Myth 1: The people of Africa will be anti-west or uncivilized.
The Reality: The interaction visitors on a trip to Africa have with the locals is considered by many to be a life-changing experience.
Many travelers compare their accommodation settings to being in the comfort of their own home with friends and family. The staff, often comprised of locals, is not only attentive to your every individual need and desire, but they are also extremely friendly and hospitable. Not to mention, they are delighted to learn just as much about you as you are to learn more about them and their culture.
Myth 2: I won’t be able to converse with anyone while on an African safari vacation.
The Reality: Visiting a country where everyone speaks a language that is foreign to you can be very unnerving. You worry about not being able to find transportation, interacting with locals, and purchasing items. These fears are completely understandable. However, you’ll quickly realize that everyone you interact with in Africa speaks English. From your safari guides to street merchants, restaurant staff to accommodation staff, transportation professionals to tour guides, you’ll never have a problem with communication when you travel smart.
Myth 3: I will 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 titles A Taste of Africa, that features over 60 African recipes from some of our favorite accommodations in Africa. Check it out at hillsofafrica.com/a-taste-of-africa
Myth 4: I can’t drink the water for fear of disease.
The Reality: There are most definitely areas in Africa where you should not drink the water; however, the accommodations and restaurants you will be visiting have access to filtered water. You will also be able to find bottled water within cities and villages that you visit.
You can also brush your teeth and rinse with water at the accommodations that you visit, so don’t worry about using bottled water to do any of that!
Myth 5: I will have to “rough it” in the bush and sleep on the ground in tents if I visit Africa.
The Reality: There are a wide variety of accommodations that can be found in various parts of Africa.
To give you a little description of the various types of accommodations, I’ve outlined each below:
Mobile Camps: Depending on personal tastes and preferences, you may choose to experience a multiday mobile safari, where your tent will be moved and set up for you each day as you venture to new locations.
Non-Mobile Camps: Non-mobile camps do not move and are often made up of spacious canvas coverings. They are known for their ability to completely immerse guests into their natural surroundings.
Lodges: Situated in complete wilderness, with the only outside stimulations coming from nature, lodges are the perfect way to surround yourself with the tranquility of the African wilderness.
Villas and Safari Houses: From amenities to accommodations, and activities to dining, every element of your vacation should be customized to your specific needs. And one of the best ways to experience the beauty in Africa, in a way that is catered completely to your standards, is in a private villa or safari house.
Hotels: Renowned for their superior service, lavish interior designs and amenities, and location within urban areas, deluxe hotels provide guests with the opportunity to explore city activities, shopping, attractions, dining, and entertainment—even quiet natural surroundings.
Myth 6: The bugs will be unbearable.
The Reality: There’s no denying that there are plenty of creepy crawly critters in Africa. But you won’t ever find yourself being swarmed by them or swatting at them left and right. If you utilize bug spray and protect your skin with long sleeve shirts and long pants, then you won’t have a problem with the bugs. Also, many accommodations also utilize mosquito nets—but this is mostly for aesthetic purposes (they look so romantic) and not because there are mosquitos and other bugs in the rooms.
Myth 7: I will need dozens of vaccinations to go to Africa.
The Reality: Not all areas in Africa are at risk for certain diseases—therefore, vaccinations and medications are not required in these areas. South Africa, for example, does not require a yellow fever vaccine, and many of its most popular game reserves are malaria-free, which means you do not need to take antimalarial pills.
Myth 8: I’ll have to hold “it” in while on safari.
The Reality: Get comfortable with your wild side when you are out on a game drive in the bush! 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.
Myth 9: Small bush planes are dangerous and unsafe!
The Reality: The Hills of Africa Travel team has been on dozens upon dozens of bush planes and we 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 professionals and highly knowledgeable. 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 of your fears.
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?
Myth 10: If I wear nice jewelry I’ll get mugged or murdered for it.
The Reality: 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.
Myth 11: A lion might eat me while on safari.
The Reality: 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.
Myth 12: The flight to Africa is just way too long and will be unbearable.
The Reality: First of all, there is no denying the fact that a 16-hour flight to Africa isn’t long. It is. But, there are plenty of ways to deal with the long flight and actually enjoy it (or at least not think it’s so bad!). Some of those things include watching one of the many in-flight movies, utilizing your iPad for games or movies, or flying business or first class. Trust us, the flight is DEFINITELY worth it, so make the best out of it!
Myth 13: Safaris require you to hunt animals.
The Reality: Safaris are for travelers to get up close to wildlife and observe and photograph them, not kill them. Although there are companies that offer “hunting” safaris in designated areas, this type of safari is considered extremely niche and is not your average safari.
Myth 14: Why would I want to visit Cape Town? It’s just like every other city out there.
The Reality: Heck no it’s not! From gorgeous landscapes to fascinating historical sites and world-renowned restaurants to beautiful beaches, Cape Town is a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to Africa. This is why a family vacation or multi-generational trip to Cape Town is so ideal–everyone can choose something that they want to do! There are also a wide variety of kid-friendly activities to choose from if you have smaller children traveling with you, such as the Two Oceans Aquarium, Butterfly World, Eagle Encounters Raptor Rehabilitation Centre, Little Cooks Club, and so much more.
Some of our favorite activities to enjoy in and around Cape Town include: a city tour, a wine tasting tour, a visit to the World Heritage Site – Table Mountain, a trip to Boulders Beach to see the penguins, shark cage diving, and eating our way through Cape Town!
Have a question or concern about travel to Africa? Ask us in our comments section!