Visiting a new place for the first time can create some level of anxiety if you have not planned well for the trip. Africa is one of the top global destinations for African Americans keen to reconnect with the motherland. Whether you are a solo traveler or contemplating visiting with your family, there are travel tips for Africa you should consider to help you enjoy your visit seamlessly. This article outlines top tips to help you plan your first trip to the beautiful continent
1. Research and select a suitable destination
A solo traveler enjoys a camel ride in a desert in Africa.
Africa is endowed with several beautiful scenery that are ideal for tourists and serve the top cream of enjoyment. From diverse wildlife, pristine beaches, beautiful mountains, diverse cultures, and finger-licking foods, a trip to Africa is a journey to bliss. The beauty stretches through the beautiful coast of South Africa and straddles across the historic Egyptian pyramids to the isolated beaches of Madagascar and Seychelles. Kenya’s wildebeest in Maasai Mara and Uganda’s mountain gorillas are the icing on the cake.
Tourist sites in the continent exist in different countries. It is important to research the country you intend to visit and understand what is in store for you once you land. This helps you in settling on the suitable destination that best serves your interest.
2. Consult Travel Advisories
A tourist camps at a site in Africa.
Safety is an important aspect when planning for your first trip. While there are countries in Africa that are relatively safe, there are countries that are not safe for tourists, especially if you are a solo traveler. The US Department of State updates travel advisories for countries across the globe. In Africa, the Federal Government advises its citizens not to visit countries such as Somalia, Mali, and Central African Republic because of insecurity. Travel tips for visiting Africa are incomplete without understanding the security situation in the country one intends to visit.
3. Check the visa requirements for the countries you intend to visit.
Understanding the visa application process and requirements is a crucial step while planning for your first trip to Africa. Check with the Embassy of the country you will be visiting. Find details about the amount you should pay and other requirements as part of the planning.
4. Make an itinerary
A view of the picturesque Mount Kilimanjaro.
While planning for the trip, develop an itinerary. This should include the places you will be visiting and the exact days you will be there. Sharing the itinerary with your friend and some family members is an important travel tip for visiting Africa for the first time.
Making an itinerary is also vital in helping you make the best of your trip by visiting all the key landmarks and features you plan to visit.
5. Take new US Dollar bills
Most African countries rely on their own local currencies for payment of services. However, the US dollar is accepted in almost all African countries. Make sure you carry some US Dollar Bills you can use to pay for services during your trip.
After landing in the country you will be visiting, exchange some of the Dollar bills for local currency. This is not a tough task in most countries because of the existence of commercial banks that exchange foreign currency.
6. Learn basic local phrases
A tourist shares a moment with the Maasai community
Uttering a word or a greeting in the local language is an important travel tip for visiting Africa. If you are visiting East Africa for example, learn a basic greeting in the Swahili language. The phrases will give you a sense of belonging and help you gel with the local community. Most African countries have adopted English as one of the official languages and you should not be worried about communication gaps.
7. Take sunscreen
Sunscreen is significant when you want to protect your skin from the harmful rays of sunlight. There are some countries in Africa that experience hot summer sun with harmful effects if you are not used to it. The Washington Post reports that African Americans should also use sunscreen to protect themselves from the harmful effects of sun exposure.
8. Download offline maps
Tourists on a nature trail in Africa. Some places in the continent lack strong internet.
Some places you may visit in Africa may not have access to the internet while some of the picturesque sites and landmarks in the continent are located in remote places. Therefore, it is important to arm yourself with an offline map that can assist you in locating places in the absence of a strong internet. The offline map is a must-have for solo travelers visiting the continent for the first time and without a tourist guide.
9. Prioritize Safety and Personal Security
Of course, you want to enjoy your trip without pints of fear about personal safety. Make safety a priority and do extensive research about the place you are visiting. Take care of your personal property and reduce any chance of someone snatching your bag. Furthermore, do additional background checks of the place you will be booking for your accommodation. If the hotel has an online presence on social media and other sites, check for its reviews.
While visiting already in the country, ensure you also get updates on some of the events that are taking place. Avoid crowded places in countries where the US government has issued travel cautions in. READ ALSO: A journey through Tanzania’s top 7 spectacular national parks.
10. Embrace Group Activities and Meet Other Travelers
Tourists enjoys a drive in a trail
Shared experience is shared fun. Engaging in group activities with other travelers enlightens you about their own experiences. They can also share with you some of the breathtaking landmarks and sites that they have visited for you to explore.
Joining another tour group will help you make new friends and bond with other people. This is a great introduction to the continent and will make you enjoy different experiences. Furthermore, fun activities with other travelers eradicate any pints of boredom that can affect you as a solo traveler. Kenyan Newspaper, The Standard, indicates that there are several group fun activities tourists can enjoy while visiting the region.