11 Wildlife Park Do's & Don'ts in Namibia

 

A wildlife safari is always as fun as it sounds, especially if it's Etosha National Park.  

It always feels fascinating if you get a chance to capture a glimpse of exotic species, even in their natural habitat? 

However, despite being so enthralling, sometimes, a wildlife tour can even lead to insane animal attacks on humans because of sheer negligence and unawareness of visitors. 

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of cases that create disputes between humans and wildlife, appearing that too during an assisted wildlife tour.

Etosha App is always concerned about the people. Here are the do's and don't that you must have to follow:

1. Follow Guidelines and the Instructions of the Guide:

Rules are not always meant to be broken, particularly when you’re in the natural wildlife territory or around some furious wild creatures.

If you’re on a wildlife safari, the first and foremost precaution that everyone should keep in mind is that they need to communicate with the tourism guidelines. 

Moreover, always make sure to follow the instructions given to you by your guides, as they are the expert naturalists and know more about wildlife and animals than you.

2. Don’t Go Out of Your Safari Jeep/Car

Well, this one is as important as the above one. On a wildlife safari anywhere in the world, you’ll be strictly instructed to stay on your jeep. 

A major reason for this is that animals are used to the sight of a vehicle in which people are seated. And the moment you are out of your jeep they feel threatened and eventually attack you.

3. Do not Feed Animals

Keep in your mind that you are visiting a safari park, not a zoo. 

Because out of excitement or by seeing the friendly behavior of animals we start trying to feed them. This can turn out to be the biggest mistake that we make on a wildlife tour. 

Also, never throw your remaining food in the park region, it's a bad habit. 

The reason is that animals become dependent on these edibles and over time, they become a danger to the visitors when they are hungry or unable to catch their target.

4. Avoid Close Encounters

It is rightly said that there is a very delicate line between being smart and being stupid. And when surrounded by different wildlife animals, it is wise to not be on the stupid side.

It is not just Cheetah, Lion, or Rhino, from which you need to maintain a safe distance, even Elephants, Giraffe, Kangaroo, or Zebras might be the calmest creatures, but you never know when they will turn violent. Hence, it is good to avoid close wildlife encounters with even the calmest animals. 

Moreover, some people also go close to these animals just to get a better photograph but keep in mind that they are not pets. These animals can be more furious, powerful, and violent than you could ever think of.

Be careful folks!

5. Keep Flashlight off, whether it's Mobile Phone, Camera etc.

This is one of the major points which gives rise to human-wildlife conflicts & most of the visitors hardly pay any attention to it. 

Well, moving forward, you must be unaware of the fact that your mobile or camera flashlight can be very dangerous for you only while on a wildlife tour. 

A flashlight scares wild animals and there's a chance that they may turn violent and eventually try to attack visitors. Therefore, make sure while taking photographs the flashlight of your camera or mobile is turned off. 

Did you know? 

There are many reports that have stated that flashlights harm the retina of animals and birds.

6. Don’t Go Off the Way Adventure

Whenever or wherever you go on a wildlife tour in the world, whether at a zoo, national park or sanctuary. Just make sure that you stick to the given route. 

Otherwise, don’t go off the way in search of a better wildlife experience or to get a peek at more wild creatures. Doing so might lead to getting lost, an animal attack, or any other mishap.

7. Keep yourself Calm

Must be thinking? Why are we asking you to stay calm?

One of the major reasons why animals attack humans is because they can feel the person is afraid or excited, which in return, frightens the animals as well and in this confusion, the wild being has no other option than to attack. 

Therefore, on a close encounter with a wild animal, a few bullets need to be followed: 

• Remain calm and should not make any noise that may scare the animal. 

• Most of the time, animals do not do anything harmful until they get stressed and threatened. 

• Moreover, visitors should ensure not to disturb the natural activities of animals, especially mating and feeding.

8. Wear appropriate colors

The best way to get close to wildlife is to blend in with its surroundings, and for that, you should wear camouflage print clothes. 

Are you guys aware of this? 

Nope, then keep on reading.  

Mostly, the national parks have this rule for visitors to wear camouflage clothes or neutral colors, especially for walking tours. 

The reason for wearing such clothes is; that bright colors attract animals more, and hence there can be a greater risk of animal attacks.

There you go! 

We have provided you with some of the important do’s and don’ts that one should keep in mind while watching wildlife.

9. Stay Inside the Camp

If you are experiencing the night wildlife tour, it includes camping. Then, this is the most important thing that you must keep in mind during a safari expedition. 

Also, when you are staying inside the tent then you need to make sure, it should be fully zipped. Because if accidentally any animal finds your tent, it should appear to him as a barrier.

10. Avoid Pungent Smelling Food

If you’re camping in or around the wildlife park, then always make sure not to carry any pungent-smelling/raw food. 

The aroma attracts the wild animals to the food, which clearly can be dangerous for you. 

Therefore, packed food is always a great option whenever you go camping in the wild.

11. Keep Flashlight & Stay in Group

For nights, keep a flashlight with you. And even try to visit wildlife parks in group form. 

Firstly, it will be more fun. 

Secondly, it will be safer. 

If you have the Etosha App with you all the time, you’ll never be going lost or separated from your group.