Safety hints while you stay at a game lodge:

Nguni Lodge - Addo Elephant National Park

Safety hints while you stay at a game lodge:

If this is your first visit to a game lodge, or if you’re traveled to a few places, it’s important to understand that there are a few minor safety precautions to consider. In this unfamiliar environment, no matter how comfortable your surroundings are, it is important to remember that you are surrounded by wild animals. Remember to obey the number one rule, to “respect mother nature”. The staff members at all lodges have your health and safety as their top priority and a bush trip is for the most part a safe and wonderful experience. Trust and listen to the trained professionals who spend their lives in the bush and know it in most cases intimately as they will take good care of you.

Bukela Lodge - Amakala Game Reserve

The perimeter of the lodge – fenced or unfenced

The area surrounding the rooms and the camp are generally safe, even without a fence around, but there are always exceptions. Different lodges take a different approach to the perimeter of the camp. A fence around the camp may mean a small single strand fence to keep out certain large animals such as elephants or it may mean a large fence to keep out all wild animals. If there is no fencing around the lodge, bear in mind that animals can and do move through the camp during the day or at night.

Mkuze Falls

   Walking around the lodge

It is advised to always stay on the designated walkways while staying at a game lodge and if you are staying at a lodge where you are permitted to walk around, always watch where you step. At night, take additional precautions and if you feel you would like assistance, ask a member of staff. If there is no fence around the lodge, for your own safety, one of the staff will escort you to your room. If the terrain is uneven, it is recommended to wear comfortable closed shoes.

Impodimo Lodge - Madikwe Game Reserve

Animals around the lodge

Regardless of fences, elephants are notorious for visiting lodges and drinking from swimming pools and snacking on garden plants. These lovely animals may seem docile and friendly but they are not tame and should never be approached. The animals are still wild and it not safe for you (or the animal) to attempt to interact with each other. You may encounter antelope grazing close to the lodge that will move off as you approach. Baboons and monkeys are infamous for their visits too and you should always keep your bedroom windows closed when you are out. The rule with encountering any wild animals is to stand still and allow them to move off. Do not attempt to touch them. Once it is safe, or when you have an opportunity, report the incident to a senior member of staff.

Dinner at Makakatana Bay Lodge - St Lucia

     At night

When the camp is surrounded by darkness, there are generally more animals around than during the day. Take care when moving around at night. It is usually safe to sit outside on a deck and enjoy the night sounds but remember to always sleep with your doors, windows or mesh shutters closed.

Medical

Ensure you have a sufficient supply of the medicine you require as doctors, hospitals and pharmacies are often a fair distance away from the lodges and camps. Certain areas do have a malaria risk and it is recommended to do obtain further information about the area you intend to visit and take the necessary precautions such as taking Malaria prophylactics. If you have medical concerns, speak to your local doctor.

Chitwa Chitwa

Special requirements

Before you arrive at a lodge, contact them directly to ensure that they are aware of any special requirements you may have to ensure your health during your stay. If you have a major allergy, be certain to tell your host, manager and / or guide and if you have medication with you let your travel companion know where it is. Pregnant guests may still go on the game drives and enjoy the bush experience, but let the camp and your guide know about your condition in advance and consult your intention to travel with your doctor. Your health will always be the top priority of the staff.

Listen to the professionals

The staff members at game lodges have received training on looking after the health and safety of guests staying the lodge they work at. Listen to any briefing they give you and obey the rules whatever activity you are taking part in. Be certain to read any literature that is available at the place you choose to stay and make sure you are aware of the procedures in the event of an emergency. While you are on game drive, listen to your guide and obey his instructions. Your guide knows the animals and their behavior and has your best interests at heart and if you do not feel safe or feel uncomfortable let the guide know.