8 Recommendations on How to Travel Safe in Africa

Africa is such a fascinating destination with an breathtaking array of jaw-dropping tourist attractions. The tranquil ambience and the wildlife, the aquamarine ocean, white sandy beaches, prominent mountains, and cultural displays are some of the best on the planet, which illustrates why this massive continent maintains to see thousands of visitors every year.

As much as traveling is often interesting and informative, it is imperative to have an idea of the area you intend to visit. Most times, when people deliberate about visiting Africa, one question that usually pops up ‘but is it safe’? Sure there may be parts of Africa that have recorded episodes of political unrest, but that shouldn’t stop you from experiencing the many natural amazement and memorable activities that it has to offer. With the below valuable tips, you should be able to enjoy a safe and unproblematic travel experience in Africa:

Kenya Safari TourScams are far and wide, not just in Africa, but travel scams are even more notable, particularly for first-time visitors. There are varying degrees of travel scams and it is key that you are able to identify them to avoid being a victim. Some of the recurrent travel scams are:

• Overbooked Hotel

Always make sure you book your hotel in advance. You may encounter taxi drivers who will tell you that the hotel you are headed to is fully booked so they can take you to an unbelievably expensive hotel, from which they’ll get a commission.

• Broken Meters in Taxi

Schedule local transfers with your travel agent  to avoid getting conned by taxi drivers who usually charge more of unaware travelers.

• Fake Tickets

Be aware of people trying to sell a plane, bus, train tickets for a bargain to avoid paying a higher fee. This is usually fake.

AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, DO NOT ACCEPT HELP AT THE ATM

An unexpected person walks up to you and asks to help you with your withdrawal. Do not fall for this. The idea behind this is to get your information and before you know it, your money has disappeared. Another scheme they use is they ask if they can transfer money into your account so that you can assist them with withdrawals because their bank network is down. Do see through this ruse as the transfer may either be a hoax or you might become a co-conspirator to fraud.

FAKE HOTEL CALLS

Discredit night calls to your hotel room asking for your credit card details from the front desk. Avoid giving out your details and in the event that this happens, immediately ask to see the manager.

WHEN STAYING OUT AT NIGHT

It is preferable to avoid night crawling, particularly in thinly populated areas but if you must, then let the below tips guide you.

• Go with a Local

If you feel the need to go out at night, use the help of a dependable local to take you.

• Don’t be flashy

You don’t need a wise man to tell you that by blowing your own trumpet that will make yourself a likely target for theft. Lessen the splurging especially at night.

• Try not to ask for directions From strangers

As earlier said, avoid asking for directions from strangers, particularly at night. This is why your guide is important.

• Don’t Flash Money Around

Impulsive spending invites the wrong crowd. We advise that you keep limited cash especially at night.

BE WARY OF OLD/ CHILD/ INJURED BEGGARS

This master plan is ever present around the world. They use children or elderly or apparently injured beggars to exploit tourists, perceiving that you can’t say no to them. When you highlight where your wallet is, those using the children may pickpocket later.

CHOOSE RELIABLE TOUR OPERATORS

Adventures in KenyaTo ensure a smooth travel experience, choose a reliable tour operator. Look into which tour operator best suits your requirements.

GET A MEDICAL CHECKUP BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Adventures in KenyaThere are good hospitals with an adequate framework to provide for your health issues in the bigger cities, however in the remote areas, the health facilities are not so furnished you should therefore take all necessary safety measures. Almost every African country needs proof of Yellow fever vaccination, while Hepatitis A, Rabies, Typhoid and Meningococcal meningitis are all pretty common shots to get. You may also want to load a basic med tool kit that has:

• Anti-malaria medication
• Antibiotics
• Painkillers
• Antihistamine
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Insect repellent

KNOW YOUR TRAVEL DESTINATION

Know your Zambia from Congo, Malawi from Tanzania and the various intrinsic risks connected with visiting each. Do your fact-finding and if possible, get in touch with your national embassy for any safety matters in the area before starting on your trip to avoid going to a tumultuous destination.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The natural beauty of Africa cannot be exaggerated and there are numerous destinations littered all over the continent anticipated to be traversed. However, you be cognizant of the safety matters and situations in your preferred destination to avoid being swooped upon. This helps you stay ahead and makes your trip more interesting.

Now that you read all these, you’re now ready for your next adventure! Check out these best tours in Africa!

7 Days Kenya Safari 

6 Days Tanzania Safari

Best Kenya Tours and Safaris for Nature Fanatics

Located in East Africa and possessing dozens of wildlife conservation areas, Kenya is a fantasy landing place for nature and wildlife lovers. Ideal for wildlife photography too! It is highlighted by breathtaking lakes, thriving savannahs, concentrated forests, and mountain highlands — the idyllic place to reconnect with nature and luxuriate in its ambience. Kenya’s wildlife safaris also add a distinctive touch to the whole nature experience as you get to go on staggering game drives and guided walks to catch sight of some of the world’s most magnificent creatures.

