Game Drive Etiquette for an East African Safari
Game Drive Etiquette is the customary code of polite behavior for travellers to East Africa on the local society, wildlife and the environment. Adios East Africa is proud to enforce high game viewing standards. You must agree that wildlife parks and reserves are global treasure troves. The rules are in place to conserve the environment. This ensures you experience the African safari experience possible.
Check the following 10 game drive etiquette tips for African safaris.
10 Game Drive Etiquette Tips for African Safaris
- DO NOT CROWD at an animal sighting because crowded animals scatter separating families. And it is stressful for animals.
- KEEP YOUR distance to see wild animals behave naturally when you keep distance at a sighting. Especially during the annual wildebeest migration.
- THE SOUND of Silence – people talking without speaking will not disturb animals. They hate your shouts, clapping, cheering and so on. Switch off sound your mobile phones. Do not edit and delete photos during a game drive. It drives animals into hysterics.
- RESPECT your guide: Your tip drives them to break rules by approaching animals too closely at a sighting. Animal spotting is an art. Report your guide when they break game viewing rules.
- RESPECT rangers who protect wildlife and the environment. Co-operate with them and make their day.
- KEEP out of vegetation: Damaged bush, thickets and grass take years to regenerate. These habitats are home and resting places for animals.
- OFF-ROAD driving causes soil erosion. Avoid plant damage. Stick to existing roads and cut tracks. Drive at below 40 km to enjoy the scenery and avoid accidents.
- STAY in the car: Getting out of safari vehicles is dangerous and is strictly forbidden. Do not stand on rooftops. Leave your vehicle under your guide’s instruction. And only at designated picnic sites.
- NIGHT GAME drives only take place in select designated areas.
- LITTERING the environment is dangerous for the animals. Do not also feeding animals as they throw away food remains.