The Safari Safety Guide: How to Stay Safe on African Safaris

Going on safari in Africa is exciting, awe-inspiring, beautiful, and WILD! But, are African Safaris safe? Find out how to stay safe on African safaris in this easy Safari Safety Guide.

When travelling to Africa it is important to know the facts surrounding your safety. Here, we give you a brief overview of what to expect, how to prepare, what to look out for, and how to behave in both the bush and urban areas in Africa. Here are our top safari safety tips to help keep you safe on safari in Africa.

Guide to Safari Safety in Africa

Are African Safaris Safe?

Yes. African safaris are safe.  

The vast majority of people who go on safari in Africa have a perfectly safe trip. How safe your African safari is, largely comes down to the risks you take and whether you choose to follow sound advice. Of course, unexpected things happen - anywhere at any time, and safaris are no exception. These safari safety tips will help you prepare for your trip to Africa and keep you safe on your travels.

Before You Go on Safari in Africa

Many of the health and safety concerns of travellers to Africa can be allayed by good pre-trip planning. So, take the time to plan your African safari properly. Being prepared will leave you free to enjoy a carefree, happy holiday under the vast and beautiful African sky.

Malaria Safety Tips

Many parts of Africa are malarial. Speak to your local travel clinic to find out if the areas you’ll be visiting are malarial. Malaria is a serious (and potentially fatal, if not treated quickly) disease, so malaria pills are recommended in high-risk areas. Doxycycline, mefloquine, or Malanil® are effective for most malaria areas in Africa. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to establish which is most suitable for you.

The main way of preventing malaria is to not get bitten by mosquitoes. Non-drug measures such as sleeping under mosquito nets, wearing long sleeves and long pants between dusk and dawn, and using insect repellent are essential.

For more details see Malaria Made Simple: How to Stay Safe on African Safaris

Vaccinations for Travel to Africa

Depending on the areas your African safari will be travelling to, some vaccines, such as Yellow Fever and hepatitis vaccines may be compulsory or recommended. Again, consult a travel clinic about what vaccinations you need, and be sure to have the certificates (and copies) with you.

For more about recommended vaccinations see Getting your shots: Vaccinations for Travel to Africa. For advice on Covid health regulations in Africa and country-specific travel requirements, talk to an African safari expert.

HIV/AIDS in Africa

HIV and AIDS are rife in Africa. Please be aware of this. Condoms are freely available at shops and pharmacies but bring your own too.

Medical Travel Insurance for Africa

Each traveller is responsible for obtaining their own Medical Travel Insurance. Medical insurance should include the option of medical evacuation (by air) as many regions visited are far from reliable medical facilities. 

For more about Travel Insurance see Travel Insurance for Africa

First Aid Kit/Medications for Safari Safety

While most African safari vehicles and accommodations have their own basic First Aid Kit, it is advisable for you to bring your own, with any medications you take chronically (with prescription). Medicine supply in some parts of Africa may not be all that reliable. Ask your local travel clinic for advice on what the kit should contain.

For more detailed medical tips see The Complete African Safari Medical Guide

Covid Travel Safety in Africa

All of the African safari countries we visit have COVID-19 travel restrictions in place to keep locals and visitors safe. The safari companies we work with have also implemented Covid safety measures across the board, to ensure their own safety and the safety of travellers visiting Africa.

In the post-pandemic era, travelling requires more paperwork because it is more regulated to keep everyone safe and healthy. That does not mean it isn't safe to travel to Africa or that you can't travel safely in general. It just takes more preparation and planning, with more red tape along the way.

For detailed information about Covid travel restrictions and requirements in Africa, or guidance on how to travel safely in Africa, talk to one of our safari travel experts. Our travel advisors can also help you book the safest safari possible with one of our trusted African safari partners.

Safari Safety Guide for Game Viewing

People often forget, when watching African wildlife in their natural habitat, looking all serene and lovely, that these animals are wild. While many of them have become used to the presence of safari vehicles, they are not used to humans and still see us as a potential threat.

Following a few, simple, rules of the bush will keep you, and the animals you encounter on your safari, safe and ensure a fantastic experience while on safari in Africa. 

