Misconceptions I Had About Safari - And What I Learned

Before experiencing a safari for myself, it was not top of my travel bucket list. I always knew I wanted to do it someday, but it felt like a “later” kind of trip. Something I’d get to eventually, when the timing was right, when the kids were older, or when I had a few other destinations checked off first.

I just wasn’t sure safari would be for me. With young kids in tow and the often-high price tags, it never quite felt like a priority. Looking back, I now realize my hesitations were rooted in misconceptions and overcoming them led to one of the most memorable travel experiences of my life. So, let’s break down some of the biggest ones I had, as maybe you’ve had them too!

1. You need to be a wildlife enthusiast to truly appreciate a safari

Don’t get me wrong, I like animals, but I never saw myself as a wildlife enthusiast, or even close. I assumed people who loved safari the most were the ones who could name every species of bird or watched David Attenborough shows on a weekly basis. So I figured, maybe it wouldn’t hit the same for me.

Then, when we moved to Cape Town in 2019, an opportunity came up to go on safari at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve with friends. Despite my hesitations, we went. Our girls were just two and five at the time.

And honestly, I was genuinely blown away by the whole experience!

First, the animals. There’s something truly magical about observing wild animals in their natural rhythm - playing, resting, interacting, even hunting.  It feels like stepping into a raw, primal world that you’re not really a part of, yet can deeply connect with. There’s something incredibly grounding about it all. It’s a powerful reminder of how small we are, and how connected we still are to nature, even if we’ve forgotten it in our busy day-to-day lives. 

What really surprised me though, is that it’s not just about the animals.

It’s the landscapes! Sometimes it’s golden grasslands that stretch to the horizon, or it can be thick with bushveld or rocky outcrops. The watering holes surrounded by zebras and springbok, and that iconic orange African sky as the sun sets. It’s the profound quiet and the subtle noise of nature. The way you completely switch off and immerse yourself on those early morning or golden hour game drives.  Even on drives when you don’t spot much “action”, you’re soaking in the beauty of nature. The sun rising in the distance, the birds singing, the rustling grass. It’s hard to describe, but it's an intense calm I struggle to find a comparison to. 

It’s also the people: the guides, the trackers, the lodge staff. The knowledge they share and the stories they tell of their lives and the land. You walk away with a deeper understanding of the local people, their culture, the land and your connection to it.

And there are always other activities you can take part in on safari; fishing, canoe trips, camping out, walking safaris, or even the chance to get involved in conservation activities.

Being on safari truly strips away the noise of daily life and reconnects you with the beauty of nature and with yourself. That is a powerful experience, regardless of whether you are a wildlife expert.

2. My kids need to be older

This was a big one for me. I had always pictured doing safari when the kids were at least 10 or older - old enough to sit still for long periods and appreciate the experience.

But our first safari completely altered my perception of what the “right age” is.

Not only were our daughters not “too young” (they were two and five), they actually made the experience more magical. It reminded me of how kids make Christmas more special; their excitement, their endless questions, their ability to find wonder in everything. Seeing it through their eyes truly elevated the experience for us.  I still remember conversations in the safari vehicle with our guide and spotter, and our daughters, about how male dung beetles fight over balls of dung, which our girls got a kick out of! Or seeing our girls learn to spot certain animals in the distance or identify their tracks in the dirt; it became a fun and educational game for them.

The lodges genuinely do an excellent job of making the experience seamless for families. From activity books and snack packs to hands-on experiences like cooking pizzas with the chef or going fishing between drives, our girls were engaged, looked after, and made to feel special. You get the sense that the lodge staff love having kids around. Many lodges also offer childcare which we took advantage of for a couple of early morning drives when the kids were still sleeping.  We let our girls sleep in while we headed out on our own little “game drive date”, and by the time we returned they were up, happily playing with their nanny and ready for breakfast and the day’s adventures. We were truly impressed by how thoughtfully our children were cared for at Kwandwe, Phinda Mountain Lodge, and Londolozi. Now that they’re a little older, they join us on the morning game drives, but many lodges still offer engaging activities between drives and go out of their way to make kids feel special.

And yes, the kids were able to sit for hours at a time on the game drives as they were fully engaged and immersed in the experience. The friendly guides do an amazing job of drawing the kids in and making it fun for everyone.

