Just the word "safari" conjures images of wild things untouched by man. It's the epitome of eco
travel, offering glimpses of the world before we came along. A few weeks ago I went on safari in South Africa, with my dad, on a private game reserve adjoining Kruger
National Park.
Our four nights at Ulusaba, Sir Richard Branson's luxuriously homely clifftop lodge overlooking the lowveld were amazing. The up-close wildlife encounters on our twice-daily game drives were out of this world.
Our four nights at Ulusaba, Sir Richard Branson's luxuriously homely clifftop lodge overlooking the lowveld were amazing. The up-close wildlife encounters on our twice-daily game drives were out of this world.
Behold, the king |
We watched hyenas staking out a tree where, in the branches above, a leopard sat eating its latest meal. Followed a lone male leopard walking in perfect silence through the dry grass. Saw a family of cheetahs licking each other clean after dining on an unfortunate duiker (a small antelope).
Cheetah love |
It was my first time on safari, and I learned a lot – not just about the animals but about how to safari.
So here are my top 10 tips for other safari virgins:
Dad and me, day 3, in khaki |
2. Be patient. Even in places like Ulusaba, where there's so much wildlife, you still need to wait for the rangers and trackers to find it. The animals are wild and roaming after all. It helps to be quiet too. The wildlife
might be habituated to the vehicles, but can still be disturbed, and you're
assured of a more authentic viewing experience if the animals aren't reacting
to you.
3. Keep your arms and
legs inside the vehicle at all times. There aren’t many rules on safari and the
few there are, will keep you safe. The main ones: never stand up in the
vehicle (which alters its shape and might make some animals curious enough to
investigate), never leave the vehicle (except with the all-clear from a
ranger) and don't make sudden movements or loud noises.
Walk like a leopard, silent and stealthy |
5. Put your camera down.
You've brought the long lens, or the compact camera with mega-zoom, and it's
great to get pics and video you can enjoy and share later. But remember to snap some
internal pics too, with your eyes. Nothing beats watching wildlife in real
time.
Dignity in danger |
7. Be respectful. You're
not watching a nature documentary in your living room, either. Other people can hear
you when you say, "He looks like Uncle John" or "Isn't it
CUTE!". Try to resist the temptation to infantalise or anthropomorphise
the animals too. They have dignity. They’re not cartoon creations, they're wild
animals living wild lives.
Young leopard, listening |
9. Look after yourself.
Sitting in a vehicle for up to six hours a day (2-3 hours at dawn and dusk) can
give anyone an aching back. Make use of the free time between game drives to
stretch, do some yoga, have a massage or a hot bath, or go for a walk around your
camp (supervised if necessary).
10. Share your stories
and photos with friends when you get back home. Put your good fortune to good
use: by spreading the word about the preciousness of Africa’s wild things, and
the importance of protecting them from poachers and other threats such as
habitat loss. See WWF South Africa for more info.
Family love in the wild |
Big thanks to South Africa Tourism and Virgin Limited Edition for this once-in-a-lifetime, father-and-daughter-in-the-wild experience.
In the jungle, the mighty jungle - -fabulous wildlife pics. You and your dad look the part too! Great Blog Lou
ReplyDeleteThanks! Hard not to take good pics when the animals are so close and you have dawn and dusk light :) Such a great trip.
DeleteGreat story Weeze! I especially related to the part about Dad squeezing your hand!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tim! Welcome to No Impact Girl :)
DeleteNot only eloquent but so descriptive it makes hairs bristle and tears to my eyes as I think about such shared moments that are visceral and not the same experience for everyone or second time around. I am encouraged to do the same.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, David, always good to know my words (or rather the way I've arranged them) have affected someone :)
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful Lou- the wonder and breathtaking wilds of Africa and special moments with your Dad. Happy Christmas! I am reading your blogs Boxing Day morning with a smile on my face. Love Katherine xxxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katherine! Yes, Africa is a pretty special place, definitely one of the most memorable trips of my year. Happy New Year to you :)
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ReplyDelete“Africa changes you forever,like nowhere on earth.Once you have been there,you will never be the same.But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it?How can you explain the fascination of this vast,dusty continent,whose oldest roads are elephant paths?Could it be because Africa is the place of all our beginnings,the cradle of mankind,where our species first stood upright on the savannahs of long ago?”-Brian Jackman.
ReplyDeleteEmily Reed.