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Interacting with wildlife

HOW TO ACT AROUND WILDLIFE

On your self-drive safari through Namibia and it’s neighbouring countries, you are sure to encounter wild animals sooner than later. After all, this is probably what you came here for. In order to keep yourself and wildlife safe, here are a few well-meant words of advice for a safe and responsible conduct with elephants, lions and other wildlife for your self-drive safari and campsite life.

Respect the Wild. It’s Their Home.

Every action you take out here has a ripple effect. The way you and fellow tourists behave doesn’t just affect your own safety — it also impacts the animals and the people who share the land with them.

When animals get too used to humans — because someone fed them, got too close for a photo, or left food out in camp — they start seeing people as a source of food or curiosity instead of something to avoid. That’s when the trouble begins.

An elephant that raids camps, a hyena that steals food, or a lion that loses its fear of humans often becomes what’s called a “problem animal.” Sadly, that usually ends one way: the animal has to be killed to protect local communities or future visitors.

So keeping your distance and not feeding wildlife isn’t just about your safety — it’s a quiet act of respect that helps protect both the animals you came to see and the people who live alongside them.

Male lion with scars in his face in savanna landscape at sunset

Bottom line: Wild animals should stay wild — for everyone’s sake.

Countless private locals as well as organisations such as EHRA (Elephant-Human Relations Aid), TOSCO (Tourism Supporting Conservation) and other conservation partners work hard to prevent and reduce human–wildlife conflict by supporting local communities, monitoring wildlife, and educating travellers about responsible behaviour etc. By following the rules and supporting these initiatives, you help ensure your visit has a positive impact — for both people and wildlife.

Download Elephant Human Relations Aid Info Sheet

Encountering animals on a drive

Encountering big mammals such as elephants is magnificent and breath-taking. But be sure to keep your distance and stow away your food. And don’t underestimate antelopes or smaller wildlife either. Even a single agitated swing of horns from an antelope like oryx or eland or the kick of an ostrich can cause serious injury.

  • Keep a safe distance of 100 meters.
  • Always drive away slowly if animals such as elephants, rhinos, lions etc. approach your vehicle.
    Never let them get close enough to touch your vehicle!
  • Keep an escape route for yourselves AND the wildlife.
  • Only stay a maximum of 20 minutes at a sighting and then leave them at peace.
  • Ensure there are a maximum of 3 cars at a sighting to keep the wildlife’s stress levels at a minimum.
  • Tip-toe into their home and do not influence their behaviour.
    If newborns are present, take extra care and stay far away.
  • Do not leave the car when around animals.
  • Do not walk towards wildlife.
  • Do not follow/drive behind elephants or rhinos.
  • Do not take fruits, bread etc. along on a game drive.
  • Stay quiet.
  • If animals seem stressed, drive away carefully.
Download Elephant Encounters Code of Conduct

Camping and handling food around wildlife

Please never feed animals or leave food or water out for them — not even during droughts. It will attract wildlife to people and make them lose their natural caution, which is dangerous for both animals and humans.

  • Do not let wildlife access any human food or refreshments.
  • Do not give water to animals – also not during a drought. Let wildlife be.
  • Do not leave vegetable or fruit waste in open bins where wildlife can access it.
  • Do not leave food in your tent.
  • Pack food in metal or plastic boxes into the the canopy (covered loadbay of your car) or hand it in at the reception for safe keeping.
  • Do not go on elephant drives with fruits in your car if possible.

Window and door damaged by a curios elephant.

Quick Summary

    1. Stay in your vehicle during a self-drive safari

    2. Keep a safe distance — don’t approach or block animals (aim for 100 m from wild life like elephants and big cats where possible).

    3. Never feed wild animals or leave food or water accessible to them.

    4. Drive slowly on game roads, stick to tracks, and avoid surprising animals.

    5. Turn off engine and stay quiet if animals are nearby — sudden noise or movement can trigger a charge.

    6. Stay inside buildings or your tent at night. If you need to step out, use lights and torches responsibly – look around before getting out or moving.

    7. Respect park rules, community conservancy regulations, and staff instructions.

    8. Keep children close and supervised at all times.

    9. Know emergency contacts for the park or area and carry a charged phone / satphone / two-way radio if necessary and available.

    10. Observe, photograph, and enjoy — but put animal welfare ahead of the perfect shot.

And there you have it — a handful of trusted tips to help ensure your self-drive adventure remains a joy for both you and the wilderness you’ve come to enjoy. As you roll through Namibia’s vast landscapes, keep in mind: you’re a guest in the animals’ world — and when you give that world the space and respect it deserves, the memories you create will be that much richer. So buckle up, breathe in the wild air, look out for those awe-inspiring sightings (from a safe distance of course), and enjoy the journey — with both safety and wonder in your rear-view mirror.