Watching animals in the wild is a privilege, and how you behave affects the animals, other visitors and the future of wildlife tourism. Good etiquette also leads to better sightings: calm, quiet vehicles let animals behave naturally. Here are the key rules.
At a sighting
- Keep your voice down and avoid sudden movements. Animals are sensitive to noise.
- Stay seated and inside the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise. The outline of a vehicle is familiar to animals; a person standing up or stepping out is not.
- Never feed animals or throw anything from the vehicle.
- Do not call animals or make noises to get their attention.
- Respect distances: let your guide decide how close to go, and never ask them to break park rules.
- Do not block an animal’s path, especially to water or when it is hunting.
- Share sightings: when other vehicles are waiting, allow them a turn.
Photography
- No flash at night, which can blind or disturb animals.
- Avoid baiting or disturbing animals for a photo.
- Do not geotag photos of rhinos or other poaching targets.
- Drones are banned in most national parks and reserves without special permission.
Dress and conduct
- Wear neutral colours (khaki, brown, green); avoid bright colours, and in tsetse areas avoid dark blue and black.
- Take all litter back, including cigarette ends and fruit peel.
- Follow camp rules, including being escorted at night in unfenced camps.
Walking safaris
Walk in single file, stay quiet, follow your guide’s instructions exactly, and never run from an animal. See our walking safaris guide.
Respecting communities
- Ask permission before photographing people.
- Visit villages through community-run programmes where fees benefit residents.
- Buy crafts directly from makers where possible.
Tipping
Tipping is customary on safari. Guidelines vary by country and lodge, and many camps suggest amounts per guest per day for guides, trackers and general staff, given at the end of your stay. Ask your operator for current local guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stand up in a safari vehicle? Only if your guide says it is safe. In open vehicles, standing can startle animals.
Is it rude to ask my guide to go closer? It is fine to ask, but accept their decision: they balance your experience with animal welfare and park rules.
How much should I tip on safari? It varies by country and lodge; ask your operator for current guidelines.
Can I fly a drone on safari? Drones are prohibited in most parks and reserves without permits.
Related guides
- How to choose a responsible wildlife tour operator
- Wildlife tourism to avoid
- Wildlife photography for beginners
- Animal profiles: Leopard, African elephant, Cheetah
Cover photo: Olga Ernst & Hp.Baumeler, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons