SUBSCRIBE TO NEWS | CONTACT US

Walking with wild sense
by WildZambezi.com

Walk sensibly in the wild

A traveller's guide to walking safely in the African bush

caution and common sense will help, paranoia will not. If you are likely to be nervous, take an armed guide with you;
respect the fact that the animals are wild and may behave unpredictably, especially if they are frightened, wounded or have young;
don't walk alone or at night;
walk at times of day when predators are less active i.e. morning to mid-afternoon;
walk quietly so that all your senses can be fully alert and be aware of what's around you at all times;
avoid long grass or thick bush - if you can't see out, climb a tree or an anthill;
avoid the temptation to get too close to animals for that ultimate photo-opportunity. Rather use binoculars and a telephoto lens;
if you are taking photographs, make sure that somebody else keeps an eye on the surroundings and can warn you if anything approaches;
walk downwind of any animals that you see or hear and take time and effort to divert if you have to, this is especially important if there are females with young;
if you come unexpectedly close to an animal or a snake, stop, try to remain calm and then back off very slowly, or stay still and until it moves off. Do not run or shout;
never swim in rivers or pools and stay back from the water where banks are shallow. Crocodiles are the Earth's longest surviving and most successful predators!