9 tips to stay safe in your car on game drives

A recent elephant attack at the Kruger National Park left a park visitor’s car, and trip, wrecked.

More recently, however, a lion climbed on top of a SUV’s roof and casually knocked off the side mirror with its meaty paw.

Says Ricardo Coetzee, Head of Auto & General Insurance: ‘While vehicle accidents in game reserves are extremely rare, we’ve had a few insurance claims for damage to vehicles caused by animal encounters.’

According to Sipho Mkhwanazi, Regional Communications Manager at SANParks, if you happen to encounter an elephant or a breeding herd of elephants:

• Stay alert, especially when approaching elephant breeding herds with small calves. The matriarch or members from the herd can become aggressive, especially when small calves feel threatened by your presence.
• Take note of the elephant’s behaviour and keep a safe distance in your vehicle.

Strict guidelines on how to behave near wild elephants:

• Do not drive off the road
• Do not follow the elephants
• Respect the elephant at all times
• Always allow the elephants the right of way
• Drive off slowly if they get too close
• Do not cut off their path, especially when more than one vehicle is present

Auto & General also advises motorists to adhere to park rules at all times for their own safety and for the safety of the animals, and offers the following advice:

Be careful when passing animals or birds close to the road – they could be alarmed by your approach, and run into the road.
Unless you’re in a designated area, remain inside your vehicle – no part of your body may protrude from a window or sunroof. Vehicle doors, windows, sunroofs and convertibles should remain closed at all times.

‘Most importantly, revving your vehicle’s engine or hooting is never a good idea,’ concludes Coetzee. ‘This may be seen as a challenge and your vehicle will no doubt come off second best.’

Featured image: Elise Kirsten