Top 10 Tips For
Travelling In Africa
So you’ve taken the plunge and bought that
ticket to an African city you’ve always wanted to explore, now what? You need
to find a place to stay, figure out your itinerary, and work out all the
details, big and small, that come with jetting off to a new place.
In the midst of all this planning, it’s very
easy to forget some very important piece of admin, or completely overlook a
seemingly insignificant detail. Whether you’re headed to Accra ,
Nairobi , Maputo
or Cairo
1. Check the paperwork
requirements
This might seem obvious, but the very last
thing you want is to have your trip cancelled because you didn’t do enough
research on visas required. Depending on where you come from and where you’re
going, you might be granted a visa on arrival or have to get one in advance. So
it’s important to know the rules that apply to your specific destination. And
if your flight involves a layover, remember to check if you will need a transit
visa.
2. That goes for your
car too!
If you’re planning on road tripping, your car
might need paperwork to enter certain countries. This document is called the
Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD), and allows a car to temporarily enter a
country while also guaranteeing that all the necessary duties and taxes will be
paid if the car is not re-exported.
3. Get your meds and
the necessary shots
If you’re travelling to a malaria prone region,
you will need to go on a course of preventative medication beforehand in order
to reduce your risk of falling ill, so speak to your doctor about your travel
plans. Some countries also require yellow fever vaccination cards upon entry;
this may not be required when applying for your visa, but not having it could
get you turned away on arrival.
4. Find a friend
A great way to steer off the tourist packed
track is to get a local to show you around, take you to the popular local spots
(not just the ones in the guide books), and also let you know which places to
stay away from. This could be a friend who lives in the area or even friends or
family of people that you know. Don’t be afraid to reach out on social media
before setting off, it is after all, a very small world and you’ll be surprised
at who might able to help.
5. Rethink your
accommodation
Not only will it cost you, but opting for top
hotels doesn’t exactly make sense if you’ll be spending most for your time
exploring the city. Instead, choose a decent, reputable guesthouse or Airbnb
(if it’s available), and save your money for local tastes, experiences and
souvenirs to take home. The same goes for food; you can have fancy meal now and
then, but you don’t want to miss out on trying new dishes and soaking in the
unique atmosphere of places that the locals love.
6. Be smart about cash
Will there be ATMs at every corner? Do you have
a widely accepted card, and what are the related bank charges? Will you be able
to return with local currency and exchange it after your trip? These are all
things you will need to find out before leaving home. In most countries, US
dollars will be readily accepted and so are a safe bet. Make sure you arrive
with some on hand to pay for any fees that pop up when you land. Also remember
to let your bank know where you will be travelling to in order to avoid being
cut off from your funds.
7. Think beyond safari
The wildlife on this continent is definitely
incredible and worth seeing, but don’t think that your exploring is complete
once you’ve seen all of the big 5. From festivals such as Accra’s Chale Wote,
Malawi’s Lake of Stars, and Bushfire in Swaziland, to nightlife in any of the
major cities, and, of course, the history and culture, there’s more than enough
to keep intrigued and entertained.
8. Get a universal
adapter
Your destination might have different plug
points, and when you arrive at your temporary home, drained after a flight,
looking for plugs to charge all your devices is the last thing you’ll feel like
doing. Find out what kind of adapters you will need before leaving, or get a
universal adapter.
9. Dress accordingly
It’s a good idea to look into some of the norms
in the country that you’re visiting, specifically when it comes to women’s
dressing. This might only apply to certain places in your destination, such as
local markets or more remote areas. Find out what is and isn’t acceptable and
pack accordingly to avoid unwanted attention.
10. Get on social
media
No doubt you’ll be posting pictures and stories
as soon as you land, but getting online while planning can also help enhance
your trip. Find popular Instagrammers and bloggers in the city or country you
will be visiting for an insider’s take on some of the places worth visiting
(and spots for some great pictures!)
http://www.travelstart.co.za/
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