13 Common Safari Blunders You’ll Want to Avoid
Ever since I was a teenager, I dreamed of becoming a safari guide. That dream took me to South Africa’s Phinda Game Reserve, where I volunteered with a conservation team. What started as curiosity quickly became a calling. I returned the following year, completed months of training across multiple reserves, and proudly earned my certification as a field guide.
Although life steered me in a different direction, the time I spent in the bush left a lasting impression. I walked away with unforgettable memories and practical wisdom—especially about what not to do on safari. Here’s a collection of the most common mistakes travelers make, and how to avoid them to ensure both your safety and that of the wildlife.
1. Wearing Strong Fragrances
It might be tempting to spritz on your favorite scent before heading out, but strong smells can agitate or repel animals. Wildlife rely heavily on their sense of smell, and unfamiliar scents can cause them to retreat—or in rare cases, react aggressively. Stick to mild, unscented toiletries and save the perfume for after your drive.
2. Smoking on Game Drives
Smoking, whether cigarettes or vapes, is a big no. The smell alone is enough to disrupt animal behavior, not to mention the risk of fire—especially during dry seasons. Lighting up near dry grasslands could have devastating consequences. Best to smoke beforehand and leave it behind when boarding the safari vehicle.
3. Bringing Snacks Into the Vehicle
Though it might seem harmless to munch on something during the ride, food can attract unwanted attention from opportunistic animals like baboons. The aim is to prevent wildlife from associating humans with snacks. Well-organized safaris usually include scheduled stops for refreshments in designated safe zones—so eat beforehand or wait for the break.
4. Offering Food to Animals
Feeding animals might feel like a friendly gesture, but it can endanger both them and you. Wildlife that become dependent on human handouts often lose their natural instincts, leading to behavioral changes that may require them to be removed—or euthanized—by park authorities. Let animals find their own food as nature intended.
5. Leaving Rubbish Behind
This should be second nature, but it’s especially important in wildlife areas. Discarded trash can be harmful to animals and ruins the pristine environment reserves work hard to maintain. Keep a bag for your waste and bring everything back with you.
6. Using Flash on Your Camera
Wildlife photography is a huge part of the safari experience, but keep that flash turned off. Sudden bursts of light can frighten animals or even provoke a defensive response. Many species have light-sensitive eyes, and a camera flash could temporarily impair their vision, leaving them vulnerable or distressed.
7. Calling Out to Animals
Shouting or trying to get an animal’s attention might seem innocent, but it disrupts the very essence of what a safari is about—quiet observation. Raising your voice can cause animals to move away or change their behavior. Let your presence remain as neutral as possible.
8. Loud Noises or Sudden Movements
Panicking, shouting, or making abrupt gestures can trigger defensive reactions from wild animals. Even standing up too quickly can alter the outline of the vehicle, which animals are familiar with, and cause unnecessary tension. Stay seated, calm, and composed—even in thrilling or tense moments.
9. Wearing Bright or Inappropriate Colors
When dressing for safari, go for neutral tones—think olive, brown, and beige. Flashy colors like red, pink, or white can draw unwanted attention. Blue and black are also best avoided in certain regions, as they tend to attract tsetse flies.
10. Ignoring Your Guide’s Instructions
Guides undergo extensive training and know the environment better than anyone. Whether they’re giving safety instructions or sharing wildlife facts, listening to them not only keeps you safe but enriches your overall experience. Trust that they have your best interest at heart.
11. Getting Out Without Permission
Never leave the vehicle unless explicitly told it’s safe to do so. What might look like an empty patch of grass could be hiding a snake, a leopard, or other wildlife that blend into the landscape. Stay inside until your guide gives you the green light.
12. Hanging Out of the Vehicle
Keep all limbs inside the vehicle. Aside from rough terrain and thorny bushes that can cause injury, leaning out disrupts the shape of the vehicle that animals are accustomed to. It’s both a safety risk and a potential stressor for the animals.
13. Disrespecting Guides or Skipping the Tip
Field guiding is a demanding profession, and many guides are deeply passionate about their work despite modest pay. Show appreciation not just through kind words, but also through appropriate tipping. Avoid making demands about which animals you want to see—this isn’t a theme park. Nature follows its own schedule.
A Final Word
A safari is more than just a vacation—it’s a rare chance to witness the natural world in its raw, unfiltered beauty. Many reserves support conservation projects, contributing to the protection of endangered species and combating poaching. When planning your adventure, choose operators that prioritize sustainability and wildlife welfare.
By being mindful and respectful during your safari, you’ll not only have a more meaningful experience but also contribute to preserving the African wilderness for future generations.
