African Safari – Various Myths and Misconceptions – Travel and Leisure

The following are the few myths and misconceptions mentioned herewith:

That is hot Africa 

While there are some places that are as hot as others like Ethiopia, Botswana, and Mali, it would be wrong to generalize Africa as a hot continent. The equator distributes the continent into two and cuts across Kenya, Uganda, Congo, and other countries. All countries touched have an equatorial climate that has roughly the same temperature ranges throughout the year. These temperatures are very hot and the Nirmal is far from hot. This should not stop anyone in Kenya from enjoying the safari. 

Going to a park, you’ve seen them all 

The wildlife habitats and sanctuaries are not the same in Kenya. Each ecosystem is completely different from each other. For example, the Masai Mara in Kenya is completely separate from the Samburu National Reserve. Animals are also of a completely different species. While in other parks you will see the Masai giraffe, in Samburu you meet the beautiful netted giraffe. And it is a completely different species that cannot interfere with the Masai giraffe. 

Security in Africa 

While the past has not liked the image of Africa, it is today a place where you can travel comfortably. Like everywhere else in the world, common sense applies and this means that it is always good to seek advice from local people where safety is an issue. It is not recommended to travel at night or to walk in the dark streets at night. Nightlife is relatively active in big cities but always consult your agent about what to do and what not to do. The worst you can do is not consult. We have seen acts of terrorism all over the world, and African Safari should not be judged on its basis. 

Africa is a bug, bug continent 

Another largely incorrect fact. The truth of the matter is that there are many natural insects in African. What is an exaggeration is that insects are all over. That you turn this way and you meet thousands or hundreds of bugs is untrue. There are insects, yes. Are they everywhere No. In natural areas, parks and reserves expect to see some insects and different types of flies that are part of the natural ecology. Without them, the natural balance will decrease. It is important to note that most of them are not dangerous. But if you fear insects or allergies like bees, something repellent will happen. At night you hear a lot of insects busy about their occupation and this adds to the natural African sound.

African Safari

That there are no children in the African Safari 

I have done many safaris with children. I love teaching children about nature. I have many questions about children coming to Africa. There seems to be a big confusion about taking children to Africa. You should not refuse this to enjoy a safari to Africa with your children. Let the children see the animals in their natural habitat and learn one or two about them and their conservation. In this way, we create a future generation of friends of nature, who will be the protectionists of tomorrow. But apart from that, let the kids enjoy being outside in the wilds. Consult your Kenyan safari travel agent that your trip is specially designed in such a way that you have an itinerary to meet the age of your children. 

That Kenya safaris are dangerous 

This is with good reason to fear animals. After all, they are wild animals, unlike furry pets, cats and dogs, which we have at home. Some of them, like elephants, are massive, and playing with such strength is the foolishness of the highest order. There have been some cases of animal attacks on people, but we need to remember that animals do not attack in any way. They never attack you until their paths have been crossed and their security grounds are troubled. They do not want murderers. We ensure that animals are respected and maintained sufficient distance while watching them. Not because they can attack, but because it is the right thing to respect them, and not to allow any off-road driving. You would expect someone to come to your house to honor you, and the same should happen here. 

African Safaris are very expensive 

Expensive is a relative word. Let me explain in very simple words. When you travel in first class, and I travel in third class, we finally arrive at the same destination. right? Thank you. Depending on your budget, you can find a service that suits your pocket. With some patience and consultation, you will eventually land a safari that is inexpensive. Take your own time to check your travel routine and go through each of the budgeted stay until you are confirmed yourselves prior to booking. Just because your friend or workplace made a multi-million-dollar trip, does not mean that you will do it in the same way when you cannot afford it. But be careful when you go on a budget. Remember, whether, in a 5-star lodge or a 1-star hotel, we could see the same lion. So don’t limit the budget to enjoy nature, especially when it’s the one thing you love. 

