Africa has so many options for an exciting vacation, you will have pleasurable fun deciding which option for your African adventure and safaris suits you best!
From the Atlas mountains to Egypt to the Mountains of the Moon to the Kalahari and the wonders of safaris to view the wildlife are only some possibilities.
Africa, where mankind probably originated, has such diverse landscape, flora and fauna and cultures that it almost boogles the mind making a decision about where and what to do.
Africa is wild – there is no doubt about it – and I don’t mean just the animals. Many African countries are beset with civil unrest so caution is always a consideration that must be taken seriously.
Safe Traveling
Having said that, many African countries have well developed tourist industries and go to great lengths to protect visitors – so safe travel is possible.
Africa is filled with accessible wonders to name a few
• Victoria Falls
• the ruins of ancient Zimbabwe
• the Sahara and Kalahari deserts
• Roman ruins scattered across the north Afrcan countries
• mysterious Timbuktu
• The Serengeti Plains
• Egypt, of course, and the Nile
• Trekking up Mt Kilimanjaro
• the rain forest of Uganda and Rwanda – and see the gorillas
• Namibia’s Fish River Canyon – 2nd only to the Grand Canyon
Africa For The First Time
If your first trip to Africa is also your first time visiting a developing country, you may be in for a cultural shock. Find out what to expect from your first trip to Africa from the advice given below.
1. Give yourself time to get used to being in a different environment. Don’t compare things with “home” and just keep an open mind. If you are afraid or suspicious of local people’s motives, you can needlessly ruin your vacation. Read the tips below, file them away and enjoy your visit to Africa.
2. The poverty in much of Africa is usually what strikes first-time visitors the most. You will see beggars and you may not know how to respond. You will realize you can’t give to every beggar, but giving to none will most likely make you feel guilty. It’s a good idea to keep small change with you and give to those who you feel need it the most.
If you don’t have small change, a kind smile and a sorry are perfectly acceptable. If you can’t handle the guilt, make a donation at a hospital or to a development agency that will spend your money wisely.
3. Children begging on their own will often have to give up the money to a parent, guardian or gang leader. If you want to give something to begging children, give them food instead of money, that way they’ll benefit directly.
4. For women, being stared at by groups of men is naturally somewhat threatening. But this is what you can expect when you travel to some African countries, especially in Northern Africa (Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia). Try not to let it bother you. You have to just learn to ignore it and not get annoyed by it.
5. Beware of scams and touts – assume nothing is free – despite what people approaching you claim.
Research where you are going to and use a respected guide like Fodors or the Lonely Planet to learn about the do’s and don’t's. The little time you spend doing this may just save you lots of time of hurt and anger.
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Also take notice of “Travel Advisories” from your foreign affairs department – especially if you are visiting, or even transitting, a strife torn region.
Safety When You Travel Around Africa
Don’t assume that what is safe at home is also safe abroad.
You don’t face any more danger traveling in Africa than in other parts of the world.
Petty theft is probably the most common crime you are likely to come across when visiting Africa. As a tourist with cameras and cash, you just have to be careful.
Violent muggings are quite rare for most African countries. Dakar, Lagos, Nairobi and Johannesburg are probably most notorious for violent crime, car-jacking and murder. Keep up to date with African news so you can avoid areas where there is war, famine or obvious political instability.
Some Safety Tips While Traveling In Africa
• Wear a flat money belt that fits underneath your clothes. Use this to keep your credit credit cards, passport and travelers checks safe.
• Make a copy of your passport, ticket, credit card and traveler check numbers. Put these in your main luggage so if you do get robbed of the originals, you still have all the information for insurance and replacement purposes.
• Use a fanny pack or your pockets for your day to day cash. I always think of this as a decoy. If you get robbed, then all you lose is a day’s worth of spending money.
• Don’t wear jewelery, flashy watches or cameras around your neck, you’re just inviting trouble.
• Don’t walk alone at night especially in major town and cities and in stick to well lit areas even if you are walking with a group.
• Beware of thieves posing as police officers.
Health: Be Smart
Enquire about appropriate health precautions (vaccinations and so on) – malaria is endemic and those of European descent are susceptible to contracting it.
• A travel agent should know the latest recommendations based on where you are going. Specify which African country/s.
• Consider taking a first aid kit with you – especially if you are venturing outside of cities and big towns.
Climate
The climate of Africa varies from tropical to sub-arctic on its highest peaks; including the desert in the northern half, while it is able to find both savanna plains and dense jungle regions in the central and southern areas.
Pack sensible clothes, noting that in Islamic countries standards of dress are different.
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