Every safari has a component of danger, that’s what makes it exciting. While in the wild, you will encounter many animals that can be dangerous. From our experience in guided tours in the wild, there are four animals that you really have to watch out for; elephant, lion, buffalo and hippo (add crocodiles to that list if you’re near water). This is a general observation and this information should not be used to conclude that other animals are not dangerous. Saunterland Africa Tours guides and staff at the various lodges and game reserves will stress basic precautions you need to take while game viewing. If you are on safari in smaller, more remote game parks or encounter wildlife outside of game parks, here are some general rules to follow:
If you are in a vehicle:
- Always stay in your car when driving in a game park. Only get out at designated “hides” and follow the rules that will be posted. It is ill advised for a person to wander out of the vehicle to get a closer shot of dangerous animals such as an elephant or lion.
- Don’t stand up or stick anything out of the car. Many safari vehicles are open-topped and the wildlife is generally accustomed to these. But, if you stand up or wave something around on the side, some animals will get annoyed and consequently aggressive.
- Drive slowly and carefully. During the wet season the grass can get quite high and it’s not always possible to tell when a large buffalo or elephant will decide to step into the middle of the road. Remember, you have to stop if this happens. Buffalos and elephants are not in the least bit afraid or impressed by you or your car.
- Keep your windows up. If you are in a car with windows, it’s better to keep them closed. For instance, baboons can really harass people when driving through game parks. They are so habituated to cars they are not afraid to leap up on it and dent your roof. You really don’t want one inside your car.
Baboons are also a menace in many places and a lot larger than you think. Here are some basic tips if you encounter wildlife eye to eye
If you are on foot:
If you are on a walking safari you will no doubt be briefed on safety by the guides. But, there are times when you’ll be walking in Africa and encounter wildlife without a guide. Baboons are also a menace in many places and a lot larger than you think. Here are some basic tips if you encounter wildlife eye to eye:
- Try and stay downwind from the animal. If the animal catches your scent it will know you are there and you have no idea whether this will make it angry or afraid.
- If an animal you approach looks hostile make sure you are not in the way of its escape route. Give the animal a clear path and don’t make any noise to further aggravate the situation.
- Walk away slowly. If you encounter an animal that doesn’t like your presence move back slowly and quietly.
More tips:
- Avoid swimming in rivers or lakes unless you are absolutely sure there are no hippos or crocodiles. Hippos are actually the most dangerous of all the big animals. They feed on the banks of the river and if they sense danger will charge and attack whatever lies in their path in order to get back to the safety of the water.
- If you are camping out in the open always make sure you have something covering you even if it’s just a mosquito net. Hyenas like to check out camps for leftover food and are especially attracted to protruding objects, so keep your feet and nose inside that tent or net.
- Always wear boots and socks when walking around the bush. There are plenty of venomous snakes and scorpions around that could bite you.
- Don’t walk around at night in areas where you know there is wildlife present that can be potentially harmful to you. That includes the beaches around lakes where hippo graze, between tents on a camping safari