Safari Etiquette 101

Kakae - one of our favorite guides in Tanzania [we have many favorites!]

Your guide is exactly that – the person who’ll lead the way to a safe, memorable Safari. And trust me when I tell you they know the bush (and its inhabitants) like it’s their backyard (because it is!).

In short, if you listen and respect your guide (and share your personal Safari check list with them), you’re in for an African adventure of note. Here are a few golden rules when it comes to Safari guide etiquette.

1. Trust their expertise:
Your guide isn’t just a Safari driver. They’re naturalists, storytellers, ambassadors, and guardians of the wild. Trust their decisions, respect their knowledge, and be open to suggestions. They’ve spent years honing their craft and are passionate about sharing it with you.

2. Active listening is key:
When your guide speaks, truly listen. Absorb their insights about animal behavior, local ecosystems, and cultural traditions. Ask questions to deepen your understanding and engage in meaningful conversations.

3. Respect their boundaries:
Remember, your guide is a professional. Be mindful of their time and energy, and avoid making unreasonable requests, such as going off-road, that could compromise their well-being or the safety of the group.

4. Follow their lead:
As mentioned, your guide is responsible for your safety and the well-being of the wildlife. Always follow their instructions, even if you don't fully understand the reasoning behind it. Their decisions are based on experience and a deep respect for the environment.

5. Open communication is crucial:
If you have specific interests or concerns, don’t hesitate to communicate them with your guide. They’ll do their best to accommodate your preferences while sticking to ethical and eco-conscious practices.

6. Gratitude goes a long way:
A heartfelt “thank you” can make all the difference. Express your appreciation for your guide’s hard work, dedication, and the unique perspective they bring to your safari experience. You might find the relationship you strike up with your guide is the ultimate highlight of your trip, as it is with so many of my guests.
“Our guide Moss was a badass. He knew where to go for optimal viewing to make the experience so memorable.”
- Niharika M. Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari

7. Tipping:
In the Safari world, tipping is a way to acknowledge the exceptional service provided by your guide. It’s a gesture of gratitude that goes beyond words, and it’s always appreciated!

And those are the basics! You’re now prepared to make the most of your African escape with your Safari guide by your side. Ready, set, Safari!

Night Game Drive on Safari

When on Safari, you spend a lot of time out searching for game during the day time. The best times are usually early in the morning when the temperatures are still cool and the animals are active… searching for breakfast. As the weather warms up from late morning to early afternoon time the animals, and maybe you too can enjoy some good siesta time. If siesta is not for you, go out and you will still find animals grazing or ‘lazing around’ – still enjoyable to witness. Of course there are some animals who can not rest – never a dull moment. They will get active again late afternoon when the weather cools down.

Most National Parks close around sunset. Private conservation areas don’t have any restrictions and you and your guide will decide when you want to enjoy a night game drive - this can be a last-minute decision. A few National Parks [Tarangire and Katavi, for example in Tanzania and most parks in Zambia] do not have those restrictions either but you do have to have a permit and we have to book a ranger hence we need to know in advance if you want to enjoy this experience.

My first night game-drive was in dark, stormy night of November 2011 in Tarangire National Park at Oliver’s Camp.

Covered in our raincoats, armed with a ranger and a brave wind-bearing spotter in our vehicle driven by Alex the camp manager at that time, we drove out looking for animals. We had night vision goggles to aid in our viewing. We saw three male lion brothers who were later heard roaring around the camp, vultures feasting on an elephant carcass, jackals and more. If it was not pouring, we would have had a two-hour ride heading towards the Silale swamp. Ours was cut short because of the rains. Still, oh what a thrill! 

I have had many more night game drives since then. It is not so much about the wildlife that is easier to see during the day, but the anticipation of spotting the wildlife and the sounds that accompany it in the night. And the rewards can be pretty spookily beautiful.

Take a spin with us at night.
There will be a few surprising things to stare at on your night game Safari.