The continent of Africa has its issues like every other continent, but it is a vibrant continent with limitless possibilities. A continent with stunning scenery and friendly hospitality is hard to forget. The continent has over 3,000 wildlife protected areas, 198 coastal protected areas, 50 reserves and 80 wetland reserves. Travelers looking for an authentic trip to Africa do not differ from no other place in the world.
Is Africa Safe to Visit?
The United States State Department issues comprehensive travel advisories. Out of 54 African countries, only seven have the highest “Do Not Travel” alert. All the most unlikely threats to your safety are civil war, violent political demonstrations, and terrorist attacks. Before you book your trip and again before you leave, read the travel advisories carefully.
In most regions of Africa, violent crimes such as abductions and rape are uncommon. Tropical illnesses and petty theft are more common than organized crime in many countries. Protect yourself by avoiding dangerous environments, keeping your valuables secure and traveling in groups. Mosquitos spread many of Africa’s worst pathogens and taking care of yourself is one way to remain healthy. Discuss anti-malarial pills and vaccines with your doctor if you are vulnerable to malaria.
Safety Tips in African Cities
Wherever you go in the world, such security measures need to be taken seriously. Traveling with no incidents has a lot to do with good decision-making. Researching your chosen destination, along with these useful safety tips, is always an important start. Keep in mind these tips apply to your time in African cities.
- Before you set off, particularly at night, know your destination.
- Don’t walk in dark, quiet places alone. Instead, use a cab or a transfer service arranged by your travel specialist.
- Avoid visiting informal settlement areas unless you are with a credible organization giving a guided tour.
- Ask for permission to take pictures of people, especially if you want to take pictures of children.
- Do not show off valuables, jewelry or cash.
- Be aware of your surroundings when visiting restaurants, stores and cafés, when you take money from ATMs or stroll around tourist sites.
- Travel with locked doors and closed windows.
- Lock your personal possessions and important documents, especially your passport, in your hotel room’s safe. Ensure your hotel room is secure at all hours.
- If something looks too good to be real, it usually is. Be mindful of scammers.
Safety Tips During Your Safari Trip
All safari lodges and camps have excellent security measures with guards and escorts who will accompany you around the area. Animals can also roam on the properties, so remember to be aware of what’s going around you. These tips can help you adjust to your time in the African bush.
- Don’t go out at night as wildlife moves around. Instead, book a guided night game drive to see nocturnal creatures.
- Make sure your tent is always zipped and don’t keep food or drinks with you in the tent.
- Don’t swim in rivers or lakes since they are teeming with crocodiles and hippos, one of the most dangerous animals in continental Africa.
- Wear boots, socks, and long pants to protect yourself against insects, snakes and scorpions.
- Treat the locals with dignity and respect. It’s best to read more on the local cultures of the country you’re visiting to help you be conscious of local customs, foster a friendly rapport with the locals, and abstain from contempt and judgment, especially if things differ from what you’re used to at home.
- Rather than give money and gifts to strangers or go on short-term orphanage visits, you can help local communities in other ways. Buy goods from local artisans, eat at local restaurants, go on tours and excursions, and donate directly to reputable local non-profit organizations that employ local workers. Travel boosts local economies, thus empowering the local communities to grow.
Your Fellow Patriot,
Steven Bryant
