| On a safari in Africa, there is always the possibility | | | | ears flattened. At close range she may start with |
| of crossing paths with a lion or a pride of lions. | | | | a trot before charging. If you are charged by a |
| When on foot, this can be extremely dangerous. | | | | lion, stand your ground, and make as much noise |
| Knowing how to react and what to do can avoid | | | | as possible, shouting and clapping in the hopes that |
| a potentially fatal encounter. | | | | the lion will be unsure of the kind of threat you |
| The first rule is to never run from lions, even if | | | | present and break off the charge. |
| you inadvertently stumble upon them and they | | | | To avoid the possibility of such an encounter, do |
| are only a few meters away. If you run, a lion will | | | | not leave your safari tent or lodging at night |
| instinctively charge and hunt you down; and there | | | | without an escort. Do not leave the immediate |
| is no way you can out run a lion. Stand still and | | | | area of the camp when staying in a Big 5 |
| then slowly back away (facing the lion at all times) | | | | reserve. After dinner, ensure a ranger escorts |
| downwind until you are out of sight. If the lion | | | | you back to your lodgings. If during the evening |
| becomes agitated at your movement, | | | | you wish to collect something from your tent, |
| immediately stand still again, wait until the lion | | | | you must have an escort. If you wish to go on a |
| settles, and slowly back away again. Never turn | | | | bush walk during the day, a qualified ranger must |
| your back on a lion. Once you are out of sight of | | | | accompany you. |
| the lion, leave the area quietly and keep a watch | | | | While on safari in a Big 5 reserve in Africa, you |
| all around you for movement. | | | | need to respect the fact that you are in a |
| Encounters with wild animals can be unpredictable | | | | potentially dangerous environment and heed the |
| as can their reactive behavior. A male lion is not | | | | warnings of your rangers. If you allow them to |
| usually confrontational and will probably move | | | | guide you and look after your safety, there is no |
| away, but a female lion with young will be more | | | | greater thrill than living and viewing predators in |
| aggressive, growling and flicking her tail briskly, her | | | | the wild. |