| Africa has to be the ultimate destination. For | | | | When it comes to malaria I t is advisable to |
| tourists that come from different parts of the | | | | contact your GP and they will advise you on the |
| world it can be a beautiful and fascinating place. All | | | | best anti-malarial tablets for you. It is advisable |
| sorts of travelers are visiting Africa nowadays, | | | | that you try them out before you go to see if |
| students on their gap year, cultural tourists, | | | | you have any side effects. If this is the case then |
| people on volunteer holidays as well as the more | | | | you have plenty of time to change the course. |
| traditional safari. It is, however, important to take | | | | It is also advisable to take a mosquito net and or |
| some safety and security precautions while | | | | mosquito repellent with you. |
| enjoying your African holiday. | | | | Food & Drink in Africa |
| To ensure that everything goes smoothly during | | | | Of course Africa is a vast continent and different |
| your time in Africa you need to consider a few | | | | countries and regions vary b ut the following |
| safety areas; insurance, medical, food & drink, | | | | advice should keep you safe wherever you visit. |
| money, security and specific to safaris, how to | | | | Try to drink mineral or bottled water while on a |
| stay safe in the bush. I’ll run through these | | | | trip to Africa. Also any bottled alcoholic or soft |
| issues below: | | | | drink should also be perfectly safe. A word of |
| Travel Insurance | | | | warning about the consumption of alcohol to |
| It is vital that anyone visiting Africa have | | | | those from colder climates. Alcohol is likely to |
| comprehensive medical insurance before leaving | | | | affect you to a far greater degree when in hot |
| their country of residence. Travel insurance should | | | | climates (such as most of Africa) so be more |
| also include cover for loss of baggage, third party | | | | careful with what you drink. |
| liability, cancellation and curtailment etc. | | | | Safari Specific Tips |
| Money | | | | African holidays can be amazing experience for |
| Nowadays travelers' checks and major credit | | | | any wildlife lover, however care needs to be |
| cards are readily accepted in most African | | | | taken when on safari. Probably most importantly |
| countries. It is suggested that you only carry a | | | | avoid walking in the bush alone and always seek |
| small amount of cash otherwise you can | | | | guidance of a local person when exploring the |
| potentially be a target for thieves. | | | | countryside on foot. |
| If changing currency it is important to always use | | | | It should go without saying that you should keep |
| authorized dealers and banks to get the best | | | | your distance from wild animals. However as |
| rates. | | | | tourists die every year due to not taking the |
| Safety & Security | | | | correct precautions while on safari it is clearly |
| Keep a note of your passport number in a | | | | worth repeating a few common sense |
| different bag or item of clothing to your actual | | | | precautions. |
| passport. You should also find a secure location | | | | Firstly it is always recommended to have a guide |
| separate from the rest of your luggage for your | | | | when viewing wildlife on foot. As stated above |
| airline tickets and travelers' checks while visiting | | | | keep your distance, for most animals this may be |
| any African country. | | | | as far as 20m or more. Additionally you should be |
| Medical Precautions | | | | careful not to make any sudden movements or |
| Many African countries are prone to a variety of | | | | loud noises. Finally if the animals in question are |
| diseases that are not typically encountered in | | | | getting agitated move away slowly and if you |
| other parts of the world. | | | | have a car get back in. |
| For legal reasons I cannot tell you which injections | | | | That covers the basics, there are likely to be |
| you have to have when travelling to Africa, | | | | precautions that need to be taken that are |
| however, I can advise you. Yellow fever, Hepititis | | | | specific to the local area, so be sure to find out |
| A & B and typhoid are recommended. It is | | | | as much as you can about the country you are |
| important that you consult your local Doctor who | | | | visiting before you go. |
| will advise you based on your medical history. | | | | Finally, wherever you go in Africa, have fun and |
| Other injections that are advisable are Polio, | | | | be safe. |
| Tetanus, Meningitis. | | | | |