Safari Etiquette: How To Be A Responsible Tourist In Africa

1. Safari Etiquette: How To Be A Responsible Tourist In Africa Booking a safari tour is undeniably one of the most exciting experiences, and when you have packed your sunhat and outdoor boots, adventure awaits. It’s natural to be extremely excited about your safari trip, but like all new things, there are a few key things to remember. It’s important to do your basic research on what to expect when on safari, but by simply following along for these next guidelines, you will be clued up on all the do’s and don’ts of safari etiquette and how to be a responsible tourist in Africa. Going to Africa for a wildlife adventure is something that absolutely everyone should experience, but it’s important for travellers to be aware of the rules of safari tours, both the official and unofficial ones. Proper etiquette on safari tours is essential to ensure that everyone has a pleasant experience, but it’s also often very crucial for the safety of everyone present. You’ll be seeing an incredible number of wild animals, but they are animals in their natural, wild habitat who need to not be disturbed. When ensuring you are up to date on the few expectations of etiquette on your next African safari though, you’ll be guaranteed to have an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life. The first thing to know is that going on safari is not a dangerous activity, and when everyone sticks to the rules, everyone is perfectly safe. The most obvious rule of etiquette when on a safari tour pertains to the animals, as visitors will not be allowed to frighten or harass the animals. It’s important to remember that loud noises tend to spook wild animals, and this will scare them and cause them to scamper away. This will make it unlikely for your group to see any more animals in that area again. It’s wise to speak softly and avoid making any sudden noises when on game drives and walks. Sudden movements upon spotting an animal can also startle many elusive animals. Even though this seems like common knowledge, some travellers have actually made the mistake of approaching the animals. Whether you are in a safari vehicle or on foot, it’s important to remember that you are in the wild animal’s territory and to remain patient. You should never walk closer, chase or approach wild animals, as they are not used to human contact at all, and they are best observed at a distance. African conservation parks take great measures to ensure the safety of guests, but for the safety of both the guests and the animals, it’s important to only ever go where your tour guide allows. You will be getting on your safari vehicle with a delicious array of snacks and drinks, but a crucial thing to remember is that you should never, ever feed the animals. The first reason is that wild animals can become aggressive when associating humans with food, which will make future safari tours nearly impossible. Not feeding the animals is also important for their safety and health, as most human food can be toxic or even deadly to wild animals. Another general rule is to never take anything other than pictures and to never leave anything behind, so this includes ensuring no papers, packages or litter stays behind in the bush after you leave. Cigarette butts can start bush fires, and litter will damage the environment and be harmful to the animals. The key on a safari tour is to enjoy the natural beauty quietly as if you’re presence was completely invisible, and also to leave the area without any traces of being there. Safari tours are definitely one of the most amazing wildlife experiences in the world, and when everyone keeps the general etiquette of safaris in mind, it’s guaranteed to be an amazing experience for everyone. About Us African Spoonbill Tours has become widely acclaimed as the single best partner to rely on for an amazing tour of Tanzania and neighbouring countries to experience world class safari or climb Mount Kilimanjaro. One thing clients can count on is the fact that African Spoonbill Tours will spare no effort in their mission to provide a completely unrivalled tour experience, and every client can find their ideal holiday through their tailored nature packages. African Spoonbill Tours has gained an impeccable track record of success, and when you want to explore and experience the best of what these places have to offer with peace of mind that you are in good hands, this will be the only company you ever need. For more information visit https://africanspoonbilltours.com/