Self-Drive Safari Etiquette
Last week’s column was all about how to be a respectful guest on a game drive. But what about if you’re doing a self-drive safari? This is likely even more relevant to our adventurous clients – so enjoy the read…
The first and most important rule is: DO NOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. Included in this really important restriction is not sitting on your windowsill so that most of you is actually out of the car, without being “technically” out of the car. Trust me, a predator doesn’t differentiate! When you’re in a wilderness area, it is important to realise that these animals are WILD. You are not in a zoo (and to be honest, even zoo animals are wild – they are in no way ‘domestic’ simply because they’re in captivity). A wild animal will always act upon their instincts, as recently witnessed when a Spanish Tourist approached a breeding herd of elephants in Pilanesberg, on foot, to take photos – and was trampled, later dying of his injuries. The matriarch was merely protecting the calves – a perfectly natural and normal behaviour.
Fortunately, this time, there will be no consequence for the elephants. Often, however, animals are ‘put down’ after an incident of this nature – which is unfair from the point of view that, had the human simply obeyed the rules, the incident would not have occurred. One has to understand that, from the perspective of protecting future guests, this consequence is sometimes necessary. For example, should a lion attack a human in a reserve where official walks are conducted, the animal will likely be destroyed as it poses a significant risk for future guests. Whilst this is necessary, and understandable, it is still unfair to the animal… Personally, I believe one should even be circumspect when alighting in areas that are unfenced, but where you are ‘allowed’ to get out of the car. Here’s the thing – animals don’t read the signs.
Always adhere to the speed limits – they are in place for your safety and the well-being of the animals. On dirt roads, lower speeds also assist with dust levels for those who come after you, as well as limiting the amount of dust settling on the plants on the edge of the road.
When you encounter animals in the bush, keep a reasonable distance – primarily because you are disturbing the animals in their home. The other reason is for your own safety. Wherever possible, keep an escape route open. There are endless videos on how vehicles have been destroyed by large mammals such as elephants, rhinos and buffalo. Around large predators, also keep your windows up… You just never know (as you can see from the videos in the info block)!
Don’t go off-road – whether there are officials around or not. The reality is that you are making tracks that others will follow. You are also doing damage to a pristine environment. It is just wrong and disrespectful on every level. It is also putting you at risk – the chances of getting stuck or getting a puncture are extremely high.
Never, ever feed a wild animal. You are effectively signing their death warrant. Animals come to associate humans with food and, especially during the lean times, will become dangerous pests who are not scared of humans. In any encounter with wildlife, even with something as small as a vervet monkey, a human will always come second. As an aside, wild baboons and monkeys will respect men, but are not the least bit scared of women. Often, even a young vervet monkey will threaten an adult woman right back. This is not a function of size either – even a scrawny human male will have the respect of a primate. They can definitely identify the gender of a human – even at a reasonable distance.
Never play loud music in the wilderness and keep vehicle noise to a minimum. Don’t use your hooter to get a reaction from an animal. Nor should you rev your engine. Respect the fact that you are in a territory that belongs to the animals, and act accordingly.
When at a popular sighting (lions / leopard etc) – have a look at the animal, take your photos and ideally give way so that others can do the same. I cannot begin to count the number of times there have been huge traffic jams at a lion sighting that have lasted hours – and this with animals that are simply snoozing under a bush. Be generous and allow others the thrill of seeing one of the large predators in the bush.
Always give animals an escape route. There is a tragic story that occurred in the Kruger National Park in 2014. A leopard was spotted walking outside the electrified fence of a camp. Eventually, there were so many cars and so much noise that the animal tried to escape over the electric fence. This ended when the animal got caught in the fence and died in front of the very visitors that were supposed to be appreciating this incredible creature. Remember that the animal is always more important than your sighting of it…
Wilderness areas that allow access to public are a wonderful resource. Spend as much time as you can visiting them – they really do revitalise you! They allow you to one again become grounded and give one perspective on the rat race that is our everyday life. Pack up the family (or a couple of friends) and a picnic lunch, and take a much-needed break. Or, if you have the time and the finances, enjoy a longer holiday – you will be so glad you did. Enjoy every moment – and remember, these wild spaces rely on your support for their continued existence!
Jacqui Ikin & The Cross Country Team
INFO BLOCK
Spanish tourist killed by elephant at Pilanesberg National Park:
Buffalo Tramples Car in Apparent Road Rage Incident:
Buffalo Smashes Car to Try Chase Lions Away (Pilanesberg):
Lion Shows Why Windows Should be Closed!
Rhino attacks car at safari park (Germany) – ITV News – 28th August 2019:
Angry elephant uses tusks to lift safari truck into the air:
