Guide to Game Drive Etiquette

When embarking on a safari, adhering to the right game drive etiquettes is essential to both respect the wildlife and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience. Here’s an expertly curated and detailed guide to game drive behaviors, built upon common safari rules and enhanced by the realities of exploring the Masai Mara:

1. Respect Wildlife and Other Guests #

• Limit Vehicles at Sightings: No more than 5 vehicles are allowed at any wildlife sighting. If you arrive and see this limit, maintain a distance of at least 100 meters until it’s your turn to approach. As noted in various reports, Masai Mara experiences overtourism in July and August and it is important to do your part in minimizing your impact during high-traffic periods.
• Take Turns: Each vehicle has approximately 10 minutes at a sighting. Rotate with others to give everyone a chance. The vehicle that first spotted the wildlife may stay longer, but it’s good etiquette to allow others close access. Our Driver-Guides respect this rule and you’ll notice them timing the time they stay at each sighting.
• Stay Quiet: Loud noises like talking, clapping, or radio chatter can disturb the animals as noted by earthwiseaware.org. Animals in the wild react to human voices, so it’s best to speak softly or not at all when observing a sighting. Keep mobile phones on silent and only use them for emergencies.During sightings, our Driver-Guides turn of the VHF radios to minimize the voices over the radio for a peaceful viewing.Also do not honk at other road users – including at animals crossing the road. They have the right of way at the Reserve.

2. Keep Safe Distances #

• Maintain 20 Meters Distance: Always keep at least 20 meters (around four car lengths) from any animals. If an animal gets up or walks away, it means you’re too close. Avoid cases of up to 200 vehicles in one sighting as per this report and as highlighted by Nytimes here.
• Avoid Provoking: Never force an animal to move or block their path. It’s important not to drive off the track to flush animals from their hiding spots, especially vulnerable species like cubs or animals with young. Remember, while predators do not actively hunt humans, they can kill and even eat humans when provoked.
• Stay in the Vehicle: For your safety and to prevent disturbing wildlife, remain seated and inside the vehicle at all times during the drive. Only disembark at designated picnic or sundowner spots. Never stand on the roof, especially at predator sightings, as your silhouette could startle the animals.

3. Minimize Environmental Impact #

• Stick to Tracks: Always follow existing tracks to avoid damaging vegetation. Off-road driving is prohibited unless necessary to view significant wildlife, like the Big Five, but even then, keep it minimal. Since our driver-guides are trained to respect the protected areas of the reserve, please do not ask them to drive off the marked paths.
• Drive Slowly: The speed limit is 40 kph, allowing time to enjoy the environment while preventing erosion and reducing dust that might disturb wildlife. While our TSV-compliant Land Cruisers are equipped with speed governors limiting speed to 80kph, these governors cannot be set to 40kph. Therefore, it’s essential to monitor your speedometer closely to ensure you don’t exceed the 40kph speed limit in designated areas.
• Leave No Trace: Dispose of litter responsibly. Carry waste back to camp and avoid feeding wildlife, as this disrupts their natural behavior.

4. Night Game Drive Etiquette #

• Use Red Filters: Night drives are only allowed in designated conservancies. Use red-filtered spotlights to prevent blinding animals.
• Ethical Wildlife Viewing: During hunts, avoid using bright lights that can influence predator-prey interactions. If observing a stalking predator, ensure lights are off to avoid giving either animal an advantage. Short bursts of light, away from animals, can be used to assess situations without disrupting the balance.
• Time Limits: Night game drives are typically restricted to 3 hours and should return to camp by 10:00 PM. Longer nighttime excursions can disturb the natural nighttime rhythm of wildlife.

5. Interaction with Guides and Rangers #

When embarking on a safari, adhering to the right game drive etiquettes is essential to both respect the wildlife and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience. Here’s an expertly curated and detailed guide to game drive behaviors, built upon common safari rules and enhanced by the realities of exploring the Masai Mara:

6. Photography Etiquette #

• Respect the Moment: While it’s exciting to capture wildlife photos, refrain from standing up or leaning out of the vehicle, as this movement can disturb the animals. Using zoom lenses is encouraged to maintain distance and capture detailed shots as noted in this PDF guide.
• Flash Photography: Avoid using flash, especially at night, as it can startle animals and disrupt their natural behavior. Many nocturnal animals are sensitive to bright light, and flash photography can impair their vision temporarily.

7. Maintain Calm During Exciting Sightings #

• Stay Still and Quiet: During particularly rare sightings, like witnessing a lion on the hunt or a close elephant encounter, avoid sudden movements or loud reactions. The key is to observe without influencing the animal’s behavior. Remember, these moments are best experienced in silence, allowing for an authentic and respectful wildlife experience.

