The 10 biggest no-go's for a successful safari

Dear adventurer and Africa lover! Today we take you on a fascinating journey into the world of safaris. In the process, we present you with 10 things you should avoid at all costs to prevent embarrassing situations or dangers. Get ready for helpful tips, interesting facts and humorous insights!

×

1. Lean out of the vehicle

This tip may seem trivial, but you’ll be surprised how many people do this. Don’t lean out of the vehicle to get a better view or photo. This can be dangerous for both you and the animals. Predators may sense a tasty prey and see an opportunity to suddenly strike.

2. Ignore instructions from your guide.

Your guide is an expert and knows exactly how to behave in the wild. Read our article: “Safari guide in Tanzania: dream job or harsh reality?”. Don’t ignore his instructions, even if you think you know better. A tour guide is specially trained to ensure the safety of the group and knows best the regional conditions for animal­watching.

3. Leave trash behind

It may sound obvious, but nature is not a trash can. Take your trash with you and leave the environment as clean as you found it. Nature will thank you for it! In the same run-up, make sure your trash is disposed of properly so as not to endanger local wildlife and plant life.

4. Increase volume

×

A safari is not a party zone. Loud music or conversation can spook animals and ruin your chances of unique wildlife sightings. So be quiet and let nature take its toll on you. Also avoid making noise to attract the attention of the animals just to get a perfect photo. Animals are used to the sounds of nature and can be disturbed by human noise in their natural behavior.

5. Night walks without permission.

Wandering through the bush at night may sound exciting, but it is an absolute no-go. It is not only forbidden, but also dangerous to life. In the dark, it’s harder to spot potential dangers and keep your bearings. Rather discover the night life of nature on a guided “Night Game Drive” through the National Park.

6. Driving unnecessarily close to animals.

Give your guide control of the vehicle and don’t try to push him to drive closer to the animals. He knows best what distance is safe and appropriate. Too close a distance can cause stress to the animals and be dangerous to you as well.

×

A monkey eats a stolen apple

×

Cars crowd around a lioness on the road

×

Watch the landscape even once not through the camera

×

Let animals have their space, even if a few steps closer would go too

×

When a night walk outside the room door beckons

7. Feeding animals

Never feed wild animals, no matter how cute they may look. By doing so, you will jeopardize the natural balance and harm the animals in the long run. The food humans provide is often not species-appropriate and can lead to diet-related diseases. In addition, animals become accustomed to being fed by humans and lose their natural instincts.

8. Taking nature “home”.

It may be tempting to take home a souvenir from the wild, be it a beautiful rock, a feather, a piece of wood, or even a gazelle’s horn. But these objects have their place in nature and should stay there. Removing natural elements can disrupt the ecosystem and cause long-term damage. In addition, the import of certain materials into Switzerland is prohibited or subject to strict conditions. Helpful information can also be found in the Souvenir Guide from WWF.

9. Have wrong expectations

A safari is not a zoo and the animals are not there just waiting for you. Be patient and respect nature by adjusting your expectations and being grateful for the experiences you have. You may not see all the animals you wished for - but that’s part of the adventure!

10. Seeing only through the lens.

Yes, taking photos is allowed and must be - what else will you fill your photo album with? But give your camera a break and observe the wilderness with your own eyes. A safari is the perfect opportunity to switch off and enjoy the beauty of nature.

One more insider tip at the end

Never eat your lunch outside the car when visiting the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater! Why? There are big cheeky birds there that will peck the food out of your plate and snatch the food out of your hand. You don’t even have to give them an opportunity, they will come anyway. So stay on your guard 😉

×

Manuela

Pole! Pole!