| A safari spent in the African savanna will enchant you | | | | not panic:)! Persistence is key, and it is usually when |
| with unforgettable experiences and wonderful sights! | | | | you least expect it that you bump into the most |
| Provided below are just a few rules/advice that you | | | | exciting and rewarding sightings! |
| might want to consider to improve your game | | | | 4. Scan the Horizon |
| viewing chances... | | | | Open up your eyes! And if your eyes aren't good |
| 1. Wake Up Very Early | | | | enough, a good pair of binoculars are always handy! |
| Rule number ONE! I know this might sound strange | | | | Stop often and scan the horizon, even though you |
| especially while on holiday, but out in the bush this is | | | | can't see a single thing at first sight. I have spotted |
| one recommendation that you should definitely stick | | | | lions that way more than once! |
| to. Early mornings and late afternoons are just THE | | | | Also look for small details like unusual movements in |
| best times of the day to encounter wild animals! At | | | | trees, strange shadows in the open or awkward |
| noon, the sun is at its highest peak and animals tend | | | | sounds. Look for everything and anything! |
| to hide under the thickets. | | | | Sometimes your imagination might play you a few |
| A typical safari game drive begins at around 5:30 AM | | | | tricks ("It's a LION"...oops nope, only a darn rock:)), |
| (6 ish at the latest for lazy bees lol), and lasts around | | | | but it will also reward you with interesting findings! |
| 3-4 hours. Make sure you wear warm clothes as | | | | Even the smallest creatures such as chameleons, |
| mornings can be very chilly. Especially if you're in an | | | | dung beetles, snakes or even tree iguanas can be so |
| open vehicle! | | | | much fun; and such a delight to watch!!! |
| Afternoon game drives usually start at 5:00/6 PM and | | | | 5. Talk to Your Guide |
| will last until 7-9:30 PM depending on the safari | | | | If you have decided to go for guided safaris (instead |
| highlights of the day. Some lodges offer night drives | | | | of safaris in your own vehicle), then be sure to |
| which is a huge bonus! Highly recommended if | | | | spend some time chatting with your guide |
| possible! | | | | beforehand. The idea is to ask questions about the |
| You will have plenty of time to rest in the afternoon | | | | area, and to be curious about what can be expected |
| not to worry:)...siestas are more than welcome and | | | | from the game drive. According to the guide's |
| even encouraged in the heat of the day;-). | | | | response, tell him what you'd like to see! What are |
| 2. Be Quiet | | | | your interests? Animal lover, cat lover, birder??? |
| While animals have somewhat become habituated to | | | | Be very specific! The more specific you are, the |
| car engines, they will run away if you are too loud! | | | | better the chances you'll be satisfied with what you |
| So please do stay calm and discreet...even though | | | | encounter! |
| your game viewing experience might be a little | | | | In this way your guide will take you to areas where |
| discouraging up until that point! | | | | you are more likely to see the wild animals specified! |
| 3. Be Patient | | | | Let's say you're a huge cheetah fan for instance. If |
| Unlike zoos, national parks and African game reserves | | | | your safari expert is good enough (which I'm sure he |
| are wild areas where animals roam free and | | | | will be), then he'll concentrate his efforts in areas that |
| unattended! In other words, do not expect to see | | | | are suitable for cheetahs, such as plains and open |
| lions, rhinos and elephants every square kilometer! | | | | grasslands. I am not saying that you can ONLY find |
| More often than none, you may drive hours and | | | | the cats in those types of habitat, but of course |
| hours without seeing anything (or at least not much; | | | | there is a higher probability of finding them there! |
| just the plentiful impala or occasional warthog). Do | | | | |