Going On A Jungle Safari? These Are The 5 Dos & 5 Don’ts You Should Keep In Mind

Are you planning to step into the jungle soon? We are sure you must be excited! Whether it’s your first safari or you are someone who often visits the wild, there are some basic dos and don’ts you should always keep in mind. They not only ensure your safety but are equally important for the animals, too. Here’s what you should know before you plan your jungle safari!

Why Is It Important To Follow Jungle Safari Rules?

A jungle safari is a thrilling experience, right? And if you are someone who absolutely loves wildlife and animals, you probably know that observing them requires a few basic rules. The excitement of spotting a tiger lurking behind the bushes can give you goosebumps, but remember one thing: the jungle is its home, and you are just a guest. The animals there obviously don’t want to be disturbed, right?

Before we get into the basic dos and don’ts, let’s quickly understand why these rules are important. Tell us, would you want someone you don’t know walking into your home and making noise, littering or disturbing you in any way? No, right? That’s exactly why these rules are important. Following these simple rules ensures both your safety and the well-being of the wildlife.

Also Read: Gir National Park: Where To Stay, How To Book Lion Safari, Exotic Animals To Spot At Gujarat’s Wildlife Reserve

Dos And Don’ts Everyone Should Follow Before Stepping Into The Jungle 

Here are some dos and don’ts everyone should follow, whether it’s your first jungle safari or not:

Dos:

• Follow the guide’s instructions: Always listen to what your guide tells you. They are experts who know how to handle different situations and know the area and wildlife well.
• Wear appropriate clothing: This is one of the most basic and important rules.  Always opt to wear earth-toned colours like khaki, beige, olive green, or brown to blend in with nature. Avoid wearing bright-coloured clothing and strong perfumes. 
• Don’t make noise: Always stay quiet and observe the wild without making loud noises or sudden movements. Even if you spot a tiger, stay calm in your vehicle. Do not absolutely shriek or scream. Don’t play songs or any audio on your phone. Loud sounds can startle animals and lead to dangerous situations.
• Stay inside the vehicle: This is one of the most important jungle safari rules. Never step out of your vehicle while inside the jungle. It’s extremely dangerous.
• Always stay on a designated/marked path: Always stick to the marked routes in the jungle. They are designed to ensure your safety. Wandering off can also make you lose your way in the jungle, and trust us, you don’t want that.

Don’ts:

• Don’t feed wild animals: Never feed anything to wild animals. Throwing food can provoke them, which can be risky.
• Avoid littering: Don’t litter in the jungle or leave any waste like wrappers or tissues behind. It can harm both nature and wildlife.
• Don’t use flash photography: Avoid using flash when clicking photos. Bright light can startle or harm the animals’ eyes.
• Don’t get too close: If you happen to spot a wild animal, a tiger, a wild dog, a leopard, or even an elephant, keep a safe distance. Don’t try to take your vehicle closer or try to touch them. Observe respectfully from a distance.
• Don’t smoke inside the jungle: Please avoid smoking inside the jungle. Even a single spark from your cigarette can lead to forest fires and harm wildlife. Avoid carrying lighters with you as well.

These are some of the basic dos and don’ts you must follow if you are planning to go on a jungle safari soon. Remember, respecting wildlife is the best way to experience it. 

Also Read: Beyond Tigers: 6 Exotic Animals You Can Spot In Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Do you know any other jungle safari dos and don’ts? Share them with us in the comments!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Keegan Checks and Abhinav Goswami