The Do's and Don'ts of your adventure

Embarking on a thrilling safari adventure at the illustrious Bucklers Africa Lodge, nestled on the edge of the world-renowned Kruger Park, is akin to stepping into a vivid painting where the wild beauty of South Africa is the star.

But as with any masterpiece, there are guidelines to enhance your experience and ensure the canvas remains pristine for generations to come. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or setting foot in the untamed wilderness for the first time, understanding the etiquette of safari life is crucial.

Hence, we've curated an engaging and insightful guide: "Top Ten Do's and Don'ts on Safari at Bucklers Africa Lodge."

This guide isn't just a list; it's your secret map to becoming a safari aficionado, ensuring your adventure is nothing short of spectacular.

From the thrilling open vehicle excursions to the serene moments of wildlife observation in your own vehicle, each tip is a golden nugget of wisdom, sprinkled with humour and practical advice, aimed at enriching your journey.

Not only will these guidelines elevate your personal experience, but they'll also safeguard the majestic creatures and their habitat, making your safari not just a holiday, but a contribution to conservation.

So, whether you're aiming to capture the perfect lion selfie (from a respectful distance, of course), or you're wondering how to snack in a vehicle without sharing with the baboons, this guide has you covered.

Get ready to delve into the essential etiquette that will make your stay at Bucklers Africa Lodge unforgettable. Let's embark on this journey together, ensuring your safari adventure is filled with awe-inspiring moments, laughter, and the respectful admiration of Africa's untamed beauty.

Welcome to the ultimate safari experience—where every traveller becomes a storyteller, and every moment is a step closer to nature.

Safari Etiquette: Do’s

1. Do Keep the Noise Down: Animals are not fans of human pop music or your rendition of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Keep the safari soundtrack natural.
2. Do Stay Seated: In an open vehicle, sudden movements can startle wildlife (and your fellow passengers). Stay seated; it's not the time for a standing ovation, no matter how impressive the sighting.
3. Do Follow Your Guide’s Advice: Your guide knows best. If they say not to make eye contact with the baboons, it's not the moment to start a staring contest.
4. Do Pack Binoculars: Enhance your viewing pleasure without encroaching on the animals' personal space. It’s like zooming in, but without the digital pixelation.
5. Do Dress Appropriately: Camouflage is in fashion in the bush. Dress in neutral colours to blend in better with the surroundings (and to avoid attracting insects that have a thing for bright colours).
6. Do Use a Soft Voice: If you need to communicate, think of whispering sweet nothings into your partner’s ear—except maybe not sweet nothings about lions.
7. Do Keep Your Belongings Secure: An open safari vehicle is not the place for loose items that can turn into gifts for the wildlife. Hold on to your hats, literally.
8. Do Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle. Talking about all the animals you see will parch your throat, and you wouldn’t want to start mirages of waterholes.
9. Do Bring a Good Camera: Capture those memories with a decent camera, but remember, no flash photography. You wouldn’t want to blind your subjects or fellow passengers.
10. Do Embrace the Moment: Not all safaris are about the Big Five. Sometimes, the smaller creatures and quiet moments are the most memorable.

Safari Etiquette: Don'ts

1. Don’t Feed the Animals: Your diet is not theirs. Plus, you don’t want a monkey to develop a taste for granola bars.
2. Don’t Leave Anything Behind: Leave the place as you found it, which means no littering. Your trash is not a treasure in the wild.
3. Don’t Call Out to the Animals: They’re not pets. Trying to get their attention is as effective as trying to teach a fish to walk.
4. Don’t Forget to Tip Your Guide: If you’ve had a great experience, show some appreciation. They’re your bridge to understanding the wild.
5. Don’t Smoke: The bush is not the place to light up. Not only is it a fire hazard, but you also don’t want a buffalo mistaking your smoke signals as an invitation.
6. Don’t Take Rocks or Plants: Souvenirs are great, but leave the landscape as is. Plus, you don’t want to discover a new species of spider in your suitcase.
7. Don’t Forget to Charge Your Camera: A dead camera is as useful as a screen door on a submarine when that once-in-a-lifetime sighting happens.
8. Don't Leave the Path on Game Drives: Staying on designated paths not only ensures your safety but also protects the natural habitat from damage. Off-road driving can harm the environment and disturb wildlife, so it's important to follow the rules and stay on track.
9. Don't Forget to Enjoy the Moment Without Technology: While capturing photos and videos is a great way to remember your safari, sometimes it's important to put the camera down and experience the beauty of nature with your own eyes. Being present allows you to fully appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush.
10. Don’t Forget Your Sense of Humour: Things might not always go as planned. A sense of humour will ensure you enjoy the ride, bumps and all.

By adhering to these do's and don'ts of safari etiquette, your journey through Kruger Park, starting from Bucklers Africa Lodge in Komatipoort, will be filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories. So, pack your bags (and manners), and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!