5 Debunked Myths About Traveling to Africa
Africa is a soul continent. One can’t quite put a finger on exactly what it is, but somehow Africa’s intoxicating kaleidoscope of dream worthy landscapes, iconic wildlife, intriguing cultures, soulful music and starry nights grab hold of one’s soul.?
Yet many who have not yet ventured to this captivating continent still hold the ‘mythconception’ that traveling to Africa is far, dangerous and only best at certain times of the year. It’s time to set the record straight and bust 5 of Africa’s Biggest Myths.?
Myth 1: There Is a ‘Best Time’ to Go on Safari
Contrary to popular belief, there is no ‘best time’ to go on Safari. Mother Nature plays by her own rules, and no matter the season, there is always an element of beauty (and surprise).?
Keep in mind that no two seasons, no two days, and in fact no two game drives are ever the same in terms of the sights, smells, landscapes and wildlife interactions. There are pros and cons to every season, from weather to water hole frequency, to vegetation and views. Ask your travel expert when planning your vacation, and focus on what works best for you, what suits you best in terms of weather & budget, rather than being concerned about wildlife sightings.
Myth 2: The Great Migration Can Only Be Seen from July to September
There’s so much more to the Great Migration than just the widely documented Mara\Grumeti River crossings that typically take place from July to September. While these on-the-edge-of-your-seat sightings are as unforgettable as they are nerve-wracking, what many travelers fail to understand is that this migratory trek of hungry herbivores is a year-round occurrence.?
The Great Migration never stops, it is a journey as old as time, and each season comes with its own special highlights.?
Track The Great Migration
Where are the herds - In northern Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area / Ngorongoro Crater in the southern corner of the Serengeti. The Ndutu and Salei plains are safe bets in order to spot the largest herds.?
Where are the herds - In the grassy plains of the Serengeti’s Western Corridor (Moru Kopjes and Seroma).?
Where are the herds - Attempting to cross the Grumeti River in the Western Serengeti
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Where are the herds - In Tanzania’s northern border with Kenya, and Kenya’s Maasai Mara Reserve along the Mara River?
Where are the herds - Throughout Tanzania’s Serengeti plains - starting in the northeastern edge in November and making their way to the southern Serengeti in December.?
Myth 3: Safaris Are The Only Reason To Visit Africa
Going on safari should be on every wildlife lover’s bucket list. Fact. And there is really no such thing as ‘too many Safari’s’, however, the African continent boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes, travelers are truly spoiled for choice beyond a safari.?
Think tropical islands, glorious beaches, world-class diving experiences, vibrant cities, award-winning wineries, picturesque mountains, dense jungles, thunderous waterfalls, ethereal deserts, and fascinating cultural and historical sites … the list goes on. Africa has ceaseless beauty and adventure for those willing to explore it.?
Myth 4: The Animals Want to Eat You
This is perhaps one of the most commonly asked questions from first-time safari goers. No, the animals do want to eat you. It will soon become apparent on the initial game drive that the wildlife is largely uninterested and perpetuated by the safari vehicle and its two-legged occupants. Of course, there are basic safety precautions to take, and rangers make sure their guests are always reminded that nature plays by its own rules. One of the best experiences in the bush is a walking safari.?
Myth 5: African Food is Boring!
Travel writer Deborah Cater once said, “You have to taste a culture to understand it,” and we couldn’t agree more.?
To most - Food is an integral and large part of travel. Meals are meant to be lingered over and slowly devoured and going back for seconds (thirds, fourths … who’s counting?) is always encouraged.?
Southern African cuisine is derived from the diversity of cultures who call this point of Africa home. From Afrikaans boer kos (farmer food) to spicy Indian delicacies. From African staples, to Cape Malay taste sensations that are uniquely South African specialties.
African cuisine is rooted in its history of settlement and has created a cuisine that blends the spicy and aromatic foods of the Oriental and Arab world with traditional European and local fare.?
In a recent study, Conde Nast Traveler named Cape Town, South Africa, ‘The Best Food City In The World’. Cape Town beat Dubai (who came in second) and Hong Kong (who came in at a close third) for the top spot as reader’s favorite city for wining and dining.?
Often some of the most memorable travel moments come in the form of a delicious impromptu snack shared en route, a celebratory drink savored at sunset or a dessert savored under the stars.?
From the grain porridges and root vegetables that form the basis of so many diets, to grand feasting dishes such as breyani, tagine, stews and aromatic curries, Africa’s favorite foods offer something for every palate.?