Going on a safari in
Africa is inspiring and exciting. It is also wild. And while wild animal
encounters make the experience that much more memorable, they are the biggest
reason why we should discuss safety.
In
this article, we are going to talk about how to prepare for an African safari, what
to expect, and how to stay safe during an animal encounter.
Before
you go
Science proves that the deadliest animal you’ll encounter during a safari is the mosquito. And this pesky little animal is responsible for spreading malaria. Therefore, make sure to get your vaccinations done before you leave. And while we are at it, don’t forget to pack mosquito repellent and wear it. Always!
You also want to carry a first-aid kit, which should include OTC medication for diarrhea, antihistamines, and a general painkiller. If you need to take certain medication, always carry the prescription with you. And to be on the safe side, ask your safari operator what you should pack for your safari.
During
a walking safari
Walking safaris are one of the best ways to get close to wild animals. But this also means that safety precautions are higher than during other types of safaris. Here are some general safety rules during a walking safari:
- Never go on a
walking safari without a guide. A guide ensures that you get the best
experience, all thanks to their knowledge and safari
safety training. Always obey their instructions.
- Safari
clothing should
help you blend into the background. Avoid black, while, and camouflage.
Choose khaki, brown, and green.
- Never run. The
only thing that runs in Africa is prey. And you don’t want to be
considered pray!
- Walk in a single
line, as instructed by your guide.
- Keep quiet.
While the animals are used to vehicles, they are not used to human
voices, and any sudden noise can trigger an attack or defense mechanism.
- Do not eat or
drink anything other than water. Don’t even think about smoking.
- Do not attempt
to change the animal’s behavior in any way. Trying to convince them to
pose for a selfie may trigger an attack.
- And remember
that, although rhinos and elephants are massive, they charge at high
speeds.
During
a self-drive safari
Many prefer to go a self-drive safari to explore the wildlife independently. Needless to say, this poses greater security risks than if you were going on a guided game drive.
Here are some general safety rules during a game drive:
- Keep quiet.
While the animals are used to the vehicles and their noises, the human
noise will disturb them. If you have to talk, do so quietly.
- Don’t stand up
or dangle your arms or legs out of the vehicle. The animals are used to
the sounds and shapes of vehicles, but anything “poking” out of
them may trigger a reaction; they will either stand back or
attack.
- Speaking of
those limbs outside of the vehicle, you might want to watch out for
low-hanging branches that can be quite thorny.
- Same as with
walking safaris, do not disturb the wildlife just so that you can get
a better shot.
- No smoking. The
African bush is dry, and fire hazard is high.
- Drink only
water. Sweet drinks lure insects. Also, do not eat anything while on
a game drive.
- No littering.
- Be prepared for
various weather conditions: bring sunscreen, a hat, and a windbreaker. A warm
top is great to pack, too.
- Always travel
with a map, working phone, and GPS (if possible).
- Remember that
the drivers in Africa don’t necessarily follow the rules, so always drive
carefully.
- Stop and rest
often.
- Try to avoid
driving at night.
General
safety
It’s important to note that political turmoil may be a concern when traveling to Africa. In countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, as well as Western Tanzania and Northern Kenya, you need to pay attention to these kinds of incidents.
Always check the updated travel advisories. USA’s Department of State regularly posts updated advisories and while we do not recommend to completely avoid a country, knowing what’s going on can make the difference between a safe and a not-so-safe experience.
CrisPuscas
Cris is a contributing writer at BookAllSafaris.com. An avid
hiker and passionate landscape photographer, she believes that all animals
should be protected and loved.