Busting the 7 Biggest Myths About Traveling in Africa

I’ve lived in South Africa most of my life, and even after 30 years of specializing in bespoke safaris and travel through Africa, I’m still amazed by the wild misconceptions people have about this continent.

Here’s the thing: Africa is nothing like what you see on the news or on those drama-filled TV shows back home. Forget the clichés of endless deserts, chaos at airports, or lions roaming the streets. The reality? It’s far richer, things do indeed work - albeit differently to how you’re accustomed to in the USA or Europe - and people here are most probably the friendliest in the world.

This blog isn’t about throwing shade at clients who have asked these questions below - I get it, I’d probably also believe some myths when it comes to say travel in Asia (a continent I’m yet to explore). I’m here as Africa’s unashamed fangirl, answering the questions I get asked all the time as a travel specialist - the ones that might be stopping you from going from “maybe one day” to “I have to do this now.”

So, let’s bust some myths, shall we?

Myth 1: Africa Is Just One Big Country

Nope. Africa is 54 countries. Each with its own flavor, culture, and personality. A safari in Kenya’s Maasai Mara is nothing like drifting silently in a mokoro through Botswana’s Okavango Delta where elephants peer down at you from the shore, or tasting wine on a farm in South Africa’s Cape Winelands vs sipping a cocktail at a resort along Mozambique’s idyllic coastline.

If you think Africa is a “one-size-fits-all” destination, you’re selling yourself short. My job is to help you match your personality and bucket list wishes with the right country (or three) - find out more about this “match-making” process here.

Myth 2: Transport in Africa Is a Nightmare

This one makes me laugh. People imagine chaos, delays, donkey-drawn luggage trucks under the planes and horror stories of bags permanently lost. The truth? African airlines are often more on time than some well-known European carriers (looking at British Airways, Ryanair and Jet2).

Getting around Africa is not just doable - it’s often smoother than hopping budget flights in the States. The trick is knowing the right routes and airlines, and that’s where 30 years of “trial and error” comes in handy. 

We do offer super luxe private jet transfers to clients with the budget, but most of the time we use trusted local airlines or scheduled charter airlines  with exceptional safety records and some of the best pilots out there. 

And when we’re not arranging transfer flights we have a network of trusted guides and ground handlers who transfer you in air-conditioned, roadworthied vehicles equipped to handle tarred and dirt roads comfortably. Seriously, traveling on the subway or catching a cab at home will be more stressful than your transfers in Africa.  Which is all co-ordinated by  Anywhere in Africa Safaris for a seamless and stress-free transfer experience.

Myth 3: Budget Safaris Are All You Need

Let me be blunt: don’t do budget safaris. I know they sound tempting, but here’s what usually happens -  you end up on tarred roads alongside huge buses, stuck in a convoy of 10 other vehicles, with a guide who may not even be qualified. Animals know where these tarred roads are thanks to the noise they emit and end up hiding deeper in the bush (we don’t blame them).

I was recently in the Kruger National Park, and while it’s an incredible place, I saw car after car lined up on the main roads. Compare that to a private concession, where your guide takes you off-road, tracks wildlife, and shares deep knowledge that’s curated to what you want to see and not just what’s out there and you see limited vehicles - it’s night and day.

If you want Africa to really seep into your bones, mid-range to luxury is where the magic happens. So consider a budget of between USD6000+ per person for a 6-7 night package for an experience that’s enriching. Don’t have that kinda budget right now? Rather save up and go the following year - you won’t regret it. Trust me. 

Got questions about budgets, what’s included and the type of experience you get (i.e. what’s bang for my buck?) reach out to Kirsty directly here for an obligation-free Whatsapp call or Zoom. 

Myth 4: It’s Too Dangerous

Traveling to any country or even outside your own home has its risks. But here’s the reality: I’ve traveled with children, with friends, and solo as a woman throughout Africa. I’d never recommend something I wouldn’t do myself.

When you have trusted guides, safe lodges, and routes mapped by someone who lives here, your trip is not just safe - it’s liberating. So please. Let’s stop believing the politicians and disgruntled ex-pats who paint this continent as a deep dark scary place - it’s anything but that. 

Myth 5: Safaris Are Just About the Big Five

Don’t get me wrong, the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant) are iconic. But they’re just the beginning.

Here’s what else is out there:

- The Super Seven: Big Five plus cheetah and African wild dog.

- The Ugly Five (cue Halloween’s theme on our Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn feeds): hyena, warthog, marabou stork, wildebeest, and vulture.

- The Marine Big Five: great white shark, southern right whale, dolphin, cape fur seal, and penguin.

Your safari isn’t married to the savannah, it can take on aquatic forms, be experienced on foot or by water and should be as unique as you are. Tell me what you’ve always dreamt of seeing, and I’ll tailor your trip around that.

Myth 6: Rwanda and Uganda Are Only About Gorillas

Gorilla trekking is extraordinary, yes. But Rwanda and Uganda have so much more to offer, so you don’t have to add on another destination if you’re tight on time or budget.

In Rwanda, you can play a round of golf at the Gary Player–designed course in Kigali, one of the most scenic in Africa. You can go on a safari in Akagera National Park, or simply soak up Kigali’s vibrant, buzzing culture.

In Uganda, you can raft down the Nile at its source, fish for the Nile Perch,  track chimpanzees, and enjoy traditional safaris that rival East Africa’s best. These countries aren’t “one-trick ponies” - they’re full-bodied destinations in their own right.

Myth 7: Africa Isn’t Luxurious As We Know It In The States

Think again. Africa invented barefoot luxury.

You can sleep in a canvas tent and still have chandeliers, Persian rugs, and your own plunge pool. Or stay in a boutique lodge that looks straight out of a design magazine - except instead of traffic noise, you’ll hear lions calling in the distance.

Luxury here isn’t sterile. It’s wild and not just in the thread count but in the quality of service, incredible people and unbeatable locations.

Why I Care About Busting These Myths

Because I’ve seen too many people dismiss Africa based on what they’ve heard on TV or from a friend of a friend.

I’ve traveled through the US and Europe - so I can put things in perspective. And I’ll tell you honestly: Africa is the one place that always surprises people the most. It’s not chaotic, unsafe, or “just about animals.” It’s vibrant, creative, jaw-droppingly beautiful, and endlessly diverse.

So, if you’re on the fence, let me say this as Africa’s unapologetic fangirl: don’t wait. This continent will change you in ways you can’t imagine. And no, it’s nothing like what you’ve seen on TV.