TRAVEL TIPS FOR AFRICA

Africa is a beautiful continent to visit, with vastly different experiences in each country. Here are a few basic tips to ensure you have the most amazing trip!

1. A small first aid kit to treat minor injuries is useful to take and make sure you pack hand sanitizer and baby wipes for the dust.
2. Spare cheap cellphone and then buy a local SIM card at the airport on arrival – use for airtime or data as you need it.
3. Extra memory card, in case you run out of storage space on your camera
4. A USB stick is a convenient way to take other travelers’ pictures home with you
5. Power adapter – if you are unsure of exactly where you will be travelling, bring a universal adapter.
6. Never put all your money or cards in one place. Spread it out into different pockets, a money belt, the lining in your bag, etc.
7. If possible, take two types of credit cards (Visa and MasterCard, for example), you have a higher chance of a having a card that will work at any ATM. Amex is often not accepted
8. Take small denominations of US dollars (for tipping and shopping at markets) but make sure they are not old bills as they won’t be accepted. Take dollars from 2013 onwards.
9. It is Africa, but yes it can get cold! Bring warm clothing, or layers to peel off as the day warms up. Don’t bring white clothes – they will just get dirty!
10. Check the vaccination requirements for each country – especially for yellow fever, as you will have to show proof of it to enter certain countries. Check the status of malaria in the countries you are visiting and make sure you get anti-malaria tablets.
11. Female travelers might not be able to find the same sanitary products that you get at home, so stock up on them before you start your travels. Try to bring biodegradable products if possible.
12. Get travel insurance for medical expenses, lost luggage and flights that are delayed or cancelled.
13. Scan all important documents and take a copy with you (leave it in a different place than the originals) and leave a copy with someone at home.
14. Make sure you know which visas you need for the countries you are visiting. Always check the expiry date on your visas carefully when they are issued to you.
15. Stay safe and use common sense. Don’t go walking around alone at night, don’t wear flashy watches and jewels and secure your valuables, especially cameras and cellphones.

Please send through your top travel tips so we can keep our list updated!

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