10 Misconceptions About African Safaris

Perhaps the biggest misconception about African safaris is the assumption that all destinations offer a similar experience. The reality is that Africa’s parks and reserves are incredibly diverse, each boasting a unique character and landscape. While captivating wildlife is a common thread, the way you experience it can differ dramatically from one region to the next.

These differences are shaped by geography, local traditions, and conservation philosophies. A safari in the vast open savannas of East Africa, for instance, has a different flow than one in the dense woodlands of Southern Africa. From the daily schedule of game drives to the signature activities on offer, each destination presents its own distinct and unforgettable perspective on the wild.

• Daily Pulse: East Africa often features full-day game drives with a picnic lunch in the bush, while Southern Africa typically follows a schedule of separate morning and afternoon drives.
• Signature Activities: Zambia is celebrated as the pioneer of the immersive walking safari. This gives you a chance to connect with the bush on foot in a way that is profoundly different from a vehicle-based experience.
• Vast Plains: Kenya and Tanzania are defined by their sweeping savannas and are the epicenter of colossal wildlife events like the Great Wildebeest Migration, offering a spectacle of immense scale.
• Diverse Habitats: South Africa and its neighboring countries focus on a variety of ecosystems, from dense woodlands and riverine forests to semi-arid deserts, each supporting different types of wildlife.
• Water Wilderness: Botswana’s Okavango Delta presents a unique water-based safari, where you can traverse pristine channels by boat or canoe, observing animals from a serene, eye-level perspective.

See Zicasso’s Botswana safari guide for more information on what you can expect in that country.

While the classic game drive is a cornerstone of the safari experience, it is by no means the only way to explore the circuits of Southern and East Africa. The belief that your entire adventure is confined to a 4x4 vehicle overlooks the variety of activities that modern safari lodges and operators have perfected, each designed to offer a different and deeper connection to the environment.

These alternatives provide unique perspectives that a traditional game drive cannot, whether you are soaring silently above the plains, walking quietly among the smaller wonders of the bush, or gliding along a river. They transform a safari from a viewing experience into a multi-sensory immersion, engaging you with the wilderness in new and thrilling ways.

• Aerial Views: A hot-air balloon safari, especially over the plains of the Serengeti or Maasai Mara, gives you a breathtaking and tranquil perspective as you gaze down upon the waking wilderness at sunrise.
• Guided Walks: A bush walk with an expert guide is an incredible opportunity to learn about animal tracks, medicinal plants, and the fascinating, smaller creatures of the ecosystem that are often missed from a vehicle.
• River Cruises: A boat safari on rivers like the Chobe in Botswana allows you to get exceptionally close to wallowing hippos, drinking elephants, and the abundant birdlife that congregates at the water's edge.
• Horseback Riding: A horseback safari lets you move through the environment at a natural pace, allowing for quiet and intimate encounters with plains game that often see the horses as part of the herd.
• Canoe Excursions: Paddling a mokoro, or dugout canoe, through the channels of the Okavango Delta is a peaceful and personal way to explore, bringing you face-to-face with tiny frogs, kingfishers, and other water dwellers.

For more inspiration on a horseback adventure, see our Horse Riding Safari in Okavango.

The idea that safari accommodations are one-size-fits-all could not be further from the truth, as the options are as diverse and characterful as the landscapes themselves. From grand, classic lodges perched on scenic escarpments to intimate tented camps hidden in riverine forests, there is a style to suit every traveler’s preference and create the perfect atmosphere for their adventure.

The choice of where you stay fundamentally shapes your safari experience. Whether you prefer the social ambiance and extensive facilities of a larger lodge, the romantic immersion of sleeping under canvas, or the ultimate seclusion of a private villa, your accommodation is an integral part of the journey, offering much more than just a place to sleep.

• Classic Lodges: Larger safari lodges are often permanent structures featuring bold architecture, authentic local art, and more extensive facilities like swimming pools, spas, and multiple dining areas.
• Tented Camps: Luxury safari tents offer an intimate "glamping" experience, combining the romance of sleeping under canvas with high-end amenities like en-suite bathrooms and private verandas for a closer connection to nature.
• Private Villas: Exclusive-use villas and bush cottages are the ideal choice for families or small groups, providing a private vehicle, guide, chef, and staff for a completely personalized and pampered safari.
• Mobile Camping: Seasonal mobile camps, particularly in the Serengeti, move throughout the year to follow the Great Migration, offering a rustic yet comfortable front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
• Star Beds: A sleep-out experience in a luxury treehouse or star bed will give you an unforgettable night under a blanket of brilliant stars, allowing you to safely listen to the sounds of the nocturnal bush.

See Zicasso’s Types of Safari Accommodations and How to Choose for more details.

A common misconception is that a safari must be a long, extended trip to be worthwhile, but this is not the case. While longer journeys certainly allow for more in-depth exploration, the magnificence of the African wilderness can be captured in a short and brilliantly planned safari of just two or three days.

