Planning essentials
Africa travel tips
Use this page as a pre-booking checklist. It’s designed to reduce surprises: paperwork, health prep, money, SIMs, and transport basics.
1) Visas & entry requirements
- Check visa rules for your passport on official government sites (requirements can change quickly).
- Many countries support eVisas—apply early and keep a printed copy as a backup.
- Confirm passport validity (often 6 months) and blank-page requirements.
2) Health prep
- Consult a travel clinic for vaccines and malaria advice for your itinerary.
- Pack a small kit: rehydration salts, bandages, antiseptic, and any prescriptions in original packaging.
- Travel insurance matters most where private care is expensive—verify evacuation coverage.
3) Safety & common-sense planning
- Use registered taxis/ride-hailing where available; avoid flashing valuables in busy areas.
- In big cities, choose accommodations in well-reviewed neighborhoods and plan evening transport.
- Keep digital copies of key documents and store them separately from originals.
4) Money, cards, and cash
- Carry a mix: a card for major purchases + cash for small transport and markets.
- ATMs can be unreliable in remote areas—withdraw ahead when traveling outside cities.
- Budget buffers help: park fees, guides, fuel, and seasonal price spikes are common.
5) SIM cards & connectivity
- Local SIMs are usually cheapest; eSIMs can be convenient for quick setup.
- Download offline maps for road trips and safaris where coverage drops.
6) Transport basics
- For multi-country trips, compare flights vs. overland time realistically.
- For safaris, prioritize reputable operators and confirm what’s included (park fees, meals, guides).
- For self-drive, understand road conditions and rental insurance terms.
Last updated: 2026-02-06