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Staying Safe

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General Safety:

We want you to have a wonderful holiday that’s memorable for all the right reasons. Timor-Leste is a wild place – here are some tips to help you stay safe!

  • Take lots of water with you and drink at least four litres a day
  • Protect yourself from the sun with a broad-brimmed hat, long loose clothing and a high factor sunscreen
  • Wear sturdy shoes
  • During your visit, please always follow directions from park rangers - their directions are for your safety
  • Stay on marked tracks and in designated visitor areas - you don’t want to meet the local crocodiles up close.
  • In a boat? Saltwater crocodiles can attack people in boats - the smaller the boat the greater the risk.
  • Be aware of your own limitations and supervise children
  • You won’t have mobile phone coverage in many areas of the park. Tell a responsible person where you are and when you plan to return.
  • Many roads in and out of the national park are 4WD only and many sections are steep, narrow, prone to landslides and become slippery when wet. Drive carefully and slowly.
  • Obey all safety directions, notices and warning signs.

Water Safety:

Nino Konis Santana's waterways and natural pools are spectacular, however they can also be treacherous for swimmers. Some of the waterways are susceptible to flash flooding and rapid currents, and many of the waterways are home to crocodiles. Crocodiles usually hunt by staying submerged and can attack in knee-deep water, so even wading can be dangerous. Visitors are urged to heed the following warnings in order to enjoy a safe and worry-free visit to this picturesque wonderland.

  • It can be dangerous to swim in waterways and natural pools
  • Observe all safety warning signs
  • Always be aware of your surroundings
  • Maintain a safe distance from the waters’ edge
  • Be alert to changes in the weather as flash flooding can occur causing dangerously rapid currents
  • Be careful when walking around waterfalls and rock pools as these areas can be very slippery
  • Be aware that submerged rocks and parts of trees may pose a severe risk
  • Carry a first aid kit with you and always take an adequate supply of water on walks
  • The safest place to swim is in a public or hotel pool, and you should never swim alone.

Beat the Heat:

Temperatures in the park regularly reach 30°C or more all year round. 

Heat exhaustion, dehydration and hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood) are very real dangers here.

To avoid heat-related issues while walking in the park:

  • Walk only in the cooler parts of the day, avoiding the hottest period between 11.00 am and 4.00pm
  • Wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen and sturdy walking shoes
  • Carry and drink at least one litre of water per person per hour
  • Don’t consume sports drinks, diet cordials or caffeinated drinks – these can all contribute to dehydration
  • Familiarise yourself with the symptoms of heatstroke and heat-related illness
  • Eat regular meals, take frequent breaks and eat plenty of healthy snacks, even if you don’t feel hungry
  • Walk with another person at all times
  • Obey all safety directions, notices and warning signs, including any directions from park rangers
  • If you have any concerns about your health or fitness, avoid physical activity (including walking) in extreme heat.

Drive Safely: 

Crossing flooded creeks and rivers can be extremely hazardous so obey directions and heed road closures at all times.

Many visitors may not be familiar with driving on dirt roads. Stay safe on our dirt roads, please drive to your ability and obey speed limits. 

Remember - 

  • Plan ahead and obtain a detailed map before you set off
  • Drive slowly and cautiously
  • Allow plenty of space behind the vehicle in front
  • Slow down for on-coming traffic
  • Keep headlights on during the day to increase visibility
  • Lower tyre pressure when driving on rougher roads (check your car rental conditions)
  • Watch out for wildlife, pedestrians and other road users

Crocodile Safety:

Read and remember this advice about crocodiles before swimming, camping, fishing or boating.

Saltwater crocodiles are dangerous. They have attacked and killed people. They inhabit many areas of water in the Nino Konis Santana National Park, including floodplains, freshwater lakes, creeks, rivers and coastal areas. Always obey warning signs. If there are no warning signs, it is always best to assume crocodiles are present.

To stay safe around waterways you should be vigilant and cautious and never take unnecessary risks in crocodile habitat. Crocodiles are ambush predators and can cause serious injury or death. You are responsible for you own safety so please follow these guidelines and be crocodile aware.

Camping - 

  • Be aware that whenever you are near water in the park, there is a risk of crocodiles
  • Bring your own water. It is not safe to collect from any waterways.
  • Avoid the water’s edge. Children and pets are at particular risk.
  • Be aware that crocodiles can stay hidden underwater for long periods and can move with great stealth and camouflage so you won’t always see them.
  • Camp at least two metres above the high water mark and at least 50 metres from the water’s edge.
  • Don’t paddle, clean fish, prepare food or wash at the water’s edge or next to sloping banks.
  • Never dispose of food scraps or fish offal in the water or around campsites.
  • Don’t feed, harass or try to interact with crocodiles – it is extremely dangerous.
  • Be extra vigilant during the breeding season (November to April) when crocodiles defend a territory or nesting mound and become more aggressive.
  • Always report aggressive crocodiles.