Tips Of Staying Safe On A Safari In Akagera National Park

Tips Of Staying Safe On A Safari In Akagera National Park

Tips Of Staying Safe On A Safari In Akagera National Park : Akagera National Park is the only savannah park in Rwanda and the only place to go on a wildlife safari excursion. It is home to many other animals, including giraffes, hyenas, antelopes, crocodiles, and hippos, as well as the renowned African big five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, and lion).

Many visitors to Akagera National Park go on independent safari trips, exploring the many areas of the sizable park. Although there haven’t been any instances of animal attacks or mishaps, it won’t be long before these things happen given the growing animal population and the reintroduction of lions and rhinos in Akagera. I offer advice on how to safely tour the park in this article. Below are some of the tips of staying safe on a safari in Akagera national park.

Keep on the drive tracks.

The well-maintained driving trails within Akagera National Park make it simple to explore the park’s various areas. Additionally, a map of the park with the various paths and tracks marked for convenience of navigation is given to visitors. It could be tempting at times to stray from the path in order to obtain a better look at an animal. This is dangerous, though, because there is nowhere to run if a big animal, like an elephant, charges at you. Off-roading is prohibited as well and can result in hefty fines from the police if detected.

Go slow, do not drive beyond 40km/hr.

The official speed restriction at Akagera National Park is 40 km/h. Although there are some rather smooth parts of the tracks, you shouldn’t be tempted to drive faster because an animal could suddenly cross the road. You will die if you knock down a large animal such an elephant, buffalo, or rhino. Alternatively, you will endanger the tiny animals and, should the park catch you causing a roadkill, you will be fined heavily.

Do not get too close to animals, do not get closer than 10 meters.

The safe distance to an animal is 10 metres; approaching an animal closer will frighten it. This is especially recommended for large, hazardous species like buffalo, giraffes, lions, leopards, and hyenas, as well as predators like elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. However, you might have to retain the animal as long as feasible based on its behaviour. Stay further away from buffalo and elephant bulls that are by themselves; these animals have usually been driven from their herds and are irritated. They seize any opportunity to let their rage out. Additionally, you should avoid getting too close to pregnant elephants and leopards, which are fiercely protective of their young.

Tips Of Staying Safe On A Safari In Akagera National Park
Lion In Akagera National Park

Wear nature blending colors. Avoid red.

Wear hues that blend nicely with nature, like green and brown. Steer clear of vivid colours, particularly red, as it may resemble blood to predators such as lions, who may be enticed to attack. Some birds and animals see it as a dangerous colour, so they will avoid it and ruin your experience. Bright colours also attract tsetse flies, which are found in the southern region of Akagera National Park and can attack you viciously.

Do not leave the car except in designated areas i.e. camping/picnic grounds.

Refrain from leaving the car, especially if it is close to bushes and thickets. There’s a chance an animal is lurking nearby and will attack. The largest hazard are the buffaloes, who like to ambush from bushes, and the many snakes found in Akagera National Park. In campgrounds, exit the vehicle exclusively through specified, cleared areas. However, even in this situation, you should still look about to check for any animals or snakes on the ground.

Do not smoke in the park.

Avoid smoking next to shrubs as you run the risk of starting a fire.

Do not feed the animals.

Giving food to animals like monkeys, baboons, and elephants can make them lose their innate need to hunt, which makes them more likely to attack people when they see food like fruits in a car.

Keep the car and room doors closed.

To keep animals and snakes out of your home, which could easily slither in and endanger you, keep the doors closed and locked.

Take a park guide for the safari drive.

On game drives, the park offers game drive guides for hire. The park’s animals and the optimal locations to spot specific creatures are well-known to the guides. Additionally, they are knowledgeable about animal behaviour and will know how to handle an upset animal.