Safarihoneymooner

I know this will sound weird, and a bit personal, but I was told by someone recently that women who are menstruating are not allowed to go on safari. We will be at Kruger National Park in Mid-May, staying at Singita (Boulders) and I want to know if this is something I need to worry about. Thanks!

thit_cho

How the hell would they find out? That's never been in any questionnaire we've been required to complete, and I know that the bathrooms contain the special disposal garbages for feminine hygeine products. I think that you've been had.

Safarihoneymooner

My sister-in-law went and it was actually a question that was asked of everyone prior to going on the drive. Have you been? Do you recall the question being asked?

thit_cho

I've been on safari five times and I have never heard that question asked. Again, they have those little boxes in the bathrooms and I'm sure they are there because they are used. Maybe someone has better info than I do, but that's a new one for me.

If that were true, how would you ever be able to book a safari a year in advance since I don't think menstruation is tied specifically to a date but fluctuates slightly.

Queenie

Yes, I have heard of this.

I am a backpacker. Rangers instruct women to wear tampons and not pads during menstruation. Animals, (in my backpacking experience, bears) are attracted to odors. This is why you do not cook in a tent, or keep food in your tent, and hang your food at night. I did have my backpack taken by a bear who was after my toothpaste, so their sense of smell is acute.

I do not know if the same applies to a safari, as I have never been on one. And I do not know if the safari predators would act in the same manner as a bear. But I do know the US National Park system warns about this on their website, as do their rangers.

And, BTW, this is not generally discussed in an open forum with men around. The instances I have discussed this with female rangers addressing the females only.

caribtraveler

hmmm..was not asked that when we went on a safari drive at kruger...maybe you're asked that if you go on a WALKING safari? which we didn't do. you know that if that's a concern for you, you can skip the placebo pills (if you're on the pill-that's the last week of your pills, the white ones) and you won't get your period.

sandi

Well, that's a new one. Never had it asked of myself or anyone I've known who's been on safari (regardless their age).

Would they be asking a menopausal women if she was having hot flashes - sweating regularly? Don't think so.

You've been had. If it's "your time" use tampons and don't give it another thought! Enjoy your safari.

Kavey

Personally I think it's perfectly appropriate to discuss this in this forum - there are various threads that don't interest one or other of us because they aren't applicable to us (a thread on camcorders might be of no interest to those who don't have or want one, a thread on UK agents no use to someone in the US) but the title is clear enough an indication of what the post is about that any sensitive flowers can surely make their personal choice not to view it.

I assume that, in times past, there was a worry that the odour of the mense would attract game animal and that this could be dangerous.

But I've never been asked this on a safari, never had my (extremely thorough, female) travel agent mention it, never come across it in any guide book so I can't imagine this is still the prevailing point of view.

If you are still worried, I think it's a legitimate question to ask your agent, the word menstruation isn't a taboo word anymore, and have them confirm with the camps what their policies are.

DumaSafari

I'm a female who has been on safari in Tanzania, with female guides, and never had this question asked. I think using tampons is just easier overall when traveling, but otherwise, I don't think it's an issue. Have a lovely trip!