Your mantra while on any kind of safari is "quietly, calmly, slowly." It goes without saying that -- unless you're an expert -- you'll be most likely to have close encounters with wildlife, as well as more interesting conversations, if you travel with an expert guide, who knows where the animals are and all about their habits and behavior.

Your safari guide will make sure you know the rules. But if you're visiting a national park on your own, here are a few tips from the Kenya Tourism Office:

Viewing -- Generally speaking, the best time for game drives is early morning (6:30 to 9 a.m.), when animals are often feeding, and again in late afternoon (around 3 p.m., after the heat of the day). Always drive slowly and keep your eyes focused on bushes and tall grass. When you spot an animal, do not stop suddenly! Slow down and pull up until you reach the safest distance and then stop your engine. To get the best photographs, refrain from sticking your head through the roof hatch or the car window! Just adjust your equipment slowly until you are in the correct position. (If you see skittish hyenas, elands or rhinos, take special care -- they generally run at the first sight of an approaching vehicle. If the animals appear uneasy, stop, turn off your engine and be quiet and still. Even camera clicking may set them off!
Speed -- If you're driving in a park, keep your speed down. Not only does this protect animals who might jump across the road unexpectedly, it also improves your chances of seeing elusive animals like leopards, who might be hidden behind bushes. Obviously, animals have the right of way on these roads.
Short Cuts -- Driving off the road to get closer to animals is a bad idea! You'll disturb the animals' breeding and feeding habits and destroy vegetation in the process.
Ambushes -- Do not surround animals at their kill with your car engine on and your cameras in action! Some animals hunt by day and if you scare them away, they and their young may go without eating for several days. Remember, too, that you should NEVER get out of your vehicle except at official camps, self-guided nature trails or game observation points. Animals, who are comfortable with passing vehicles, may become aggressive with a person on foot. (Lions are especially protective if their cubs are nearby!)
Food -- Do not feed the wild animals. It may make them sick or cause them to attack in search of more food.