Safety Considerations on Walking Safaris in Big 5 Areas
A Wilderness Trail in the greater Kruger area, especially in a Big 5 territory, is a thrilling and immersive experience that brings you closer to nature than ever before. However, it's natural for potential walkers to have safety concerns when considering such an adventure. The idea of walking among lions, elephants, rhinos, and other large animals can seem intimidating, and the thought of spending nights in the bush with only a tent between you and the wild can stir up anxieties. The good news is that our Wilderness Trails have an excellent safety record, and with proper precautions and the guidance of highly trained professionals, your safari can be both safe and incredibly rewarding.
One of the key elements that ensure your safety on a walking safari is the presence of armed and highly trained guides. These guides are not only knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the area, but they are also experts in animal behaviour and bushcraft. Their primary role is to lead the group safely through the wilderness, making sure that all encounters with wildlife are managed in a way that minimises risk to both the participants and the animals.
Wilderness Trails are conducted with strict safety protocols designed to prevent dangerous situations. One of the most important aspects of these protocols is the positioning of the group. Walkers are required to move in a single file, with the lead guide at the front and another guide or tracker at the rear. This formation helps reduce the group’s profile, making it less likely to disturb wildlife, and ensures that everyone is within the guides’ line of sight.
Communication between guides and walkers is often non-verbal, using hand signals to avoid unnecessary noise that might startle animals. If verbal communication is necessary, it’s done in hushed tones. The guides are always scanning the environment for signs of wildlife, using their keen senses to detect animals long before the group comes close. If a potentially dangerous animal is nearby, the guides will make the decision to either detour or, if the situation allows, quietly observe from a safe distance.
The presence of armed guides is a precautionary measure, and it’s important to note that the use of firearms is an absolute last resort. The goal is always to avoid confrontation with wildlife, and the vast majority of encounters are resolved without incident. The primary tools for ensuring safety are the guides’ knowledge, experience, and ability to read animal behaviour, rather than their firearms.
The safety of a walking safari hinges on the expertise of the guides, and at Wildside Trails, our guides undergo rigorous training to prepare them for any situation that might arise in the bush. Guides are required to complete extensive courses in tracking, wildlife behaviour, and bushcraft, and they must pass challenging exams to be certified. Additionally, they receive training in first aid and emergency response, equipping them to handle any medical issues that could occur during the Wilderness Trail.
One of the most critical aspects of a guide’s training is their understanding of animal behaviour. Guides learn to read subtle cues that indicate an animal’s mood or intentions, such as changes in posture, vocalisations, or movements. This allows them to anticipate how an animal might react to the group’s presence and take appropriate action to avoid conflict. Their knowledge of the terrain and the animals’ habits also helps in planning the route each day, choosing paths that minimise the risk of dangerous encounters.
Guides are also trained to manage group dynamics, ensuring that all walkers are comfortable and aware of the importance of following instructions. They know how to calm anxious participants and provide reassurance through their confident and competent leadership. For many walkers, the presence of such capable guides is a source of great comfort, helping them to relax and enjoy the experience.
While the guides take on the primary responsibility for safety, walkers also play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable safari. Here are some tips that can help you enhance your safety during your walking safari:
Wilderness Trails in the greater Kruger area offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the African wilderness up close. While the idea of walking among the Big 5 might seem daunting at first, it’s important to remember that these safaris are conducted with safety as the highest priority. The combination of experienced, highly trained guides and strict safety protocols ensures that your safari will be both thrilling and secure.
At Wildside Trails, we understand the natural apprehensions that come with venturing into the wild on foot. However, we also know from years of experience that once you’re out on the trail, those anxieties quickly give way to awe and appreciation for the beauty of nature. With the guidance of skilled professionals and a commitment to following safety protocols, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience, confident in the knowledge that you are in safe hands. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that combines excitement with a deep connection to nature, a guided walking safari might just be the perfect choice for you.
