Be there at the right time – Take the early morning drives on safari even though that often means getting up while it’s still dark. By doing this your chance of wildlife sightings will improve as animals tend to hide in the shade and not move much in the heat of the day.
2. Appreciate the little things - Most first-time visitors want to tick off the Big 5, but it’s worth finding out more about other species. There are a multitude of insects, birds and smaller creatures that can be just as interesting if you take the time to look and to find out more.
3. Bring a good pair of binoculars – remember some Africa parks are bigger than some European countries and . . . . . . the animals generally wear camouflage.
4. Train your vision. Fixed stares from a herd of zebras or gazelle may indicate the presence of predators. A cloud of dust may indicate a large herd on the move. Bark and branches torn off trees are generally evidence that elephants have passed by. 
Look for small details like unusual movements in trees, strange shadows in the open or awkward sounds. Animal spoor/tracks and dung provide vital information about what has passed by and how recently it was there. A good wildlife guidebook will have illustrations of many species’ dung and their spoor.
5. Listen to the sounds of the bush. Baboons, monkeys, squirrels, and birds give raucous alarm calls in the presence of predators. Kudus bark when frightened and nothing beats the low rumble of elephant communications.
6. Watch bird behaviour. Vultures wheeling above may also indicate the presence of predators. Follow the flight of oxpeckers 
and you’re likely to locate a herd of animals as the birds survive off the ticks and other insects that cling to animal hide (particularly buffalo). Cattle egrets dine on the insects and earthworms kicked up by grazing herbivores.
7. Be quiet, move slowly & have patience- Many animals have become rather habituated to the noise of car engines but will run away if you are too loud. Sudden movements can also frighten them. Unlike zoos, national parks and game reserves are vast wild areas, so do not expect to see lions, rhinos, leopard and elephants every kilometer! Persistence is the key and it is usually when you least expect it that you bump into the most exciting and rewarding sighting.
8. Never feed the baboons and monkeys that hang out at picnic sites & camp sites as this is tantamount to signing their death warrant, as they then become increasingly aggressive and may have to be shot.
9. Drink lots of water – Travelers to Africa are at risk for dehydration as your body may not be accustomed to the hot sun and dry air of the bush.
10. Talk to your guide – ask questions about the area and take the time to refer to any reference books available. You may see the animals on the game-drive but you will often only real learn about them as you discuss the day’s sightings around the campfire.
