Africa has to be the ultimate destination. For tourists that come from different parts of the world it can be a beautiful and fascinating place. All sorts of travelers are visiting Africa nowadays, students on their gap year, cultural tourists, people on volunteer work holidays as well as the more traditional safari. It is, however, important to take some safety and security precautions while enjoying your African holiday.
To ensure that everything goes smoothly during your time in Africa you need to consider a few safety areas; insurance, medical, food & drink, money, security and specific to safaris, how to stay safe in the bush. I’ll run through these issues below:
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is vital that anyone visiting Africa have comprehensive medical insurance before leaving their country of residence. Travel insurance should also include cover for loss of baggage, third party liability, cancellation and curtailment etc.
MONEY
Nowadays travelers' checks and major credit cards are readily accepted in most African countries. It is suggested that you only carry a small amount of cash otherwise you can potentially be a target for thieves.
If changing currency it is important to always use authorized dealers and banks to get the best rates.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Keep a note of your passport number in a different bag or item of clothing to your actual passport. You should also find a secure location separate from the rest of your luggage for your airline tickets and travelers' checks while visiting any African country.
MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS
Many African countries are prone to a variety of diseases that are not typically encountered in other parts of the world.
For legal reasons I cannot tell you which injections you have to have when travelling to Africa, however, I can advise you. Yellow fever, Hepititis A & B and typhoid are recommended. It is important that you consult your local Doctor who will advise you based on your medical history. Other injections that are advisable are Polio, Tetanus, Meningitis.
When it comes to malaria I t is advisable to contact your GP and they will advise you on the best anti-malarial tablets for you. It is advisable that you try them out before you go to see if you have any side effects. If this is the case then you have plenty of time to change the course.
It is also advisable to take a mosquito net and or mosquito repellent with you.
FOOD AND DRINK IN AFRICA
Of course Africa is a vast continent and different countries and regions vary but the following advice should keep you safe wherever you visit.
Try to drink mineral or bottled water while on a trip to Africa. Also any bottled alcoholic or soft drink should also be perfectly safe. A word of warning about the consumption of alcohol to those from colder climates. Alcohol is likely to affect you to a far greater degree when in hot climates (such as most of Africa) so be more careful with what you drink.
SAFARI SPECIFIC TIPS
African holidays can be amazing experience for any wildlife lover, however care needs to be taken when on safari. Probably most importantly avoid walking in the bush alone and always seek guidance of a local person when exploring the countryside on foot.
It should go without saying that you should keep your distance from wild animals. However as tourists die every year due to not taking the correct precautions while on safari it is clearly worth repeating a few common sense precautions.
Firstly it is always recommended to have a guide when viewing wildlife on foot. As stated above keep your distance, for most animals this may be as far as 20m or more. Additionally you should be careful not to make any sudden movements or loud noises. Finally if the animals in question are getting agitated move away slowly and if you have a car get back in.
That covers the basics, there are likely to be precautions that need to be taken that are specific to the local area, so be sure to find out as much as you can about the country you are visiting before you go.
Finally, wherever you go in Africa, have fun and be safe.
To ensure that everything goes smoothly during your time in Africa you need to consider a few safety areas; insurance, medical, food & drink, money, security and specific to safaris, how to stay safe in the bush. I’ll run through these issues below:
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is vital that anyone visiting Africa have comprehensive medical insurance before leaving their country of residence. Travel insurance should also include cover for loss of baggage, third party liability, cancellation and curtailment etc.
MONEY
Nowadays travelers' checks and major credit cards are readily accepted in most African countries. It is suggested that you only carry a small amount of cash otherwise you can potentially be a target for thieves.
If changing currency it is important to always use authorized dealers and banks to get the best rates.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Keep a note of your passport number in a different bag or item of clothing to your actual passport. You should also find a secure location separate from the rest of your luggage for your airline tickets and travelers' checks while visiting any African country.
MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS
Many African countries are prone to a variety of diseases that are not typically encountered in other parts of the world.
For legal reasons I cannot tell you which injections you have to have when travelling to Africa, however, I can advise you. Yellow fever, Hepititis A & B and typhoid are recommended. It is important that you consult your local Doctor who will advise you based on your medical history. Other injections that are advisable are Polio, Tetanus, Meningitis.
When it comes to malaria I t is advisable to contact your GP and they will advise you on the best anti-malarial tablets for you. It is advisable that you try them out before you go to see if you have any side effects. If this is the case then you have plenty of time to change the course.
It is also advisable to take a mosquito net and or mosquito repellent with you.
FOOD AND DRINK IN AFRICA
Of course Africa is a vast continent and different countries and regions vary but the following advice should keep you safe wherever you visit.
Try to drink mineral or bottled water while on a trip to Africa. Also any bottled alcoholic or soft drink should also be perfectly safe. A word of warning about the consumption of alcohol to those from colder climates. Alcohol is likely to affect you to a far greater degree when in hot climates (such as most of Africa) so be more careful with what you drink.
SAFARI SPECIFIC TIPS
African holidays can be amazing experience for any wildlife lover, however care needs to be taken when on safari. Probably most importantly avoid walking in the bush alone and always seek guidance of a local person when exploring the countryside on foot.
It should go without saying that you should keep your distance from wild animals. However as tourists die every year due to not taking the correct precautions while on safari it is clearly worth repeating a few common sense precautions.
Firstly it is always recommended to have a guide when viewing wildlife on foot. As stated above keep your distance, for most animals this may be as far as 20m or more. Additionally you should be careful not to make any sudden movements or loud noises. Finally if the animals in question are getting agitated move away slowly and if you have a car get back in.
That covers the basics, there are likely to be precautions that need to be taken that are specific to the local area, so be sure to find out as much as you can about the country you are visiting before you go.
Finally, wherever you go in Africa, have fun and be safe.
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