There’s something timeless about being out on safari. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, the bush has a way of grounding you, of drawing you into its rhythm. Here at Royal Jozini, we’re privileged to experience that magic daily — the quiet mornings by the lake, the shifting golden light of late afternoons, and the sense that, at any moment, the wild will reveal a story.
But just as there’s a rhythm to the bush, there’s also a rhythm to how we, as guests, should behave within it. And when that rhythm is disrupted … well, I’ll admit, it can set my teeth on edge!
Why Etiquette Matters
I have to confess, nothing makes me grit my teeth faster than people who break the simple, unspoken rules of safari. The ones who stand up at the crucial moment, or who can’t resist pointing and shouting “There!” as if the guide and the rest of us are blind. Or the chatterboxes who keep up a loud conversation when everyone else is straining to hear the bush speak.
Safari etiquette isn’t about being strict — it’s about respect. Respect for the animals, for your fellow travellers, and for the wilderness itself. The wild doesn’t perform on command. It reveals itself when we are quiet, patient, and attentive.
I’ll never forget one morning, many years ago in Mpumalanga, we were on a drive when we came across a lioness resting under a fever tree, her cubs sprawled in the grass beside her. It was the kind of sighting that takes your breath away. But then someone behind me stood up with their phone held high. In an instant, the lioness gathered her cubs and melted into the bush. A magical moment — gone because one person couldn’t sit still.
The Golden Guidelines
Over time, I’ve come to treasure a few simple rules that make every safari more meaningful:
• Stay seated and still. Let the animals come to you.
• Keep your voice low. Whisper, if anything. The bush has its own soundtrack.
• Trust your guide. They know when to keep quiet and when to move on.
• Respect fellow guests. Everyone deserves their moment.
• Leave no trace. Take memories, leave only footprints.
Snapshots from the Bush
When everyone follows the rhythm, something beautiful happens. One late afternoon, we stopped near a waterhole as the light softened to gold. The entire vehicle fell silent. Out of the thicket came a breeding herd of elephants, one by one, down to drink. Calves jostled playfully, mothers sprayed water across their backs, and at one point, a curious little one flapped his ears and came right up to the vehicle before scampering back to his mother. Because we were quiet, they lingered.
Another time, sitting silently near the lake, we heard a fish eagle’s haunting call echo across the water — moments later, a kingfisher darted down to catch its supper. It was a perfect, fleeting scene that no amount of talking could have improved.
The Heart of It
Good safari etiquette isn’t about rules to be enforced; it’s about honouring the moment. When we are still and respectful, the bush speaks. And what it says is unforgettable.
So next time you join us on a game drive at Royal Jozini, remember: the bush is speaking. Sit back, breathe deeply, and let the magic unfold around you.
And please — whatever you do — don’t stand up and shout just as the leopard appears!
Come and Experience It for Yourself
If it’s been a while since your last visit, or perhaps you have never been to visit us, perhaps it’s time to come and let the bush speak to you!. Whether you’re planning a quiet retreat, a photographic adventure, or just a few restorative days surrounded by nature, Royal Jozini is waiting.
Book your next stay or simply get in touch to start dreaming.
