Safety guidelines

One of the first questions that many people ask, when thinking of going on a safari for the first time, is “How do I ensure safety on safari?” We have all grown up with those wonderfully romantic images of the exciting, untamed African bush, with its multitude of dangerous and wild animals roaming around. The thought of then actually putting yourself amongst them (by choice!) can cause even the sanest person to think that perhaps they are going a bit mad. Simple Rules Firstly, safaris are overall exceptionally safe. As long as you abide by some simple and common sense rules, you should be able to relax and thoroughly enjoy the experience. The Animals are Used to Vehicles When you are with a trained guide, you are absolutely nothing to worry about. Your guide is trained to understand the animal’s behavior, and will not put his guests in any threatening situation. The animals are also fully accustomed to the sight and sound of a Land Rover. Indeed, many of the animals have been born in the National Parks and have grown up knowing that this large, smelly machine is nothing to fear. On a Game Drive – Stay in your Car at All Times On a self-drive safari, it goes without saying that you will put yourself in danger if you get out of your car anywhere unless at a designated safe place. Although you may have carefully scanned the area, animals are a master at remaining concealed – predators do it daily when stalking prey – and you may have an unwelcome surprise. If you are sat next to an animal watching it, take note of its behavior – if it looks agitated in any way, or makes mock runs at you, or stares and paces up and down, then move slowly off. Don’t stay to find out whether it is going to charge or not – you may get more than you bargained for.