Africa Travel Guide

Always use your common sense; don’t go to remote areas alone, don’t walk around at night and respect the African culture. Be careful for pickpockets and cautious with cash money. Nowadays, many African countries are well developed and safe for tourism. Some have travel restrictions and warnings against travel to places like border areas or places with a high level of terrorism. Check this travel advice before you plan your trip.

Check the local currency of the African country you're planning to visit. To most accepted foreign currencies are the US Dollar and the Euro. I would always recommend taking a credit card and cash money. You will meet people who will try to exchange your money. Don't exchange money through locals on the street. It’s illegal and risky. I would recommend withdrawing cash money at an ATM machine upon arrival or exchange your own currency at an exchange office.

For most safari guides, drivers, porters, and trackers, a tip is an important ratio of their salary. Also, cleaners, waiters, waitresses, and guards don’t receive a high salary and they are grateful for every tip. Apart from the heights of their salary, they are often far from home, working hard and long days. In some African countries, it’s more appreciated to tip in the local currency. I love the smiles on their faces when they receive a tip!

Conservation is a very important aspect to protect Africa's wildlife and ecosystem. Africa is home to an enormous number of wildlife, including critically endangered species like the mountain gorillas and rhinos. Due to conservation, ecosystems will be preserved and future wildlife generations can have a healthy life and enjoy their beautiful intact natural habitat. Examples of conservation efforts are anti-poaching initiatives to stop the slaughter of wildlife, programs to preserve wetlands, plant trees, and many more. Please consider participating in conservation programs to increase awareness and to maintain a healthy and functional ecosystem of our beloved Africa.

Required vaccinations depend on the African country you travel to. Most travelers to Africa require Hepatitis A and Yellow Fever. If you’re traveling in malaria risk areas it’s good to consider anti-malarial tablets. My best advice is to plan a consult with a medical travel clinic to know exactly what’s needed for your trip. Plan your consult as early as possible, but at least 4-6 weeks before departure. Some vaccinations are given multiple doses over a couple of days/weeks and others may need some time to build up immunity.

Check the visa requirements of your African travel destination(s) and make sure if you need a visa, what kind of visa, and how to apply for a visa of the African country (or countries) of your choice. Sometimes you need to apply online, in advance, while other African countries ask you to pay cash at arrival.