Tourism Guide Africa Travel Guide February 2017 Edition | Page 11

Top 10 Tips
for Travelling in Africa
1. Prepare For Extremes
Although Africa is the hottest continent
on earth, the climate can change
radically from one country to the next.
Take sunscreen, take hats and light
clothing, but take warm jackets, closed
shoes, socks and scarves for bitterly
cold nights in the bush and snowy
season in Lesotho, Morocco and
Kenya.
Majestic Africa is our playground, it’s in our veins. Flying
hundreds of thousands of customers from
Africa, to Africa and around Africa each year, we know
that the key to getting the most out of your
African adventure isn’t in a khaki uniform or a
particularly catchy Johnny Clegg song, it’s in the
details…
2. Pack Snacks
If you’re travelling outside of the main
cities, shops and restaurants can be
scarce. Driving for hundreds of
kilometres to reach your resort, day-
long game drives or hours in the desert
mean it’s always a good idea to bring
plenty of food and water along. For
those with sensitive stomachs, snacks
are also a great idea when the
alternative option is somewhat
dubious.
3. Bargain Your Heart Out
Africa can be as expensive or
affordable as you want it to be. Often
goods are priced quite high because of
the influx of European and American
tourists, but locals expect to negotiate-
it’s a part of the culture and is not seen
as offensive.
4. Don’t Be Eaten Alive
Mosquitos carry diseases, so they pose
a greater threat than unbearable
itchiness. Protect yourself from these
pests by using excessive mosquito
repellent, sleeping under a mosquito
net, wearing long clothes after dark and
taking anti-malarial tablets a few days
before, during and up to four weeks
after your trip, just in case you do get
bitten.
5. Rethink Your Accommodation
Planning a trip around Africa on your
own can be daunting. Where to stay,
how to get there, hiring cars (because
the public transport is often poor) and
local customs – it can get very
confusing and very expensive, quite
quickly. For less worry and more
holiday, book a package that suits your
travel style and let the experts show
Africa off to you, while you put your
feet up and enjoy! For more info on
African travel packages, contact our
travel agents on 021 020 0559.
6. Travel Insurance Is A Must
This is important as medical facilities are
very limited in certain African countries,
and if you’re out in the bush, evacuation
by helicopter could be necessary in a
medical emergency or accident. Doctors
and hospitals often request immediate
cash payment for medical treatment and
insurance will ensure you get most if
not all of your money back once you get
home.
7. Be Cash Wise
ATM’s and credit card machines cannot
be relied on while travelling to Africa-
particularly in more rural countries. Bring
enough cash for local transport, informal
trading, local stores and tips. Don’t keep
all your cash in one place either in case
anything should happen to your wallet.
It’s good to know you have some back-
up money hidden elsewhere – ideally
with backup copies of your travel
documents.
8. Stay Connected
Keep in contact with the world while
you’re away by packing a universal
adaptor and investing in a solar charger
in case there is no electricity or a power
outage.
9. Keep Healthy
Before hopping on a plane, be sure to
check with your doctor what
vaccinations or tablets you will need
when travelling to your chosen
countries. The main diseases to watch
out for- both spread by mosquitos- are
Malaria, which can be prevented with
anti-malarial tablets, and Yellow Fever
which can be avoided with a jab at least
10 days before travelling, at your local
travel clinic. Many African countries
require proof of the Yellow Fever
vaccination before entry!
10. Think Beyond Safari
African safaris are on the top of many a
bucket list for a good reason, but while
you’re there, take the time to enjoy some
of the other things that diverse, unique,
fascinating Africa has to offer. 4X4
adventures, vibrant cities with
glittering nightlife, pristine beaches,
extreme sports for every thrill seeker,
rich culture and wonderful, welcoming
people.