Africa Travel Planning

Africa Travel Planning

General Africa travel tips that will help you plan your vacation. Includes tips on how to get to Africa, where to go in Africa, African news sites, top destinations in Africa, shopping tips, packing tips and more.

Planning a trip to Africa? Find out how to plan your African vacation in 10 easy steps below. This checklist will walk you through the whole trip planning process, from deciding where to go in Africa, what to pack, when to book your flights and much more. If this is a trip of a lifetime, it's probably wise to start at Step 1 about a year before you plan to go. If you're heading to
African Vacation Planner
Overview of what to see and do in Africa. This Africa vacation planner includes all the highlights Africa has to offer. Get tips on the best African safari destinations, the best African beaches, the best African adventures, the best cultural tours, best markets, bazaars, treks, natural wonders and more.

Best of Africa - Africa's Best Destinations and Attractions
are listed to help you plan the very best vacation in Africa. Find out where to go in East, North, Southern and West Africa. Find the best safaris in Africa, the best hotels in Africa, best budget destinations in Africa and more.

First Time in Africa? Tips on what to expect when you first travel to a developing country. Dealing with poverty, begging, unwanted attention, popular tourist scams, health and safety concerns and more

When to go on Safari. Find out the best time to go on an African safari in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Zambia. There's also a month by month guide to the best safari destinations in Africa as well as a guide for those interested in the best time to see gorillas, chimpanzees, birds and whales.

How To Get a Cheap Flight to Africa
Advice on How To Get a Cheap Flight to Africa. Finding the best airlines deals to get a cheap flight to anywhere in Africa. Tips on when to book and where to look for budget flights to Africa.

Top Destinations in Africa
Africa has a lot to offer visitors; culture, natural beauty, wildlife, beaches, history, vibrant cities and above all adventure. These picks highlight what I consider the best in each of these categories.

Top Places to Visit in North Africa
Check out North Africa's top 10 destinations. Get lost in the medinas of Tunis, Fes and Marrakech. Delve into Egypt's fascinating ancient civilizations. Climb the highest peaks of Morocco's Atlas Mountains, or swim with sharks in Egypt's Red Sea. Find out all about North Africa's best destinations.

Top Places to Visit in East Africa
When you visit East Africa you can go on safari in Africa's best parks including Masai Mara, Serengeti and Selous. East African treks are incredible, the best has to be the highest, Mount Kilimanjaro. Lamu and Zanzibar top the list of beaches in East Africa. For history and culture, you can't beat Ethiopia's Omo River Region, or Lalibela.

Top Places to Visit in West and Central Africa
West Africa's top destinations. The best destinations in West Africa and Central Africa include top attractions in Mali, Niger, Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon and Gabon. West Africa is famous for its cultural diversity and rich history. Unique mud architecture and landscapes dominate Niger and Mali's major sights. Slave forts in Goree and along Ghana's coast attract many visitors. West Africa's nationa

Top Places to Visit in Southern Africa
When you visit Southern Africa make sure you include a safari in South Luangwa, Okavango Delta, Kruger and Chobe. Hike South Africa's Wild Coast and enjoy a gourmet meal in Cape Town. Dive with schools of sharks and relax on the finest beaches on Mozambique's Quirimbas Archipelago. Get sprayed by the world's mightiest waterfall, the Victoria Falls

Vaccinations and Travel to Africa
Vaccinations and Travel to Africa. Find out what immunizations and vaccinations you need before you travel to Africa and where to find a travel clinic to get them. Some vaccinations are recommended and some are actually required to enter a country. This article also gives you information about some of the diseases you need to be vaccinated against when you visit Africa.

National Tourist Information Offices in Africa
National Tourist Offices in Africa - Africa's Tourist Information Offices

Money Matters -- Travel Tips for Africa
Money travel africa atm machines africa credit cards africa debit cards africa black market exchange rates africa cash safety carrying exhcnage rates traveler cheques bureau de changes

Time in Africa
Find out what time it is in Africa right now; what Swahili time is all about; what year Ethiopians are celebrating; what the concept of "African time" is, and more about time in Africa.

International Calling (Dialing) Codes for Africa
Find the international calling or dialing code for any country in Africa. African city codes are also included for popular African travel destinations.

