Chobe National Park<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe three nights we spent camping (yes in a pitched tent) in the middle of the National Park was by far one of the most amazing experiences of my life. No fences between us and the animals, just a deep respect for these wild creatures, a strict adherence to the park rules combined with an awareness to never let down our guard. One small mistake and we could have been dinner.<\/p>\n
At night we had lions stalk out our site and hyenas sniff the perimeter of our tent while hippos grunted and loudly munched on green leaves within spitting distance of our heads. Yes this was all happening outside the tent while my sister and I were balled up in a foetal position not sure whether to cry, scream out to our guide or focus on some relaxation breathing techniques.<\/p>\n
Our guide Moses often looked at us with bemusement; he had a talent for reading animal behaviour but was ingenious in predicting what a city slicker would do next. Yes I made all the rookie mistakes like thinking I would spot a lion as soon as we drove into the reserve, deliberately not wearing khaki to avoid looking like a wannabe and thinking that every rustle in the bush was an animal wanting to eat me.<\/p>\n
However I\u2019m happy to report I took my rookie errors in my stride. Looking back I realise I\u2019m now just a little bit wiser on what to do and what not to do while on safari. So here are my top 8 tips for other safari virgins:
\n
<\/p>\n
\n1. Keep a low profile<\/h2>\n
For the best chance of spotting wildlife stay inconspicuous at all times. Don\u2019t even think about packing that neon coloured t-shirt, even if it is in vogue. Bright colours will draw attention to you in the wrong kind of way. Be conservative and pack khaki or neutral coloured clothing which will make you less visible to the animals and help keep you cool in the African heat. A suggestion of khaki is by no means granting you permission to wear that clich\u00e9 big-game-hunter safari outfit, that\u2019s unless you want disconcerting smirks from fellow travellers.<\/p>\n
2. Be quiet<\/h2>\n
Spot like a leopard; silent and stealthy. Don\u2019t incessantly talk, share your know-it-all knowledge, tell bad jokes or irritatingly laugh, it not only scares the animals but also annoys your fellow travellers (we can hear you even if you are in a different vehicle). The quieter you can be, the more chance you have of sneaking up on some of the shyer game.<\/p>\n
3. Be patient<\/h2>\n
Be mindful that you\u2019re not in the zoo and that your guide may need a little extra time to track the big game, the animals are wild and roaming after all. Remain patient and quiet, you’re guaranteed a more authentic viewing experience if the animals aren’t reacting to you. Get comfortable with the idea that those idyllic animal encounters you so desperately crave could happen within minutes, hours, days or not at all. No matter what happens on safari, one thing is guaranteed, you will always take something of substance home with you.<\/p>\n
4. Obey the rules<\/h2>\n
There aren\u2019t many rules on safari and the few that do exist are there to keep you safe. The big one is to ensure you keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times and refrain from standing up. The logic behind this is that animals look at the car as one unit (or animal) and if you alter its shape then that could be enough for some animals to become curious and investigate. The other main rule is to never leave the vehicle except with the permission of a ranger\/guide; the reason behind this is pretty self-explanatory.<\/p>\n
5. Do a guided mobile camping safari<\/h2>\n
Camping in the middle of the bush where the wild things roam is an experience that will wake you up. There are no other tourists in sight, it\u2019s just a vast space of pristine wilderness, and not knowing what lingers in the nearby bushes suddenly puts your senses on high alert. You realise how small and insignificant you are and get a new found respect for the animals that survive solely on their instinct. Don\u2019t worry; camping is much safer than one would have you think.
\n
<\/p>\n
6. Treat yourself to a little luxury<\/h2>\n
Africa knows how to roll out the five star treatment. Staying in a permanent tent that has a crystal chandelier, spa bath and a personal platform to sip wine and view the wildlife is something that can\u2019t be simulated anywhere else in the world. Do yourself a favour and book in for at least a night or two. Your adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and if you skimp and don\u2019t make the most of Africa\u2019s offerings then you will live to regret it later. Book early and you may qualify for an early bird discount; get planning by checking out some luxury lodges in the Chobe region here.<\/p>\n
7. Put your camera down<\/h2>\n
So you\u2019re sporting a camera that Ken Duncan would be proud to own and you\u2019re now on the hunt to snap the photo that will make it onto the cover of National Geographic. Don\u2019t become so focused on getting \u2018the shot\u2019 that you forget to observe life in Africa. There are endless great photo opportunities to be had, do yourself a favour and take time away from the lens so that you can experience the wild with all five of your senses.<\/p>\n
8. Have a guide<\/h2>\n
A good guide can make or break a safari. Don\u2019t go on some frenzied hunt to track down the cheapest guide out there, the best guides come at a price and are worth every penny you pay. They have years of experience in the area, know how to track the animals and most importantly they will keep you safe. While self-driving can save you money, it may not necessarily be the best or safest option. If you\u2019re looking for a professional guide Unlimited Safaris is renowned for being one of the best http:\/\/www.unlimitedsafari.com\/, we went with Moses and can\u2019t say enough good things about the experience he gave us.<\/p>\n
No matter how you decide to safari, the most important thing you can do is enjoy and savour the experience. Put your good fortune to use by sharing your African encounters with your friends and family, helping to raise awareness of how just how magical Africa is and the importance of protecting the animals from poachers and other threats such as habitat loss. Enjoy your safari.<\/p>\n
Expedia compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site, such compensation may include travel and other costs<\/i>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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