Bathing in Crocodile-Infested Waters: Safe Hygiene Hacks for Remote African Camping
There’s nothing quite like the adventure of camping in the African wild, surrounded by nature, wildlife, and the raw beauty of the continent. But what happens when you need to take a bath near crocodile-infested waters? It sounds like a nightmare, right? Yet, as I learned during one of my most memorable trips, it’s not only possible to stay clean, but it can also be done safely, with a few smart tricks up your sleeve.
When you’re deep in the African wilderness, especially near rivers or lakes where crocodiles thrive, the idea of stepping into the water for a bath feels a bit risky. Crocodiles are known to frequent these areas, and while they rarely attack humans, you don’t want to test your luck. But cleanliness is important, and you can’t simply ignore your hygiene, especially on long camping trips.
So, how do you bathe while keeping an eye out for lurking predators? Here’s what I learned during my experiences, and how I’ve managed to stay clean while still respecting the wildlife around me.
The Three-Minute Rule That Saved My Skin
Crocodiles are more active during twilight hours, around dusk and dawn. So, the best time to bathe is during the day, when crocodiles are less likely to be prowling around. They are primarily nocturnal hunters, so if you need to bathe near water, aim for midday or afternoon when visibility is at its best, and you can spot any potential threats from a safe distance.
The three-minute rule I now religiously follow:
Never enter or approach water within one hour of sunrise or sunset
Keep total water exposure under three minutes
Have a dedicated lookout watching for ripples or submerged eyes
Enter only in broad daylight after thorough scanning
What I wish I knew before: Crocodiles have extraordinary patience. They can remain submerged for hours, waiting for predictable human behavior. That’s why local villagers change their water collection spots frequently — a safety practice completely ignored in most tourist advice.
Create a Crocodile-Safe Bathing Station
The first rule of thumb is simple: never bathe in water that you know is home to crocodiles. It’s easy to assume that all water is safe, but if you’re camping near rivers, lakes, or wetlands, there’s a good chance crocodiles are nearby.
My non-negotiable bathing station setup:
Position at least 15 meters from the water’s edge
Clear all vegetation in a 5-meter radius around your station
Place a tarp or groundsheet to keep mud off clean feet
Station a dedicated lookout with a clear view of both water and surrounding banks
Have an escape route planned
The mistake most campers make is setting up too close to the water for convenience. Those extra 10 meters of distance could save your life.
The “Washing Machine” Technique
When I was first faced with the dilemma of needing a wash while being near water teeming with crocodiles, I came up with a simple solution: don’t get into the water at all. I’ve adapted this into what I call my “washing machine” technique for personal bathing.
How it works:
Fill two 10-liter buckets with water quickly (speed minimizes exposure time)
Distance yourself at least 15 meters from the water
Use one bucket with biodegradable soap for washing
Use the second bucket with clean water for rinsing
Stand inside a large plastic tub to catch greywater to prevent scent trails back to camp
Recognize Safe vs. Dangerous Water Features
Not all waters carry equal risk. On a canoe expedition through the Okavango Delta, my guide pointed out subtle indicators of crocodile territory I’d completely missed.
High-risk water features:
Smooth, worn banks indicating regular crocodile use
Deep, still pools, especially with overhanging vegetation
Areas where tributaries join larger waterways
Waters with visible animal tracks leading to specific entry points
Lower risk (but never safe) waters:
Fast-flowing, shallow rocky sections
Areas with constant human activity
Very narrow streams less than 1 meter wide
Areas where local people wash and collect water regularly
Make Noise: Crocs Don’t Like It
This one might sound a little odd, but making noise while near the water is actually a smart safety strategy. Crocodiles are shy, especially when they sense danger. By making noise, whether through clapping your hands, talking loudly, or stomping your feet as you move, you’re likely to scare off any crocs in the area.
