Game Drive Etiquette

Driving through Madikwe Game Reserve in an open game viewing vehicle is an unforgettable experience. It’s one of the few times in life we can truly commune with nature, allowing our senses to roam and remember what it is to be connected with the living world around us.

No two game drives are the same, and whilst our guiding teams will always do their best to help you tick animals off your bucket list, it is important to remember that this is a wild space; the bush follows its own rhythms and it is not answerable to us. In fact, in the awed hush of a lion sighting you might find yourself reminded that out here, we are not the apex predator!

Here are a few tips to ensure your ride on the game viewing vehicle is fun, safe and successful.

1. Wear clothing in neutral colours. It’s best to leave your bright items at the lodge, as this can alarm animals.
2. Wear a hat and bring along ample sunscreen – the African summer sun is no joke.
3. Bring along your camera & binoculars.
4. Keep your phone on silent; better yet, switch it on to Airplane Mode!
5. Bring a bird book if you’re a twitcher. (Our guide will have one on hand to share with the group as well.)
6. Speak in a calm, respectful register whilst on the vehicle.
7. Stay hydrated.
8. Be conscious of uploading images of endangered animals on social media. Pinpointing an endangered animal’s location on the internet can be a beacon for poachers.
9. Ask questions – our rangers and trackers have deep knowledge of the bush and love sharing it with interested guests.
10. Respect every sighting. Remember, not everybody shares the same interests, and we should all be mindful of one another before demanding to move on to the next sighting.

1. Stand whilst on the vehicle, unless given permission to do so.
2. Make noises to try and attract an animal’s attention.
3. Put your hands outside the vehicle or try to touch an animal for any reason.
4. Shout out for your guide’s attention – inside voices at all times.
5. Argue with your guide when it comes to safety – they are professionals and know best.
6. Stay silent if you feel uncomfortable. Your guide will always take your feelings into consideration when approaching a sighting.
7. Get overly zealous with flash photography at night. It’s better to ask your guide to help you set up a shot using their spotlight.

Remember: When in doubt, always consult your guide. Over the course of your stay, they will be with you every step of the way and conversations don’t have to end when you get off the vehicle. At Tuningi Safari, our guides have dedicated years to honing their knowledge, making them a fount of information.

Heading Out

At Tuningi Safari, we heed nature’s calendar and plan the times of our game drives according to the season.

Take a look at our Summer and Winter Schedules at the link below.

What types of Game Drives do we offer?

We’re glad you asked!

The Madikwe Game Reserve has a thriving Big 5 population, which is why, among regular Morning & Afternoon Game Drives, we also offer a Big Five Safari Game Drive. Read more about the experiences at Tuningi.

Book your Safari Vacation

If you’re interested in staying at Tuningi Safari and seeing all the Big 5 animals in South Africa, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly reservations team directly at book@tuningi.co.za or click here to use our online booking system.

We look forward to welcoming you on our next Big 5 Game Drive!