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World's Worst Tourists

World's Worst Tourists: Harassing Elephants in Africa

September 19, 2007 at 9:30 AM | 1 Comment

Sometimes it's no particular nationality that makes our list of the World's Worst Tourists, but a whole bunch of idiots from all over the world who just have no idea how to behave. Like the case of the elephant harassers in southern Africa.

In bygone days, tourists who went on safari in Africa were more likely to be khaki-wearing, binocular-carrying scientific types with a keen sense of animal rights. Not anymore. The tourist minister in Namibia has had to issue warnings to tourists to behave more appropriately around elephants, after a number of tourists were killed by irritated, trunk-waving beasts. An experienced guide complained about situations like this one:

This big old bull (elephant) was drinking on the Kwando River, but he wasn't active enough for these tourists. So they started revving their engines, blowing the horn and banging the doors to attract his attention. Result? He charged them. Next time he sees a 4WD, he'll charge that, too, because these boys don't forget.

It's the self-drive tourists who reckon they don't need a guide that cause the most problems, so if you're traveling in southern Africa watch out for these elephant harassers.

Related Stories:
· Namibia Issues Elephant Warning [UK Times]
· Seeing the Dunes in Namibia [Jaunted]
· Where's My Elephant? [Jaunted]

[Photo: CharlesFred]