If you are enthusiastic about travel, then you probably know that Africa is one of the best holiday destinations in the world. While to some people, Africa travel is only about wildlife safaris, those truly in the know are aware that Africa has so much to offer that, once you visit the continent, you will want to come back again, and again, and again.
The range of holiday activities you can engage in in Africa includes adventure travel, sightseeing tours, wildlife safaris, cultural tours, luxury beach vacations, and much more. In this article, I highlight some tips that will help you plan and actually have a memorable vacation in Africa.
Travel Tip #1: Decide on what you want to see
Remember that, no matter how much time you have for your trip, it will still not be enough to sample everything that Africa has to offer. Decide on one or two important things, leave the rest for another trip. It is only when you know what you are interested in, that you can research on, and pick an appropriate destination(s).
If you are a first time visitor, a safari may be your easiest choice. I guess you would want to see the big five animals and other wildlife in the true African wild. Your best options for the safari are Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, or Zambia.
If you are more interested in historical sites than in a safari, your choices include Egypt and Ethiopia. Seychelles Islands, Zanzibar and Mauritius would be ideal if you want a relaxing beach holiday.
Travel Tip #2. Pick one (or a few) select destination(s)
Each African destination differs, slightly or substantially, from the others offering similar attractions. For example, you can see the big five animals both in Kenya and in Botswana. Botswana is however better suited for the more “up-market” traveller seeking exclusive safaris, while in Kenya even the budget traveller can still enjoy a great safari. Another example, Zanzibar may be cheaper than the Seychelles islands for a beach holiday, but you will find more luxury in Seychelles.
If you want to combine two or more destinations in one trip, you should gather basic knowledge on how easy and convenient it is to travel across all of them. For example, it may be more sensible to combine Egypt, Kenya, and Zanzibar in one tour than, say, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Seychelles.
Travel Tip #3. Research Your Chosen Destination
You definitely do not want any unpleasant surprises when you arrive at your destination. It is important you know in advance any prerequisites like visa requirements, mandatory vaccinations, etc. Weather and health-related information is also crucial for your planning. If you can also get some information about language and culture in your Africa destination, it may help you in your social interactions.
Travel Tip #4. Work With a Knowledgeable Travel Agent
Make use of travel experts, especially if you are travelling to Africa for the first time. They probably know about your destination than you do. They can negotiate better rates for you with hotels, airlines, and other service providers. If anything goes wrong with your airline or hotel, a travel agent is better placed than you, to make sure you get suitable alternatives or appropriate compensation.
Travel Tip #5. Tie All Loose Ends Before Departing for Africa
Make sure that your travel agent has given you satisfactory information about the holiday activities and places they have reserved for you. Also ensure that you have received all the necessary airline tickets, receipts for any payments you have made, and accommodation vouchers for the hotels or lodges you will stay in. You will not be asking for too much if you insist on seeing photos of the places you will be staying in, or being given the website links and contact addresses of those places.
Travel Tip #6. Pack Only What is Necessary
Strike a balance between carrying all stuff you deem essential, and travelling light. One thing you don't want to leave behind is a good camera, what with the myriads of perfect photo opportunities in Africa. Unless you are a professional photographer, a small but high resolution digital camera should serve you well. For some great tips on what else to pack for your vacation, see this packing list (
http://www.go2africa.com/africa-travel-tips/what-to-bring) by Go2africa.com.
Travel Tip #7. Use Common Sense and Apply Caution
Some safety rules are universal. In any city in the world, there are streets where you would not venture out alone at night. Whether in Africa or in Australia, you would obviously not engage in indiscriminate unprotected sex with people you are not well acquainted with, unless you don't fear contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. The same logic applies in Africa. Mind your safety, health and property.
Travel Tip #8. Be Courteous and Polite
Treat the people with whom you interact with respect. Like most of us, you may have some prejudices and opinions, but keep them to yourself as much as possible. You may not understand some local cultures, respect them any way.
Travel Tip #9. Remember to Have Fun
Step out of the fixed travel plan your agent made for you, and try to get a local feel of things where possible. Most African people are very amiable and full of life, interact with them. In the cities, it is OK to sample the night-life if you desire. You are likely to see another “real face” of Africa if you step away from your fixed schedule. As long as you bear travel tip #7 in mind: use common sense and apply caution.