STAYING SAFE ON SAFARI
STAYING SAFE ON A SAFARI
It is a whole mixture of scenes while on safari. Predators chase prey, bulls fight over mating rights, the scavenging hyena and Vultures are chased away by the hard-working predators after a hunting session and of course you in a safari vehicle you are watching. The spaces in the parks and reserves are wild. Whether in a vehicle or at your lodge, so if it is inside the park not outside it stays wild. When we are on safari, we are on our wild friends’ turf and we always encourage staying safe on a safari.
We must allow the interface between us and wildlife to take place without unfortunate incidents happening. We love our guests and we also love the animals, this leaves us with no option but not to want to see you being hurt by a wild animal or the animal being shot by a ranger to stop it from hurting you.
There are bigger chances of having the above not happening if we shape our behavior and follow some of these guidelines.
- Use the open rooftops on your vehicle. These are not just safe, but also looking at that solitary buffalo or lion from a height is soothing. Remain calm and watch from your roof. It is even better for photography and distractions from other vehicles.
- Respect animals
They are wild and not like the ones in zoos. And have it in mind, animals have feelings and emotions too. Throwing stuff at them trying to get their attention can trigger defense or aggressive actions.
- Stay in your safari vehicle
If you are not on a walk, where you will have a ranger with you, the only safe zone you have is that safari viewing vehicle. This the number one of the jungle house because even your guide is not aware of where that leopard is taking cover to grab its next meal or where that snake is crawling from. So for you to stay out of harm’s way is to stay in your vehicle.
- Don’t risk selfie moments.
It is very cool, satisfying, and very evident to say that you were on a safari with a selfie of you with a lion or elephant. Animals usually come as close as less than a meter from your safari vehicle, and it is very tempting to touch the animal or have a close up of you and it in one frame. Our advice is, for your ultimate safety, don’t risk because you never know the next action that animal is going to take.
- Always have a light source at night.
Even if the sky is star and moonlit, you can never know where the animals are hiding and at most of the camps and lodges, animals walk through even those that have natural bushes surrounding them are not safe because anytime animals can walk in. If you have anything you need from outside your room maybe you want a bottle of beer from, please walk out with a torch or make sure your phone has an LED light. The light can scare away animals. If you don’t have it, call the lodge/camp reception.
- Respect and always listen to your guide.
The guide is the only person that will you spend most of the time with while on safari. Your satisfaction and your safety is their happiness and as well as their responsibility. They know the wild places and at times can notice when the animals are slowly getting too aggressive or charging at you. So always listen to their advice and the guidelines they offer.
For other safety concerns like your health, please always make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations before you travel, visit your doctor for advice, and general safety like on the political turmoil that can be of concern at any moment ask your safari operator or consultant.
