Is an African Safari Safe?
Venturing beyond the familiar is always risky. Staying within your existing world, never wandering too far from what you know, is safe and predictable. But if your curiosity has been piqued, your adventurous instincts starting to tingle with the anticipation of an experience beyond your norm, don’t let fear of the unknown keep you from leaning in!
When experiencing a new place, especially one as far from home and potentially unfamiliar to you as the African continent, it’s easy to let a lack of experience result in an assumption of danger. But here’s the truth: There is nothing especially risky or unsafe about an African safari.
One of the most common fears about going on an African safari is political instability, crime, or terrorism in the destination country. Although there are places within the continent and within each country that have higher risks in these areas, the vast majority of locations are quite stable and safe, and these include our safari destinations.
The other worry might be around safety when it comes to the animals themselves. As exciting as it is to see a lion, you don’t want to get too up close and personal! Yes, the wildlife you will see are wild and dangerous. However, the chance of interacting with them in an unsafe way is incredibly low. As afraid as we are of them, they are also afraid of us, and your guides will know how to respect the animals, what distance to keep, and how to ensure your safety. As long as you listen to your hosts and follow their guidelines, you will have nothing to worry about.
As you prepare to go, here are a few simple tips on what you can do to ensure you are not only safe, but that you also feel safe.
1. Book With a Company You Trust
As a safari company, we take your safety very seriously. We will never put you in a situation where your health or safety are compromised and we rigorously vet each of our locations. Wherever you end up staying, we know that your hosts will be well equipped to ensure you are taken care of.
Are there specific things you’re worried about? Reach out and let us know what’s keeping you from feeling fully at ease. We’ll give you all the information you need, customize your experience for optimal enjoyment, and take any necessary precautions.
2. Protect What You’ve Left Behind
While you’re preparing for where you’re going, don’t forget about what you’re leaving behind. Don’t share the details of your trip (i.e., how long you will be gone) on social media. Make sure any valuables you own are in a safe and secure place. Arrange for a housesitter or have someone you trust checking in on your house regularly. They can bring in the mail, water your lawn, and make sure that everything looks okay.
3. Prepare to Stay Healthy
It’s always a good idea to visit a doctor to make sure that you have all the vaccines and preventive medication you require. Our in-house doctor can answer any of your questions when it comes to the health measures needed for your final destination, but it may also be necessary to visit your primary doctor to address any preexisting conditions and how best to continue your care while far from home. Additionally, although these will likely be available for purchase wherever you go, it wouldn’t hurt to bring along over-the-counter medications you might need, like painkillers or antihistamines.
Leaving your home and traveling to a faraway destination can feel risky. But on an African safari, we know you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the worries you thought might compromise your fun will actually be a distant memory. The animals, landscapes, and cultural experiences are ready for you!