8. Watch the Weather #

• Prepare for Changing Conditions: Weather in the Mara can change rapidly, especially during the rainy season. Carry waterproof gear, including raincoats and covers for your camera. Layered clothing is ideal for game drives that start in the cold mornings and end in the warmer afternoons. For early morning drives, having a Masai shuka or a heavy jacket is crucial, as open-sided vehicles can be chilly.

9. Early Bird Advantage #

• Maximize Animal Sightings: The best wildlife activity often happens early in the morning. Arrive at the reserve gates by 6:00 AM to catch predators returning from hunts and herbivores grazing. The light at this time is also perfect for photography. Likewise, late afternoon drives can offer great opportunities for viewing animals as they become active during the cooler hours.

10. Travel Light and Smart #

• Pack Only Essentials: A cluttered vehicle can limit movement and become uncomfortable, especially on long drives. Bring only what’s necessary—binoculars, cameras, water bottles, and a small daypack. Avoid carrying too many valuables that could be easily misplaced during multiple stops and sightings.

11. Hydration and Snacks #

• Stay Hydrated: The Masai Mara sun can be relentless during the day, so carry enough water to stay hydrated. Some camps provide snacks for your drive, but it’s a good idea to bring a few personal items like energy bars for longer drives. However, avoid eating near animals, as even harmless food scents can attract curious wildlife.

12. Cultural Sensitivity #

• Respect Local Customs: You may pass through villages or see local Maasai herders with their livestock especially in the nearby conservancies. While it’s tempting to take photos, always ask for permission first. The Maasai have a rich culture, and showing respect enhances the overall safari experience.

13. Eco-Friendly Practices #

• Use Refillable Water Bottles: Reduce plastic waste by carrying reusable water bottles. Safaris can create significant waste due to single-use plastics, and sticking to eco-friendly practices ensures a lower environmental footprint.
• Leave No Trace: Ensure that no litter is left behind in the wild. Game drives are often in pristine ecosystems, so keep any packaging, wrappers, or other waste in your vehicle until you can dispose of it at camp.

14. Handling Sightings of Endangered or Vulnerable Species: #

Sensitive Areas: Avoid high-impact areas like breeding grounds, especially during sensitive periods such as mating or birthing seasons. Keep clear of nests, burrows, and dens to avoid scaring off animals or exposing vulnerable young.

Respect the Rarity: Endangered species like the black rhino are sensitive to disturbances. Maintain a significant distance (even more than the standard 20 meters) to ensure that their natural behaviors remain uninterrupted. Be mindful not to overcrowd these sightings, as they are often the most sought-after.

New Rules Introduced by Narok County and Conservancies to Boost Conservation Efforts; #

Last year Narok County Governor Mr. Ntutu signed the 10-year Masai Mara National Reserve Management Plan aimed at reducing environmental degredation at the Reserve in a number of ways including ban of private 2WD vehicles from being used for game drives inside the Reserve. Additionally, entry fees to access the Reserve was increased significantly beginning July 2024 with the aim of curbing overtourism especially during the Great Migration.

In the same tone, several conservancies have laid out rules.

The Northern Mara Conservancies Code of Conduct, covering Lemek, Ol Chorro, Enonkishu, and Mbokishi conservancies, outlines essential guidelines for game drives to ensure the protection of the environment, wildlife, and respect for other visitors. Key points include:

1. Driver Responsibility: All guides and drivers must sign the Code of Conduct annually after training, and are responsible for their passengers’ actions. Only accredited drivers, with valid qualifications, may operate in the conservancies.
2. Vehicle Requirements: Only 4×4 safari vehicles in natural colors, such as Land Cruisers or Landrovers, are allowed. No small or unauthorized vehicles are permitted.
3. Game Drive Etiquette:
   • Follow a strict speed limit of 40 kph and avoid excessive noise.
   • Do not stand on vehicle roofs, litter, or exit vehicles except in designated areas.
   • Offroad driving is allowed but should respect wildlife guidelines.
   • Avoid chasing, harassing, or obstructing animals, and maintain a minimum distance of 10 meters from predators.
4. Viewing Predators: A maximum of 5 vehicles is allowed near predators, with a 15 to 30-minute viewing limit if other vehicles are waiting. Always give predators a route to escape, do not follow hunting animals, and minimize noise when animals are calling.
5. Night Drives and Other Rules: Night game drives are permitted until 10:00 pm with proper lighting. Drones and firearms are prohibited unless authorized. All vehicles must respect balloon transport routes and avoid disrupting the natural behavior of wildlife.

This Code emphasizes respect for wildlife, conservation efforts, and the importance of maintaining a peaceful experience for all tourists.