WILDLIFE VIEWING

Whether you're viewing wildlife from a vehicle or on foot, early morning or evening, are the best times, as this is when most animals are active. The following tips will help you get the most out of watching them.

. Wildlife take time to notice the environment. After spotting an animal, stop to look around and you will usually notice a lot more activity. Staking out a waterhole for several hours will almost always reward you with a greater understanding of what is going on.

. If another vehicle has beat you to a hot spot, whatever is happening, it's possible to stay back and not block their view.

. Warthogs, zebras, baboons, giraffes and many antelope's species happily associate with each other, so it's common to observe several species at one time. However, the presence of feeding herbivores does not preclude the possibility of a predator in the vicinity, so be alert for stalking lions.

. If you want to observe wildlife, don't dazzle it with shocking pink, fluorescent yellow or even (unlikely in Tanzania), freshly scrubbed white. Wear natural earth colors and avoid bright jewelry that can catch the sunlight.

. Don't startle animals with any quick movements.

. Don't forget your binoculars, which will allow you to turn a speck in the distance into something that's somewhat more interesting and will also enhance bird-watching opportunities.