I’ve used this tactic when walking along the banks of rivers or lakes. Crocodiles are sensitive to vibrations, and the sound of approaching humans tends to send them into hiding. Of course, make sure that the noise is controlled and not too erratic, so you don’t inadvertently draw unnecessary attention.
Avoid Scent Attractants and Protect Your Skin
Even if you’re staying out of the water, your hygiene still matters. But when you’re in a wilderness setting, cleanliness goes beyond just washing off the dirt. You’ll need to be extra cautious about the scents you’re giving off, as they can attract both crocodiles and other wildlife.
Use unscented soap and shampoos: This will reduce your attraction to both predators and insects. Avoid strong fragrances that can draw unwanted attention.
Keep a safe distance when washing clothes: After bathing, wash your clothes at a distance from where you set up camp to avoid leaving a scent trail near your sleeping area.
Look for Alternative Water Sources
If bathing near the river or lake feels too risky, search for other water sources in your area. Many remote campsites in Africa have natural springs or wells that provide cleaner, safer water for drinking and bathing.
Ask local guides or residents for advice on where to find such resources. If you’re in a safari park or protected area, the guides will know the safest spots where crocodiles don’t tend to frequent.
Trust Your Instincts
When you’re in crocodile territory, always trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, or if you sense that an area is too risky, don’t take chances. It’s better to skip that wash and wait for a safer opportunity than to risk your life for a quick bath.
What to Do If You’re Approached by a Crocodile
Though it’s rare, there’s always the possibility of encountering a crocodile while bathing or near the water. Here’s what you need to do:
Stay still: If you notice a croc approaching, stay as still as possible. Sudden movements will attract its attention.
Back away slowly: If you’re on land, back away from the water slowly, maintaining eye contact with the crocodile.
Make noise: Yell or make loud sounds to signal your presence, and try to scare it off.
Bathing Safely in the Wild: Don’t Let Crocodiles Keep You from Cleanliness
Bathing in crocodile-infested waters isn’t something to take lightly, but with the right precautions, it’s entirely possible to stay clean and stay safe. By choosing the right spot, using water bladders or buckets, and keeping your wits about you, you can enjoy a hygienic experience even in the wildest, most dangerous settings.
If you have any questions about safely managing hygiene in Africa’s wildest places, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below! I’m always happy to share more specific advice based on your destination. Wishing you safe, clean, and crocodile-free travels across this magnificent continent!
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Who am I? Well, the least you can say is that I am quite crazy about Africa, its nature, its climate, its culture, and more.
As a young woman in my twenties, I had already traveled to several African countries by traveling along in an overlander on my own and mostly camping ( or glamping ) and just fell in love with the diversity of it all.
So much, so that at the age of 26, I went back to university to study biology, which, unfortunately, I couldn’t finish because of health reasons (yes, I got sick from a tropical disease, oh cynicism). But this did not stop my dream of traveling back to Africa several times, and I still do.
My dream was back then to leave Europe and go study animal behavior, especially the elephants (sure, that’s every girl’s dream haha), but I am also very much intrigued by hyenas and other “ugly African animals“.
So, I “kind of” have a little bit of a scientific approach to my articles, when I write about African birds, for example. And most of all: the passion.
But life goes on, you move from one side of the country to the other, you get sick again and top it off with lower back problems, and before you know it, you are over 50 hahaha!
Now, I still travel to Africa, but take it a bit “easier” than the good old camping days, and stay in comfortable, yet affordable accommodations, together with my husband Wouter.
These are some of the countries I have traveled to: Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tunisia, and a little bit of Lesotho LOL .
While clearly not being African territory, but Spanish, I also visited Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and location-wise, I consider them “African”, because of their climate and nature, sue me :-p
The last trip I took was to South Africa in the year 2023, and it sure got the fevers for Africa back! From the Barberton mountains to the Drakensberg and the Southcoast, one month wasn’t enough at all to see the whole country, so we’ll be back! At ease and with a little bit more luxury than in my younger days haha!
