Safari holidays are gaining fame among travellers with every passing day. The unending love of wildlife lovers for safaris and to view their favourite animals never ends, and this drives them to book Safari Holiday Packages instantly. In case you are one among them, we have shared some special tips for you to stay safe during your time at these places.
Below are mentioned a few safety measures that everyone must follow:
01- Follow Your Guide
Safaris are home to many wild creatures and provide them with food and shelter. However, many people get super excited to witness these animals in real life that they totally neglect the security measures set by the wildlife authorities. Normally, a tour guide is provided to every group who provides advice that is important to listen to closely. This is because they have sufficient knowledge about the behaviour of the wildlife. These guides are for well aware of the safety zones that you should not pass through in any case.
Some people just ignore the advice of their guide and think that they know everything. We suggest never avoiding any instructions and not arguing with your instructor. These experts guide you on everything about the spots to take pictures and which places to avoid.
02- Stay inside Your Vehicle
Staying in your vehicle while exploring a safari is very important to stay safe. If you are someone who is planning to take kids with them should pay special focus on this section. This is because it sometimes becomes really difficult to control little ones on the spot. You should thus make sure that they learn this tip even before starting their journey.
Always remember to keep your legs, arms and cameras or phones inside the vehicle at all times. Sudden movements like standing suddenly or leaning out through the window can grab the attention of the wild creatures, which increases the chances of attack.
Teach your kids that your vehicle, whether it has a roof or not, acts as a neutral object to the animals. If they step out without asking their guide, it can cause life damage too. Moreover, we suggest not making loud noises and keeping a normal pace to not startle the wildlife, as it can provoke an attack.
03- Keep a Safe Distance from the Animals
Maintain a safe distance from an animal, irrespective of how friendly they seem to you. You cannot trust an animal as these wild creatures can attack you from nowhere. We suggest using binoculars to see these creatures, or you can also just use your camera to zoom in for better clarity. Remember that it is far better and safer than moving closer to these animals. It is just like inviting a brutal attack, which is terrifying to even think about.
What is important to note here is that you never predict the power of an animal by its size. Some visitors try to tame small animals but it leaves them regretting their life decision. We suggest staying alert the whole time of your stay and staying vigilant throughout. Do not rush or create a fuss if an animal blocks your path. Remember to stay patient and let it go on its own.
04- Refrain from Wearing Bright Colours
You might find this strange but it is actually a very crucial tip to stay safe during a safari holiday. Travel guides also ask the visitors not to wear bright color clothes on the safari as it can attract the attention of the wild animals. Keep in mind to wear shades such as beige, olive or khaki. This is because these colours blend in with the surroundings of the animals and you are kind of hidden from them.
Furthermore, you also need to act wisely and not wear any jewellery that reflects sunlight, as shiny things also catch the attention of animals. You also need to refrain from wearing strong scents like perfumes, deodorants or even mosquito repellent.
05- Obey Camp Safety Rules
You need to follow the camp safety rules during your safari trip. We are going to highlight the major ones here. It is not recommended to walk alone, particularly after sunset. If you are interested in doing so, you can ask for an escort to stay with you. Those who reside in a tent should close it thoroughly so that they can prevent the entry of a deadly insect or even a small animal.
One thing that you should engrave in your mind is that you should not even think of throwing trash or food leftovers outside of your tent. This is because its smell can help animals navigate their way to your tent. Do not get out of your camp safety zone just to act cool or in order to seek more adventure.
06- Pack a First-Aid Kit
When you are out enjoying the perks of one of your safari holiday packages, it is always better to be prepared for the unexpected. A small cut, headache or insect bite can easily spoil the fun if you don’t have the right supplies. Pack a simple first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, painkillers, anti-allergy tablets and insect repellent. If you often get motion sickness, bring some tablets for long game drives too.
Keep your personal medicines in labelled boxes and carry prescriptions with you in case you need them. It is better to know about the location of the hospital near your safari so you can act fast during an emergency.
07- Sun Protection is Crucial
Africa is famous for its amazing safaris but remember that the country also gets extremely hot during a long period in the year. It is thus very important to take suitable measures to escape from intense heat. What you can do is wear a hat that covers your head from the rays of the sun. Remember that UV sunglasses are going to be your best friend during a safari holiday.
Another important thing is to wear sunscreen regularly, even on cloudy days. Make sure that it is an SPF 30-plus sunscreen to save yourself from getting sunburn. Moreover, water is the key. You need to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and fatigue from sweating. You can also take advantage of many different electrolyte sachets or sports drinks that keep you active throughout the Safari trip.
Wrap Up
If you have reached here, then you are now aware of the ways to keep yourself secure and protect your kids during a safari holiday. Following the above tips not only saves you from an animal attack but also helps you to have a fun and memorable holiday experience. Make sure that you are fully prepared before starting your journey with reliable safari holiday packages. Choose Virikson Holidays to enjoy an unforgettable safari trip.
Jack Reacher