From everyday observation, a significant number of people coming to Africa wouldn't even cope with the daily niggles of today's African life, and only enjoy their safari because they are sheltered from the local reality during their short stay.

A few take and can take whatever is thrown at them, and these would have fared as well 100 years ago as today.

They were few in those days, and they are few today. The difference is that now there is a whole support industry that allows people to reach far flung destinations in relative comfort and safety, whereas before you were on your own. That sorted things out quite fast...