Top Romantic Destinations in Africa
Top Romantic Destinations in Africa include deluxe safaris in South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania and Kenya. Romantic desert island destinations in the Seychelles and Zanzibar. Ancient medieval charms of the finest small hotels in Marrakech. Awesome natural wonders like the Victoria Falls and the shifting sands of the Sahara Desert. Destinations like these are perfect for your honeymoon or romantic getaway

Africa's Capital Cities
Capital Cities in Africa. Images of Africa's capital cities, facts about every African capital city, travel information and statistics.

Facts about Africa
Facts About Africa -- Africa Facts. African Geography facts, Africa population facts, fun facts about Africa, travel facts about Africa and more about Africa.

Best Backpacker Spots in Africa
Backpacking in Africa can be hard work and when you find a spot that's cheap, safe, fun and on a beach -- it's simply heaven. Here's a list of my top 10 places to chill out and rest when you're in Africa. These are not places I'd recommend you spend your entire vacation since that would be an utter waste of traveling all the way to Africa for. But as a respite along the way and to rest those wea

Safari Planner
The Safari Planner will help you make sense of the variety of safari combinations that are out there and to choose the one that best fits your animal-viewing desires.

African Airlines
A complete list of African Airlines per country in alphabetical order and their routes. There are many good regional airlines in Africa as well as domestic airlines. Low-cost African airlines are also starting to emerge. Most people visiting Africa will fly on an African airline. Knowing what airlines fly where will help you plan your trip to Africa.

Airports in Africa
Information about airports in Africa sorted per African country. African airport information includes location, name of airport, transport options to and from African airports and more. Find out about airports in Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Ghana and more.

Capital Cities in Africa
Capital Cities in Africa - Africa's Capital Cities

African Embassies in the US
African Embassies in the US. A list of all the African Embassies and Consulates in the United States. African Embassy addresses, web sites and contact information. Find out if you need a tourist or work visa for any country in Africa by contacting the appropriate Embassy and/or Consulate. African Embassies also provide general country information

First Aid and Medical Kit for Travel to Africa
First Aid and Medical Kit packing list for travelers to Africa. Tips on what medications you should bring when you visit Africa including information about travelers medical insurance.

Dangers of Traveling in Africa
Dangers of Traveling in Africa. Safety tips to avoid crime while traveling in Africa. Tourists are targets for scams and pickpockets but given the level of poverty in Africa violent crime is actually quite rare. Tips on how to avoid getting robbed, what to do if you are a victim of crime when traveling in Africa and more.

source: http://goafrica.about.com

Travelling to Africa

How To Travelling to Africa

A page of travel tips and more. Hopefully useful when planning an independent travel to Africa –mostly for new visitors to the continent.

I get several e-mails asking for travel tips. I can't answer all the mails I get and now decided to put some of my own "experience" here instead. I am sure many people are much more experienced than me, when it comes to getting around in Africa, and you are welcome to mail me if there is something I should add in particular. Please note that this page only has very general travelling tips to Africa. For tips of what to see and do –you should surf around on the photo pages on this site.

Warning

If you are considering visiting Africa for the first time – make sure you are ready for a life time experience. Some people (including yours truly) never really returns –and those who do return, will agree that Africa has changed their life in some way or another. Africa gets in your heart and in your blood like nowhere else. You are most likely to loose your heart to Africa, but don't worry you will also gain so much. This is actually not a warning. It is a recommendation. Go and see!!!

First time in Africa

When you first set foot in Africa you risk getting something of a cultural shock –depending on how experienced a traveler you already are of course. The heat, noise and number of people who wants your attention from the moment you arrive in a major airport, can be quite overwhelming. It is probably a good idea to plan from home where to go and how to get there from the airport. After a day or two you will have more time and energy to negotiate the fair price for a taxi, or take a minibus somewhere and start exploring.

"You might have the watch, but I've got the time!"