African Safari

Big fig game and craze 

Safari is not about the big five. Should I add ‘only’? No… 

Many firms advertise safaris keeping the big five in mind. In return, you want the big five to come. Sure, they are interesting, but these are only a small part of the animals available in Kenyan safari reserves and parks. In fact, they are as small a fraction as they are hypnotized. They are very good on camera and erase the thrill, but if they are not around, they cannot be animals. For example, leopards and cheetahs would not be there if the small antelope were not there. It is important to look beyond the big five and understand the natural balance that makes the ecosystem perfect, making your Kenya safari more of a memorable adventure. 

You are not on a safari unless you camp or ruff it. 

This is one of the ways to enjoy your Kenya Safari. Just as some people like to drink coffee, while others like tea, the way you enjoy your safari holiday depends on you and your budgeting style. While camping or thickening it has its benefits, but should not be done to make your adventure a reality. However, you choose to enjoy your trip, enjoy the day you enjoy your vacation, enjoy nature with your loved ones, whether it is a five-star lodge or camping

African Safari

African Safaris are for hardened travelers 

who said? Many adventurers in the past have written a lot about safaris in Africa. They were not mistaken. But what most have written is their personal experiences. You will agree that a one-time safari to Kenya does not make you the greatest expert about Africa. But this does not make the opinion wrong: it is only a person’s opinion from experience. Safaris are not for hardened travelers alone. Conversely, there are many safaris that are very comfortably organized and even survive outdoor drives or long hours. You do not have to film your game drive for National Geographic. Custom-make your Safari, and work with a company that offers you flexible game drive hours so that you can have a maximum adventure without completing a drive. 

That game drive is boring for kids 

How children enjoy nature sometimes depends on how we enjoy nature like parents. We do not necessarily love nature as much as we do. But what we can do is teach them to appreciate nature and all that. Get your kids on a safari and work with a company that encourages children to be taught about nature. It will not be boring for them. Plan your itinerary in such a way that the fun time is combined with the game drive. Classes like fun-filled nature in hotel grounds and vehicles during game drives, and it wouldn’t be boring for them. 

That you need a big camera 

Unless you plan to join the National Geographic contingent or Jonathan Scott, you don’t have to go crazy to buy the giant lenses you barely know how to use. If you need to buy or borrow a simple camera and do a little practice to balance the lights, lighting angles, and all the combinations that make a great photo composition. Don’t expect to do an award-winning photo shoot without some practice. In addition, today’s mobile phones come with relative advance camera parameters that you can actually use to capture those memories. A great camera is not necessary at all, having the right mindset is essential to go out and enjoy a fabulous holiday. Also, who said that you should take photos? Some of the most lasting memories are in our minds, and most of the time, this is what you will remember.

African Safari

That African Safari is going to be several days 

A safari can take place in Nairobi National Park for half or for 20 days throughout Kenya. There is no limit to the number of days you can do safari As many have said that there will not be many days. What is agreed is the fact that to experience a lot, yes a few days are needed, but there is no limit to the number of days. It would be wrong to feel under pressure, because someone else did 12 days, yet you can make time for 2-3 days. You can still witness the beauty of nature while parallelly enjoying your adventurous trip 

You always need a guide 

It is recommended to have a guide with you, especially if it is your first trip. To feel it, it is great to hang out with someone who has knowledge of the location, especially within the reserves. Some parks are manageable without a guide, especially the Kenya Wildlife Service Managed Park. Of course, you can get lost here and there, but eventually, the signs will guide you. Reserves are a completely different thing. The tracks are not marked and in some places like Masai Mara, there are too many tracks. But if you have a lot of sense of direction, you can manage and always ask other Safari drivers and they will help you.

African Safari

African Safari is a one-time experience 

I have seen communication many times with the intention that it is a one-time experience. How untrue…. It is an experience that is really fun and very educational. Over 30% of the safaris that I do are actually repeat customers. And it is truly a way of life, especially for nature enthusiasts. There is no end to nature, the more you travel, the more you love. And if you are crazy about that wild thing, then you will be in Kenya’s house, because no matter how many times you do it, you will never get the benefit of it. 

