Saturday, November 14, 2009

When camping on safari how safe is it to camp in a tent in africa in the middle of now where?

have been on safari had elephant touching tent in middle of night, also heard of elephant getting foot caught up on tent cord and running away with tent and people, i realise this is a accident. any safari guides or people out there with serious answers please.

When camping on safari how safe is it to camp in a tent in africa in the middle of now where?
I've been on Safari in Africa. I think doing what you propose would be very dangerous, and not just because of the animals (although they are a risk... not just elephants, but lions, hyenas, snakes, etc.).





The poverty in many parts of Africa drives people to do desperate things. We saw evidence everywhere of poachers operating with jeeps and automatic weapons, for example. We were warned to watch for robbers and kidnappers in some of the tourist areas. And there is also high risk of diseases like cholera and ebola virus, we changed routes more than once to avoid a village that had an outbreak.





Better to safari in groups, with a local guide and a two-way radio.
Reply:I have been camping many many times (in total months rather than weeks) in game parks, and never had any problems. The basic rule is: be aware at all times that it is not a zoo and there are no fences. A local guide can advise you on what is safe behaviour. Special care is needed during the dark hours, as predators are more active then. Especially hyenas love to scavenge for food at campsites. They are shy creatures by nature and easily scared away, but if it comes to a real confrontation there's no doubt who will win!





Once you are in your tent, you should be safe. Tents are seen as huge objects, elephants and other animals couldn't care less about them. They may sniff and explre strange odours as they always do, but that's it. Sure enough, when a hyena is clearly walking around your tent, it is intimidating. But you will be safe as long as you stay just quiet.





If you hear about 'incidents' where animals attacked people in a campsite, there is usually a human mistake involved. So just stick by the rules as explained by your guide, and enjoy the adventure.
Reply:you heard to many stories.


what do you mean by: "now where"?
Reply:To deter wild animals you always have to make sure food is not accesible for them. Also be sure to setup you tent in such a way that Elephants cannot reach, thus use the environment and your car .





Best security however is a local guide. Arrange this via someone who knows the locals or a good local company.
Reply:Safaris should be booked with a reliable agent - was on safari for a month and mostly lived in canvas tents - we were told never to go outside after dusk unescorted. There were lions and elephants wondering thru some of the camps but there were also Masai warriors who patroled from dusk til dawn - they were also the escorts to the dinner tents and stood guard the whole time. We also were told to lock our tents when we went out as the monkeys know how to unzip tents - locks were provided.





Did read about a tourist that left her tent after dark and was killed my a lion. She didn't listen to the rules.





As for the animals, I'm sure things can happen but the percentage is low - these are wild animals and we are in their territory
Reply:Wild animals are always unpredictable so to actually answer your question you're the human and you have to take precautions if you're going into their domain.
Reply:Take a local guide
Reply:not safe one bit. as someone else said, you'regame for the wild life and you are a target for the local. so don't do it. unless it is organised by a reputable travel agent with reliable guide and rangers. otherwise, unless you want to see the dark side of nature (animal or human) just don't do it!
Reply:Not very. Not only are you not the top of the food chain, but you are also very rich in the eyes of the locals.





Pay guides to accompany you. Not only is this considered a courtesy to the local economy, which is desperately poor, but they will actually keep people awake all night to discourage curious "visitors".

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