To make the most of your trip to Africa, it’s essential that you’re prepared. From understanding local customs to taking the right currency, a little planning goes a long way. Here I’ll share ten must-know tips to ensure your trip to Africa is smooth, safe and full of incredible memories!
Most countries in Africa have specific entry requirements, with many now only offering visas if purchased online in advance. Make sure to do your research or alternatively give our Visas team a call to avoid being caught out at border control!
Different regions have different risks, so it’s important to check travel health advice before you travel. Yellow fever is the main immunisation to be wary of, with each country having unique rules dependent on whether you are vaccinated, and some countries requiring proof of vaccination or exemption to enter. Check on NHS FitForTravel, visit your GP or drop into our travel clinic on Kensington High Street for expert advice.
With many countries lying on the Equator, seasons can drastically change month on month. Rainy seasons can vary throughout the continent and can bring heavy storms with them, so do your research on the best time of year to go. Even in summer I strongly recommend bringing a jumper with you – I visited Kenya in July and was in t-shirt and shorts by day and wrapped under layers and blankets by night! In North Africa, our summer can bring intense heat in excess of 40°C, whereas it’s considered South Africa’s winter, so it’s vital you do your research on when you want to go!
Dependent on where you are travelling, some countries can have limited ATM’s, or you may have issues with international cards. My sister had this in Mozambique for example where she couldn’t obtain any cash and her card wouldn’t work, so I’d strongly recommend taking some cash with you. Additionally, I also recommend taking an international card with you such as a Monzo or Revolut so you are not caught out by transaction fees. Whilst many currencies are closed in Africa or not readily available, taking US Dollars with you is the best bet as it is easily exchangeable, and some places may even take dollars over their local currency!
It’s important to be mindful of local tipping cultures wherever in the world you’re travelling, but in Africa it’s generally expected in most scenarios. Be mindful of this when travelling and make sure to budget this into your daily expenses – it doesn’t have to be a lot but can often be considered rude if you do not!
If going on a safari, or taking local transport, take a soft sided case with you or a backpack. I made the mistake of heading off on local minibuses in Kenya with my massive hard-shell case, and it was quite possibly the worst decision I’ve ever made… Taking a soft sided luggage means you’ll have no issues with getting it into safari vehicles, buses or taxis, and make your life a whole lot easier!
Similarly to weather, different countries and reserves have different times of year which are best for game viewing. Speak to one of our travel consultants or do some research before you plan your trip to maximise your chances of seeing wildlife! Some parks also have different wildlife to others, so make sure you choose the right ones for what you want to avoid disappointment!
The great migration is for sure a highlight for many, but as the word ‘migration’ suggests, it means animals travel during different times of the month. Within Kenya and Tanzania, different reserves and camps are best at various times throughout the year, so if this spectacle is on your bucket list make sure to choose the right location for the time of year you’re visiting!
When travelling to a different country, sampling the local food is one of my favourite things to do. Across the continent there are loads of exciting things to try, so to really immerse yourself make sure to check out the cuisine! In South Africa check out the most popular dish ‘babotie’, in East Africa, grilled goat meat is considered the national dish (although vegetarians don’t panic, there’s plenty of tasty options) and in North African countries such as Morocco, you can’t go wrong with tagine and couscous!
Finally, it’s important to immerse yourself in the local culture when visiting an African country. With one of the most diverse ranges of communities and lifestyles in the world, Africa offers so many incredible places to explore and discover. One thing to bear in mind is many African countries tend to have quite modest values, so when not sunbathing on the beach, it’s a good idea to cover up to show respect.
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Charlie Baxter
Price Checking Supervisor
Charlie is a Procurement Manager for South America based in our Kensington head office. Charlie has worked at Trailfinders since 2022 and has travelled to 34 countries. His favourite destinations include Australia, South Africa and Japan.
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