How dangerous is the wildlife on a self-drive safari?
Given that many camping areas are completely unfenced and inside National Parks what are the real dangers for a self-drive family in Botswana or Namibia? The answer may surprise you as truly wild animals want to avoid interaction with people and will disappear as soon as humans show up. The exceptions to this can be found where opportunist game like the hyaenas in Chobe National Park, which have become very cheeky in many public camping sites. Similarly, the baboons and monkeys will watch you from the trees when your back is turned sprint in, and steal food from the table. Generally though the public camping areas are safe but you will have to keep an eye on young children and definitely do not wander outside the camping area. You may if you are lucky have the odd lion wandering through your campsite but when this happens stay quiet and retreat into your vehicle.
Beware the small stuff
It’s the scorpions, ants, millipedes, and other small insects that you will have the most trouble with especially when you absently pick up a piece of dry firewood.
Give respect to all elephants
In some countries and National Parks, elephants can have very different characteristics. Where game hunting and culling of elephants exist then they can be jittery and need a wide berth, especially if they are a breeding herd with young. If you see bull elephants in must, indicated by secretions on their faces, this indicates that they have mating on their mind! If however elephants come into your camp stay calm and quiet and they will generally calmly walk through.
Snakes
Whilst snakes can be scary, most of the time they will be desperate to avoid any confrontation with people and only attack if accidentally disturbed. As ever common sense will keep you safe and let the snake go on its way without harming it.
Emergency advice has recently changed for snakebite and it’s worth being aware of the latest action to take in the unlikely event of it happening. Download it here:-
The real risks
The real threat from animals is very low and it’s the mosquito that poses the real danger and that is covered under the medical risks of malaria. Certainly don’t stress animals by trying to get close to them for better photo opportunities and never chase them or drive off the park tracks trying to follow them.
Dont over stress
Whilst everyone thinks about the big predators and the hippos, crocs, and buffalo they will mostly leave you alone and common sense should keep you safe (like not swimming in rivers or walking through deep water that might conceal a croc). Obey National Parks rules e.g. don’t get out of your vehicle unless in a designated zone and if for some reason you have to step outside into the wilderness (e.g. for a breakdown or flat tire) keep a good lookout and avoid bushes that might conceal a predator. Keep a cool head and manage any situation sensibly and you will have a safe enjoyable self-drive holiday.
