It’s an exhilarating feeling. You’re sitting quietly in a game vehicle watching a pride of lions preparing to hunt. The lead female is staking out a young buffalo while her sisters circle round in readiness to spring the trap. The tension is palpable and then... the calm of the bush is broken by the sounds of a cellphone belting out “who let the dogs out”...
The moment is gone. Spoiled.
The young buffalo might be very thankful as he hoofs it away but the rest of the game viewers will be livid. And if the lioness could – she’d probably make the cellphone owner her next meal.
There are certain things you just don’t do on a game drive and this is the Flight Centre guide to first class game drive etiquette. Whether you’re an absolute novice or seasoned game drive aficionado these tips will serve you well on your next game drive.
Shhhh!
Keep quiet. Don’t be noisy on the vehicle as you’re likely to see nothing. Animals have better hearing and is you’re noisy they will have moved away long before you even get the chance to spot them. But do bring sightings to the attention of the game ranger for others to enjoy.
Wild movements
Don’t make wild movements such as standing up as you break the profile of the vehicle. Predators like lions are attracted by sudden movements so you hopping up and down will draw unnecessary and unwelcome attention from a big toothy lion that could see you as a snack. You’ll be endangering the lives of those on the game drive and put the game ranger in a difficult situation should he or she then have to use their rifle.
Elvis has left the building
Only leave the game vehicle when you’re given permission by your ranger. If you get the opportunity to do a game walk with your ranger he or she will tell you when it is safe to get out of the vehicle. So no unscheduled loo breaks or stopping to pick a lovely flower.
Keep it on the inside
Always keep your arms and legs inside the game vehicle. The trails and tracks are likely to be surrounded by thorny bush and if you dangle your arms outside you are going to need medical attention for the scratches, scrapes and thorns imbedded in your flesh. Dangling arms also present a tasty treat to predators.
Don’t litter
Never ever throw litter off the vehicle on your drive. Keep it with you to get rid of when you’re back in camp. The pips from your peaches, the empty juice or wine bottles and the wrapper used to keep your sandwich fresh have no place in nature. Glass bottles are a fire hazard in a region where temperatures can soar to over 40°C in summer.
Leave the technology at home
Unless you’re using your cellphone or tablet to take pictures of your experience rather leave them at home. Don’t answer phone calls, read emails or tweet on a game drive. This is an absolute insult to the ranger who would like to share their love for the bush with you. It’s the height of rudeness to make or receive calls in the bushveld on a game drive. Your ranger will be in constant radio contact with the lodge and other rangers for updates on game spotting so there is really no reason to use your phone on a drive so switch it to silent or leave it at the lodge (unless you’re taking photos).
Do snap away
A game drive through the bushveld is a wonderful opportunity to get incredible photos to share with your friends and family. Try not to focus only on the Big Five, there’s so much more to be seen and snapped. From beautiful scenery to a family of warthogs patrolling through the bush, tails erect - there are a myriad of photographic stories to be told.
Ask questions
Do you know the difference between a white rhino and a black rhino? Would you be able to tell a kudu from a wildebeest? Your game ranger is an experienced and very knowledgeable source of information. They’re not only there to point out the animals. They have a vast amount of knowledge to share with you so ask questions. You will be pleasantly surprised by what you learn and the ranger will be more than happy to share his or her learnings with you.
Don’t light up
Apart from the annoying cellphone ringing, smoking on a game drive is a huge no no. By lighting a cigarette you are impinging on the other guests’ enjoyment and you could be responsible for a bush fire. The coal from a cigarette is the spark that will ignite dry bushveld – with devastating effects.
Layer up
Whether you’re on an early morning drive in the middle of summer or a late afternoon drive in the depths of winter one thing is for sure, you will get both cold and hot. So dress in layers that can be taken off or put back on. In winter be sure to take an extra jacket with and in summer pack in the sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Contact Flight Centre on 0860 400 747 to book a bush break for you and the family or visit www.flightcentre.co.za