Motorists enjoy an exhilarating drive in the bush or in a game reserve to escape the pressures of city life and be transported into the very heart of the animal kingdom. Nature is beautiful to behold but there are some self-drive tips to follow to ensure your safety and that of your passengers.1
Experiencing African wildlife1
The best way to get close to wild animals is by viewing them from the safety of a vehicle. But with the viewing comes great responsibility and a set of rules and safety guidelines to adhere to. Also, remember to check with your insurer if you have cover for driving in nature reserves, game parks and national parks.
It’s not difficult to minimise risk1
Some good thinking and preparation for your drive will mitigate risk. After all, you want this to be a trip etched into your memory, not because it was disastrous, but because of the thrill of coming face-to-face with a lion or leopard.
What does game viewing consist of? 1
Game viewing in Africa can vary from guided game drives, self-drives, going on walking trails to sitting in open-top vehicles. Safari vehicles are mostly four-wheel drive for obvious reasons and designed to accentuate the whole viewing experience.
The advantages of being in a game-viewing vehicle1
The beauty of being inside a vehicle is that wild animals cannot distinguish you from the vehicle, so you don’t pose a threat to them. You can also approach wild animals much closer in a car than being on foot. As a result, vehicles provide all the safety and security you may require.
Some self-drive tips to follow1
Your vehicle must be roadworthy and in good operating condition. Enquire from game rangers where you can go, and never drive in areas where you can no longer see the road surface. Let others know of your travelling plans and when you are expected to be back. There is safety in numbers, so travel in a convoy. Don’t take chances and wander off the designated route – you may be in for an unpleasant experience.
You need some additional driving skills1
You should have some other experience besides driving on a smooth tar road to work in the city every day. A dirt road surface can suddenly change where rain has previously gouged out large holes or become a muddy river during a rain shower. Beware of loss of visibility as thick, tall vegetation can block your view, while early morning fog can reduce visibility in winter. You are not in city traffic, so relax and be patient with other vehicles travelling slowly in front of you.
Strict rules to follow1
Stay in your car, no matter how tempting it may be to get out. Remember, wild animals could be lurking in the nearby bush, and you are no match for their hunting skills. If a nearby animal becomes aggressive, move off quietly. Never hoot or rev your engine, as this could provoke them.
Your vehicle used for game-viewing protected you from wild animals, but have you taken out good cover to protect your car from damage or loss caused by accidents? Contact PMD about their affordable car insurance products.
Source:
1 https://www.news24.com/wheels/offroad_and_4x4/going-bush-take-these-safety-tips-along-20150124
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.