Should you go on an African safari?

What a question! An African safari is my favourite type of vacation by a long mile. Well it used to be. I now do it for a living…

It might not be your favourite type of vacation. This page will help you decide, so that you do not spend thousands of dollars on a vacation that you will not enjoy.

I will first have a look at reasons to go on an African safari, and then discuss some cautions.

Reasons to go on an African Safari

Africa has a number of countries that have conserved their wildlife in its natural habitat in a very authentic way. This is something to be seen, and in my eyes the main reason why people should travel to Africa.

There is absolutely nothing that beats the thrill you get when you watch a lion or a Cheetah and you realize it is completely wild and living in its natural habitat.

The top five wildlife countries in Africa are South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania and Kenya. Any of these are well worth a visit, although I have my favourite... Yes okay, I might have a biased view, but what do you excpect? I grew up in South Africa!

Two lion cubs playing in their natural, wild habitat in South Africa.
Copyright © Dries Cronje

2. The experience will change you

Speak to anyone who has been on a quality African safari with the right organizers. You will have a hard time finding someone who does not believe that they have been changed for the better by this magical experience.

3. Conservation

If an African safari achieves only one thing, I hope that it would create an awareness of the urgent need for us to conserve our natural heritage. You cannot possibly leave Africa after an African safari without feeling an urge to conserve what you have experienced.

4. Photography

If you are reading my articles here, can I safely assume that you have a love for photography? Or at least like it a lot? The world’s top wildlife photographs and videos originates from Africa. This is where the action is, where it all happens!

And let me guess… You want to share in this exciting experience and take home pictures comparing to those of the professionals. Well, going on an African Safari is the only way to get such pictures.

Decision time…

If you cannot associate with the above points, or non of them excite you, then we can sadly conclude that you should not go on an African safari. It simply does not appeal to you, and you will waste your time and money.

If, however, like most people you can identify with most or all of the above attractions, then we can move on. Next, we will be looking at the main cautions you need to consider before jumping in a plane and flying off to Africa.

Cautions to consider before going on an African Safari

Unfortunately, we have one of the world’s top killers in Africa in the form of the Malaria mosquito. Malaria is a deadly disease, and if you have contracted it once and was lucky enough to survive, it can hit you again at any time in the future without the need for further infected mosquito bites…

You absolutely must arrange with your health care professional for Malaria prophylactics. The high risk period is from December to April in Southern Africa (most of the year in Eastern Africa), but I urge you to play it safe and take precautions at any time of the year.

2. Unstable countries

Africa can be the best place you have ever experienced in the one country, and the worst experience possible in other countries. If I were you, I would not visit countries with a bad reputation or any hint of a bad attitude towards foreigners (or westerners in specific). It is safe to visit any of the top five safari countries of Africa (listed earlier).

Of all the safari countries in Africa, South Africa is the most developed with the best infrastructure. It is also home to some of the most magnificent African conservancies. This is where I operate, and I can assure you that if you have a good guide taking you to the right places you will be just as safe as in any of the big world cities (if not safer). However, as in other places around the world, some common sense is necessary to stay out of harm’s way…

Some countries (like Mozambique) has such a bad infrastructure due to war and poverty, that the roads are simply not safe enough to travel on. If you want to arrive home in one piece, do not visit countries that are clearly not safe enough!

Conclusion