Africa Travel

Traveling is not just a matter of getting from starting point A to destination B. It is certainly much more than that. You have to make decisions and considerations on many matters. And when the destination is Africa, more than a few things are very important remember. Here are tips to help you along the way:

Learn Your Destination in Advance – Culture, Politics and Health issues
Buy a guidebook or better still, spend some time online studying your African destination. This will be time well invested. Be aware of any political or civil unrest – recent or just about to happen. Check the latest information about diseases or illness outbreaks and employ the appropriate precautionary measures. The earlier you take up to do this exercise, the better your trip is likely to be.

Business travelers, particularly female business travelers should be aware of appropriate behavior and attire. In some parts of Africa, if you are not aware of the cultural differences with regard to gender, it can lead to increased difficulty in getting around, embarrassment and, in some rare cases, safety concerns.

You need to be sensitive to the cultural sensibilities of the country that you are visiting. For instance, if you are visiting an African country that is predominantly Moslem, you will take note that men never shake hands with women, unless they are close relatives. And as much as things may be changing, this particular taboo is still observed and respected in many Moslem societies.

Take note of legal requirements, particularly in terms of visa regulations and also what is allowed and what is not allowed into the country. For example, Rwanda banned the use of thin plastic bags way back in 2006 and the rule is in force. Luggage will be searched at the entry point and at police checkpoints throughout the country to ensure nobody is plastic bag

Inform Family Members and Office Colleagues before Leaving the Country
Once the travel plans have crystallized, inform friends and family members of the same. It is advisable to leave a copy of your itinerary and contact numbers. Leave these with someone at your office or at home or both.

Share on Facebook

Can there be any more exciting destinations for a holiday than South Africa? With spectacular natural scenery, some of the most incredible animals on the planet, luxury accommodation, a fascinating history and a huge range of activities for all ages, it really is hard to beat. But if you are to get the most from your holiday to South Africa then a bit of planning is necessary. Take a look at the following checklist and make sure that you have prepared everything for the holiday of a lifetime.

Vaccinations

Despite its beauty, there are a few diseases in South Africa that you won’t find in the UK, and for that reason you should go prepared. As soon as you have booked your trip, or when you at least know the dates, try to visit your doctor a few months in advance of your departure to find out which vaccinations you will need to take. Common vaccinations include typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, and a number of others; so it is important to check first with your doctor and find out the latest advice for the destination. By visiting the doctor a few months before your trip you will have plenty of time to take all the necessary vaccinations, meaning by the time you are ready to leave for South Africa you will be fully prepared.

Share on Facebook

Travelling in South Africa is a life changing experience. Before you plan your trip ensure you have read the following South Africa Travel Tips so you have all the information you need to make your journey an easier and more enjoyable one. Find out about the weather, how to get to and around in South Africa, the time difference and the currency.

Weather

South Africa’s hottest and busiest time is during the UK winter months of November to March. This is also the busiest period for tourists and locals. For a cooler temperature and less busy period, the UK summer months of July and August are a good time to go. When I visited South Africa in July and August the weather was mainly sunny and warm but not too hot so this was the best time for me to travel. It was perfect for all activities. It was nice and quiet at this time too, and this is the cheapest time to visit. I made sure I read a lot of South Africa Travel Tips before I travelled to ensure I travelled at the best time for me, which was July and August as I prefer the milder temperatures.

Share on Facebook