Here are the finest places to visit for a genuine nature experience when planning for your Kenya tours and safari:

GREAT RIFT VALLEY

Africa Safari HolidayDefinitely a beauty to witness, the Great Rift Valley is a top tourist activity in Kenya. Here, you can view some of the largest, deepest, and oldest Lakes in the world. The Valley offers extraordinary views and epitomizes  tremendous changes in landscape diversity with its fargemnts and volcanic Lakes, level desert landscapes, atavistic granite hills, coral reefs, and islets. The impressive view as you advance from Nairobi is quite beyond belied and activities in the Great rift Valley include game viewing, hiking, trekking, photography, guided walks, bird watching and more.

MOUNT KENYA

Africa Safari HolidayMount Kenya is the second elevated peak in Africa and stands in the silhouette of its taller neighbor (Mt Kilimanjaro) which lies 320 km away in the south and is apparent on a clear day. It is the eroded remnant of a large inactive volcano that was active several million years ago. Its main peaks are the twins Bastien and Neilon and they can only be set foot on by means of technical climbing. Point Lenana is the third highest summit and it is a sought-after destination for trekking parties. Elephants, buffalo, leopard, lions, and more can be spotted here.

LAKE NAKURU

HELL’S GATE NATIONAL PARK

Located north of Nairobi. Hell’s Gate National Park is domain to a wide variety of wildlife and bird species. It is an exceptional quarter of the Great Rift Valley and it is labeled for its intense geothermal activity within its boundaries. Hell’s Gates picturesque scenery includes the water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, towering cliffs, scrub clad volcanoes and gushing plumes of geothermal steam. Other attractions encompass raptor nesting in cliffs, tourist circuits, nature trails, health spa, hot springs, and many more.

OL PEJETA BUSH CAMP

Alex Hunter’s atmospheric Ol Pejeta Bush Camp lies on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in central Kenya’s Laikipia region. It is the highest in Kenyan hospitality and safari distinction. For perceptive safari veterans wanting to explore a luxury bush camp and looking to appreciate and enjoy the very best of world-leading conservation practices, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is perfect for family safaris, active safaris, and romantic safaris. Activities include game drives, night drives, walking safaris, bush breakfast, and picnics, lion tracking, visiting the endangered species enclosure, horse riding with rhinos at the endangered species enclosure, and so much more.

MASAI MARA

Located southwest Kenya, Masai Mara is the conventional safari destination in Kenya. It covers 580 sq m and is home to the Big Five as it is famous for its flourishing big cat population. Masai Mara Game Reserve hosts a number of encounters, the largest land migration on earth which involves over 1.2 million wildebeest moving from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania into Kenya Masai Mara Game Reserve. Activities to experience at the Mara include bird watching, hot air balloon ride, visiting Masai cultural villages, bush dinners, lunch, and breakfast.

AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

Famous for its diverseness, accessibility, and breathtaking topography, the scenic Amboseli National Park is among Kenya’s most popular parks. The Enkongo Narok and Olekenya swamps fed by melting from Mt Kilimanjaro make Amboseli National Park spectacular. This nature borough water resource allures lots of animals, especially during the dry season. Fun activities at Amboseli include game viewing, bird watching, and night game drives.

DIANI BEACH

An perfect getaway at its finest extending 17km of beautiful, flawless, soft white sand, Diani beach is Kenya’s most enchanting retreat. It is popular with families, backpackers, honeymooners, and water-sports enthusiasts and it has been chosen as the best beach destination in Africa for five years running. It posses a wide range of activities, from diving with dolphins and sea turtles, to visiting Marine National Park, kite surfing, skydiving, nightlife, and spotting whale sharks. You can also take guided walks through sacred forests, a monkey sanctuary, turtle information center, and a trip to Shimba Hills.

Kenya has a good motorway system for wildlife safaris, allowing you to easily access Shimba Hills National Reserve, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, or Amboseli National Park through the wildlife Kenya safari Mombasa route.

What You Eat on a Safari

It is not hidden that food is an essential part of any safari experience. One would distinctively  wonder about the itinerary, the accommodation, the different tours and excursions on offer and most of all, the food. While African safaris are especially renowned for its once-in-a-lifetime game excursions, unbroken wilderness, and mind-blowing habitant wildlife, it doesn’t mean the food is any less desirable; therefore what exactly is plated while you’re on a safari?

WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR PLATE WHILST ON SAFARI

National parks and reserves  are typically widespread from farmers’ markets and grocery stores. In fact, they are usually a charter flight or a long drive away. However, this doesn’t stop chefs from snapping up delish food for the guests. Most camps and lodges join hands with the local community for dairy, vegetable and seasonal ingredients supply. In general, you can expect familiar food with occasional local touches.

