A world renowned destination, Kenya provides one of the best safari experiences in Africa. Safari is a Swahili word meaning a long journey and in this context it means a vacation.With a wide array of biodiversity and captivating landscapes, Kenya offers a great holiday experience. Generally speaking holidays in Kenya are usually memorable but you might not be aware of the mistakes you could commit during a safari. These mistakes refer to actions that can affect the sustainability of ecotourism by adversely altering the natural environment. The 8 mistakes that you could be making while on safari include;
1. Feeding Wildlife
You should not feed wildlife especially in parks and sanctuaries as this can interfere with their feeding habits and lead dependence on human beings for food.
2. Driving off-road
This implies driving outside designated tracks for vehicles . Driving off-road damages vegetation and by extension habitat for wildlife. It also leads to soil erosion and land degradation. This habit is so common with people on self drive safaris in East Africa.
3. Disturbing Animals
While on safari, you should try as much as you can not to disturb animals. Some animals like Rhinos can be easily provoked by disturbance such as hooting. You should also maintain a safe distance from wild animals as getting too close might cause them stress.
4. Getting outside your vehicle
Exiting your vehicle can be lethal. Remember animals are also dangerous. It is highly advisable to stay in your vehicle when inside national parks and reserves. You can however leave your vehicle at designated areas and upon the advice of your tour guide.
5. Speeding in parks
Inside National Parks & reserves animals usually have the right of way. In Kenya the speed limit inside parks is 4o kilometer per hour. It is necessary to adhere to this speed limit so as to avoid accidents with wildlife.
6. Not Supporting Eco friendly Facilities
If not well managed some tourist facilities lead to degradation of natural resources surrounding the facility. It is important to support ecofriendly facilities since you will also be supporting environmental conservation efforts not only for yourself but also for generations to come.
7. Disturbing Ecological Balance
Ecological Balance refers to a state of dynamic equilibrium within an ecosystem. The earths components are interdependent on each other and thus disturbing one component can easily affect other component of the ecosystem. For instance you should not harvest corals as they serve as habitat for some aquatic organisms.
8. Littering
Just like our homes, wildlife need an environment void of harmful materials to stay in. Some types of litter e.g polythene paper are harmful to wildlife when ingested and thus you should not litter whenever you’re on safari.
If you didn’t know,well now you know.