Advice
Passports and Visas
1.A valid visa is required before permission is given to enter most countries. Policies and procedures do differ from country to country and requirements might change at short notice. To check whether you need one and for your nearest mission please visit the foreign ministry website of the particular country you intend to visit.2.Make a note of your passport number, take a photocopy of the personal details page, and keep this separately from the passport. Keep your passport in safe place.
3.If possible, have another means of photo ID to identify yourself. 4.Never handover your passport as guarantee.
5.It is advisable to register with your embassy or nearest commission in the host country.
Health and safety
1.Most of Africa lies in the tropics and malaria is rampant. Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures.2.When in malaria endemic areas, always sleep under a mosquito net and use insect repellant.
3.Speak to a travel health advisor or your doctor and discuss your travel health requirements. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis, yellow fever, typhoid, tetanus and rabies.
4.Some countries do have stringent vaccination requirements. Please check with the embassy or high commission of the country you are traveling to as entry will not be granted if the requirements are not met.
5.It is advisable to always drink sealed bottled water while on holiday.
6.The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travelers about Immunizations, vaccinations and disease outbreaks overseas.
7.Ensure you have the right clothing for the activities you are going to involve yourself in.
8.Though Africa is a hot place, evenings can be chilly carry long sleeve tops for the cooler periods. Long sleeve tops can help protect against insect bites too. It is advisable to have some formal slacks and shirts for the evenings out for dinner and nights out.
9.In case of any infections while on holiday do seek medical advice.
10.Have comprehensive insurance cover including evacuation. Ensure it covers you for all activities you partake.
Personal security.
1.USA,United Kingdom, Australia and European union provide up to date security information and advice to all countries please check with some of these websites for up to date travel advise.www.smartraveller.gov.au http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/ http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
2.Attacks on tourists are rare, but petty and violent crime is increasing in some areas. The common-sense rules are to keep out of dark back-streets at night, wherever you are, avoids driving long distances between cities at night.
3.Don't carry too much money around, and avoid wearing expensive jewellery, whether you are walking in town or on the beach.
4.A guided tour is always advisable as your tour guide will be familiar with the inherent security risks.
5.While on safari, avoid brightly colored clothing as it can put you in trouble with the wild animals.
6.Do not take photos of military, police or state establishments. Ask for permission if you want to take a photo of an individual or individuals.
Money
1.Most countries have lifted foreign exchange controls. However check with relevant website for up to date information.2.The dollar, British pound and euro are widely accepted though the US dollar is the mainly the hard currency of choice in most countries.
3.Electronic card payments such as Visa tend to be accepted in the bigger hotels, shops and restaurants. Tanzania has introduced electronic card payments to its parks.
4.Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) accepting all the major debit/credit cards are increasingly available especially in the big cities.
5.Always exchange your money at a bank or certified travel beraeux. Black market and street deals will end in regret.
6.Travellers cheques are accepted in a lot of places. Be aware of the higher commission rates that you will incur when you pay with travelers cheques.