The quality of a safari is measured in moments, not just days. A single game drive can yield an incredible sighting that becomes a lifelong memory and an expert guide can lead you to remarkable discoveries in a short time. With strategic timing and a focus on high-quality experiences, even a brief safari can be profoundly rewarding.

• Quality Moments: An incredible sighting of a leopard in a tree or a wild dog den can happen on a single game drive, making the duration of the stay less important than the quality of the experience.
• Expert Guides: A knowledgeable guide can read the bush and use their skills to maximize your wildlife encounters, ensuring even a short trip is packed with exciting sightings and fascinating insights.
• Unique Activities: A single activity, such as a hot-air balloon ride or a canoe trip, can provide a powerful and concentrated spectacle that defines your entire trip.
• Conservation Visits: An afternoon spent at a wildlife rehabilitation project offers a different but equally rewarding experience. It allows you to connect with animals like cheetahs or orphaned rhinos on a personal level.
• Strategic Planning: Choosing the right destination for the right time of year is key. A well-timed short safari during a peak wildlife event can be more fruitful than a longer trip during a quieter season.

Take a look at our How to Plan an African Safari for more information.

Many travelers believe the only good time to go on safari is during the peak dry and cool winter months, but this overlooks the unique beauty and advantages of other seasons. The African bush is a dynamic environment that changes throughout the year. Each season offers its own distinct charm and set of opportunities for an incredible safari.

From the lush, vibrant landscapes of the "green season" to the dramatic skies of the short rains, traveling outside the peak winter window can be immensely rewarding. These periods often mean fewer crowds, warmer mornings, and specialized sightings, such as the birthing season for many animals and prolific birdlife, proving there is no single "best" time to visit.

• Dry Season: The winter months of June to August are ideal for classic game viewing, as sparse vegetation and reliance on waterholes make animals easier to spot.
• Green Season: The summer months from December to February bring lush landscapes, newborn animals, and phenomenal opportunities for birdwatching as migratory species arrive.
• Short Rains: November to early February in East Africa sees welcome rainfall that enlivens the landscape without being intense enough to interrupt safari activities.
• Great Migration: This year-round spectacle has different highlights in different seasons, from the dramatic river crossings in the dry season to the calving season in the green season.
• Warmer Weather: Traveling outside the cool winter peak means you can enjoy warmer early starts and mild, pleasant evenings for dinner under the stars.

To find out about what you can look forward to during the world’s most incredible wildlife spectacle, see our Great Migration safaris and tours.

The fear of being herded along on a rigid, cookie-cutter tour can deter some travelers, but the modern safari is an experience that can be deeply personalized and custom-designed. Gone are the days when a fixed route and schedule were the only options; today, your adventure can and should be a true reflection of your personal travel style and interests.

A tailor-made safari allows you to travel at your own pace, choose accommodations that suit you, and focus on the activities you find most compelling. From addressing specific dietary needs and mobility concerns to allowing that extra bit of time at a special sighting, a personalized journey ensures your experience is memorable and truly yours.

• Intimate Camps: Choosing smaller, owner-run camps and lodges often provides a more flexible and personal experience compared to larger, more standardized operations.
• Private Guides: Hiring a private vehicle and guide gives you complete control over your daily schedule, allowing you to stay longer at sightings that fascinate you or focus on searching for specific animals.
• Special Interests: Your itinerary can be built around your passions, whether it's photography, birdwatching, walking, or cultural interactions, ensuring your time is spent doing what you love.
• Dietary Needs: A custom safari ensures any dietary requirements or allergies are communicated in advance and expertly catered for by the chefs at each camp and lodge.
• Mobility Concerns: Specific needs related to mobility can be thoughtfully addressed through careful selection of accessible lodges, rooms, and safari activities.

Plan a custom itinerary with Zicasso after having a look at our How to Plan a Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps.

Concerns about safety, whether related to wildlife or personal security, can be a major misconception. In reality, Africa’s primary safari destinations are overwhelmingly safe, thanks to the sheer remoteness of the reserves, the professionalism of the safari operators, and the economic importance of tourism to local residents.

The safari industry operates with rigorous safety protocols to ensure your well-being. Your expert guides are highly trained in animal behavior and first aid, and the lodges have strict procedures in place. By following their professional advice and adhering to general travel awareness, you can relax and immerse yourself in an open-air adventure that is soothing for the mind, body, and soul.

• Expert Guides: Your guides are highly trained professionals whose primary focus is your safety. Following their instructions is the most important rule of any safari.
• Lodge Protocols: Upon arrival at any camp or lodge, you will receive a thorough safety briefing, covering rules such as not walking unaccompanied at night in unfenced camps.
• Remote Locations: Safari reserves are located far from bustling urban centers, providing a secure and exclusive environment accessible only to guests and staff.
• Health Precautions: Preparing for your trip by getting necessary vaccinations and medications, such as malaria prophylactics for certain areas, is a key part of ensuring a safe and healthy journey.
• Travel Insurance: Booking through a reputable travel partner and having comprehensive travel insurance provides a crucial safety net for any unforeseen circumstances, ensuring peace of mind.