The giraffe is romancing male necklace 

This is what a person looks for when they see it for the first time. Two males connect their necks in a synchronized movement. For a deeper first watch, you will see that it is actually beyond romantic movements. Also, it is two men, so it may not be romantic after all. In other sense, these can be a tragic fight that may kill each other. So the next time you see those two giraffes, it is mostly a fight that is sometimes seen next to a female in season.

African Safari

Hyenas are purely scavengers 

A major belief that all tourist goes through. This is a myth so famous that it is almost believable. The truth of the matter is that these ugly looking creatures are very advanced in their survival strategy and are very capable of killing their own. And they do so often. Their position in the balance of the ecosystem is so important that day by day, you get to see a very complex survivor, who is capable of killing his own, despite the myths that revolve around him. 

Male lions do not hunt 

The reality on the ground is completely different. Despite myths, males are such good hunters. Whether in Pride or Lonely Rangers, they hunt and pounce on any occasion that presents itself. For example, during migration, wildlife roams almost everywhere; Men grab the opportunity and grab them anyway, sometimes without eating too much. Furthermore, when young men have distanced themselves from their father’s pride, they must survive on their own and commit their own murder. So they have to sharpen their hunting skills to survive. By the time they manage their own pride, they are already good hunters.

African Safari

That porcupine fired its arrows 

Since childhood, I have been listening to this myth many times and I have grown up knowing that porcupine is a species that I did not have to play with. There are a lot of African myths that were meant to scare children and avoid doing certain things. Porpines never shoot their quill; They only make it harder for prey when they roll in a protective ball. 

Africa is full of diseases 

What comes to mind when you hear the mention of the word Africa? 

Africa is technically behind 

Africa now has the most advanced technological advancement rate compared to many developed countries. What is happening now is that Africa and Kenya in particular are increasing the learning curve, which has passed through many western countries. Institutions of higher education have become so advanced that today we have very advanced technicians in almost all corners of Africa. Kenya has taken several steps in this direction and has seen the country supplying manpower to other African countries. Don’t expect to find a dark continent in Africa, you’ll be in for a big surprise. 

That you can plan it yourself 

If it is arranging your flight, then go ahead and do it. When it comes to combining the components included in your African safari, you are better off with the hands of a local experienced agent or operator. Your best gambling ground is with the operators who know what the lodge does or where it is located in stores and parks. They also know the quality of these qualities and moreover, they know the best guides. In addition, you can share your thoughts on what you want or how you want to do your Kenya safari and the itinerary will be prepared for you. You will review it until you are satisfied with what you want to do. And if something goes wrong, you have an agent for the solution.

African Safari

That you need specific types of khaki clothes to be on a safari 

It does not matter what kind of clothes you wear in African safari. What is important is that you dress comfortably and according to the weather. In the morning, it is sometimes chilly, but by 7.30 in the morning, it starts warming up already. Long-sleeved light clothing is great for the morning, but not winter clothes. It is good to note that some codes of dressing can be seen as very short skirts. Keeping the weather in mind, it is also good to keep people in mind, especially where communities are not exposed like body parts. You do not need khaki clothes for your Kenya Safari, just be comfortable in your dressing. 

Africa is a country 

Africa is not a country. It is a continent that comprises of full 54 independent countries. Being an African country, you have not seen it all. Each country is completely different from each other, and with different traditions, modes of life, and even governance. In addition, some are coastal deserts such as Namibia, while others are evergreen tropical regions such as Uganda. Before the trip, many people think that Africa is a big country, and nothing can be so far from the truth. 

That’s petting protection 

If you ever pay to go and pet animals in any African country in the name of a conservation free reprint article, think again. The fact that you are already patting them should tell you that something is already wrong. Wild animals are never considered pets for petting. The animal you would be patting must have done something drastic in his life, for this to change from a wild animal to an animal that accepts petting. Do not confuse them by patting them for protection.