Why is it dangerous to ride a safari?

Each safari has some element of danger, but this is exactly what makes your trip especially exciting. Of course, many of the animals that you will certainly encounter may be dangerous, but there are four of which you really should watch. It's an elephant, a lion, a buffalo and a behemoth (add crocodiles to this list if you are near water). Most operators of safaris and guides in various reserves will explain the basic precautions that must be followed during an exciting excursion.

It is also necessary to know and observe the basic rules of conduct during a dangerous excursion. It does not matter if you are on a safari in smaller, more remote parks, or come across the most real wildlife, here are some general rules of conduct that make traveling safe and interesting. So, what should you remember if you are in a vehicle?

Always stay in the car when driving in the park

Leave only on a specially designated territory and follow the rules that will be published on the stands. There are many cases when tourists died, and all because these unfortunates left their vehicle with a camera in their hand to shoot an elephant or lion on video as close as possible. It may seem stupid, but still it happens.

Do not get out and do not pull anything out of the car.

Many cars for safari are specially created with an open top (without roofs), and wild inhabitants are already accustomed to this type of transport. But if you get up or just pull something out and wave something, you will begin to attract attention to yourself. Some animals will not like it and, therefore, they will become aggressive. You also need to remember that poaching is common in many areas, and anything that looks like a pistol or any other weapon can provoke very unpleasant actions on the part of the wild animal.

Move slowly and carefully

During the warm and humid season the grass can become quite high, and it is not always possible to guess when a large buffalo or elephant decides to stand in the middle of the road. Remember: if this happens, you should stop right away. Buffaloes and elephants are not afraid of you at all, and they are not impressed by you or your car.

Close all windows

If you travel in a car with windows, it is better to close them. Do not panic if you are harassed by baboons, they can even jump to your car. They are so used to cars that they are not afraid to jump on them and sit on the roof for a long time. If you really do not want one of them to be inside your machine, always close the windows.

How to behave properly if you travel on foot?

If you go on a safari on foot, without a vehicle, you will definitely be informed of the safety rules of the reserve employees. But there will be times when you decide to walk through lush and thick undergrowth and meet wildlife without a guide. You may encounter elephants or other animals.

Baboons are also a threat in many places, and a threat more significant than you can imagine. Here are some basic tips if you come across wildlife face to face:

• Try to move against the wind. If the animal senses your smell, it will know that you are there, and will quickly rush to meet you.
• If the animal you are approaching looks hostile, make sure that you are not standing in its way. Let him know that you do not want to cause him any harm, do not make too much noise to further aggravate the situation.
• Leave slowly. If you meet an animal that does not like your presence, move slowly and quietly.

Additional tips

Do not try to swim in rivers or lakes if you are not sure that there are no hippopotamuses or crocodiles. Hippos are actually the most dangerous of all large animals. They live on the banks of the river, and if they feel any danger, then, to return to their safe place in the water, they will be angry and attack everything that moves in their path.

Do not go around at night in places where you know that there are wild animals that can be potentially dangerous to you. This, for example, the beaches around the lakes, where the hippopotamus graze between the tents in the campsite. Hyenas also roam freely, so always be careful.