Answers to Questions About Africa That You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask

Ever wonder where you would go to the bathroom while on safari? What about the food you’ll be served while in the bush?

We’ve answered some of your most quirky questions about African safari vacations below that you might be too embarrassed to ask:

Where’s the toilet?

Get comfortable with your wild side! The bathroom in the African bush is, well, a bush! But fear not, your guide will show you to an area that is safe to “go”—no one will be looking either. And no, a snake will not jump out of the bushes and bite your bottom! We promise. If you feel more comfortable, you may also use the restroom behind your game vehicle.

If you are really against using the bush as your toilet, then just make sure to go to the bathroom right before your game drive. Game drives typically last between three and four hours, so it’s definitely doable to hold it until you get back to your camp or lodge.

I’m petrified of small bush planes! Are they safe?

I have been on dozens upon dozens of bush planes and have been sending clients on bush planes for over 11 years and have never had an issue with safety. We use the BEST airline companies in Africa and all of their pilots are trained and highly knowledgeable professionals. If the airplane is small enough, you can even sit up front with the pilot and ride co-pilot. Most of them are happy to answer any questions you might have about the aircraft and quell any fears you might have.

See below for a look at what it’s like to ride co-pilot in one of the bush planes!

Because the roads in the remote areas of Africa are typically unpaved or non-existent, it’s a much better idea to take an airplane to your next destination. What could take an entire day driving would only take an hour or two in a plane—and don’t you want to get the most out of your African safari vacation?

Do I have to eat bugs and bush meat?

I’m sure if you really wanted to you could get some bugs or bush meat for dinner, but that is absolutely not what is typically served at the camps and lodges in Africa! Instead of bugs and bush meat, you will be served exceptional dishes, using the finest ingredients, such as chicken skewers, lamb, ostrich steak, beef and vegetables, flavorful salads, rich soups, vegetarian wraps, and so much more. The chefs at Africa’s top properties are super creative and always create delectable culinary masterpieces for guests.

In fact, cuisine served at Africa’s best properties is so good, that we created a recipe book titled A Taste of Africa, that features over 60 African recipes from some of our favorite accommodations in Africa. Check it out here.

Is it safe to wear nice jewelry?

You might be wondering, “Should I wear my engagement or wedding ring? Should I bring my Rolex watch? Etc.” The answer is, simply, yes–it’s fine to wear those items. I would not suggest putting your jewelry in your checked bag, but if you are wearing your jewelry throughout your stay then you are absolutely fine bringing it. But we don’t suggest you bring your finest jewelry. You’ll be in the bush anyways and there’s no need for expensive bling! You will most likely feel much more comfortable without it, too.

Could a lion eat me while on safari?

I suppose if you jumped out of the vehicle and tried wrestling a lion, then yes, you might get eaten. But, if you follow your guide’s and accommodation’s instructions (which are pretty basic, such as “don’t jump out of the vehicle, don’t feed the animals, don’t touch the animals”–things I’m assuming you already would know NOT to do) you will have no problems at all. It’s only when travelers do not follow the rules or when they make bad decisions that problems can arise. Besides, lions are pretty lazy . . .

You are completely safe in your accommodations and around the property—although many accommodations require you to call the front desk to have a guide escort you from your room to dinner in the evenings, just as a precautionary measure.

On game drives and walking safaris, your guide will be armed, should an unexpected situation arise—unlikely to happen, but it’s always good to be prepared. You are completely safe in your vehicle—animals do not interact with the vehicles. If your guide notices that a rhino or other large animal is getting territorial, he or she will move the vehicle before the animal can charge.

So there you have it! All of your embarrassing questions answered. But if we’ve missed any, please let us know in our comments section and we’ll answer the best we can.