ENTABENI – GENERAL SAFARI SAFETY TIPS

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

Tour operators make it their business to know the areas they travel in. This helps in reducing risk to travellers. However, when considering General Safari Safety Tips, it is sensible to take normal precautions on your African safari. This is particularly true when travelling through urban areas.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS / MONEY

Always have a photocopy of your passport and any visas. Also, have a list of traveller’s cheque numbers. These copies should be packed separately from the originals. It is never a good idea to carry large amounts of cash. Most urban centres (hotels, shops) do accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are most common) and traveller’s cheques. You might need cash for purchases at the local markets. Keep this in a travel wallet, or a zip pocket. This is another of the General Safari Safety Tips to consider.

LUGGAGE

Never leave cameras and hand luggage unattended, whether in a vehicle, or even in a hotel foyer. Remember, one of the General Safari Safety Tips is to never pack valuables (this includes medication), in your check-in luggage.

PERSONAL SAFETY

When travelling independently on your African safari, stay informed in terms of the local news. One of the important General Safari Safety Tips is to ask at your hotel about any unsafe areas, and codes of dress and behaviour. Don’t openly carry valuables. If you must carry your passport and money, keep them in a buttoned-down pocket.

GAME VIEWING

Your guide will always do a safety talk with you, whether your game viewing is to be done from a vehicle, or on foot. Wildlife is potentially dangerous, but as long as you adhere to what your guide tells you, there is very little to worry about. At viewpoints, hides and camps, wildlife is more familiar with people and less intimidated by your presence. One of the core General Safari Safety Tips is to never tease or corner wild animals. This may cause an unpredictable response and a potentially dangerous reaction. Never feed any animals, as this can cause them to lose their fear of humans.

Courtesy of Entabeni Nature Reserve