Africa is a wonderful continent that contains a vast range of wildlife. I have a fascination with the big cats.

Here’s a few tips to apply for if you’re walking around your campsite or doing a walking safari with your trusted guide, you round the corner and suddenly find yourself face to face with a lion.

Don’t Run. Ever. Just don’t. It’s the trickiest point to implement but when out in the wilds of Africa you must never, ever run. 

Look at the animal’s tail. When a lion is angry or feeling threatened it will sweep its tail from side to side. If it’s hunting, it will keep its tail stiff and twitch it from time to time. If the lion is actively hunting you, you will see stalking indications, the lowering of the head. Stand still, even if the lion charges you do not run. This can be extremely intimidating. They charge at 80 km per hour and the roaring is deafening. If you have frozen and then lion is not approaching, but not leaving either, then start to back slowly away. If it starts to move, then freeze immediately. If you have frozen and the lion is not approaching, but not leaving either, then start to slowly back away. If it starts to move, then freeze immediately. Don’t crouch down, you want to  You want to show that you are not food , and, not a threat.

Predators don’t see humans as food. Often, they will want to get away from us as quick as possible. We are odd to them! But all predators have a ‘switch’ in their brains. If they see an animal running, it will suddenly become prey. If they see a person running, we will be on their menu. It’s just the primal instinct to chase after prey.

Slowly – very, very slowly – back away from the animal making noise and ensuring you are looking bigger than the animal (don’t crouch down). 

it’s very unlikely that animals will pose a threat to you whilst out and about in Africa as animals are shy and tend to keep themselves to themselves. Humans are not on the menu we are not normal prey to them. 

So, you must be smart as they are not harmless and there have been some unfortunate events where there has been conflict between animals and humans.

IMPORTANT: OBVIOUSLY never get too close to any animal. They are wild and should be treated with respect.