Myths about Ebola risk on South Africa safari

29/08/14 19:16 Filed in: African Safari Holiday

Since the Ebola outbreak in West Africa panic has spread faster than the virus and guests became insecure about going on South Africa safari. Ebola is not an airborne disease and South Africa is far away from West Africa. However, it is the little knowledge about the geography of Africa and the distances on the continent what creates the myth. South Africa is as far away from Liberia as Miami from Paraguay and Nairobi is as far away from Liberia as Hong Kong from Dubai. South African safaris are not affected by Ebola, just like a holiday in Spain.

The infographic by The Safari Company. below shows the distances of African safari destinations from West Africa in comparison to other countries and continents. Paris, London and Madrid are closer to Liberia than South Africa. It is only the poor understanding of the geography of the African continent, what makes one fear of Ebola when travelling to an African country, but not in France.





A very good article is available in the New York Times called “What you need to know about the Ebola outbreak”, showing what the risks are and taking away myths about the disease. Africa is a huge and diverse continent, yet widely unknown in detail. Safari countries like South Africa are in no way like a West African country. There is a reason, that there are no safaris in West Africa, but all safari holidays are happening in Southern and East Africa. South African safaris are excellent and can be safely enjoyed.


Ute Sonnenberg for Roho Ya Chui, Travel Africa