An African saying is that “the only man I envy” is the one who hasn’t yet visited Africa. He has so much to look forward too. It’s time for you to start planning your first trip to Africa, the second-largest continent in the world. It’s likely that you have been there before and you want to return.
Decide where to go
There are more than 50 African countries available to you, so it can be difficult to decide where to go. First, decide what kind of vacation you want and what you would like to do. Do you want a classic safari experience? Perhaps Kenya or Tanzania are the best options for you. Are you looking to explore amazing ancient cultures? Egypt or Ethiopia might be more appealing to you. The Indian Ocean’s jewel-like islands are a great option for beach vacations.
Deciding when to go
The next step after you have chosen your destination is to choose when to travel. There is an optimal season for most destinations, especially if you are going on safari. The dry season is usually better for viewing wildlife because there’s less rain. Winter is the best time to visit the desert. However, winter in Kalahari Desert takes place in June/July, while winter in Sahara Desert takes place in November/December.
Book your Tours and Lodging
Next, decide whether you want to travel independently or with a tour guide or travel agent. If you choose the latter, an agent or guide will be able arrange details such as accommodations and tours for your group. Even if all of the arrangements are made by you, you will need to use a specialist company to arrange safaris and treks – unless you’re going to Namibia as a self-drive safari destination.
Book Your Flights
It depends on where you are flying to, so it can be costly. Also, there is a small number of airlines that fly to Africa, which means that the seats go quickly. Book as early as possible to get the best rates. Book as far in advance as possible if you have air miles. If not, check with the airline to confirm that they fly to your chosen destination. If you are unable to book international flights and domestic connections in one booking, the airline will take care of arranging alternate transport. Flexible tickets work best, depending on your budget.
Travel insurance
This is the point where you will have spent a lot of money on your travels, your tours and your accommodation. It is important to have travel insurance, especially in Africa, where airlines often cancel flights without notice. State hospitals are not places that you want to go if an emergency occurs. Your insurance policy should also cover medical expenses, baggage loss, theft, and loss of valuables. Make sure your insurance also covers evacuation if you are traveling to remote areas.
Verify Your Visa Requirements
Check whether you require a visa several months before you depart. This will be determined based upon your nationality and not your country of residence. There are always changes in visa rules in Africa so it is important to consult an official source and not rely on outdated advice from travel websites. While some countries permit you to buy a visa on arrival, others require you to apply for it in advance from your country. Some countries require a passport with special requirements. These include the validity of your passport at the time you travel and the number pages that are blank.
Get your travel equipment
The fun part about planning your next trip is buying your equipment. Your shopping list will vary depending on where you are going. You might need to buy portable mosquito nets, binoculars, or sturdy hiking shoes. You should be prepared for any weather, as even in the desert it can get very cold at night. You can preserve your memories by investing in a high-quality camera, a scrapbook, and a spare pen set. A first aid kit is an essential purchase. It includes all personal medications and any items that you might need to treat minor injuries.
