|
19 Jul 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: On the road, Homeward bound :-(
Posts: 127
|
|
Wild Critters! Thanks Nat Geo!!!
Hi,
The wife has been watching "Africa's 12 Most Deadly Animals" on the Nat Geo channel, and got herself all worked up about being bitten by snakes, scorpions or getting her face chewed off by hyena's while kipping in the tent/under the stars.
Anybody have any hints or tips on what precautions we would need to take while camping out in the bush?
Cheers
|
19 Jul 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
|
|
You're not even safe inside the house. My mate AJ got stung 3 times by a scorpion sleeping at home in Phoenix 2 weeks ago! The doc said the pain may last for 2 months, ouch!
Generally if you make plenty of noise moving around the critters will give you a wide berth, unless they're really hungry. I had 9 days camping in Joshua tree, Yosemite and Sequoia National parks and apart from a bear sniffing about one night only saw a few lizards.
You'll be fine.
|
19 Jul 2008
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wild West (of Crete)
Posts: 283
|
|
I trod on a bee in Tanzania.
Careful now!
|
21 Jul 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
|
|
My wife wasn't used to bush camping when we started our trans africa so for about the first 2 months, she was awake all night and then huddled up in the landrover trying to sleep during the day. After about 2 months, she got used to it, chilled out and became comfortable with it. The only advice I would follow is about not having food in a tent, right by you over night in areas where there are animals, they won't be in the slightest bit interested in you, they will be after the food but still may not be a nice experience. Other than that, I wouldn't worry. We used a swag for the whole 9 months trans africa, just sleeping out in the open. Woke a couple of times to find camels looking down on you but usually fall back asleep thinking I'm dreaming and only realise in the morning when I see the hoof marks. Had the same with horses and locals.
Have fun.
Last edited by Toby2; 22 Jul 2008 at 10:50.
|
21 Jul 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
|
|
A couple nights ago, I was on an overnight in the Okavango Delta. The island was full of Hippos - perhaps more deadly to man than any other animal - thrashing about in the water, crashing through the bush, bellowing and what not for hours, just a few dozen meters away.
I slept like a baby while my guide was getting up every few hours to keep the fire stoked. In the morning, we were both alive.
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
|
21 Jul 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 179
|
|
Not to sound insensitive, but you're travelling to these places partly because of the unknown, the danger and the excitement of not knowing what comes next. If you want "safe" holiday, go to your travel agents and book a holiday with insurance.
In terms of deadly wild savage animals that want to tear you to shreds in your sleep, use some common sense, you'll be surprised how good that tool can be.
Animals, much like us humans are motivated by 2 rudimentary things, sex and food.... and since you're not going to be raped by a horny hyena... assume whatever food/smell you're producing doesn't attract them, as Toby2 mentioned.
You'll be fine
|
22 Jul 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
|
|
Neil, having read your post, maybe you are on to something. You seem quite adament that the hyena won't be interested in Panhandle but may be hyenas will find panhandle attractive, maybe the hyenas just aren't that picky. Its a whole different angle on security in the wild.
|
29 Jul 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 280
|
|
A few suggestions based on my experience...
If camping in unfenced ares where there are game:
As Toby 2 says don't keep food in or near tent. I have seen photos of an elephant in Chobe, Botswana unitentionally wrecking a car to get to a bag of rubbish hung on the door handle.
Never give food to any animals in camp. Hyenas and jackals can be a real pest and hyenas in particular aren't nice to have up close.
Don't leave your tent at night. Either have a 'tent bottle' or if you can't face that go close by.
Generally
Roof tents are a distinct advantage re creepy crawlies - keep it zipped up at all times.
Don't leave boots/shoes out and get into the habit of knocking them out. A cheapo shower cap (free in hotels) is useful to put over the top.
Be careful collecting firewood - snakes/scorpions could be hiding there.
Don't worry unduly - just be aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine. Have a great time.
|
30 Jul 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
|
|
I'd like to stick with my previous approach that generally things are fine and you just need to take simple precautions such as re food. This is not to put you off because I thinks its a very rare exception but check out this link when it does happen. Roof tents might be great of crawling things but apparently not so good for Elephants.
Elephant vs. RTT - Expedition Portal Forums
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|