1. A hippo or crocodile is going to turn over my canoe while I’m on a mokoro (canoe) safari: Crocodiles and hippos are often busy bathing in the sun and will pay very little attention to a canoe passing by. Besides, the mokoro is way too large for a hippo or crocodile to consume, so why even bother?
In addition to the animals’ sheer lack of care for your mokoro passing by, mokoro safari guides are highly qualified and trained with years of experience before embarking on a mokoro safari with guests. Guides know which areas to avoid and what animals to keep a distance from. Guides also carry a hand-held radio at all times for quick communication to the camp base in case of an emergency.
2. A lion or rhino might attack me on a walking safari tour: Often, you will not see any big game at all on a walking safari but you know they are there as you see signs, such as a fresh leopard track, a worn elephant trail, the warning bark of a secretive bushbuck, or the unmistakable scent of a recently past elephant herd. These animals would rather carry on their daily life than worry about you—much less attack you.
If you were to encounter a predator while on a walking safari, you are accompanied by an armored and highly trained guide who understands animal behavior and territorial boundaries. But it is very important to be with people who know what they’re doing. It’s important to ensure that you are with a guide who has the experience and training to handle the unpredictable situations that can develop quickly. A guide with experience can read a situation and avoid it before it even happens. A good guide develops a feel and instinct for the world around him or her, as they spend thousands of hours in the field.
3. A safari camp is the same thing as camping out in the woods with pitiful tents and sleeping bags—not to mention all the bugs: These campsites are often far from your traditional “camping” experience. With amenities and features such as heated water for morning showers, extremely spacious interiors, luxurious bedding and sleeping conditions, and lavish English breakfasts in the morning, you’ll quickly realize that these tents are built for luxury not mobility.
4. I’m going to be doing the same thing every day because big game-viewing is the only thing to do in Africa: Not every country and reserve in Africa is grassland. Some places don’t even offer vehicle safaris, which makes your safari itinerary diverse with a handful of varying activities such as hot air balloon rides, mokoro safaris, horse back riding safaris, cultural tours, and more.
Although zebras, antelope, and buffalo are an absolute thrill to see in the wild, you’re senses will begin to become more attuned to the regional-specific creatures, which, once you take the time to look at, are absolutely fascinating. It’s when you slow down that you start to see the interesting things.
Lunch at La Colombe Restaurant
5. I’m going to hate the food: Often, first-time travelers to Africa are either under the impression that the food will be completely British-based or bizarre meats and delicacies. Both of those assumptions are completely false. In fact, visitors to Africa often have the choice between more traditional African dishes or westernized dishes for the more conservative eater.
6. I’m not going to be able to communicate with anyone: Mostly everyone you interact with speaks English—this includes all safari guides, lodge / camp staff, as well as some of the locals.
7. The mosquitoes are going to be awful: The mosquitoes aren’t as bad as some are led to believe. Some lodges / camps provide mosquito nets if there is the possibility of them getting into your room at night, but most of the time, this is merely a precautionary measure.
During the day, whether you’re enjoying a game drive, walking safari, or mokoro safari, using the right materials to prevent mosquitoes will ensure that you are not exposed to bites. We suggest using bug spray each day and treating your clothes with bug repellent.
Although malaria is a serious disease that has affected many areas of Africa, travelers can avoid this disease by taking the proper medication throughout their stay in Africa and employing the tips above during their stay.
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Hello Sandy,
Thanks for your post.
I have been trying to surpress the feeling of commenting, but I am going to anyway.
Point1. I agree in general with what you say. Problems occur though when (especially hippos) are caught by surprise. As you know they spend most of the time in the water during the day and not on land. It is therefore imperative that the polers avoid hippo rich areas.
Point2. Animals do worry about us. This does not mean that we have to be scared all the time, but it is wise to not encounter big, dangerous game. There is always the chance that…….
Point7. Mosquito nets are always a precautionary measure. And if travelling in malaria countries I advice to always use the netting.
Thanks Johan for the extra tips! All precautionary measures should most definitely be taken when traveling on a safari.
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