Have you ever been on a shark trip where they’ve chummed and baited the water, and forced the shark to bump the boat, just to get that extra buzz? No wonder the shark disappears very quickly when treated with such a lack of respect. 

Would it not be preferable to use an ethical operator with a proven record that, by merely observing the shark in its natural habitat - without forcing it to injure itself by bumping your cage in search of a meal - would provide a longer, comfortable and better-quality experience for all concerned? 

Do we influence predators’ behaviour by observing them? It’s a topic that often appears around the fire at night in camps all over Africa, and is debated at length by guests, guides, staff and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Exchanges often become heated. Having been a part of similar discussions myself, and as a non-guide but passionate amateur conservationist, we would be very interested in sharing similar experiences. 

For instance, have you ever been asked to view a predator at night without the use of a red filter, even though you’ve explained that it’s unacceptable behaviour that, quite clearly, has a massive influence on the outcome of a potential hunt, both for the predator and prey? Where do you stand, when watching cheetah hunting, when they use the vehicle that you’re sitting in as cover to approach the unwary impalas that you’re watching, and hoping to see an actual kill? 

We’re passionate about responsible tourism at Essential Africa, and would love to hear your thoughts. I’m sure it’ll be an interesting debate!