Very few safari lodges offer carte du jour dining. Most offer buffet-style menu, generous trays of handmade treats, some delicious treats during tea time and/or three-course dinners. Some lodges also have set cuisine.

HERE ARE THE USUAL FOOD CHOICES ON A SAFARI:

WE MAKE ROOM FOR ALL DIETARY NEEDS

We provide vegan, vegetarian, regular and gluten-free meals. For other dietary needs, simply let us know prior to travel. We are contented to arrange your needs with the lodges and hotels.

• Breakfast or brunch: You can look forward to a spread that entails las omelets to quiches with a diversity of salads. English breakfast is also typically served with toast, sausage, pastries, delicatessen, cold meat, coffee, and tea. Oats, Cereal, fruit, bread, eggs, and cheese are also very common.
• Lunch: Frequently, lunches are prepared for a picnic style meal in the middle of your game drive. Sometimes, guides/drivers also take you back to the lodge or camp for a hot sit down meal before going on an afternoon or sundowner game drive. Food usually comprises of sandwiches and fruits.
• High tea: Before departing to your late afternoon game drive, nibbles, or bitings, as it is usually called in East Africa — are furnished. Freshly roasted peanuts or cashews, cakes, sandwiches, biscuits, quiches, and tarts are the usuals.
• Sundowners: On your final game drive of the day, you will be enjoying alcoholic beverages (think wine and beer) with snacks such as nuts, dried fruits, and hors d’oeuvre as you watch the sunset across the wildlife-ridden fields.
• Dinner: Put together at the lodge or camp, dinner is usually served in three courses: soup, mains, and dessert. A variation of spreads during your stay ranging from meat, fish and pasta dishes served with assorted vegetables and sauces will tantalize your palate
• Drinks: a range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks are available at all lodges and camp. Most camps provide 500 ml of water per person per night in the rooms complimentary and the rest can be bought at the bar with prices ranging from US$ 2 depending on what you choose to drink.

As a general rule of the thumb, the level of refinement  and the alternatives available depends on the where the lodge is able to get it’s supplies from.Usually, the further the lodge is away from the city the simpler the menu, however the doesn’t mean you can misjudge the connoisseur of food of the safari lodge. As a matter of fact, your palate will continue to be surprised and tantalized through your African Safari.

HATS OFF TO THE CAMP CHEFS

Did you know that camp cooks have very demanding tasks? Apart from the fact that they have to come up with a variety of meals that must suit individual palates, they have to whisk the meals up using essentials that are usually from stockists or stores that are remote from the camp or lodge. They also make certain that all the essentials remain garden-fresh and unconsumed by naughty animals like monkeys and elephants who are known to set upon kitchen gardens at camps. Cold commodities are also ensured to be frozen at the right temperatures. Really, these culinary artists warrant some love. Notwithstanding all the difficulties and hurdles, they are still able to contrive out of the ordinary plates.

ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE

You’ll be astound how obliging African safari camps and lodges can be, if you just give a forewarning that there may be a vegetarian or vegan or pescatarian internally. Remember, most lodges and camps are far from suppliers, therefore, it is of maximum importance that you inform the camp or your tour operator beforehand about any dietary predispositions you may have.

Here are some pointers on how to organize a safari if you have special diet predispositions:

Tip #1: Communicate. This is a very, VERY paramount thing.

Tip #2: Carry your own snacks, if viable. Try to verify if you can carry some snacks that you normally have. It is consequential to take care of custom rules and management, as well as some governments, do not permit entry of foreign wares.

Tip #3: When making your booking, look for a lodge that does nor offer set meals. Most likely, they infrequently offer vegan/vegetarian dishes and/or are established on their set meals. However, there is no harm in asking. Some lodges still move heaven and earth to serve their guest’s wishes and/or needs.

Tip #4: Think about going to places that are famous to Asian travelers. Countries like Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Mauritius have copious numbers of Indian guests which means that chefs are more well known to cooking plant-based cuisines.

True, African safaris aren’t especially known for their culinary delights. But this is for the most part because of its fascinating wildlife escapades which is the center of attention of any travel. The fact that it is not considered a landing place for foodies is an outright heartbreak especially for those who are conversant with the destination. Africa, after all, is not just home to some of the world’s most sensational settings for breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner or even snacks, it is also — even though maybe quite covertly — a multitude to some of the bountiful, most diverse and most mouthwatering culinary delight experiences. So worry not about being famished when on a safari. Once more, all you should do is to let your lodge or tour operator know and everything will be taken care of.

You can learn more about food and safaris with these best tours that we offer for all types of guests!