GeckoGoneBlogging

It’s Safari Time

aka 4 alternative things to do on a safari

1) Buck the trend – photograph the tourists.

Coming back from a safari, it’s usually show and tell time. “And here’s the zebra, there’s the elephant, oh-and a sleeping lion. And that blur? It’s a rhino. Fer real.”

Branch out. Get creative! If you want real shots that are memorable, — shots that truly capture the moment of a modern safari, you want the people — in your pictures. Include the people. Show the people.

Note the aura of concentration around every tourist as they vie for top spot to photograph cheetah chases. Then capture it on film!

Bonus points: be sure to photograph the dude with a huge bazooka style-I mean telephoto lens.

Extra bonus points: take them using your own bazooka style telephoto lens.

2) Don’t feed the animals – feed your guide.

You see the signs. Don’t feed the animals. You read it in your guidebook (or on GeckoGo :p). Rules and regulations control all aspects of acceptable animal-human interactions. After all, this is a safari, not a zoo.

So what’s not regulated any more? No one said anything your guide! And I bet it drives him crazy when you’re snacking away all day in the 4-wheel vehicle while he smells the cupcakes. So share and share alike. Pass him some of your Cadbury chocolate bar. Make some friends.

3) The real bush experience

The lions do it.

No, no, don’t copulate all day and then get some sleep.

What I mean is, mark your territory!

In safari-country, you’re busy capturing pictures and storing memories — taking a bit of their world with you.

It’s only fair you give a lil’ something back too.

Note. Don’t do it where it’s blatantly against the rules. And especially take note of the next point.

4) Don’t get shot

In some controlled game parks, getting out of your vehicle is not permitted. You want proof? Write your will and then try it in the Ngorongoro Crater. Rangers take their roles very seriously, and may not bother to verify whether you’re trying to poach that rhino, or whether you have a bad case of the runs.

5) Learn what it means.

“Safari” is actually Swahili for “journey.”

And just what qualifies as a journey? You ask.

What doesn’t?!

“You heading to the bathroom?”

“No, I’m going on a safari.”