Lodges in South Africa: The Do’s and Don’ts
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Cover up when on safari; closed shoes are a must (or at least open shoes that fasten tightly).
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Consider neutral-coloured clothing when in the bush. Keep it down to preserve noise pollution and respect fellow safari goers.
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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.
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Don’t get too close to the wildlife – the power of nature is formidable and should be respected at all times.
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Take a pair of binoculars if you want a good close-up of wildlife while still maintaining your distance
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Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance
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Protect yourself in terms of insects and viruses. Always check what vaccinations you need.
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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.
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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.
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Pack the right kit for a safari.
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Keep children entertained with an animal checklist when on game drives.
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Sit in the middle of the vehicle. This gives you the best of both vantage points.
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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.