THE Covid-19 level 3 restrictions do allow for more recreational activities, but many people are opting for the open-air, nature-based experience that minimises the risk of viral exposure, while also giving people the opportunity to get out and about.
While many South Africans have been to a game reserve at some point in their lives, it’s quite surprising the number of people who’ve never experienced ‘going on safari’, despite the wealth of options on our doorstep.
If you’re a game park newbie and want to get the most out of your experience, then here are a few tips to get you started.
What to take?
With self-driving game drives the only option right now, you’ll need to be fully prepared before venturing out on your safari excursion. A few things you should consider packing in the vehicle before leaving home are:
· A picnic basket with sufficient refreshments to get you through the day
· Binoculars
· Camera
· A bird/animal book (or app if available)
· A map (physical or on a phone)
· Hats and sunblock
· Closed shoes for the picnic site
· Remember to fill up with fuel before you leave home!
What can you expect to see?
The beauty of a game drive is that you just don’t know what you’re going to see on any given day.
There are so many factors that will determine what you will or won’t see – water availability, temperature, length of grass and so on – its all a fun gamble.
However, some of the more commonly spotted animals in the Hluhluwe/uMfolozi game parks are:
· A variety of interesting birdlife
· Impala
· Zebra
· Giraffe
· Nyala
· Wildebeest
· White Rhino
· Elephant
· Buffalo
· Vervet monkeys
· Baboons
Some great sightings – but generally a lot rarer – would be:
· Lion
· Leopard
· Cheetah
· Wild dog
· Black Rhino
· Hyena
· Crocodiles
· Hippos
Remember that the ‘Big 5’ is only so named because they were considered the five biggest animals to hunt.
And, while it’s always wonderful seeing them in the wild, there are so many other beautiful animals you can enjoy spotting in the bush.
The rules
A game reserve is a dangerous place, which is why adhering to all the rules is a must for every visitor, no matter how experienced.
· Currently, Covid-19 requires all visitors to undergo temperature testing, mask-wearing and regular sanitising.
· Never get out of your vehicle unless at a designated picnic site. Even then it is important to be aware that you are always surrounded by wild animals.
· Don’t hang out of your car.
· Don’t make too much noise.
· When stopping to view an animal, make sure other drivers can get past you.
· Drive according to the required speed limit.
· Keep your distance from the larger, more dangerous animals such as elephant, rhino and buffalo.
It is best to aim for the game reserve as early as possible, before it gets too hot for the animals to wander around.
There are many social media pages available where people record daily sightings if you’d like to follow those, otherwise, feel free to ask other game viewers what they’ve seen and where.
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