South
African Safaris – Safety Tips for the
Adventure of Your Life
South African
Safaris – Safety
Tips for the Adventure of Your Life
Travel in South Africa offers
an abundance of safari experiences, from lush subtropical
beach forests to the exquisite seclusion of the desert
to the world famous Kruger
National Park. South African safaris not only
offer the beauty and cultural diversity that makes
South Africa so unique, they can also be one of the
safest travel adventures you can experience.
If you are considering taking a guided South African
safari, your chances of encountering difficulties
are minimal. Due to inaccurate media representation,
people often harbor unfounded concerns about the
dangers of going on safari, including an exaggerated
fear of civil unrest and crime. In fact, tour operators
make it their business to be intimately familiar
with the areas in which they travel, thus minimizing
risk for travelers. Nevertheless, it is sensible
to take customary precautions on your African safari,
especially when traveling through urban areas.
The following are a few guidelines to help you adequately
and safely prepare for your trip:
Documents and Money
• Always have a photo copy of your passport and required
visas
• Make a list of traveler’s cheque numbers (packed separately from the
originals)
• Never carry large amounts of cash; credit cards are widely welcomed
• If you need cash handy for purchases at local markets – keep it
in a travel wallet or a zip pocket
Cameras
In all likelihood, you’ll want to take some
sort of camera with you on your trip, whether it
is a still camera or video camera. Use common sense
and pack camera equipment in your hand-carried baggage
and never leave it unattended. When walking
through an urban area, keep your camera concealed
in a bag.
Look But Don’t
Touch, Frighten or Feed
Your safari guide will typically discuss safety
and safari etiquette with you prior to your safari,
whether your game viewing is to be done from a
vehicle or on foot. Although all wildlife
can be potentially dangerous, if you follow
the instructions your guide gives you,
there is little need for concern. At viewpoints,
hides, camps and other more heavily populated areas,
wildlife is more accustomed to people and will
usually be less threatened by your presence. A
general guideline is to refrain from teasing or
cornering wild animals as it may cause a potentially
dangerous reaction. In addition, feeding or calling
animals should be avoided, as this can cause them
to lose their fear of humans.
Other Creatures
Although a multitude of potentially dangerous species
like snakes, scorpions, spiders, and insects are
indigenous to Africa, very few visitors are adversely
affected if common sense is used. Snakes are typically
shy and generally stay away from highly populated
areas. Safari lodges and camps usually have
insect (especially mosquito) proofing. If you go
on a walk, a good rule of thumb is to always wear enclosed
walking shoes, socks, and long trousers.
Medical
Although travel to South Africa generally poses no
medical threat, malaria is prevalent in certain
areas. Prior to your trip to South Africa, you
should consult your physician or health department
for the latest anti-malaria prophylactics.
Eyes
on Africa,
an African safari company, boasts an extremely
knowledgeable team of staff members, who are
passionate about every aspect of travel to Africa, including its wildlife and safari destinations.
When you're ready to plan your African safari,
a holiday in Africa, or if you just have questions,
please feel free to contact us toll free at 800-457-9575
or visit our web site at http://www.eyesonafrica.net/contactus.htm and
complete an information request form.
 |
Eyes
on Africa was selected most knowledgeable
Regional Expert for Southern Africa / Safaris by
National Geographic Traveler Magazine,
20th Anniversary Special Issue. |
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