Tour Game Parks Safely: The Dos & Don’ts

The opportunity to tour game parks is a privilege. There is no doubt that you’re going to have an incredible experience seeing all the animals, but you need to remember that you are in their world and as with any activity, there are do’s and don’ts. Here’s a list to ensure you have a safe trip.

 

Do’s 

1. Take precautions for malaria

Depending on the park you visit, malaria is a real risk so ensure that you pack insect repellents such as sprays. You can also buy wristbands that release citronella oil to guard against malaria-carrying mosquitoes. There is also medication available and it is advisable to take this in conjunction with the other preventative methods.

 

1. Take sunblock 

The summer months can be sweltering, sometimes hitting 50-degrees Celsius. It’s essential to put on sunscreen in the morning and apply some more in the afternoon.

 

1. Research the layout of the park before you travel

South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park spans 19 485 km2 – that’s a lot of ground to cover! Spend some time researching routes that are renowned for sighting certain animals. Also, decide which rest camps you’ll be using for the duration of your stay because this may influence the routes you take.

 

1. Listen to your guides at all times

Luxury game lodges in South Africa such as Pondoro (and throughout Africa) offer private game drives. It’s an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. Your guides will inform you about all the safety precautions that you need to take on a game drive. Please listen to them and follow their instructions. They are equipped with a plethora of knowledge to give you an experience that you’ll never forget.

 

Don’ts

 

1. Don’t get out of your car or drive quickly

It’s a privilege to drive through game parks and witness animals living in their natural habitat and certainly, finding ways to take epic, perfectly-timed photos and videos to preserve the moments are obvious. However, please don’t get out of the car. Remember, you’re in the wild.

Please respect and follow the speed limit in the park (generally 40km per hour). If you drive too quickly you run the risk of not only missing a great sighting, but animals do cross the road (sometimes out of the blue) and if you’re driving too fast, you may hit – and possibly kill – them. Not to mention you’ll damage your vehicle. If you’re driving a rental car, you can kiss your deposit goodbye.

 

1. Don’t try and call the animals

When you’re in a national park, silence and patience are virtues. Loud noises may spook away the animals you’re attempting to seek. Furthermore, large animals such as elephants may make a charge at your vehicle and put you in grave danger. Watch their ears, if they start to flap, that’s your signal to move onwards.

 

1. Don’t live on your phone

This is your time to ‘unplug’. There is so much splendour around you, instead keep your eyes peeled to spot one of the legendary Big 5: lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard. Only use your phone to take photos; posting updates on Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms can wait.

As long as you follow the abovementioned do’s and don’ts, you can focus on witnessing animals living in their natural habitat. Embrace the excitement of seeing a lion, lioness and their cubs, or a majestic elephant wading its way through the bush; you’ll be in awe of their tremendous trunk and tusks. Enjoy yourself!