Dos and Don’ts of Wildlife Encounters on Safari

Dos and Don’ts of Wildlife Encounters on Safari

Sara • 10/01/2025

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Responsible Tourism Perspective

Every safari guest plays a role in conservation. By respecting animals and their habitats, you’re helping protect endangered species, supporting local communities, and ensuring that future generations can experience the magic of the wild.

Recently, we were on safari and at camp near the bedroom chalets, an elephant was pushing down a tree to get to the juicy leaves. Two Turkish tourists almost walked right up to the elephant. Not because they were being disobedient but because they were ignorant and oblivious to the fact that this elephant was in fact, a wild animal, colossal and subject to charge if threatened. Luckily we managed to use hand signals to push them back to their room where they could wait safely till the elephant passed by.

As a responsible tourist, we believe being well – informed and educated about the places you are visiting, is a no-brainer, whether you’re in Europe, America, Asia or Africa. This applies to respecting locals and their culture, too!

The list for African Safaris is much more comprehensive than the below, but we thought we’d give you a brief rundown:

DOs

  1. Respect the animals’ space
    • Always keep a safe distance. Remember, you are in their home and their is absolutely no need to get too close if it is making the animal inhibited.
  2. Stay quiet and calm
    • Lower your voice, silence your phone, and let the natural sounds of the bush take over.
  3. Follow your guide’s instructions
    • Trained guides and rangers know animal behaviour — trust them for your safety and the animals’ well-being. However, be clear that wild animals can be unpredictable hence why we should treat them with respect and space.
  4. Observe, don’t interfere
    • Take photos and videos, but never feed, touch, or lure wildlife. This should be an obvious one!
  5. Support conservation-focused lodges
    • Support those who are serious about investing in local communities, anti-poaching, and habitat protection.

DON’Ts

  1. Don’t get too close
    • Chasing an animal for a better photo can stress it and alter its natural behaviour.
  2. Don’t make sudden movements or loud noises
    • Startling wildlife may trigger aggression or flight, wasting their precious energy.
  3. Don’t litter or leave anything behind
    • Even small waste can harm animals and damage delicate ecosystems.
  4. Don’t pressure your guide for dangerous encounters
    • Asking to “get closer” to lions or elephants puts everyone at risk and teaches bad habits.
  5. Don’t treat wild animals like a zoo
    • Safaris are about observing natural behavior, not staged interactions.

A good tourist in Africa travels with curiosity, respect, and responsibility. They understand that they are a guest — not just of a safari lodge or city, but of vibrant cultures, wild landscapes, and incredible wildlife.