Planning a nature-friendly South African wildlife safari

Once the summer season draws near, a large number of people will be planning holidays to the african continent, with many of them wanting to observe the Big 5, Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino and Buffalo within their natural habitat.
Unfortunately, a rise in tourism suggests that the well-being of those animals could well be put in jeopardy.

In order to help you look for a safe and eco friendly African wildlife safari, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has put together the following advice:

Getting up close and intimate with the wildlife
Planning a nature-friendly South African wildlife safari
Check out a safari company's track record and experience before making your reservation. Most Safari operators cater specifically to tourists looking for an exploration and photographing type of safari, whilst other companies focus on hunting tours. Always make sure that a tour operator makes use of qualified guides who know the environment and the local rules. Many organizations in the tourism market offer you tours guided by untrained persons that don't have the appropriate know how to make sure you have a safe and exciting safari adventure which doesn't cause harm to the wildlife.

Safari game drive preparing for "take off"
Planning a nature-friendly South African wildlife safari
Look for a safari organization that works with the local community and supports its initiatives. Several tour operators donate a percentage of their proceeds towards support community projects, like for example wildlife conservation in community-owned conservancies, animal protection outreach and educational advancement, whilst also creating job opportunities to community members.

Beautiful male lion, ruler of the African bush
Planning a nature-friendly South African wildlife safari
Adhere to all of the safari park regulations. Safaris offer an extraordinary opportunity for tourists to get up close and intimate with the wildlife in its natural environment. But bear in mind, along with this opportunity comes a great deal of responsibility. Off-road and careless driving, herding, speeding and also too much noise from safari vehicles, can easily disturb and frighten the animals, which in turn can jeopardize everyone's safety.

Group of hikers in the Kruger National Park guide by a game ranger
Planning a nature-friendly South African wildlife safari
Don't end up being part of a problem. In the wilderness, the smallest bit of garbage can have a very negative effect on ecosystem of a whole area, so tourists need to be really careful with their litter during the course of their trip. In addition to that, it is also beneficial for local communities that visitors buy local souvenirs. Make certain that these are not made out of animal parts or indigenous wood.

Safari and Rhino encounter in the African bushveld - Planning a nature-friendly South African wildlife safari

Safari and Rhino encounter in the African bushveld
Planning a nature-friendly South African safari
Don't turn a blind eye. Convey any kind infringement of the regulations in the park to the appropriate wildlife or park authorities, like for example park or game reserve rangers, conservation supervisors, a trustworthy and respected local organization, or lodge management.

Bear in mind, animal abuse is undoubtedly not good for tourism and it puts the community in a negative light, therefore it is necessary to express your concerns to the relevant authorities. After coming back home from your safari trip, a follow-up notification to your countries' embassy might possibly help to support your general concern and encourage still further action.

Learn more about African safaris, journeys to the playgrounds of the Big Five of Africa