Tips for visiting Game Parks in South Africa

A Big Five sighting in one of the many quality Game Parks in South Africa is always special. Whether you are visiting the big National Parks like the Kruger national Park or Addo Elephant National Park, there are some good practices to follow as to not upset some of the locals and give your fellow travellers the same experience as what you have – a pleasant one!

Go on an adventure of a lifetime

The excitement of discovering some of the Big Five on your game park drive, whether it is on a guided tour or on a self-drive one, is a thrill that will linger with you for years to come. One tends to often forget that you are entering the animals’ territory and that you need to respect their behaviour. This post provides just a few pointers to ensure that your game viewing experience and your sighting of some of the Big Five, remains a pleasant one.

8 Things everyone needs to know

• When going on your adventure, be as quiet as possible. Animals have acute hearing and they will hear you coming long before you hear or see them. This way you ensure that you have the opportunity to sneak up on that lion enjoying his kill.
• Give the animals some space. As is often the case with elephants (http://travelbucket.co.za/elephant-101/), they will quickly feel threatened when you come to close and you will always come off worse when they decide to attack.
• Drive slowly. Keep to the speed limit in National Parks. Yes, everyone wants to get to the leopard who is dragging his prey up the tree first, but keep the smaller animals and the slower ones in mind and please do not contribute to the roadkill in the parks.
• Be courteous. At a viewing spot, do not park in front of the other visitors that are already there. They have paid the same fees than you to enjoy the park and they were the lucky ones to spot the buffalo with the amazingly big horns first. Wait for your chance!
• Stay in your vehicle. Yes, the rhino grazing in the veld may look slow and mind his own business, but they are very unpredictable and you are safer in your vehicle than outside. You never know what lurks behind the bushes.
• Wild animals such as the cheetah has incredibly good eyesight and they will spot you from a mile away. Make yourself less visible by not wearing your brightest clothes so that you do not attract too much attention.
• Always keep yourself hydrated. The conditions in Africa can be harsh at times and water is scarce. Drink enough water. Medical help can often be far from the remote parks and will take some time to get to you if you do not look after yourself.
• Protect yourself from the hot African sun with some sunscreen and a hat. Even in winter times the midday temperatures can rise to 30 degrees Celsius and you do not want to spoil your vacation by getting sunburned.

South Africa has some of the best Game parks you will visit and although they are stocked with big animals that you can easily spot, do not forget to be on the lookout for the dung beetles, mongoose and the ground squirrels. You are bound to find something you will like!