Going on safari? Forget malaria. Worry about khaki fever

Posted by Carolynne Higgins on 25 November 2013

I’d like to start off with a disclaimer. I, in no way, mean to trivialize malaria. It is a serious remittent disease that is often fatal and one should always take precautionary measures before entering a malaria zone. However, today we are not here to discuss malaria. We are here to address another fever that has been rife within the female population since the bygone era. The latest outbreak has hit the shores of South Africa and it attacks civilians on safari when they least expect it. It’s an all consuming emotional myriad of hysteria. Today I would like to give it the exposure it deserves; so that we can educate and understand the psychology behind the fever.

So. What is this we speak of? It’s called Khaki Fever. The medical term is “Crushing Infatuation – Just A Phase” and it’s used to describe the transference of feelings towards your safari guide. Not much has been documented about this unpublicized hysteria but, unlike malaria, you cannot pop a pill and protect yourself against the pull of the khaki.

As with any disease, khaki fever does not discriminate. Having been on numerous safaris I have noticed that it is particularly rife among woman. During my stay at Africa on Foot and nThambo, I noticed the symptoms appearing within the most surprising of my contemporaries. First its a casual chat about Pinterest and honey badgers; then it’s friend requests on Facebook.

And it hits you when you least expect it. Regardless of your sexual orientation, marital status and life phase you will feel the subtle symptoms creeping up on you. As of yet, there is no cure. The most we can do here, without going into too much Jungian and Freudian jargon, is to understand why Khaki Fever happens.

This way you can recognize the warning signs, be aware and ride it out. Here, armed with my half-failed degree in psychology I have come up with reasons why we fall in faux-LOVE with our safari guides.

1. Knowledge

Knowledge is power. We hold people in high regard when they have an expert knowledge about a particular subject. They become our teachers, our gurus and keep our brains alive with new and interesting facts. And we all had that ONE teacher we developed a crush on – your safari guide is your teacher for the duration of your stay.

2. Kindness

Your guide will serve your drinks, tell you when dinner is ready and basically be at your beck and call 24/7. Spider in your room? He/She will remove it. Feeling sick? No problem – they’ll deal with it. They wake you up at 05h00, sit around the fire with you and walk you to your bedroom. So kind, accommodating, friendly and amiable. Guess what? It’s their JOB to be kind.

3. Holiday

Our defenses are down when we are away. Our mundane, daily lives seem to exist in a parallel world and nothing can break our naive optimism while on holiday. It’s when we become happy, carefree and get back in touch with our wild/childlike soul. This is always a breeding ground for flirtatious behaviour – with humans, not the Big Five.

4. Nature

Something about going back to our roots makes us feel alive. We follow the natural rhythm of the outdoors and it makes us feel elated and in high spirits. While on safari you’re spending tranquil mornings tracking wildlife in the middle of nowhere. Sunsets are spent relaxing around the game vehicle at a watering hole watching buffalo. The nights are pristine and the entire experience moves your soul. The scene is postcard perfect and ideal for cheesy romance.

6. Protection

Your guide has traversed the rugged outdoors, they’ve grown up sleeping on mountains, tracking wildlife and living off the land. You’re probably a city slicker who needs protecting. Your guide has studied field guiding, done the rangers course and walks around with a rifle on game walks. You will be protected and feel like you have a personal bodyguard. Nothing better than feeling protected. Probably something to do with the Oedipus complex.

7. Camaraderie

Have you been on safari? If so, you’ll realise there is a certain bond you form while tracking wildlife and spending nights around the campfire. You ranger is part of the fun and gets on well with everyone. Yet again, also part of the job description.

8. Love of Animals

Nothing better than a gentle person who admires, respect and loves every living creature. They want to save the world and hurt poachers. Our sub-conscious is saying ” If they care that much about animals, imagine how much they could take care of me”. Get a grip.

9. The Uniform

NOT. How can you possibly enjoy the sight of burnt browns and faded khaki swaying in the wind?

Are you immune to Khaki Fever? Who cares? Go with it – life is short!

One of the Guides at Umkumbe in the Sabi

Enoch the Guide from Africa on Foot Camp in the Klaserie

Faffa - One of the Africa on Foot Rangers

Jason from Umkumbe Safari Lodge

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