I’m surprised this guide drives with open sun roof or windows, but it looks like the question of open or closed depends on the country and park. When I did a photo safari in Masai Mara in Kenya years ago, we were strongly cautioned to keep windows closed. This park, where a lion mauled a woman to death, does not allow it, for instance.

Opening windows is a big no-no at Lion Park.

"That's absolutely forbidden at our park," said Scott Simpson, assistant operations manager at Lion Park. "There are numerous signs, and we hand out slips of paper to all guests warning them to keep their windows closed."

The desire to be close to wild animals is understandable, but works only if we respect the animals’ territory and instincts.