Africa Before You Leave
Ten Tips For African Travel
Africa is a huge part of the modern world. It is also one of the most exciting outfield destinations for the contemporary traveler left on the planet. There is an aura in Africa that it is travel on the front line, and in many ways it is. However the reputation the continent suffers for gratuitous violence, corruption and unrest is largely exaggerated, and with a few simple precautions travel in Africa is as reliable, reasonable and enjoyable as anywhere else in the world.
General Safety
Africa has a shocking reputation for violence and civil unrest, and there are certain places where the life expectancy for a westerner on the streets is measured in hours, if not minutes. However in general, for example Sierra Leone, a nation with arguably the worst legacy of violence in the world, is also one of the friendliest tourist destinations in Africa.
A fact worth remembering is that African political violence usually has an internecine flavor that rarely includes random or misdirected acts of violence against outsiders. You can get caught in the crossfire, so make a point of avoiding war zones, but don’t assume that because a country has experienced violence in the past that violence is endemic in the national psyche. In fact Africans continent wide have a reputation for openness and friendliness that is unparalleled anywhere in the world.
Date: August 25th, 2008 |
No Comments
How To Organize A Safari
By Zoe Bridger, Expedition Leader of WildThing Safaris and Donovan Pacholl, Director of Africa Travel for Bootsnall.com
Safari literally means “journey” in Swahili, the language of East Africa. And a journey with a hint of adventure is what tourist pay for. A typical tourist safari consists of a group heading out into the vast wilderness, in places like the Serengeti, in search of animals and adventure.
If you decide on going to Africa for a safari, it’s important to plan your trip and do research. There are thousands of options to think about – and, if you’re going to the other …
Date: June 17th, 2004 |
No Comments
Staying Healthy
One of the most common concerns for travelers headed to Africa is how to stay healthy. There is a misconception that Africa is loaded with awful diseases, many of which are fatal. You will be fine. The truth is – common sense is the key to having a great experience and with a couple basic shots, and a few safety measures, you can have a great experience – many people do.
If you want to stay healthy, here is what you should do:
- Washing hands with soap, water and hot water.
- Drink bottled, boiled or filtered water.
- Eat cooked food, fruit and vegetables you …
Date: June 23rd, 2004 |
No Comments
Commonly asked questions for first-time travel to Africa
Traveling to Africa is usually a difficult first step for many people. It’s a big continent, with so many diverse places and people; it’s almost overwhelming to know where to begin. Through the media, we also tend to read a lot about Africa and its problems, and this gives it a negative stereotype - and sometimes scares people into not traveling. While there are problems in Africa, a huge part of the more than 50 countries are wonderful, safe places to travel. You just need to take that first step.
Usually most travelers come to Africa to volunteer for an aid …
Date: June 8th, 2004 |
No Comments
