If you have never been to a game drive, you are probably wondering, what it entails. Africa offers the best way to experience nature at its best. You get up close with animals in the wild. To get the most of your game drives you will need to prepare adequately for the trip. We have compiled a list that will help you make the most of your game drive.
How Game Drives Work
When you go on a Safari in Africa, you will need first to understand how Game drives. Most of the private lodges have 4X4 vehicles that can accommodate between 4 to 6 people. Depending on the animals you want to view you should expect to spend 3 to 4 hours on a game drive. You will most likely wake up at dawn with some tea or coffee and toast. The rangers work in collaboration with other rangers and you will often them using their radios to inform each other of a game sighting. This communication helps the chances of viewing hard to find animals like leopards. Once you locate a hard to find an animal like a lioness hunting or a leopard catching anImpala, you will often spend some time there taking shots. Once you have taken enough shots, you will move to another location under the guidance of the other rangers. The rangers often explain what is happening during a hunt and this helps you better learn about the ecosystem. If you are planning on traveling to Brazil get the Brazil e visa click here.
Carry the right equipment
It is paramount to carry the right gear if you want to have a memorable experience. You will need a pair of binoculars because most of the carnivores in the African savannah often hide behind large grass. The binoculars also enableyou toview birds located on acacia trees. Once you have the right spot use your camera to take the best shots. Invest in a good camera that can makefast shots – a cheetah runs at an amazing speed,and you can miss out some of the best shots. Camping in the wild is often accompanied with lots of mosquitoes; carry along a mosquito net or repellant. Temperatures can be very high in Africa,and it is wise to carry light clothing and hat to protect you from the sun.
Be in touch with your surroundings
The reason you have taken a game drive is to detox from the daily routines of the city. For you to enjoy nature in the wild, you need to switch off work-related stress and just live in the moment. Enjoy the warm cup of coffee as you experience a magical sunrise or sunset across the expansive savannah in Africa. When you go seeking elusive animals in the wild, listen to the birds singing and be one with nature. If you want to make the most of your game drive switch off your social media accounts and be present.
Security
Security is critical when going for game drives; the number of predators hiding behind bushes is high. Follow any instructions given to you by the game ranchers. There have been cases of tourists who wander from the crowd and get mauled by lions or hyenas.
Patience
If you want to take the best shots, then you need to be patient. There times you will stay in the same spot for a couple of hours just to see an elusive animal like a leopard. Try not to pressurize the game rancher to change locations if your expectations are not met. While traveling in a group make an effort to share photography responsibilities so that each person has a chance to view animals without always taking photographs.
Talking to the guides
The only way you can learn from your game drive is by asking many questions from your tour guide. Your guide has been doing this for many years and may take some critical stuff for granted. You can have a checklist of animals you want to view and share this with your guide. Guides like answering questions and explaining things to tourists; do not feel that you are becoming a bother. If you have problems communicating, it could be wise to inform the rangers beforehand so that they can carry along a translator.
Planning with an agent
Before you go for that game drive ensure that you have the right package. Talk to your travel agent and explain to them what you expect during the game drive. Research online on the type of animals you expect to see and which game reserves have them. You can go on a safari through a vehicle or flying. Research on the migration routes for some of these animals.
Low seasons
If you are operating from a low budget make your travel plans to be near the low season when lodges go for half the price. Talk to your travel agent to book you during this time. While viewing game can be a bit tricky during this time you still can catch on some elusive animals. You will also find more camps open during this time,and you avoid the congestion that is common during the high season. These seasons vary from camp to camp; inquire from your travel agent on this.
Be adventurers
You could be tempted to turn on your data bundles to catch up with friends on various social media sites. This will only make you to be distracted, and you miss out on some amazing sightings. The best part about game drives is that you experience nature at its best. Nothing beats an eagle swinging over a lake for its prey; it’s magical.
Conclusion
Going for a game drive is one way to create memories in your life. The adventure and adrenaline as predators make a run for prey is simply breathtaking. To make the most of your trip try to enjoy each moment without focusing on your work-related problems. Ensure you have carried with you binoculars, camera and some light clothing because it gets really hot in the savannah.