Going to Africa? Well, this is one of the best decisions you have ever made. Expect an amazing and fun experience. While this may be exciting, it may also be scary. This is worse if you will be visiting Africa for the first time. But there is no need to be scared. Africa is a great continent. Africans are also among the friendliest people in the world. Below, we share 12 things you should know as a traveler before going on a trip in Africa.
There are so many places to visit in Africa. You can choose to go on Kenya safaris to witness the great migration. Here, you will see over a million wildebeest migrations from Tanzania to Kenya. You can visit South Africa to see Table Mountain. You can visit Rwanda to see mountain gorillas. If you want to see Victoria Falls, you can visit Zimbabwe. If you choose Egypt, you will enjoy the Pyramids of Giza. You can visit Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It has the highest peak in Africa. In short, a trip to Africa will give you an amazing experience. But you need to choose where you want to go. Visiting all the countries in the continent may not be possible.
Traveling to Africa for the first time? Well, there is something you should know about tourist visas. You will not get an ‘African visa’. This means that no one visa will allow you to enter all African countries. Each country has some specific visa requirements. For example, South Africa does not require a visa for visitors from some European nations. But there is a condition that the visitor does not exceed 90 days in the country. The majority of other countries need a tourist visa. For example, you will need a tourist visa to enter Kenya.
Take time to research the requirements. This is a great tip on how to prepare for a trip to Africa. Think about the countries you want to visit. Contact the nearest embassies and ask about the visa. You can also consult government websites. Seek answers to the following questions;
This is among the things you should know as a traveler before going on a trip in Africa. You need to pack everything you might need for several reasons. First, you do not know about quality and price in Africa. You are also unaware of the availability of certain products. Going to Africa? What should you pack?
Traveling to Africa for the first time? Do not worry about accommodation. Many hotels accommodate travelers. These are usually available in cities. There are tailor-made luxury tents. Here, you get to live like a king. You can also choose to camp. Camping facilities are cheap, safe, and accessible. This is also a good way of making new friends.
This is among the things you should know as a traveler before going on a trip in Africa. You need to check with your GP before leaving for Africa. You will need to know what medications or vaccinations you may need before the departure. For example, you will need prescription medicine for malaria prevention. Yellow fever vaccination may be a requirement. You may also need vaccinations for diseases such as COVID-19, and Hepatitis B among others.
Most countries in Africa are safe for travelers. But some places are safer than others. For example, Masai Mara in Kenya is among the safest places. You can do an internet search to determine the safety of the place you plan to visit.
Africans also love tourists. Expect an amazing welcome in all destinations. This does not mean that everyone is good. Some will see you as a target. This is worse in big cities. Pickpockets may be anywhere. Ensure that your money is safe. Keep all your valuables safe. This should not scare you away. Street theft is common across the globe. Some travelers buy travel insurance for security purposes.
You need maps to move around in Africa. With the internet connection, you can easily use online maps. But internet connection in Africa is limited. Some remote villages have no WIFI. To make the trip easier, download and carry offline maps.
This is among the things you should know as a traveler before going on a trip in Africa. Be ready to have fun trips with trains, tuk-tuk, buses, taxis, and motorbikes (boda-bodas). These local means of transport are cheaper. You also get to have an authentic experience.
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The need for a local guide from Africa safaris tour operator is one of the things you should know before visiting Africa. Local guides are trained and experienced. They are experts in guiding travelers. They are always ready to take travelers to the best sites. They also share their culture and way of life. This makes the safari experience to be more exciting. Booking local guides also has a direct impact on local communities.
Ensure that you are insured. This would ensure that you get compensated if you buy anything as a result of an emergency. You can get compensated if you lose your valuables. The insurance can also cover medical care costs in case you get sick. Whether you are in good health or not, have travel insurance. This should not scare you away. You may not even use the insurance. However, it is always good to be prepared. This will give you peace of mind.
Respect people in the places you visit. Behave in the manner you would expect them to behave in your country. Respect their religion and culture. Don’t forget to respect the law. You don’t want to deal with the government in a foreign land. Before the departure, take time to learn about the applicable law. Some laws are as simple as not taking photos in certain areas. Purpose to obey every law.
In this article, we have identified things you should know as a traveler before going on a trip in Africa. Do not forget to enjoy your travel to Africa. Africa has a lot to offer. It is one of the most beautiful continents in the world. Ensure that you have fun.
