What To Know About Safari Game DrivesLed by an experienced guide, a game drive takes you deep into the African bush, giving you fantastic - and exciting - views of wildlife up close in their natural habitat.
An important thing to remember is that game drives also contribute to wildlife conservation efforts. Entrance fees to parks generate funds for conservation initiatives, while the presence of safari guides and continual activity in the park acts as a deterrent to poaching. Going on an African safari is not only a thrilling adventure but is also a valuable means of supporting the preservation and conservation of the continent’s wild animals and pristine landscapes. What Exactly Is a Game Drive?
Game drives drive into Africa's wilderness areas in search of wildlife. Savannahs, stark thorn trees, and fever trees; rivers; forests; thick, almost impenetrable bush… these are the landscapes you will see on a game drive. Accompanied by an experienced (certified) guide who knows the terrain and the animals well, every game drive promises thrilling encounters with extraordinary wild animals and various species of birds. A tracker often accompanies the drive, interpreting clues, such as fresh dung or tracks, to increase the likelihood of finding animals. What is the best time of day for a game drive? Game drives take place early in the morning or in the late afternoons. These are the times when the animals are most active, making sightings more likely. In the hot African seasons, the wildlife usually look for cool shelter and tend to rest in the heat in the middle of the day. Early Morning Drives Early morning game drives typically begin at dawn and usually last for 2 to 4 hours (just in time to get back to camp for a delicious lunch!). This is a great time of day to spot a wide variety of animals… lions returning from their nightly hunt, a leopard climbing a tree seeking refuge in its branches for a daytime nap, a herd of elephants making their way through the bush to the nearest waterhole to cool down and frolic in the mud… Late Afternoon Drives In the late afternoon, you can see all manner of wildlife drinking at waterholes or wandering along the riverbanks. And as the sun begins to go down, casting long shadows across the African savannah, the temperature begins to drop and large predators such as lions and leopards become active, hunting for antelope and other prey as darkness falls. Kruger National Park, South Africa – Image: Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Nighttime Game Drives Private game reserves sometimes offer nighttime game drives as most national parks are closed to visitors after dusk - unless you’re staying at a camp inside the park. Nighttime game drives are rather exciting and typically begin at twilight and continue into the night for 1 to 2 hours. Animals you might see during a nighttime game drive might include lions gearing up for a nocturnal kill, or hippos leaving the water to graze on lush green grass under the stars. In the dark, other elusive creatures such as honey badgers may also be spotted. On nighttime drives, some safari guides use infrared lamps to illuminate wildlife for better visibility without disrupting the animals. What safari vehicles are used for game drives? Game drives are usually undertaken in open or closed 4x4 vehicles (suitable for any rough terrain) or minibuses. Open game-spotting vehicles are common in private reserves, whereas national parks usually prefer enclosed safari vehicles, although there are exceptions to this. Some vehicles have pop-up tops to allow passengers to stand and see the wildlife from above with an unobstructed 360-degree view, and the seats are often configured in such a way as to ensure that everyone has a clear and unobstructed view of any wildlife that may decide to show themselves. What will I see on a game drive? Anything and everything Africa has to offer in the region you are visiting. From rhinos to buffalos to giraffes and zebra, and a myriad of African antelope species. Read more about Africa’s antelope species here. What should you take on a game drive? The vehicle usually has a supply of drinking water onboard (to quench your thirst in the African heat). Necessary items you need to take with you on a game drive:
What kind of clothes should you wear on a game drive? Layered clothing Wear comfortable, layered clothing. A dawn game drive may start out cold but warm up as the day goes on and the sun really gets hot. Conversely, a late afternoon drive may start out hot but can get rather chilly when the sun goes down, especially in the winter months (which is the best time for game viewing. Read more about the best time to go on safari here). For dawn game drives, you will need to wear a warm jacket or fleece and, as the day wears on and the heat ramps up, you can peel off those hot outer layers down to cooler clothes. For late afternoon drives, take a jacket or fleece. Neutral-coloured clothing
Go for colours such as beige or olive green or that traditional safari standby colour: khaki. These colours will blend in with nature and besides, you won’t startle the wildlife. Lightweight fabrics Wear lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics such as cotton to stay cool and comfortable. Africa can be extremely hot, not only in summer but also during the day in the winter months. Pants and Long-sleeved shirts (optional) If you want to avoid getting sunburnt, bitten by insects, or scratched by thorny vegetation, you might want to wear long-sleeved shirts or pants as protection (although a favourite among many safari-goers is a cool pair of shorts and a comfortable t-shirt or lightweight cotton shirt). Footwear Although the cardinal rule is NEVER to leave the vehicle during a game drive, your guide might stop the vehicle at a hide near a waterhole where you can view the game from up close. This means you will need to walk from the vehicle to the hide, so you’re going to need to wear closed-toe shoes or a comfortable pair of hiking boots to protect your feet from thorns, coarse African grass, or pesky insect bites. Avoid wearing sandals on a game drive, although sandals are fine for wearing around the campsite (provided you’re staying in an established campsite, not suitable for a mobile tented camp in the bush). Hat The African sun is hot at the best of times – summer or winter. This can be particularly harsh for those who come from a cooler European climate. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or a cap to shade your head and protect your face and neck from sunburn. If you’re wearing a hat, you might need one with some kind of chin strap as some game drives can get rather windy (depending on the weather on the day) and your hat might blow away. Rain jacket Certain regions in Africa are likely to experience sudden showers or unexpected downpours, especially rain storms in the afternoon. To stay dry, bring a lightweight rain jacket or waterproof poncho. Last word By being well prepared for your game drive, you can be sure that you’re going to have a comfortable, pleasurable, and exciting experience on your African wildlife-spotting adventure. |
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