Caution... wild animals!

One of the greatest fears for campers in the wilderness is a predator attack. But how likely is it on an overland trip – and what should you do if the unthinkable happens?

- Cyril Klopper

Experts say there are three main reasons why a wild animal will attack: if it feels threatened, if it is desperately hungry or if you've come too close to its young.

We take a closer look at five of the most dangerous animals in southern Africa... and yes, we know statistically malaria mosquitoes and venomous snakes are more dangerous, but here we're sticking to the big beasts that fuel our nightmares.

We're certainly not trying to scare you off from camping and exploring the wild; we simply want to remind you to keep your wits about you as you head into the bush.

Hippos

According to statistics, hippos are the world’s most dangerous land mammals, killing an average of 500 people every year. A hippo is extremely territorial, and if you surprise one, its first instinct is to defend itself rather than flee.

Former Miss South Africa Diana Tilden-Davis was attacked by a hippo in the Okavango Delta in December 2003. Her husband, Chris Kruger, recalls that various animals in northern Botswana were restless at the time due to a severe drought. The hippos in particular were extremely grumpy because of the low water levels and lack of grazing. When Tilden-Davis accidentally stumbled upon a hippo, the animal capsized her canoe, bit her lower leg and tried to drag her off. Fortunately, she managed to escape, but she very nearly lost her foot.

The most recent attack on home soil happened on 21 January this year in the Kruger National Park, when a suspected poacher near Pretoriuskop was killed by a hippo.

If you're in an area where hippos occur, listen out for the call of the red-billed oxpecker – it may indicate that hippos are nearby. Stay well clear, and if one charges at you – and yes, they can run faster than you - immediately dive into your vehicle or scramble up the nearest tree.

Crocodiles