Things not to do on a Safari?
After booking your once-in-a-lifetime safari vacation in Africa, you can't wait to see all the creatures that have been strewn all over your Instagram and Pinterest feed for so long! Do you really know what you should not do on safari? You're prepared to be driven over the undulating plains, taking shots of the Big Five, the Ugly Five, and more.
Since they are the professionals, we consulted the amiable safari guides at Easy Travel, Tanzania Tour Specialists to compile these safari dos and don'ts. These slides have a plethora of information on safaris, but we're going to add one more right here: safaris are commonly referred to as "game drives" in Africa, so if you want to appear knowledgeable, don't call it that. Are you prepared for further advice? Come on!
Remember to Wear Warm Clothes
It makes sense, doesn't it? You will experience extreme cold since you will travel in an open-air vehicle that moves quickly at times. Additionally, the majority of game drives take place between dusk and daybreak, when the scorching African sun isn't around to assist regulate the temperature. Therefore, even if you are going somewhere in the summer, be sure to include some warm clothing, a jacket that can withstand wind, and maybe a scarf or beanie.
Never request that your guide led you to a particular animal.
This request is frequently made, even though it can seem like basic sense. Game drives are mostly a matter of chance, even though you are obviously hoping to see a rhino or cheetah. A game reserve or park is not a zoo, despite the fact that your guides are quite adept at monitoring animals and coordinating with one another across the park. The leopards are not stationary. Nevertheless, because your guide will do all in their power to fulfill your wish, please do let them know which animal you would most want to see. It can take a while to locate them!
Remember to Give Your Guide a Tip
Since the majority of safaris are conducted in underdeveloped nations, every dollar matters. You can probably afford a generous gratuity if you can afford the luxury of doing a safari in another nation. Travelers frequently calculate exchange rates in their minds and determine that they can tip significantly less because living expenses are far cheaper in the nation they are visiting. A kind gratuity might brighten your guide's day—or month! As travel recovers from COVID, please keep in mind that the nation you are visiting depends significantly on tourism. Your tip can have a significant impact.
When you see an animal, don't yell.
Because of their keen vision, guides will likely detect an animal before you do. Keep your voice quiet and tell the guide to halt the car if you do manage to spot one that they missed. If you yell at the top of your lungs, you may either frighten the animal into fleeing off the road you are on or, worse, you will incite an attack since the animal will think that the large automobile you are in just produced a noise that is dangerous. Have you ever witnessed a charging elephant up close? Do you truly think you want to?
Remember to use the restroom first.
On a long-distance road journey, stopping on the side of the road is one thing; stopping in a wildlife reserve that probably has the Big Five is another. When there is a very real chance of a lion lurking next to you in the tall grass or a leopard hidden up that tree, peeing against a tree seems less feasible. If you have a weak bladder, try to restrict how much you drink and use the restroom beforehand. Game reserves frequently have stop-sites, but they are dispersed.
Unless specifically invited, avoid eating in the car.
Try to eat before you go, or wait until you get to the rest stop if you're on one of those safaris that include snacks and sundowners. There aren't trash cans conveniently located around the car, and the rustling might annoy any nearby animals as you're happily unwrapping your own packed lunch. Your guide will pick up your rubbish at a planned stop so that you may follow the "leave no trace" guidelines in the reserve, but if you want to eat a granola bar, you'll have to get your pockets messy with crumbs and wrappers. Additionally, there's a chance that a neighboring monkey would also be interested in the feast.
Don't expect the animals to change their perspective so you can see them better.
When an animal is spotted, often all that is visible is a hanging leopard tail or part of a lion's butt. If that is true, then it is true. Although the guide can't make the animal move for you, they will attempt to place you in the best possible position, or you may need to go to a certain spot in the car in turns for a nice view. The animals on a game reserve aren't trained to do feats for you, and it's not a circus. Admire the tail, then continue. If you have a lot of patience, watch the animal for a while.
Pay Attention to the Guide
To be able to take you on safari, your guide has completed years of training and education. Regardless of what you believe to be best, trust their knowledge. They do this on a daily basis, yet you can probably count the number of safaris you've gone on with one hand. Pay attention to your guide as they lay out the regulations at the beginning of the excursion. Sit down when told to, be quiet when your guide asks you to, etc. Guides take their responsibility for your safety very seriously, and they will never give you unneeded instructions.
Avoid Donning Camouflage or Extremely Vibrant Colors
Although it could make you feel like you look safari-chic, poaching is really severe in Africa, where anyone wearing camouflage could desire to harm our creatures. It's not acceptable to wear a camouflaged guide just because you see one. They are experts. Likewise, save your brilliant yellow and bright pink attire for the lodge's supper. An animal may be discouraged from approaching by anything bright.
Never Even Make Light of Hunting
It's simply not amusing. Although it won't help you gain any points, occasionally a safari visitor may joke that a lion would look amazing as a rug in your lobby. Game reserves prioritize preservation and sustainability. We adore our pets. There's a reason they are in protected zones. Never make light of harming them.
Remember that animals may be dangerous.
It should go without saying, but occasionally they may have such a cute appearance that it's difficult to see them doing any actual harm. Even while it may be tempting to approach a newborn elephant, keep in mind that the mother elephant is right behind it. As indicated in the last advice about paying attention to your guide, elephants have been known to flip automobiles that approach too closely. In a similar vein, cheetahs may appear little and adorable—until they defeat an impala.
Avoid posting on social media the location of the animals you have spotted.
Some wildlife reserves have signs on their gates and fences begging you not to post about your sighting on social media. Sharing a photo of a rhino near a specific watering hole in a large reserve might be disastrous, especially if the photo is time-stamped and geo-tagged. Poachers also keep an eye on social media.
Avoid Taking a Self-Drive
It is preferable (and safer) to go in safari vehicles with a guide if you wish to enter wildlife reserves, even if you have leased a car. Reserve roads are mostly dirt roads, and you might wind up ruining your rented car. A well-maintained safari vehicle's enormous wheels are better suited to navigating the numerous dongas (potholes and natural ditches) and stones. Although guides are qualified to fix cars, if necessary, you don't want to be changing a tire on your cheap rental car in the midst of a game reserve. You also require a guide's experience in such uncharted region. They approach animals on a daily basis, so they are well-versed in knowing when it is safe to get too nearby.
Africa's safari
An African safari has expectations, just like anything else in life. You'll be ready for an amazing experience now that you know the dos and don'ts.
Everyone may have a more pleasurable safari in Africa with a little cultural awareness and basic civility. By using the following advice, you can make the most of the event and create memories that you won't soon forget.
One of the most thrilling and fulfilling experiences you will ever have been traveling to Africa. Do you want to know more about safari adventures? To begin organizing your ideal vacation, get in touch with us right now.