|
TELEPHONE
Go prepared with a list of telephone numbers - find out beforehand what the numbers are of the tourist boards of the different countries, and those of all the game reserves and national parks that you intend to visit. Keep these numbers handy. It might be a good idea to take along a mobile phone and buy a start-up kit and airtime from the local cellular providers.
TOUR GUIDES
It is far better, especially if it will be your first time on an African Safari, to be part of a professionally led safari tour. Let the tour guides do the hard work by finding out where the best place is to stay, which safaris are the best to undertake - safari tours are slick operations and you will be placed in the care of competent people who know the region and the game reserves. You will receive ample advice from them on what to take with on a safari and what not to do.
PLACES TO STAY
If you choose not to go with the professional tour guide, then you will have to do your homework first - find out about the different game reserves and the prices. Contact them beforehand and ask for brochures and catalogues. You will be well looked after, but you need to respect the bush culture, also called bush etiquette:
WILD ANIMALS
However peaceful it may seem to see a tribe of lions lying down lazily in the hot African sun, never be tempted to get out of your vehicle to snap close-up pictures. This is the quickest way to die. The same goes for any other animal in the wild. Treat them with the respect that they deserve. Approach all big game (elephants, rhinoceros, lion, giraffes, and hippopotamus) with caution. Do not make sudden movements and do not make any noises. Elephants who turn towards you, flapping their ears and raising their trunks are dangerous. Rhinoceros are notorious for their bad moods and anything that disturbs their line of vision can get them to charge you down. Hippopotamus can be the most dangerous of all the wild animals - it is estimated that they kill more people than any other animals.
BUSH DRIVES
Keep to the recommended routes and never get out of your vehicle, unless accompanied by a guide who will know when it is safe to do so. Do no be tempted to take a short cut through an open veldt as it may prove to be hazardous.
BUSH WALKS
Approach animals downwind and keep away from mothers and their young. Never try to get too close to any animal - even buck can be dangerous when they feel threatened in any way.
RESPECT THE VELD AND THE ANIMALS
Remember that the game reserves and national parks have been set up to preserve the wild life. Therefor never leave your rubbish lying around. Keep it in a bag and dispose of it back at the camp. YOU are the visitor, the intruder, and not the animals. It is their home. Be careful of veldt fires. Only use designated areas at picnic spots to light a fire and ensure that it put out properly when you have finished. To ensure that there are no burning embers left, ensure that a thick layer of sand covers the extinguished fire.
Never feed animals - you are there to observe not to feed or rehabilitate. The animals are surviving and can only do so on their own, using their inbred skills. Monkeys can be hazardous to travellers if they are fed - they can learn to rely on food from tourists.
PATIENCE
You need a lot of patience when going on a safari. Do not expect to see all the animals on the first trip. This is not to say that it cannot happen, though! Make a list of the wildlife that you would like to see and find out where you are most likely to find them. As you discover the animals, tick it off on your list and make notes about where you saw them. This may prove to be useful on other trips. Your patience will eventually be rewarded.
BINOCULARS AND CAMERAS
Take along binoculars, you will never be disappointed. In fact, make sure that each person in your party takes along his or her own binoculars. As for cameras, it is far better to take a long a compact, digital transportable camera than relying on a camera with film. Besides cameras and binoculars, a torch or two may come in handy as well.
DRESS CODE
The rule with dress code is to be comfortable. Loose tops, baggy shorts, hard-wearing sneakers and of course a sun hat, sunglasses and more importantly, a good sun block. Settle for neutral colours like khaki, beige, light brown, pale greens and blues, rather than white or black, or bright blues and greens. In winter, the nights are chilly, so take along a jacket or wear a tracksuit. You may need a swimming costume, but never forget the sun block!
INSECTS
Malaria is a health hazard. Find out if the area that you intend visiting is a "malaria zone" and ensure that you take the correct medication and dosage in the required time. Often some medication has to be taken at least two weeks before your trip. Take along a good insect repellent to ward off the pesky flies and other flying insects. And once again: many of the animals are used to the human element: the safaris, the bush drives and walks and most appear just to ignore the two-legged animals. Never be lulled into thinking that they cannot be dangerous. It takes just a second for them to turn on you in rage or bravado.
FOOD AND PROVISIONS
If you are going on a longer route, make sure that you stock up with:
Water, plenty!
non-perishable food (tinned food, salted meat)
additional petrol
oil
vehicle spares:
tyres
fanbelt
fuses
brake fluid
radiator hose
tyre valves
tool kit
fuel filters
jumper leads
a jack
fire extinguisher
first aid-kit with additional medication such as a snakebite kit and antihistamines
insulation tape
compass.
Make sure that you memorise the route beforehand and study any information that you can find on the area.
| 
