13 Amazing Essential Africa Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Table of Contents

Introduction

A couple of weeks back I wrote a post on the 10 Amazing Essential Travel Tips for First-Time Travellers and it did so well that I knew I had to follow up with something specific for Africa.

So, today’s post is all about essential Africa travel tips. If you’re thinking about visiting or even relocating to Africa, like I did when I moved to Morocco, then this guide is for you.

We hear so many good things about travelling to Asia, South America and of course, Europe. But when it comes to Africa there’s often always uncertainty. People worry about safety. I have even heard people have the audacity to say that standards go down when you are in Africa. And honestly I am shocked by such statements! Travelling around Africa has been my most expensive trips! People honestly don’t know where to begin with their travels to Africa. Some even say it’s scary. And let’s be real you’ve probably seen or heard many mixed reviews too.

But I’m here to tell you this. There is absolutely no continent like Africa. None. Every country has its own unique identity. The beauty, the intensity, the warmth, the food, the boldness of it all it stays with you. But I get it. And I also understand why it can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time and you are wondering the best time to visit Africa.

Well news story there isn’t a best time to visit Africa, because Africa is not a country. I’ve visited several African countries (and currently living in one), and I still feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. That’s exactly why I wanted to write this post to share some essential travel tips that I’ve picked up along the way. I want you to feel confident in travelling through Africa wether that’s in Senegal, Uganda, Nigeria or even South Africa. For me, I can see Africa becoming a tourist destination for the Black community and it’s important for me to see more people that look like me travelling Africa and really enjoying it, because the Motherland is beautiful.

Personally, I believe Africa is becoming and deserves to be a top destination for the Black community. I want to see more people who look like me travelling the continent, learning about it, and enjoying it. Because the Motherland is beautiful, and you deserve to experience it for yourself too!

essential Africa travel tips — Safari in Senegal

13 Essential Travel Tips for First-Time Travelling to Africa

1. Visa rules differ by country

Each country has its own rules. You’ll need to check every destination individually. Some African countries don’t need visas and many do. If you have dual nationality it’s worth checking if you are better off in using your other passport.

You can easily type in the Google search engine “do I need a visa for [X]”. Many African countries give options for e-visas. Please check. I actually wrote a guide for how I got my Uganda visa which you can find here. For ease you can also test to see if you need a visa here.

2. Do extensive research

This is the time to extensive research on the countries you plan to visit. It’s not enough to read about Africa as a whole, as there will be major differences. For example you can plan a trip to Senegal and The Gambia which are neighboring countries, but they both speak very different languages.

3. Don’t generalise

“Africa” is not one country. It’s 54 or 55 depending where you are, beautiful amazing countries filled with cultures, currencies, religions, food and so much more. Please be curious and don’t generalise. There is so much history and depth that goes into the countries from before slavery, during slaver, conoalised, more history to their independence and so much more. I recently read a book that taught me so much about the history of Africa. It’s called Africa is not a country worth having a read.

4. Use Airalo or local eSIMs

Internet is not always reliable or cheap even in the best African countries. I always download an eSIM Airalo to download before I even land to my destination. You can get single options for countries or you can get one for the continent if you are doing more than one country in one trip.

Get Discount on Esim Cards

5. Pack health-related items

There are a number of medicines, health documentations that you will need to have before you travel to African. I would always check with your GP or travel clinic beforehand. Here are some must haves:

Yellow fever certificates are mandatory in some countries like Tanzania or Ghana.
Malaria tablets may be recommended depending on where you’re going.
Polio
Hepatitis A & B
DPT – diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus

I imagine there are a few and when I moved to Morocco I had to get all of this and more lol!

6. Download offline travel apps

Google Maps offline is your best friend. I honestly live by Google Maps and and Google Translater. You will need to download the airline app that you are travelling with, and maybe even any taxi apps like Careem, InDrive and Bolt. You want to be fully prepared for anything.

7. Packing for Africa

Packing for Africa seems to be fairly straight forward, but there are many different weather conditions to prepare for across the continent. You need to check the weather and made a decision on the type of clothing you will need to pack. If you need help with your packing you can download your essential travel toolkit here.

8. Cash is Brilliant

Mobile money is growing, and I mean really growing. But many places still prefer cash especially small businesses, taxis, and markets. Carry some cash with you at all times. And be sure to keep it secure.

9. Travel insurance is not optional

Regardless if you are reading this to do an African travel tour around the continent or anywhere else in the world of that matter you still need to get travel insurance ok! Weather, baggage, hotel, airport strikes, or health surprises things happen. Insurance keeps you protected. And it’s not a luxury; it’s a must. If you can afford to travel, you can afford basic travel insurance. I have to many travel insurances that I know I am covered. I have with work, Barclays and with American Express. And on the off occasion I may go with SafetyWing.

10. Watch the political climate

One of the important Africa travel tips I can share is to understand the political climate before going. We live in a very geopolitical era right now, things are changing literally overnight. Some countries may have protests, elections, or temporary travel bans. Use government websites to stay updated and informed, watch the news and stay updated – always.

11. Poverty is very real in Africa

Africa isn’t a prop or backdrop for your content. The media has done an excellent job of showing this, but there are also many rich people in Africa. Of course you will see poverty as a content opportunity but please please, don’t post people online without permission. Don’t take pictures, videos of people for hardship likes on your socials. It’s actually not cool and its semi cringe.

12. Let the beauty surprise you

Ignore the negativity and enjoy the beauty of Africa. There’s so much negativity associated with the continent. However I believe that there is so much more to Africa than what you’ve seen on the news or online. I have so many different countries I want to explore like Namibia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Sudan and so much more.

13. Dress for context

Dressing for Africa is important. In many countries around the world including Africa, modesty matters. Bring a scarf or wrap, especially if you are visiting religious or conservative areas. It shows respect and allows you to blend in.And if you are looking for the best countries for African safari then I highly recommend Kenya.

Helpful Africa Travel Tips

Final Views on My African Travel Tips

Travelling Africa will humble you, challenge you, and embrace you all in one goo!. There’s so much beauty on this continent that I wish I could show you every single country myself. And maybe I will one day. 10 countries today and counting. I hope to do at least do 50% of the continent and then maybe I will rest.

If you’re planning your first trip to Africa, I hope these essential Africa travel tips help you feel a more confident and a lot more excited. You will love Africa because it is truly amazing!

Have you travelled to Africa? What Africa travel tips do you wish more people knew? Drop a comment or message me @mybreakingviews I’d love to hear from you. And please, don’t forget to subscribe for tips and food dishes around the world

P.S Now if you want to know the BEST African countries to visit then here is a good list to start from – The 6 Best African Countries for Beginners

Speak soon,

Debs MBV xx