When you’re dining out in a restaurant, going to the beach or shoppng for groceries there’s an innate sense of social etiquette that applies to your environment. There is also a certain etiquette expected while you’re out in a safari vehicle traversing the wild landscape. We’ve blogged about how to prep for an African safari and now we’d like to tell you how to behave and what not to do while on a safari in Africa. Respect the locals, your guide and the wild !
So, without further ado, here are 7 things not to do on a safari Game Drive in Africa:
Spend Time on Your Mobile Phone
City loving trendoids, leave the cell phone behind. Only take your phone with if there is an emergency or you plan on using your camera. If you’re going to sit WhatsApping your friends about what a “totes amazing ellies we just saw. Lol” then you shouldn’t be on safari. The essence of a safari is about becoming one with the bush, about immersing yourself in the raw and pristine surroundings that infiltrate your soul. Don’t let your slew of WhatsApp and Facebook alerts ruin these moments for you and your fellow safari passengers.
Get Out the Vehicle
If you’d like to keep your legs and all the important appendages on your body, then stay in the vehicle – unless instructed otherwise. If your guide stops the vehicle to view wildlife, it is not an indication that you may jump overboard. Lions appear lazy, elephants appear slow and cumbersome; and leopards look aloof, but they’re all predators who can attack in the blink of an eye.
There are times when it is safe to exit the vehicle for a toilet, tea or drinks break and the guide will alert you when this is possible. If you do need to make an emergency stop, tell your guide and they will make plan. I’ve stopped for many toilet breaks while on safari!
Be Obnoxious
If you’ve never worked in the bush, lived in Africa or studied wildlife, then refrain from being the “know-it-all” on the vehicle. If you have expert knowledge about a subject, contribute your knowledge in an inquisitive and humble manner. Ask questions but do not waste the guides and your fellow passengers’ time. If a guide is telling you about the black-maned lions of the Kalahari, do not interrupt with statements like “Well, I’m not sure the entire mane is black, because there are spots of caramel in there, so technically you’re wrong”. You are not the guide. If he/she has slipped up, double-check the facts after they’ve finished talking.
Demand Sightings
This is the wild African bush. It is not a zoo. Animals migrate, they move and wander around freely. They do not listen to the rangers and clock in and out of their “daily parade duties”. This is the beauty of the bush – you do not know what will happen next. Guides and trackers are experts in animal tracking; so they have an idea of wildlife habits and the various areas they move between. Certain predators are creatures of habit and your ranger understands their behaviour. This is why you often end up seeing most of your safari bucket list of animals to see. However, nothing can be guaranteed.
Rangers in different vehicles are able to alert one another when something exciting has been spotted. My advice? Tell the rangers what you would like to see. He may just have spotted wild dog and head to those co-ordinates first or change his route slightly provide your fellow safari passengers are in agreement.
Watch the Clock
The average duration of a game drive is 3 hours – that’s “African time 3 hours”. This means that if there is a lion kill or a rare sighting, your ranger will stop the vehicle while you observe nature in action. This might add 5 minutes to your time in the game drive vehicle. If you’re a stickler for timekeeping, you’ll need to relax a bit more. However, rangers always stick as close as possible to the allotted time – they wouldn’t want you to miss your boma dining experience. Don’t be a Timmy Timechecker, allow for a bit of leeway. You’re on holiday after all!
Disrespect the Locals
Not all cultures speak your language. This does not mean that you need to shout and speak slowly. Try to learn a few words of the local dialect, or ask if they speak your language. Bear in mind that certain cultures and customs do things differently to the Western way; be patient and open-minded. And, once again, ask questions if you’re interested. Africa is the continent of friendly people! In Africa there are many communities that lead simple and humble lives, immerse yourself in their company and broaden your horizons a bit. Spending time with locals will give a new perspective on your own life and you’ll learn a lot.
Wear Bright Pink Hotpants and a Sequin Top
Leave the bright, ostentatious clothing and uncomfortable threads for the clubs. Wear comfortable clothes while on safari. A large proportion of your time will be spent bouncing up and down in a vehicle in the seering African heat spotting wildlife. Trust me, you need to be comfortable. Bright colours can actually scare animals away, so stick to neutral and khaki colours. My advice? Wear cotton trousers, outdoor shorts, comfortable walking shoes and a light top. Bring something to keep yourself warm at night and in the mornings when it gets bitterly cold.
