During a wildlife photography tour with NaturesLens, guests need to act respectfully & responsibly towards the guide, fellow participants, & the environment. Below is a detailed summary of acceptable behaviours & actions that detail how we expect you to behave:

How We Expect You to Behave During a Wildlife Tour With Us

Respect the Guide’s Experience

• • Listen attentively to all instructions provided by the guide, who possesses specialized knowledge regarding safety protocols, wildlife behaviour, & effective photography techniques.
  • When seeking clarification or additional information, politely ask questions & avoid confrontationally challenging the guide, which could undermine the group’s experience.

Be Considerate of Other Guests

• • Share the available space & photography opportunities with others. Be aware of your surroundings to ensure equal access to prime shooting locations.
  • Keep noise levels to a minimum, as loud conversations or sudden noises can startle wildlife & detract from the immersive experience for other participants.
  • Practice patience & cooperation, especially during moments of anticipation, such as waiting for a specific animal to appear or when capturing a difficult shot.

Respect Wildlife & the Environment

• • Maintain a respectful distance from animals, ensuring no approach is closer than the guide’s recommended distance. This not only protects the wildlife but also enhances your observation & photographing experience.
  • Follow ethical wildlife photography practices. Avoid disrupting their natural behaviours or positioning yourself in a way that could stress them out for the sake of a photograph.
  • Leave no trace of your presence: refrain from leaving behind litter, & show respect for natural habitats by avoiding any actions that could damage them, such as trampling on flora or disturbing the ground.

Be Prepared & Punctual

• • Arrive on time for all scheduled activities, as timely departures are crucial for maximizing wildlife encounters & photography opportunities. Be ready with your equipment, ensuring that all batteries are charged & memory cards have sufficient spare capacity.
  • Bring appropriate gear, including clothing for varying weather conditions, sturdy footwear, & all necessary photographic equipment. This preparation minimizes the need for others’ assistance.

Stay Safe & Follow Rules

• • Adhere strictly to all safety guidelines communicated by the guide. These instructions are designed to protect both you & the wildlife encountered during the tour.
  • Avoid engaging in risky behaviour that could endanger yourself, fellow guests, or wildlife, such as attempting to climb obstacles or venturing into unsafe terrains.

 Behaviour That Is Not Tolerated Which Could Lead To YouR Removal From The Tour

Disrespecting the Guide or Other Guests

• • Disregarding instructions or continued unwarranted vocal disagreement with the guide is unacceptable.
  • Treat all participants with kindness & respect to foster a harmonious group dynamic.
  • Avoid monopolizing prime photography spots or behaving disruptively, as this can sour the experience for others seeking to enjoy the visit.

Endangering Wildlife

• • Getting too close to animals, chasing them, or attempting to touch them is strictly prohibited. Such actions can lead to stress or harm to the animals & jeopardize the group’s safety.
  • The use of flash photography or drones in ways that could disrupt or harm wildlife is not allowed. Always check with the guide regarding the use of specific equipment.

Breaking Environmental Rules

• • Littering, picking plants, or causing damage to the natural environment will not be tolerated.
  • Respect all aspects of the ecosystem, as your actions impact the environment & future wildlife experiences for all.
  • Do not venture into restricted areas or ignore park regulations. These rules are in place for the safety & conservation of wildlife.

Unsafe Behaviour

• • Wandering off alone without informing the guide is strictly forbidden. Always stay with the group to ensure everyone’s safety & maintain the integrity of the experience.
  • Ignoring established safety protocols, such as staying within designated areas or vehicles, is unacceptable & could put you & others at risk.

Disruptive Conduct

• • Excessive loudness, irresponsible use of mobile phones, or disturbing the group’s peace or surrounding wildlife are prohibited. Your behaviour should reflect an appreciation of the experience for both yourself & your peers.

By adhering to these guidelines, guests will contribute to a positive, safe, & enjoyable experience for everyone on the tour while ensuring the well-being of wildlife & the environment.