African adventure safaris are one of
the fastest growing segments of the travel market. However most travellers are
unfamiliar with this vast and untamed land. Many people ask "Aren't the
wild animals dangerous?"
Safari activities are diverse - from white water river rafting to elephant back
safaris. Some clients enjoy learning about Africa's flora and fauna on casual
walks with professional guides. More adventurous travellers may enjoy canoeing
past hippo as they snort in the water only yards away, or getting treed by a black rhino while tracking on foot. But don't worry - while on
safari travellers enjoy the company of professionally licensed guides who are
incredibly well trained & armed with an amazing understanding of the
wildlife with which they share their lives on a daily basis.
I recall a recent November evening I spent with my wife and professional
Zimbabwe guide Steve Carey. From our small tented camp set within Zimbabwe's
Matusadona National Park the three of us ventured out on an afternoon wildlife
viewing drive in Steve's open 4x4 Land Rover. Within
minutes we came across a pride of 24 lion (yes 24) relaxing on a small rise
overlooking the shore of Lake Kariba. As several young lion played amongst
themselves and harassed their elders only a few meters from our vehicle Steve
explained how he had followed the growth of this pride over several years. He
noted how they would often lie up on this small hill waiting for an evening meal
to wander by. I looked into the distance and noticed an elephant drinking from
the lake. Nearby a large crocodile slowly disappeared below the water surface as
if hiding from my inquisitive eyes. Steve explained how the lion would often
corner impala (a small African antelope) along the shoreline. The impala would
be at a loss to escape as jumping into the water would mean certain death by
crocodile.
As Steve began to describe each of the lions' personalities an older female lion
stood and stretched. Looking at her front paw I noticed it was larger than my
entire hand! As if on cue several other lion roused themselves and began
scanning the nearby lakeshore. A lone impala was quietly foraging with its head
down. Steve started the Land Rover and we drove towards the shore to position
ourselves for the impending attack. Before we had driven 10 meters the lion were
off and the chase was on! The impala headed
inland and the lion swung around from behind in pursuit. Steve slid the Land
Rover around and switched the engine off. As we rolled to a dusty stop we heard
a muffled cry and several loud growls. Steve grabbed his rifle and jumped out of
the vehicle. With a waive of his hand he urged us from the vehicle and quietly
explained that we would be walking slowly around the rise to gain a view of the
lion's kill. He whispered that we must all walk slowly, in single file behind
him. He noted that if he wanted us to retreat we must do so quietly and SLOWLY -
a lion's hunting instinct will be triggered by running.
We walked roughly 20 meters towards the kill on the opposite side of the rise.
We peered left and right to make sure other lion were not behind or to the side
of us. Then the largest female lion appeared on top of the rise - only 30 meters
away. She stared intently at our small group and let out a low growl - the sound
was at one time incredibly frightening yet instinctually familiar. She took a
slow half step forward and stopped. Steve casually motioned for us to turn and
back away towards the vehicle. As I looked over my shoulder I watched as
Steve walked slowly backwards talking quietly to the female lion. She stood her
ground. We reached the vehicle and climbed inside. Steve casually walked up to
the vehicle. As he settled into the driver's seat and turned the key to start
the vehicle he looked over his shoulder and he subtly commented "Another
day in Africa".
Later that evening he explained how the female lion had left the kill to
investigate our presence. He explained that good guides know that each animal
has a comfort zone that, if entered, is likely to cause the animal to attack or
flee. By reading an animal's behavior you are able to get close to wildlife
while remaining outside of this zone. As he spoke I peered into the darkness
just beyond the light of our campfire - a herd of elephant were busy foraging in
the trees (only 5 meters away!).
Speaking of animals around camp it is not uncommon for a lion or other animal to
wander through as camps & lodges are typically not fenced. This past
December I had two elephant eating outside my tent in Botswana less than 1.5
meters from my bed - only the tent canvas separated us for 3 hours! This leads
to another common question - "Won't you get eaten in your tent at
night?" You might think so, but an attack on a sleeping traveller would be
highly unusual, occurring rarely when an animal has been frightened or provoked.
Actually the majority of animals are comfortable with the safari camps and the
human presence.
Having noted that attacks are very rare, they can occur. As you can minimize the
risk of being struck by lightning by following a few simple guidelines you can
greatly minimize your chances of being attacked by a wild animal. It is
important for all travelers to follow the guidelines below:
Always follow your guide's instructions with regards to wildlife.
Make sure that the entrance/s to your tent or room is/are kept closed at all
times.
Never leave the safety of your tent or room without the approval of your guide,
especially at night. As most tented camp and lodge rooms have en suite toilets
and showers there is no need to venture outside.
Always ask for an escort to walk with you to and from your tent or room. The
guides will set pick up times so that you may have a shower after your evening
wildlife viewing activity before having dinner.
Never leave the safety of your safari vehicle without the approval of your
guide.
Always remain with your guide during activities (game drives, canoeing, walks).
Do not wander off.
In general do not take flash photos of wildlife as this may frighten or spook
the animal/s.
Do not make loud noises or act in a manner, which may upset or surprise any
animal.
Do not attempt to pet or touch any animal no matter how cute it may appear.
Hippo are very dangerous. So are lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, crocodiles,
baboons, monkeys, and others.
Lastly - respect wildlife and keep your distance. If at ANY TIME you are
uncomfortable please tell your guide immediately. Your instincts may be correct.
By following the above guidelines the risk of a wild animal attack can be nearly
eliminated.
As of March 2001 Botswana provides the best opportunities for getting close to
Africa's wildlife with exciting activities such as canoeing, tracking wildlife
on foot, horseback riding, day & night open vehicle wildlife viewing drives
& elephant back safaris!
(This article was written by Ian Proctor, managing director of Ultimate Africa
Safaris in Seattle, Washington.)
