Summary of Steps
Decide Where to Go
With more than 50 African countries to choose from, deciding on your destination can be daunting. Initially, consider the type of vacation you want or the specific sights you’d like to experience.
Are you after the classic safari experience? Kenya or Tanzania may be ideal. Wish to delve into ancient cultures? Consider Egypt or Ethiopia. For beach getaways, the stunning islands of the Indian Ocean are worth your time.
For families traveling with small children, it’s advisable to choose malaria-free countries such as Morocco or South Africa.
Decide When to Go
Once your destination is set, the next phase is selecting your travel dates. Most locations have optimal visiting seasons, particularly for safari trips. Generally, the dry season offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals venture to waterholes. Moreover, winter is often favored for desert exploration, yet it’s important to note the timing differs between the Kalahari and Sahara.
If work or school schedules dictate specific travel times, it’s wise to address this step early in the planning process.
Book Your Tours and Lodging
Next, consider whether you’ll explore independently or enlist the services of a travel agent or guide. If you choose the latter, they will handle arrangements for tours and accommodations. However, if you prefer self-booking, ensure you plan safaris and treks through specialized operators, unless you’re visiting a self-drive safari destination like Namibia.
It’s recommended to contact your chosen agent well in advance, ideally up to a year before your travel, and secure accommodations, particularly in towns or open reserves with limited availability.
Book Your Flights
Flight costs to Africa can be significant, particularly depending on your point of origin. Consequently, booking early is crucial for securing better rates. Utilize air miles where applicable and consider flight comparison sites like Skyscanner for optimal fares. Coordinating international flights with domestic connections under a single booking also ensures better handling of delays.
Buy Travel Insurance
At this stage, you have made considerable financial investments in flights, tours, and lodging. Therefore, acquiring travel insurance is essential, especially in Africa, where flight cancellations are common. Your policy should cover not only medical expenses but also trip cancellations, loss of belongings, and other mishaps, including emergency medical evacuations if needed.
Check Your Visa Requirements
Months prior to your trip, verify whether a visa is required based on your nationality. Visa regulations often change, so consult a reliable government source. Some nations offer visas on arrival while others necessitate advance applications. Note specific passport validity and blank page requirements as well.
Organize Travel Medication
At least two months before your trip, consult a travel clinic to determine necessary vaccinations. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies are commonly recommended, and certain countries mandate proof of yellow fever vaccination. Moreover, assess malaria risks throughout sub-Saharan Africa and discuss with your doctor regarding prophylactics.
Buy Your Travel Equipment
Shopping for your adventure should be an enjoyable experience. Depending on your destination, your list might include essential items like mosquito nets, binoculars, and sturdy hiking shoes. Prepare for variable weather—nights can be cool even in deserts. Capture your memories with a good camera or a scrapbook. Don’t forget to include a comprehensive first aid kit and personal medications for minor emergencies.
Decide What to Do About Money
Determining money management strategies should be done weeks before your departure. In many regions, carrying large sums of cash isn’t safe. However, ATMs may be limited, so establish a plan using credit or debit cards while splitting cash into separate secure locations for safety. Notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid the inadvertent cancellation of accounts due to suspected fraud.
Read About Your Destination
Doing your homework on your destination is an excellent means of escalating your enthusiasm while enhancing your insights. Consider using reputable guidebooks for historical and cultural context along with insider tips about attractions. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the local language and pick up a few phrases to establish rapport. Lastly, explore works by African authors to set the scene for your upcoming journey.