The best way to ensure your safety in the African bush is to take a guided safari. If you decide to do a self-drive holiday in Africa, consider hiring a guide for the parts where you visit national parks and game reserves. Or book short wildlife safaris as part of your trip so that you have a guide when you venture into the wilderness. Having a guide makes all the difference. Not only will your safari guide know how to keep you safe on safari but he or she will also be able to help you get the most out of your game-viewing adventures. A good safari guide is an expert at finding wildlife and has a wealth of knowledge to share.

Please remember that your safari guide is experienced and knowledgeable. Obey his or her instructions at ALL times.

Safari Safety on Game Drives

Here are some rules to help keep you safe on safari during game drives out in the bush.

• Quiet! While the animals have become accustomed to the sound of safari vehicles, human noise will disturb them, either making them run away or get agitated. If you need to communicate at all, do so in a whisper.
• In most game reserves, animals have become habituated to the vehicles used – and their shape. Do not stand up or dangle arms or legs out of the safari vehicle, as this could frighten the animals and may result in them retreating or attacking.
• Watch out for low-hanging branches or those that are close to the sides of the vehicle. Trees in Africa tend to be thorny! Again, a good reason not to dangle arms or legs over the sides of the vehicle.
• Never try to interfere – in any way – with the animals you encounter. This includes trying to change their behaviour or position for a good photo shot and feeding them. The feeding of wild animals is absolutely prohibited for both your and the animals' safety.
• No smoking on the safari vehicle. It is a fire hazard in the dry African bush and may affect the animals.
• Drink only water and preferably don’t eat while on a game drive unless your guide has stopped for sundowners or a picnic break during your game drive. Sweet drinks lure insects to the vehicle and snacks come with packaging. Litter is a no-no.
• Be prepared. The African climate is known for its extremes and fickleness. When going on a game drive in an open vehicle, take hats, sunscreen, and a warm top, to ensure your comfort, regardless of the ever-changing weather conditions.

Walking Safari Safety

• Never go on a walking safari without a guide. The guides are trained and knowledgeable on the dos and don’ts of the bush. They will not only ensure that you get the most out of your safari but also keep you safe. Obey any instructions they give at all times.
• Avoid bright colours. Khaki, greens, and browns are the best colours to wear so that you remain camouflaged.
• When walking in the bush, walk in single file, an arm’s length away from each other.
• Never, ever, run. An animal that sees a creature running will presume that you are prey, or are dangerous, and may try to attack you.
• Never underestimate the speed at which wild animals can run. While hippos and crocs look sedately lazy, they can attack at high speed.
• Quiet! Human noise will disturb the animals, either making them run away or get angry. If you need to communicate, do so in a whisper.
• Do not smoke, eat or drink anything other than water. Unless you've stopped for a refreshment break.
• Never try to interfere – in any way – with the animals you encounter. This includes trying to change their behaviour or position for a good photo and feeding them. The feeding of wild animals is absolutely prohibited for both your safety and that of the animals.
• Do not pick any flowers or plants.

More safari safety tips in Excellent tips on the safety of your family on safari in Africa

Urban Travel Safety in Africa

While many of Africa’s larger cities are infamous for high crime levels, following a few, simple, rules will ensure that your trip is happy and incident-free!

• On arrival, do not allow taxi drivers/tour sellers/guides to harass you as you leave the airport building. Keep your luggage close to you. Registered taxis will be obvious.
• Keep valuables hidden, always. Avoid flashing expensive jewellery, cash, or cameras.
• If there is a safe in your room where you’re staying, leave valuables such as passports and extra cash safely locked up there. If you have to carry them on you, carry them in a pouch, close to your skin, under your clothes.
• Do not walk in unsafe areas at night and never alone. Speak to the staff at your hotel/guesthouse/B&B about which areas are unsafe. If you’re unsure, don’t take the risk. Taxis and hotel transport are available in all urban areas.
• Do not walk alone (or in groups) in deserted areas such as the CBD at night, city parks, or desolate beaches.
• Always look like you know where you’re going. ‘Lost tourists’ tend to be a target for petty criminals. If you are lost, go into a shop to ask for directions. Africa is filled with happy, friendly people who are more than willing to point you in the right direction.
• When in a car, always lock all doors and keep valuables out of sight or, even better, locked in the boot.
• Do not accept help from anybody when making withdrawals at an ATM or when doing anything to do with foreign exchange or money.
• When paying by credit card, do not let your card out of your sight. Credit card fraud is becoming more common globally.

