Tip #1:
Stay alert and follow the rules, while adding some of your own Plan B ideas! In an informal remote setting, the wilderness environment can change quickly. While it's tempting to look strictly at wildlife through your camera/minipad, you may find that you can not only take pictures, but also serve roaming predators lunch! As you resize them, they are doing the same thing. Remember, the danger goes both ways. On a trip to Brazil, I was delighted to be allowed a special private visit to photograph the aquatic dolphins while they were feeding. As I got up close and personal with the lovely 150-pound water dolphins, I realized I had left the gate open. I may have missed the shot rushing to close the gate, but avoided releasing 5 beautiful clumsy aardvarks on the sidewalk of a major city.
Tip 2:
Don't touch the animal without asking first. This also applies to mutual protection. A friend sitting in a Middle Eastern cafe discovered that a scratch from a stray animal (a cat) can result in a rabies shot for part of your trip! By contrast, in Victoria, Australia, visitors are not allowed to pet koalas (don't say "bears") because humans can endanger them by spreading disease.
Tip 3:
Don't feed animals. "Human food" can be a threat to many species. Some simple foods can be dangerous even to household pets. This includes grapes, onions or sugar-free gum that can have life-threatening consequences. In tourist areas, animals may be overfed even if the snacks offered are harmless.
Tip 4:
Identify hazards that arise after dark. We humans find it challenging to see in the dark. However, even pet dogs have almost the same night vision as they do during the day. Therefore, we are less likely to detect problems early. A second important factor is that many animals forage for food and roam around in packs at night. I unwisely ignored the information on the Victoria Falls Hotel sign. It warned against entering the village after 8 p.m. because of sightings of "lions and other wildlife" there after dark. Despite those romantic movies featuring moonlight swimming, in Hawaii I was warned that at night "large predators" come to eat the food!
Tip 5:
Ask the locals for advice. I was surprised to learn in Brazil that swimming in shallow water near the shore is a favorite place for piranhas! In contrast, after reading about the dangers of swimming in fresh water in Africa, my Botswana guide managed to get me to a small pool that was free of disease. However, I had no idea it involved diving off the back of an elephant! While in Rome.