Is open-top game viewing dangerous?

Are people who go on Park game drives in an open-topped vehicle at a higher risk? NKL

Experience suggests they are at no greater risk of being attacked.  But in that unlikely event, they would, of course, be more exposed.

Most wildlife in busy game parks are familiar (even bored) with the visiting species that makes a burbling noise and has circular legs. Most assess a vehicle and its occupants as a single entity, and do not distinguish between the can and the edible contents. And most wildlife anywhere is not innately aggressive unless it is either threatened or competing for food.

And humans are most definitely not on their regular menu of opportunity...unless they have tasted one and discovered how easy it is to catch and peel and are either very lazy or desperately hungry. Those are called “man-eaters”. They are very few and usually do not live long.

The more likely wildlife threat is posed by monkeys and baboons, who might “raid” the vehicle if they see tidbits like fruit or sweets inside it.  

Kenya does not permit completely topless safari vehicles for game drives, but many tour calmly and safely with completely rolled-up canvas sides. Game park rules are also very safety-first in the use of roof hatches.

These restrictions are based on worst-case scenarios; a “due diligence” measure rather than a practical essential. In counterpoint, to illustrate just how safe wildlife can be if managed with a high degree of skill, Kenya permits walking safaris in very remote areas. 

These are usually conducted by people with levels of experience and training well above the norm. Many Kenyans live their day-to-day lives near predators. 

Specially licenced open-top vehicles are permitted in parts of Southern Africa, which is globally recognised as a paragon in wildlife management and training, and those are usually accompanied by marksmen already proven in emergency circumstances, armed with an appropriate weapon. 

By that I mean a charging buffalo might not be instantly felled by a standard issue G3, but it can be stopped by a .458 if it is shot in the right place.

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