Africa is not a zoo

A real safari

On a real safari you venture out into the wilderness where specific safety rules apply which will be explained to you. Too many times you see people hanging out of safari jeeps just to be able to take that one epic picture. One important rule is that you need to keep all your limbs inside of the vehicle when dangerous animals are near because they see the jeep as one big creature, even if the roof and the windows are open. As long as they have the illusion of it being a whole, you are safe.

The rooftops of the vehicles on a YŪGEN safari exist of a detachable sail, allowing you to easily take pictures of animals hiding in the grass at a distance or high up in the trees. The windows can also be detached so you do not need to take pictures through glass or plastic sides.

Most animals which you may encounter are beautiful to look at. Cute cubs and small zebras will pose and provide magnificent memories, which you will still smile about long after you returned home.  But you may also witness the harshness of nature, which you will not see at the zoo. In the African bush one’s death means life to others.

Another threat which animals living in the wild face are diseases and malnutrition. Especially in times of extreme drought, life can get really challenging. Your guide can notify the park rangers in exceptional cases. Usually the laws of Mother Nature need to be respected and there can be no interference by mankind. We only have the privilege of observing these animals in their natural world and we should do so by being as invisible as possible.  

Poachers sometimes dare to poison waterholes in order to kill animals and sell their fur or tusks. This would be a case in which it is important to notify the rangers and parks who try to protect all wildlife.

YŪGEN tours wants to paint an honest picture and not only show you the beautiful images.

When travelling with YŪGEN tours you will not be allowed to touch or hug animals and we will not offer any of the destinations which support or encourage this behavior. We will not work with partners in countries who do not make a real effort to protect wild animals against poachers and who allow trophy hunting. Most of the money gained out of such practices often goes to corrupt politicians, large landowners or even terrorist organizations and very seldom to less fortuned locals.

We do wish to support those countries which offer compensation to farmers, whose cattle has been killed by wild animals. We wish to encourage governments which do all they can to protect their natural wealth and let the locals benefit from money acquired out of pure photo tourism. We work with a local company that trains and employs local people.

There are not many countries who meet all of these conditions. Our decision to team up with a provider in Botswana was not accidental but a conscious choice.  It is here that we found a country and a partner which are committed to the welfare of the people and nature.

Check our website to find out more about our safari tours in Botswana. Some routes also provide a glimpse of the surrounding countries. Or feel free to write hello@yugentours.com for any inquiry you may have. We are more than happy to advice and assist in putting together your holiday of a lifetime.