Information on insurance can be found in The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the World with Zicasso.

Incredible animal encounters are undoubtedly the main attraction, but a safari experience is not limited to wildlife viewing. To believe so is to miss out on the rich culture, community, and adventure that surrounds the African wilderness and adds depth to your journey.

A safari is an opportunity to connect with the heart and soul of a place. This can range from engaging with local communities and learning about their ancient traditions to participating in conservation efforts or complementing your safari with other thrilling adventures. These experiences provide a more holistic understanding of the destination and often become the most cherished memories of a trip.

• Cultural Experiences: Visiting a local community, such as a Maasai village, allows you to participate in traditional dances, learn about daily life, and gain insight into ancient heritage and customs.
• Community Giving: Working with your travel specialist, you can identify reputable programs to support, whether by visiting a local school, donating needed materials, or contributing to community-run conservation projects.
• Active Adventures: Beyond game drives, you can enrich your trip with activities like hiking, mountain biking, or even climbing a nearby peak, adding a different dimension to your time in Africa.
• Historical Sites: Many safari regions are close to significant historical or archaeological sites, offering a chance to uncover the deep history of the land and its people.
• Local Crafts: Engaging with local artisans and participating in craft workshops, such as traditional bead making, provides a hands-on cultural connection and a meaningful souvenir to take home.

Learn more about the different experiences you can have with our Specialized Safari Experiences.

The allure of the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, known as the Big Five, is powerful, but focusing on this checklist as the ultimate goal can limit the richness of your safari. The African bush is teeming with other magnificent creatures and the true magic of a safari lies in appreciating the incredible diversity of all its inhabitants, big and small.

A great safari is about the moments of unexpected wonder: watching a journey of giraffes move gracefully across the plains, hearing the excited chirps of a wild dog pack, or spotting a rare and beautiful bird. By broadening your focus beyond just five animals, you open yourself up to a far more rewarding and complete wildlife experience.

• Avian Diversity: The birdwatching in Africa is spectacular, with thousands of species, from tiny, iridescent sunbirds to majestic eagles, offering a vibrant world of discovery for bird lovers.
• Unique Predators: Creatures like the elegant cheetah, the resourceful wild dog, and the rowdy hyena provide fascinating and dynamic sightings that are every bit as thrilling as seeing a lion.
• Nocturnal World: A night drive can reveal a host of shy and fascinating nocturnal animals that are hidden during the day, such as the genet, porcupine, or the elusive aardvark.
• Abundant Plains Game: The sheer spectacle of hundreds of zebra and wildebeest, or a graceful herd of impala, is a fundamental part of the African landscape and a beautiful sight in its own right.
• Your Favorites: Expert guides will use their skills to track animals you are personally interested in, whether it’s the rare pangolin or your favorite type of antelope, making the experience more meaningful.

Let Zicasso’s Finest Birdwatching in the Okavango Delta inspire you to embark on a safari in Botswana.

In the past, capturing high-quality safari photos required bulky cameras and long, expensive lenses, but the idea that you still need professional equipment today is a common misconception. While photographic safaris with specialized vehicles exist for serious hobbyists, you absolutely do not need to be a professional to take stunning pictures.

The incredible advancements in smartphone camera technology mean the device in your pocket is more than capable of capturing your safari memories beautifully. With features like high-resolution sensors, powerful zoom capabilities, and impressive low-light performance, your phone can snap that perfect shot, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than on fiddling with complex gear.

• Smartphone Advances: Modern smartphones have incredible cameras with features like optical zoom and night modes that can produce sharp, vibrant, and high-quality safari photographs.
• Getting Close: In many private reserves, off-road driving is permitted, allowing your guide to position the vehicle for fantastic, close-up photo opportunities that don’t require a massive zoom lens.
• Perfect Light: Your guide is an expert at positioning the vehicle not just for the best view, but also in the best light, which is more important than any piece of equipment for a great photo.
• Focusing on Experience: Using a simple point-and-shoot device like a phone allows you to stay present in the moment and enjoy the sighting, rather than being distracted by complicated camera settings.

If you are a photographer, our Private Serengeti Safari for Wildlife Photographers will be just up your street.

The idea of a "one-size-fits-all" safari is the biggest misconception of all. An African safari is a deeply personal and endlessly customizable adventure, rich with a diversity that can cater to any travel style. From walking through the Zambian bush to gliding through the waterways of Botswana, from a short and thrilling three-day escape to an extended multi-country expedition, the possibilities are as vast and varied as the continent itself.

Begin envisioning the journey that is perfect for you. Explore destinations, the best time to go, and what to pack in greater detail with our insights in our African safari travel guide. For inspiration on how these diverse elements can be woven into a breathtaking itinerary, we invite you to browse our African safari tours and vacation packages. Let the misconceptions fade and your extraordinary African journey begin.