Lodges in South Africa: The dos and don’ts

  • Cover up when on safari; closed shoes are a must (or at least open shoes that fasten tightly).

  • Consider neutral-coloured clothing when in the bush. Keep it down to preserve noise pollution and respect fellow safari goers.

Lodges in South Africa: The dos and don'ts_Casual Clothing Keep clothing neutral and comfortable

  • Notice the small things. While sighting the Big Five in South Africa is a must, noticing the smaller details will make your experience that much more enriching.

  • Don’t get too close to the wildlife - the power of nature is formidable and should be respected at all times.

  • Take a pair of binoculars if you want a good close-up of wildlife while still maintaining your distance

Lodges in South Africa: The dos and don'ts_Buffalo

  • Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance

  • Protect yourself in terms of insects and viruses. Always check what vaccinations you need.

  • Understand how game drives work. Private lodges offer game drives for guests (anywhere from 4-10 people). There is generally a chance for a coffee break in the morning and sundowners in the evening.

Lodges in South Africa: The dos and don'ts_Gondwana Game Reserve Camps and lodges in game reserves offer meals as part of your safari package | Credit: Gondwana Game Reserve

  • Rangers are usually in radio contact with other vehicles and allow the other the courtesy of enjoying a sighting before making it known to the rest of the vehicles.

  • Pack the right kit for a safari.

  • Keep children entertained with an animal checklist when on game drives.

Lodges in South Africa: The dos and don'ts_Children Children will love the excitement of the African bush

  • Sit in the middle of the vehicle. This gives you the best of both vantage points.

  • If you are a keen birdwatcher or photographer then you may want to consider a private vehicle - just be sure to comply with the game lodge rules, i.e. never get out of your vehicle.