Another reason I was initially hesitant to bring young kids on safari was the risk of malaria. I soon learned that South Africa has safari destinations in areas considered malaria-free that still offer incredible wildlife viewing and stunning landscapes – places like Kwandwe, Phinda, Madikwe, Shamwari, Mhondoro, and more. There are also effective preventative measures for traveling to areas where malaria may be present, which has made us feel comfortable when visiting those regions. As always, it’s best to consult a travel clinic or your doctor for the most up to date travel advice.

So, would I hesitate to take kids on safari? Absolutely not!  There is no “best age” for safari.  Family safari is truly an enriching experience for all. The lodges cater beautifully to families, offering enriching experiences without compromising on the magic or comfort of the trip. Having our kids with us only amplified the safari experience for us.

3. Safari is expensive, it can’t be worth it

A safari often comes with a high price tag. It’s easy to look at the numbers and wonder: Is it worth it?

But here’s what I didn’t fully grasp at first; what’s included and what you ultimately leave with.

At most lodges, the rate covers your accommodation, all meals (and we’re talking beautifully made breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks), drinks (including "grown-up drinks"), two daily game drives, guided walks, childcare, daily activities and extra special touches like dinners in the boma and sundowners in the bush. Once you arrive, literally everything’s taken care of - there’s no need to reach for your wallet.

When you compare that to the cost of a family trip to an equivalent standard of hotel in a European city - booking a family room (or sometimes 2 rooms) at a nice hotel, eating three family meals a day, drinks and snacks for the family, transportation/rental cars, paying for activities and tours - the value of a safari becomes a lot clearer.

Plus, many lodges invest in conservation efforts, local communities, schools, and anti-poaching programs, so a part of what you’re paying supports important work on the ground.

And the experience itself? It’s next level. It’s not every holiday where you feel like you’re entering a different world, where you truly switch off and become utterly immersed in your surroundings.  It’s educational, awe-inspiring, and leaves an imprint on your heart. You leave with memories and stories that you’ll tell for a lifetime.

Is safari worth it? For me, absolutely.

4. I'm only doing this once

I used to think that once I ticked “safari" off the list, I’d be done. Been there, done that. Yet another thing I was very wrong about.

As we left, I was already thinking: When can we do this again?

Safari has a way of pulling you in. You forget about your phone, your inbox, your to-do list. You just…are. And that feeling is rare and addictive. It’s the wildness, the stillness, the immersion of the whole experience.

On our first safari, we met a couple who go on safari every year for a month at a time. I remember asking them, doesn’t it get old? Now I realize that was a silly question. No two days are ever the same. And no matter how many times you go, nature always has more to show you.

Once you’ve had a taste of safari in Africa, you quickly realize just how much more there is to explore. Africa is a vast and diverse continent, and within the safari-rich regions of Southern and Eastern Africa there are distinctly different adventures on offer. Southern Africa is ideal for both first-time safari-goers and seasoned enthusiasts, with world-renowned reserves around Kruger National Park in South Africa, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and the raw beauty of Zambia and Zimbabwe. In Eastern Africa, you’ll find iconic experiences like the Great Migration across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in Tanzania and Kenya. These regions are also deeply rich in culture, history, and tradition, adding even more depth to the safari experience.

Thanks to increased non-stop flights from the U.S. and Europe, these extraordinary places are now more accessible than ever.

Safari isn’t a “one-and-done” experience. Like Europe, Asia, or the Americas, Africa offers a lifetime of discovery. The more you see, the more you’ll want to return.

So, if you’ve been pushing safari further down your list, or it may not even be on your list – whether because of cost, timing, the age of your kids, or just thinking you’re "not the type" – I truly hope my own experience helps shift your perspective.

It’s never too early or too late, and you don’t have to be an expert. Safari is for the curious, the seekers, the wanderers, and for anyone who wants to reconnect with nature and themselves in a deep and meaningful way.

And once you’ve been, you’ll wonder what took you so long.

Ready to Start Planning Your Safari?

If this post has sparked your curiosity or even just nudged safari a little higher on your travel list - amazing. The beauty of a safari is that no two experiences are the same, and there are so many ways to tailor your trip to match your travel style, whether you're seeking something ultra-luxurious, more off-the-beaten-path, family-friendly, or packed with adventure.

I can help you navigate the many options and craft a safari experience that’s just right for you. If you’re interested in planning a safari - or even just exploring the idea - get in touch here. I’d love to help make it happen.