Travel Safety in East Africa

Travel to the spectacular landscapes of East Africa is extremely popular and the points listed above apply to travel safety in the urban areas of East Africa equally.

Political turmoil may also be a concern, especially in Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, some parts of Western Tanzania, and northern Kenya. Unfortunately, these kinds of incidents are difficult to foresee, so our advice is always to discuss these issues with your booking agent (like African Budget Safaris) or operator before booking and again before embarking on a trip, to assess the current political situation.

Our clients’ safety is foremost and should any dangerous situation arise while on a trip, every precaution and action possible will be taken to protect you and avoid potential danger. Should you have booked a safari trip and the potential for danger arises in any of the destinations, the itinerary will be altered or the trip cancelled, whichever is the safest.

For more about the safest places to go in Africa see The 10 Safest Countries in Africa to Visit

Driving Safety in Africa

Driving and road conditions differ broadly depending on the country you’re driving in. South African road conditions (on major routes) are relatively good and well maintained, but conditions deteriorate as you move into the countries further up Africa.

Carefully consider choosing the self-drive option as it may add extra, unnecessary stress to your African holiday. Find out about road conditions in the area you’re visiting before choosing your vehicle. Some areas may require a 4x4.

Some points to make your self-drive safari pleasant:

• Familiarise yourself with the local rules of the road before starting out on your journey. Most importantly – we drive on the left-hand side of the road in Africa i.e. keep left, pass right.
• Always travel with a map and a working mobile phone.
• Be prepared. Distances between towns, and petrol stations, can be vast, so check your map and fill your car up regularly!
• Try to avoid driving at night. Many of the vehicles on African roads are in disrepair and may have only one headlight (or none)!  Also, animals often cross the roads.
• Be aware of children, pedestrians, and animals crossing the roads. In many areas cattle, sheep and goats roam free and cross the roads at will.
• Potholes are a big issue in Africa, especially further north. Driving slowly is essential.
• Always lock all your doors (most South African cars automatically lock as you drive off) and keep valuables out of sight, preferably locked in the boot.
• Do not stop for hitchhikers or stop to help people on the side of the road. Criminals have been known to pretend to need help.
• Stop and rest often. Distances are long and fatigue is a major cause of accidents.
• Be aware of the fact that many of the drivers on Africa’s roads do not necessarily follow the road rules, so drive cautiously, always.

Most importantly, enjoy your trip! Give yourself plenty of time to stop and enjoy the spectacular vistas of Africa! Many of the small towns are filled with interesting people and places, so take your time.

Guide to Booking Safaris Safely

Booking an African safari safely is easier these days, thanks to review sites and social media. There are plenty of online safari booking sites out there but how do you know who you can trust?

To be on the safe side, do your due diligence, and look them up online.

1. Check your booking agent or safari company's reviews out

Many safari companies and lodges have profiles on Tripadvisor. African Budget Safaris had a profile back in the day when Tripadvisor used to feature travel agents. In fact, we received several Certificates of Excellence and hundreds of excellent reviews. Another review site that is trustworthy is Trustpilot, where we now ask our clients to leave reviews of African Budget Safaris

2. Visit their social media profiles

Social media profiles give you insight into the business and its services. You should get a sense of whether the company is professional and safe to deal with from their social media accounts.

3. See what's on the first page of search results when you Google their name

4. Contact them with your questions and ask for advice

A great way to see if a company is legitimate or not. If a robot responds to your inquiry, move on. You deserve personalized help from a human who will ensure that you have an amazing, and safe, safari.

• Find out more and see the Advantages of Booking a Safari with African Travel Agents.

Contact us for Affordable & Safe Safaris

These are just a few of the things you can do to ensure you have a safe safari in Africa. For more travel safety tips and up-to-date advice, or to book a safe and affordable safari, talk to an Africa travel expert on our experienced team.

[Updated in July 2022 / First Posted in 2014]