As an eco-traveller, I appreciate the wildlife in the national parks. I see them in all shapes and sizes, some timid, others frightening. Usually, the big challenge for me is to enjoy the tour while overcoming fear of ‘frightening’ animals. With time, I learnt that great faith and courage overcomes fear in all aspects of life. When I was in campus, I once moved to a house that had not been inhibited for a while so it had all kind of insects in it. As a student with little money in my pocket, I could only afford to buy some powder that keeps off insects. I used to be frightened because once when I had worn my smart t-shirt and shorts and I felt something crawling on my back. It was a spider! I had to shake it off.
To overcome fear, I read the bible and found in Genesis that God created man to be in charge of all creation. From then on I realised that there’s no need to fear small insects. Once game-driving in the Maasai Mara, I encountered a cobra, my window was open. I kept calm and closed the window of the van. I got confidence to overcome fear that even a scary fox can smell fear but if you’re confident and take precaution, less harm comes your way.
Eco-Travel Tips
- When travelling in a national park or game sanctuary, follow the game warden’s guidelines since they have the experience. Take precaution when travelling in the wild because the noise of the vehicles sometimes might be translated to the animals as incoming danger and that’s when they can attack.
- Never feed or touch wildlife for any reason. Feeding wildlife can lead to attacks and if you get bit, the animal will most likely be killed.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife so as not to attract attention of an animal which can harm you.
- You can help prevent illegal wildlife trade by asking before you buy items e.g. if someone tries to sell ivory which has been banned, report any illegal wildlife trade to the respective authorities.
- While touring, you can donate to a conservancy e.g. the preservation of extinct white rhino or for the elephant shelters among others.
Fun fact: Giraffes are the tallest living mammals on earth.
“Travel can weave a crazy quilt of emotions inside us. The one that should overwhelm us again and again is gratitude” – Adage