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Are the wild animals dangerous? |
Most of the regions visited in Southern Africa are in areas where you are within the natural habitat of the wildlife and so there are no fences surrounding the camps. In South Africa you will find that most of the private reserves are fenced, but within the confines the animals roam freely and you still need to be cautious.
The best advice to be given here is to listen to your guide's instruction while in camp, ensure that your tent flaps are not left open and doors are closed etc. At almost all the camps the guides walk you to and from your tents and they are trained to handle any situation, should it arise. Keep in mind that animals do wander through the camps during the day and at night, so at all times just be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine. Having wild animals in such close proximity is one of the main reasons people visit the area - enjoying them in their natural habitat is what makes the experience all the more special.
The game drives are conducted in open-air vehicles which really allows you to get up close and to see that animals from an unimpaired viewpoint. Many people argue that animals only see the vehicle as it would a tree (albeit, a tree that moves") and not the people in it. This point is debatable but, personally, with hundreds upon hundreds of hours spent on game drives, we feel that most of the animals, and certainly the primates like Baboons and Monkeys and most likely the larger cats like Lions, are keenly aware of human presence. But they do not, for the most part except if you are in an area that has seen poaching from a vehicle, view a Land Rover with people in it as a threat. The animals actually become habituated to the vehicles and eventually ignore them for the most part - this allows guests to view animals exhibiting their natural behavior. It is truly a pleasure, I can assure you.
Occasionally an Elephant, especially the females in the breeding herds, become annoyed and their protective, motherly instincts take hold and they chase a vehicle off, but this is rare. Also, the guides at the camps are very good with reading an Elephant's moods and will avoid situations which could be potentially dangerous. Mostly, you are in no danger whatsoever if you listen to the guides and keep aware of your surroundings - always remember that you are in a wild place, with wild animals. After all, this is Africa's allure!
 Overlooking the waterfalls of the majestic Mkuze River, Mkuze Falls Game Lodge offers you one of South Africa's most exclusive accommodation experiences. Each of the nine luxury appointed thatched chalets include air-conditioned bedroom, a private viewing deck, secluded plunge pool, en suite facilities and outside shower. Mkuze Private Game Reserve - Kwa-Zulu Natal |
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 The 5 Star Tuningi Safari Lodge is situated in the world renowned 75000 hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve and offers both local and international guests a superior product enhanced by an impressive Big 5 safari experience. Tuningi Safari Lodge can accommodate 16 (sixteen) guests in their exclusive bush villas which have been architecturally designed in such a way that the lodge can be divided for families, intimate groups or VIP's in search of utter privacy. Tuningi Safari Lodge - North West |
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