Staying Safe When You Go To The Serengeti

A safari in the Serengeti is an amazing experience, and no one would doubt that there's a tinge of danger to the idea of traveling through areas inhabited by wild animals. While your guides and the tour company will keep you as safe as possible, you should also take steps to protect yourself from those factors that the tour company can't control.

Get Required Vaccinations and Medications

You're going to have to get certain vaccinations, depending on where you're traveling. You may also have to take medications such as malaria pills. Be sure you leave enough time before your trip to handle any preventive medical procedures like these. While the safari companies make sure your trip is as safe as possible, no one can control all the bugs or random incidents. This really is a case of "better safe than sorry."

Stay With Your Group

Do not wander away from your group, even for a few steps. If you're looking at something interesting, those few steps can quickly turn into several, leaving enough space for an animal to cut off your return to the group. It's not hard to find videos of animals running up to vehicles on safaris, and you can find videos of people actually being chased by animals after getting out of their cars in safari-park locations. Stay with your group and listen to your safari guides.

Bring Sun Protection -- and Foot Protection

Your sun exposure during the safari will vary. You could be in a vehicle with an open top, or it could have a roof but also have wide-open windows that let in the angled afternoon sunlight. Come prepared for all situations with hats, sunscreen, and also lightweight but solid scarves or jackets that can cover your arms and legs if needed. Look for UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) items that act as a second layer of sunscreen.

In addition to sun protection, you need to cover up your feet. This is not the time to wear those rugged sandals you may have liked when hiking along a park trail at home. You're going into a wilderness that could contain creatures that would like to bite or sting your feet, which could make walking annoying at best and impossible at worst. Even if you stay in the car, bugs could get at your feet, and covering them up with socks and close-toed shoes is vital.

Discuss specific worries with your tour guide to ensure that you have the best time possible on your safari.

For more information on Serengeti safari experiences, contact a tour company.