An East-African safari is an exciting, educational, adventurous, and truly unique experience. To help you make the most of it, here are the 4 dos and don’ts of going on safari.
Whether you’re looking to go on a family holiday, your honeymoon, or a solo vacation, an East African safari is an unforgettable experience that will offer you an exciting mix of wildlife adventure, unique cultural encounters, and spectacular scenery!
At Let’s Go Travel, we can create a customised safari itinerary that takes you away from the stresses of modern life and immerses you in the raw and powerful wilderness of Africa; it’s the perfect way to recharge your batteries and explore untamed places.
Safari Etiquette: The 4 Dos and Don’ts of an African Safari
There’s nothing like an East African Safari to create memories that will last for a lifetime. In fact, being surrounded by the incredible sights and sounds of the bush, and getting up close to Africa’s wildlife is at the top of most peoples’ bucket list.
But do you know the dos and don’ts when it comes to an African safari? Whether you’re a newbie, or this is your hundredth trip, here are the top 4 things you should keep in mind while out in the park or game reserve:
1. Don’t Call the Animals
Whether you’re out on a game drive, or a nature walk, you should do your best to keep your talking to a minimum and your ears open. Don’t try to get the animals’ attention by clapping, whistling, or banging on the side of the vehicle.
This could have two negative effects:
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- Loud noises can spook the wildlife, causing them to move further away from you.
- By shouting, clapping, or whistling, you could trigger a charge in larger animals such as elephants, putting yourself, your guide, and your group in serious danger.
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Remember: Even if your noise doesn’t endanger yourself, or your fellow safari goers, you will be disturbing the animals, which in turn alters their behavior, and prevents you from having an authentic experience.
2. Leave No Trace
An African safari takes you into the very heart of the remote wilderness, so act with respect towards the natural environment: remember this is a delicate ecosystem that can easily be damaged. By being careless, not only will you disrupt the ecology of the area, but you may even spread diseases.
Make sure you never:
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- Litter or throw pieces of plastic out of the window.
- Leave the roadways and drive into the bush.
- Remove any natural material or plant life from the reserves or parks.
- Smoke while on safari.
- Feed the animals
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Tip: While you should take lots of photos to document your incredible experience, don’t use GPS coordinates when snapping pictures of the animals, as poachers can use this information.
3. Be Aware of the People Around You
People pay thousands of dollars to go on safari in Africa and for most, this represents a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, so try to be as respectful as possible, both when you’re out on a game drive, and when you’re at the lodge.
You should avoid:
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- Talking too much or too loudly.
- Excessive cellphone usage.
- Obscuring other peoples’ views by constantly holding up your phone to take videos.
- Interrupting or distracting your tour guide.
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If you embrace the serenity and silence of your beautiful surroundings, you’re guaranteed to have a much more rewarding safari experience.
4. Don’t Be Rude to the Locals
Meeting the local communities is an important part of going on safari, and when you do meet the locals, consider greeting them in their language. This can be a simple, ‘Hello, how are you?’ because the effort represents an important step in acknowledging local cultures.
However, you should maintain a fine balance and not go overboard. When you are in the local community, do not:
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- Hand out candy or sweets to the children.
- Give out gifts of money.
- Take photos of people without asking them, or your guide if it’s okay first.
- Ask a hundred questions or requests, especially before properly greeting the people you meet.
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When you meet the locals, you must not infringe on their privacy. Act authentic and aim to build meaningful connections with them, rather than walls.
Call Today
Are you planning your first safari? Our experienced travel agents are committed to guiding you through this exciting process. Whether you require advice on visas and safari etiquette, or you’re looking for a customized itinerary that can meet all your needs, our team is always on hand to help.
Contact us today at +254 722 331 899.