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Essential Safari Safety Tips for Travelers

Safari safety tips are essential for any traveler exploring Africa. Being prepared and informed helps ensure your experience is both safe and memorable. Follow these practical guidelines to travel with confidence across the continent.

At Your Accommodation

  • Never leave your luggage unattended in public areas
  • Store valuables in your room safe or the hotel safety deposit box
  • Keep your room locked at all times, even when inside
  • Always check who is at the door before opening it
  • Hand in your room keys or cards when leaving the property
  • Report any suspicious items or activity to reception immediately
  • Make sure luggage is only given to verified hotel staff

On Safari and Sightseeing

  • Always use registered and qualified tour guides
  • Do not leave bags unattended or hanging on chairs at restaurants
  • Travel in groups, especially when visiting nightlife venues
  • Tell someone your planned route and expected return time
  • Follow all instructions from your safari guide at all times
  • Stay inside the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe
  • Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife

Money and Travel Documents

  • Travel with copies of important documents and keep originals in a safe place
  • Separate your cash and credit cards in different locations
  • Do not carry all your money with you during the day
  • Never allow strangers to help you at ATM machines
  • Be alert and never turn your back while using an ATM
  • Exchange currency only at banks or your hotel
  • Keep your wallet in an inside pocket rather than a back pocket
  • Ensure credit card transactions are processed in your presence

Hiking and Nature Walks

  • Never walk alone in wilderness areas
  • Always explore trails in groups of at least four people
  • Take your mobile phone with emergency numbers saved
  • Let someone know your route and expected return time
  • If you get lost, stay where you are and wait for help
  • Always take rain gear, water, sunscreen, and snacks
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat
  • Stay with your guide in remote areas

At the Beach

  • Always swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard
  • Never swim alone
  • Do not dive into unfamiliar waters as they may be shallow
  • Protect your skin with waterproof sunscreen (SPF 20 or higher)
  • Avoid the sun during the hottest hours between 11am and 3pm
  • Drink plenty of water regularly to avoid dehydration
  • Keep valuables secure and out of sight

On the Street

  • Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or phones openly
  • Keep your bag closed and held close to you at all times
  • Do not carry large sums of money with you
  • At night, stay away from dark and isolated areas
  • Explore in groups and stick to busy, well lit streets
  • Plan your route before setting out and avoid asking strangers for directions
  • Ask your hotel to recommend reliable taxi services

On the Road

  • Learn local road rules before driving in a new country
  • Keep car doors locked and windows up at all times
  • Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers
  • Plan your route and fuel stops in advance
  • Keep valuables locked in the trunk, not visible in the car
  • Try to avoid driving at night or in very remote areas
  • Park in well lit and busy areas when possible
  • Always carry your driving license and vehicle documents

At the Airport

  • Make sure your bags have locks and name tags
  • Do not allow anyone to tamper with your luggage
  • Keep your bags with you at all times
  • Seek directions only from marked information counters
  • Be vigilant as pickpockets can operate in busy airport areas
  • If booking a taxi or transfer, confirm the driver name in advance

How to Respond in an Emergency

  • Stay calm and think clearly about your options
  • Try to talk your way out of difficult situations when possible
  • In a robbery situation, cooperate and hand over your belongings
  • Keep your hands still and visible during any confrontation
  • Remember you can replace valuables but not your life
  • If safe to do so, note physical descriptions of any attackers
  • Go to the nearest safe public place and contact emergency services
  • Report incidents to local police and your travel insurer

Need Assistance During Your Safari?

Our team is available around the clock to support you during your travels.

We provide 24/7 emergency contact support for all our guests.

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Emergency Numbers by Country

Save these important numbers before your trip. In an emergency, dial the appropriate number for your location.

Kenya
Police Emergency999 / 112
Ambulance999
Fire Brigade999
Kenya Red Cross1199
Tourist Police+254 800 723 253
Tanzania
Police Emergency112 / 114
Ambulance114
Fire Brigade114
Tourist Police+255 22 211 7714
General Emergency112
Uganda
Police Emergency999 / 112
Ambulance911
Fire Brigade999
Tourist Police+256 800 199 699
Uganda Red Cross+256 414 258 701
Rwanda
Police Emergency112
Ambulance (SAMU)912
Fire Brigade111
Traffic Police113
General Emergency112
Ethiopia
Police Emergency991
Ambulance907
Fire Brigade939
Traffic Police945
Directory Services952
South Africa
Police Emergency10111
Ambulance10177
Fire Brigade10177
Mobile Emergency112
Tourism Helpline083 123 6789
Botswana
Police Emergency999
Ambulance997
Fire Brigade998
Medical Air Rescue+267 390 1601
General Emergency911
Namibia
Police Emergency10111
Ambulance211111
Fire Brigade211111
Medical Rescue+264 61 230 505
Tourism Emergency+264 61 284 2360
Zimbabwe
Police Emergency995
Ambulance (MARS)994
Fire Brigade993
CMED Ambulance+263 4 771 221
General Enquiries+263 4 703 631

These numbers may change. Always verify with your tour operator or hotel upon arrival.

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