African safaris are among the most thrilling and unique travel experiences in the world, offering unparalleled opportunities to see wildlife and explore breathtaking landscapes. Yet, misconceptions about safaris persist, often deterring potential travelers or shaping their expectations inaccurately. From safety concerns to assumptions about cost, these myths couldn’t be further from the truth. Here are 10 common myths about African safaris that are completely wrong—and why you should ignore them.
1. Safaris Are Only for the Wealthy
The Myth: Safaris are luxury experiences that only the rich can afford.
The Reality: While high-end lodges and private reserves can be expensive, African safaris cater to a wide range of budgets. From self-drive adventures in South Africa’s Kruger National Park to budget camping safaris in Tanzania, there are affordable options for almost everyone. Public campsites, shared game drives, and mid-range accommodations provide a genuine safari experience without breaking the bank.
If you plan well, a safari can be more cost-effective than many international vacations. Flexible travel dates, early bookings, and traveling during the off-season can significantly reduce costs.
2. Safaris Are Unsafe
The Myth: Safaris are dangerous because of wild animals and political instability.
The Reality: Safaris are designed with safety in mind, and reputable operators adhere to strict guidelines to protect both visitors and wildlife. Game drives are conducted by trained guides who understand animal behavior and maintain safe distances. Additionally, many safari parks and reserves are in politically stable regions far removed from conflict zones.
While it’s essential to exercise caution and follow your guide’s instructions, safaris are no more dangerous than any other form of adventure travel. Staying inside vehicles and camps, storing food properly, and respecting wildlife are simple practices that ensure safety.
3. Safaris Are Only About the “Big Five”
The Myth: Safaris are only worth it if you see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
The Reality: While the Big Five are iconic, African safaris offer much more. From observing playful meerkats in the Kalahari Desert to watching cheetahs sprint across the Maasai Mara, every animal encounter is unique and rewarding. Birds, reptiles, and smaller mammals like warthogs and zebras contribute to the vibrant ecosystem and enrich the safari experience.
In fact, some parks and reserves specialize in lesser-known species. For example, Namibia’s Etosha National Park is ideal for spotting oryx, while Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is famous for gorilla trekking.
4. Safaris Are Only for Hardcore Adventurers
The Myth: Safaris are rugged, uncomfortable trips suited only for seasoned explorers.
The Reality: Modern safaris offer a range of experiences, from adventurous to luxurious. While camping under the stars in Botswana might appeal to thrill-seekers, others might prefer staying in five-star lodges with infinity pools overlooking the savanna.
Luxury safaris come with creature comforts like air-conditioned vehicles, gourmet meals, and spa treatments, making them accessible even for travelers who prefer a softer approach to adventure. Safaris are tailored to individual preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy the magic of Africa.
5. Children Can’t Go on Safari
The Myth: Safaris are unsuitable for families with young children.
The Reality: Many safari destinations welcome families and offer kid-friendly activities, including educational game drives, bushcraft lessons, and wildlife-focused storytelling. Some lodges and camps even provide specialized programs designed to engage children while ensuring their safety.
Family-oriented reserves, such as South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve, are malaria-free and ideal for younger travelers. Private game drives allow families to explore at their own pace, creating memorable experiences for both kids and adults.
6. Safaris Are All the Same
The Myth: All safaris follow the same formula: drive around, see animals, return to camp.
The Reality: Safaris are incredibly diverse, offering a wide range of activities and environments. Walking safaris in Zambia, hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti, mokoro (canoe) trips in the Okavango Delta, and horseback safaris in Kenya provide unique ways to explore Africa’s wilderness.
Each park or reserve also offers distinct landscapes, from the wetlands of Botswana to the volcanic craters of Tanzania, ensuring no two safaris are ever the same.
7. You’re Guaranteed to See Everything
The Myth: A safari guarantees sightings of lions, elephants, and other iconic animals.
The Reality: While Africa’s wildlife is abundant, nature is unpredictable. Animals roam freely across vast landscapes, and sightings depend on factors like weather, time of day, and the animal’s natural behavior.
This unpredictability is part of what makes safaris so special. A game drive might reveal a pride of lions basking in the sun or an elusive leopard hidden in the trees, but even quieter moments—like watching a herd of zebra graze peacefully—are magical. Experienced guides work hard to maximize sightings, but patience and an open mind are key.
8. Safaris Are Only for Animal Lovers
The Myth: Safaris are purely about watching wildlife.
The Reality: While wildlife is a major draw, safaris also offer cultural and scenic experiences. Visiting local communities, learning about traditional practices, and engaging with indigenous cultures are integral parts of many safaris.
For example, in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, visitors can meet Maasai villagers, explore their customs, and hear stories about their connection to the land. Meanwhile, Namibia’s Himba people share insights into their unique way of life. The landscapes themselves—be it the vast Namib Desert or the lush Okavango Delta—are as much a highlight as the animals.
9. Safaris Are Bad for the Environment
The Myth: Safaris harm wildlife and disrupt ecosystems.
The Reality: Responsible safaris are a cornerstone of conservation in Africa. Many parks and reserves reinvest tourism revenue into protecting habitats, combating poaching, and supporting local communities. By visiting protected areas, travelers contribute directly to conservation efforts.
Eco-tourism lodges and operators minimize environmental impact by using solar power, reducing waste, and prioritizing sustainable practices. Supporting these initiatives ensures that safaris benefit both wildlife and the people who depend on the land.
10. Safaris Are Only for Summer
The Myth: Safaris are only worth taking during the summer months.
The Reality: African safaris are incredible year-round, with each season offering unique advantages. The dry season (typically May to October) is popular for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources. However, the wet season (November to April) transforms the landscape with lush greenery, dramatic skies, and fewer crowds.
The wet season is also the best time for birdwatching and witnessing newborn animals, particularly in places like the Serengeti and Chobe National Park. Planning your safari around your interests ensures an unforgettable experience, no matter the time of year.
Final Thoughts
African safaris are not just about spotting wildlife—they’re transformative journeys that connect you with nature and culture in profound ways. By debunking these myths, it becomes clear that safaris are safe, diverse, and accessible to a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re a first-time explorer or a seasoned adventurer, there’s a safari experience waiting to exceed your expectations.
Let these myths be reminders to look beyond stereotypes and embrace the true magic of Africa’s wilderness. With proper planning and an open mind, your safari can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Hello Africa travellers!
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!
I wish you happy travels!
Kind regards
Lizzy