Safaris & Wildlife
Useful Safari Terminology
Game: Animals or wildlife.
Bush: The vegetation (trees / grass) and area where animals are found, but also the destination for a safari.
Plains Game: Refers to antelope normally seen in the Bush, such as Springbok, Impala, Kudu, Giraffe and Zebra.
Game drive: Excursion either in the morning or in late afternoon in an open 4x4 vehicle into the Bush to look for game. The drive normally lasts from 3 - 4 hours. Guests are accompanied by a Game Ranger and sometimes a Tracker.
Sundowners: As the sun sets over the African Bush is customary to have a drink (traditionally a "G&T" or Gin Tonic, but all kinds of drinks are served). In the mornings, the vehicle stops for a tea / coffee break.
Game: Animals or wildlife.
Bush: The vegetation (trees / grass) and area where animals are found, but also the destination for a safari.
Plains Game: Refers to antelope normally seen in the Bush, such as Springbok, Impala, Kudu, Giraffe and Zebra.
Game drive: Excursion either in the morning or in late afternoon in an open 4x4 vehicle into the Bush to look for game. The drive normally lasts from 3 - 4 hours. Guests are accompanied by a Game Ranger and sometimes a Tracker.
Sundowners: As the sun sets over the African Bush is customary to have a drink (traditionally a "G&T" or Gin Tonic, but all kinds of drinks are served). In the mornings, the vehicle stops for a tea / coffee break.
Game Ranger: Qualified guide who accompanies guests on drives and walks in the Bush. The Ranger speaks English and has a vast knowledge of the environment, animals and their behavior. In certain areas the Game Ranger is armed.
Tracker: This person normally sits on the front of the vehicle in a special seat and looks for animal tracks (spoor / footprints) in the road, and spots animals (sometimes called The Spotter). At night, he will operate the lamp and search for nocturnal animals. Sometimes the Game Ranger acts as the Tracker.
Private Game Reserve: Land owned by a private individual or a private company. Normally exclusive luxury lodges are built to accommodate guests. Game drives can be done "off-road" - the game drive vehicle can drive into the bush and follow the animals. These reserves are not open to the public and are for the exclusive use of the guests booked at the lodge(s).
National Park: A Game Reserve owned by the State or local authorities - for example: The Kruger National Park or the Addo National Park. These Parks are open to the public, accommodation is in chalets or camp sites. People can drive in their own vehicles through the Park but must stay on the roads.
Tracker: This person normally sits on the front of the vehicle in a special seat and looks for animal tracks (spoor / footprints) in the road, and spots animals (sometimes called The Spotter). At night, he will operate the lamp and search for nocturnal animals. Sometimes the Game Ranger acts as the Tracker.
Private Game Reserve: Land owned by a private individual or a private company. Normally exclusive luxury lodges are built to accommodate guests. Game drives can be done "off-road" - the game drive vehicle can drive into the bush and follow the animals. These reserves are not open to the public and are for the exclusive use of the guests booked at the lodge(s).
National Park: A Game Reserve owned by the State or local authorities - for example: The Kruger National Park or the Addo National Park. These Parks are open to the public, accommodation is in chalets or camp sites. People can drive in their own vehicles through the Park but must stay on the roads.
Wildlife Etiquette
* It is important to note that Africa's wildlife is just that - wild.
* In many places there are no fences and potentially dangerous animals can (and do!) wander through.
* Please listen to your guides and hosts. The safety precautions need to be taken seriously.
* Don't go wandering off on your own, approach animals on foot, or leave your vehicle to do so, unless you are with a qualified guide.
* Always observe animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud talking on game drives can frighten the animals away.
* It is important to note that Africa's wildlife is just that - wild.
* In many places there are no fences and potentially dangerous animals can (and do!) wander through.
* Please listen to your guides and hosts. The safety precautions need to be taken seriously.
* Don't go wandering off on your own, approach animals on foot, or leave your vehicle to do so, unless you are with a qualified guide.
* Always observe animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud talking on game drives can frighten the animals away.
* Never attempt to attract an animal's attention. Don't imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle or throw objects. Erratic movements will frighten or disturb the wildlife.
* Please respect your host-driver-guide's judgment about proximity to lions, cheetahs and leopards. Don't insist that he take the vehicle closer so you can get a better photograph.
* Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly.
* Refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can kill animals.
* Don't feed animals or birds (especially baboons and hyenas) - this creates dependency, so they become a threat to travellers.
* Don't buy products made from endangered fauna or flora. If you see such curios for sale on your trip please notify Neil Greenwood (ngreenwood @ ifaw.org) at the International Fund for Animal Welfare on who in turn will notify the relevant authorities or CITES.
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www.innovativeincentives.com
011 978 2500
www.innovativeincentives.com
011 978 2500