without a guide: If you would like to go on a walking safari around the camp or lodge site, make sure to ask a guide to accompany you! Even if it doesn’t seem like animals are near the camp, you never know what is in hiding or camouflage. Walking safaris can be extremely rewarding, so I encourage you to do them, just make sure it’s with your guide!
Don’t go to your room at night alone if you are in the bush. Make sure a guide walks you to and from your suite / tent each night: Guides are required at most accommodations in the bush to escort you to and from your rooms at night. This ensures that you are protected from any wildlife predators that have made their way into the camp. This is most definitely a precautionary step that camps and lodges take, so don’t fear that there is a leopard or lion in your camp every night.
Don’t entice or pet the animals: You will seriously want to squeeze, hug, kiss, a coo every furry animal you see in the African bush, especially the little babies! But they are wild animals and have a “fight” side to them that you don’t see when their lounging around during the day. Lions for example. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to just reach down and touch one of their furry ears. But I hold back the urge always! You also never want to entice the animals with whistling or other sounds–or worse, FOOD! They are wild animals. Always remember that.
