South Africa is renowned for providing visitors with some of the most incredible experiences around, from splashing in the surf at Cape Town to holding your breath as you watch a pride of lions on a game drive.
However, for a number of people, the very things that make South Africa unique can also make the prospect of visiting a daunting one. Fortunately, we're here to dispel some of the myths surrounding travel in South Africa, so you can get stuck into planning your next adventure.
Myth #1: Travelling to South Africa takes too long
Africa's exotic allure has the side effect of creating the impression that it will take forever to get there. While many people might not blink at a flight from Sydney to Los Angeles or Europe, the fact is, flying to South Africa will take about the same time.
Flying from Sydney to Johannesburg with stopover in Perth will take you from 18 hours and 45 minutes, while a direct flight can take as little as 14 hours, 20 minutes. A flight from Sydney to London? You're looking at about 23 hours' flying time minimum.
While flying to South Africa isn't the same as a quick hop across to New Zealand or a short domestic flight, we can assure you that the journey is definitely worth it!
Myth #2: It's too expensive to visit South Africa
We find that a number of people hesitate booking their dream trip to South Africa because of the misconception that it will be too expensive. However, if you are heading out on a safari with Bench Africa, you'll usually have your transport, meals and activities all bundled up in your tour cost, meaning you can expect good value for money.
Like a cruise, a visit to a game reserve or park is an upfront cost, making it easier to plan for your expenses from the start. You also have plenty of options from which to choose, from family-friendly lodges all the way to luxury experiences.
In addition, in tourist hotspots throughout Europe, you can expect to pay through the nose for items such as souvenirs and food, especially in areas near the main attractions. Thanks to the exchange rate, you can look forward to similar things costing comparatively less in South Africa.
Myth #3: South Africa is too dangerous to visit
In our experience, we've found that a number of people imagine South Africa to be a lot more dangerous than it actually is, but these fears are often unfounded. Indeed, on your trip, you are likely to be spending a fair portion of time out in the wilderness, where you can look forward to exhilarating wildlife encounters while being guided safely by expert rangers and trackers whose first priority is your safety.
Like many other countries, South Africa's cities have areas that are more tourist-friendly than others, and a little common sense goes a long way in making your stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Your Bench travel specialist will be more than happy to provide you with all the info you need to make the most of your stay.
To find out more about any of our South African experiences, get in touch with our team today.