You will soon discover that the speed and rhythm of life is completely different from what you are used to (where ever you come from). You never run in Africa. Most people take their time, having learned that it's really the only way to overcome the practical challenges of the infrastructure and everyday life in Africa. You will have some waiting here and there, but it really doesn't have to be a problem. Many African languages does not have a word for "stress", so why should you be the one to introduce it? Give yourself the time you need and you will be able to relax better. You are planning a holiday aren't you? Don't make too tight a schedule –make a flexible plan. Allow yourself the time to get Africa under your skin. You will learn a lesson you can take back home.

"Go with this bus. We are ready for departure." There you go and find your seat, only to discover that the bus still won't go until the last seat is taken, which can easily be a wait for an hour or more. Other times it is impossible to see a reason for the delay. Everybody is waiting, nobody has an answer –and then suddenly, when you are about to give up, something happens. Well, you can choose to get upset, loose your temper, shout and make a fool of your self (other passengers will probably find that very amusing -or maybe offending). But you could also just accept the facts and use your time relaxing with a book or talking to whoever is around. It is easier said than done, but Africa will teach you patience and you will feel much better when you have thrown away your wristwatch and accepted the special "African time". This said, I also need to mention that things are improving many places and in my last few travels I really haven't had any waiting worth mentioning.

Travelling and new experiences

Whether you go as a tourist or a development worker of some kind, you might be tempted to tell "these people" how to do things in a more practical way. Well, think twice. When going to Africa remember that you are bringing one mouth, but two ears. Things that works back in Europe or US doesn't necessarily work in Africa. There can be many reasons for this, so allow yourself to dig deeper. If you think that you and the western world has nothing to learn from Africa –well, then you really have a lot to learn!

Africa and it's people will welcome you with generosity, hospitality, warmth, openness and respect. The attitude YOU bring is crucial to the success of your travel. Remember you are a visitor, learn and respect local customs, be open-minded -and you'll be greatly rewarded.

Enjoy your travel!

Preparing

Personally, I prefer knowing the basic facts about the country I'll be visiting (history, geography, what are the main languages, religions, cultural highlights, political situation etc.). Proper preparations will bring you several steps ahead and it will also be easier to start a conversation with somebody you meet on the way. Make a plan of what you definitely want to see during your stay, but don't make the schedule to tight and allow space for changes. The best experience on your trip could very well be something you didn't plan for at all.

Books

A good guidebook is probably a must for all independent travelers. Both Lonely Planet and Rough Guides are covering most of the African continent in their books. These books can be a good help and has the answers for most of your practical questions, but don't take them as "bibles" with a final word on everything.

Novels about the country you are visiting can bring new dimensions to your knowledge of people and culture. If possible, find a novel written by an African writer.

See the Africa Webstore for:

• Maps and guidebooks
• African litterature
• Film (DVD)
• Music

Maps

The guidebooks has basic maps of the African countries. That is okay for most travelers. But a big, detailed map is really nice to have -even if you are not travelling by car. The map gives you a better idea of the infrastructure and can show you a better way to a remote village or beach. I have also learned that folding out a good map attracts people and inspire to tell stories from the country. It can be a good icebreaker, specially when meeting elders, who normally wouldn't engage in a talk with a young tourist.

Movies

Movies are, just like books, a great chance to learn something about the country before leaving home. It is not easy to find African films, but look at the page of African movies for inspiration.

What to put in the bag?

The best answer would be: as little as possible. You will regret carrying to heavy a package, specially if you are going to walk a little (you will). Don't bring to much clothes. You can always buy a fresh T-shirt somewhere along the road.

Ideas for your checklist

Pick what you need/don't bring it all.

A bag/rucksack (of a solid make)
Passport, travel documents, visas, travel insurance
Cash (Dollars, Euros), credit cards for big towns
Pocket knife and sewing kit
Nylon chord for drying clothes, maybe an inflatable hanger
Electrical adapter (if needed)
Camera (don't carry a huge photo bag with a "Nikon" logo)
Binoculars
Small alarm clock
Day pack
Sun glasses
Walking shoes and sandals
Clothes (as little as possible)
Dust safe plastic bags for electronics
Lighter, candle lights, small torch
Mosquito net
Maps and books

Toiletries
Malaria tablets
Insect repellent
Some kind of pain killer
Band aid
Contraception
Sun lotion

source: http://crawfurd.dk