Going on an African safari is the ultimate adventure, and a must-see, bucket-list destination for many avid travelers. I have learned a lot about African safaris over the years in my career as a professional travel advisor, including some things that went against my preconceived notion of what an African safari is all about. There are two common regions when it comes to selecting your safari destination in Africa: East African and South Africa. East Africa is ideal for travelers looking to experience the wildlife, as that is what safaris in this region are all about. On the other hand, South Africa offers the game-watching experience, along with other activities such as shopping and wine tasting. With this in mind, let’s get into the three misconceptions I had about African safaris.
1. It’s Going To Be Hot
In talking with my clients, family, and friends, I’ve come to the conclusion that many people think that African safaris are going to involve warm to hot weather. I thought that too before I became an expert in the destination. It turns out that all African safari travelers are advised to bring warm clothes, such as pants, a jacket, and a windbreaker with them on safari. The early mornings and evenings can be chilly for most people, commonly getting down to the 60s, and warmer clothes are necessary, especially during game drives at these times of day. Fortunately, it does warm up into the 70s during the day, so don’t expect to need your jacket all day long.
Looking at geography, East Africa is on the equator, but it is at altitude, meaning cooler temperatures than you would expect from a region on the equator. It also means that there is very little seasonal fluctuation in temperature, making it a great year-round African safari destination. South Africa is located on the Tropic of Capricorn and has weather reminiscent of the Mediterranean. Although there is a noticeable difference between the weather in the summer and winter in South Africa, it is still a fantastic year-round safari destination.
2. There Are Lots of Bugs And Snakes
Like many people, I had this thought that an African safari must include getting bitten by all sorts of bugs, and avoid snakes everywhere I turned. I was surprised to find out that bugs and snakes are not prevalent in the most popular African safari destinations, due to the geography. Bugs are not common in high altitude areas like East Africa, and similarly with the latitude in South Africa. While that doesn’t mean you won’t see bugs, it may lessen your concern with how bug bites may affect your overall safari experience. Snakes on the other hand are rarely seen on African safaris, with the majority of travelers leaving Africa without seeing a single snake.
3. I’m Going To Need Many Shots
Africa happens to be one of the destinations that has vaccination requirements, but it’s not as substantial as I once thought. For travelers from the US, the only necessary vaccination for travel to Africa is for Yellow Fever. I would be amiss if I didn’t mention that the CDC strongly recommends that travelers receive anti-malaria shots, but that vaccination is up to the safari-goer to decide. On a quick side note, many parks are malaria-free, for travelers looking for peace-of-mind. Overall, only needing one shot, with a second shot optional, is far less than I expected was required to travel to the top African safari destinations.
In conclusion, African safaris offer a thrilling adventure that defies misconceptions and exceeds expectations. Whether you're drawn to the majestic wildlife of East Africa or the diverse experiences of South Africa, the continent offers something for every traveler. By debunking common myths about weather, insects, and vaccinations, I hope to inspire you to embark on your own safari adventure.
Don't let misconceptions hold you back from experiencing the magic of Africa. Reach out to Haven Travel's team of expert advisors today to start planning your bucket-list safari. Your journey to unforgettable encounters and breathtaking landscapes awaits – let us help you make it a reality. Contact us at 281-886-3628 or request a quote via our online form here. Let's turn your safari dreams into cherished memories.