The Art of Tracking

Before heading out on your safari, your guide will ask you about your expectations. Are there any animals you particularly hope to see or perhaps a special interest you wish to explore? Think of your tracker as the fairy godmother of your safari, guiding you through the wilderness, bringing your wildlife dreams to life, and creating moments you’ll never forget.

Your fairy godmother, more commonly known as your tracker, can make your safari dreams come true

The Power of a Tracker

Our guides and trackers have an intimate knowledge of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, greatly increasing the likelihood of spotting elusive wildlife such as leopards.

Understanding animal behaviour is crucial, particularly when tracking species with distinct territorial boundaries. These territories can span several kilometres, varying considerably depending on the animal. While knowing an animal's usual territory greatly aids in locating it, nature remains unpredictable, and sightings can never be guaranteed in any specific spot.

Imagine the excitement of a guest who hopes to see a leopard for the very first time in the wild. Spotting elusive wildlife such as leopards often depends on understanding their territorial behaviour. Animal territories can be complex, varying considerably in size and sometimes stretching for several kilometres, depending on the species. It’s no wonder guests frequently ask their tracker, "How did you manage to spot that leopard hiding beneath the bush?".

Every detail matters when tracking, no matter how small

A Brief Guide to Tracking

When an animal moves, it leaves footprints – known as tracks – behind. These tracks are invaluable to our guides and trackers, who rely on them to determine how many and which species you will encounter during your stay. Although vehicles follow the reserve roads, the most effective tracking takes place on foot since wildlife seldom confines itself to tracks.

Entering the Animal’s Territory

Successful tracking begins by entering the animal’s own domain. Our guides know these areas intimately and drive along routes typically used by the species you wish to find. As soon as tracks are spotted, the tracker’s skill comes into play.

How Can We Tell If Wildlife Tracks Are Fresh?

Assessing the age of tracks is essential. Following those that are more than a day old can prove to be difficult, as the animal may already have moved many kilometres away. Although tracking older prints is possible, it demands considerably more time, which we rarely have when our drives last between three and three and a half hours. Fresh tracks, by contrast, indicate that the animal is likely still within reach.

Unearthing Clues from Nature

After an animal passes through an area, several clues emerge. Other creatures may overlay their footprints on the original tracks, offering hints about when the first animal passed. Likewise, wind-blown sand and leaves settling into the prints reveal further information about their age. By interpreting these natural signals, our trackers can follow the trail with remarkable precision.

Footprints tell a riveting tale, that is, if the animal's feet touch the ground!

Join Us on an Unforgettable Journey

While this process may sound complex on paper, the reality is a thrilling adventure. We invite you to accompany our expert trackers at Silvan Safari and experience the excitement of following a pride of lions, a solitary elephant bull or an elusive leopard that may have crossed your path mere minutes before you arrived.