How to behave around wildlife on a Kenya safari
Keep your body inside the vehicle at all times, maintain a low volume, and never attempt to feed or lure animals. Your goal is to be an invisible observer, not a participant in their natural behaviors.
- Master the vehicle rules. Do not stand up or hang limbs out of the safari vehicle, even if you think the animal is 'tame.' Predators view a vehicle as a solid object, but a human limb protruding from it breaks that illusion and can trigger an attack or defensive reaction.
- Control your noise levels. Switch your phone to silent—no vibrating alerts—and keep your voice to a whisper. Sudden shouts or loud laughter can startle animals, causing them to flee or, worse, charge.
- Respect the distance. If an animal moves toward your vehicle, tell your driver to back away. You should never be the cause of an animal altering its path or abandoning its hunt to deal with your proximity.
- Manage your camera gear. Avoid using flash photography, as it can temporarily blind animals and cause dangerous confusion. Keep your shutter speed high so you don't need artificial light.
- Can I use a drone to get better footage?
- No. Drones are strictly prohibited in all Kenyan national parks and reserves. They stress wildlife and disrupt the conservation environment.
- What should I do if a lion approaches the car?
- Stay completely still, stop talking, and let your driver handle the vehicle. The car is your protective shell; as long as you are inside, you are safe.