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You are here: Home / Travel / Essential African Travel Tips

Essential African Travel Tips

August 22, 2014 By Greta Brinkley

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Africa is a beautiful, and wild, continent.  If you’re traveling to Africa, you must be very excited. This country is full of exciting culture and opportunities to explore; you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time! However, you do need to do your research before you travel. Africa is very different to Western civilization. Here are some essential African travel tips for you.

Essential African Travel Tips

 

Be Aware of Begging

Begging in Africa is found everywhere, so you need to be careful. You’ll soon realise that you can’t give to every single beggar, as you’ll have no money left. Keep a small amount of spare change on you and give to those who you feel need it, if you like. Bear in mind that begging children will be forced to give money up to a parent or gang leader, so give them food if you want them to benefit.

Ignore Unwanted Attention

In African countries, people will stare at you. This is usually harmless, and they are simply being curious. Hey – who doesn’t like to people watch!?!?  Visitors have  become fun to watch. Try not to let stares trouble you and let it go over your head.

Say No Thanks to Touts

You’ll usually be wealthier than everyone you come across, so you’ll be a target of scams and touts. People will try to sell you things you don’t want, and lie to get you to buy. Simply say no thanks and avoid them. Nothing is free, no matter what they tell you!

Don’t Exchange Money on the Street

People might try to get you to exchange money with them on the street by giving you a  good rate. Bear in mind that this is illegal, and you shouldn’t let anybody know how much currency you have with you. It’s also a great way to get robbed, and just isn’t worth the hassle.

Bargain for Everything

If you’re interested in a service or product, make sure you bargain. If you pay full price, you’re being ripped off. If you pay 25% of the asking price, you’re STILL being ripped off. Haggle, haggle, then haggle some more. You can even get a cheap flight to other locales.

Spread Out Your Money

Never, ever take all of your money out with you. Dole out your money, and don’t bring it all with you, to keep it safe. If you take it all with you, you run the risk of getting robbed or pulling out too much in front of the wrong people.

Watch Out for Hippos

One of the best African travel tips is to beware of the wildlife.  There are different snakes, insects, and other large wild animals. Hippos are huge killers in Africa. Probably more so than crocs and lions.  While they look slow and docile, hippos are angry, unpredictable, and fast. Keep your distance and never get between a mother and her baby.

Be Friendly

Africans are friendly, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t be confident and smile. Speaking to them will teach you a lot, and you’ll likely get recommendations on where to go and where not to go. However, please bear in mind that it might not be wise to get too friendly with them. HIV is common, so you can’t be too careful.

Above all else, the most essential African travel tip is this –  remember to have a great time!

 

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Filed Under: Travel

About Greta Brinkley

Greta is originally from the West Coast. Now living in the Midwest, she loves hockey, sparkles, nail polish, and bright colors. She also cannot resist anything that has peanut butter and chocolate together. And she hates filling out bios. Yep.

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About Me

Hi! I’m Greta, a Lifestyle and DIY expert. I’m originally from the west coast, and currently living in the Midwest. We’re mad about DIY and travel, lover of fashion and food, and slightly obsessed with trivia. And you can never go wrong with glitter, nail polish or hockey. Did I mention we were named one of the top DIY blogs?

"Want to work together, or just say hi? Drop me a line! WhyHelloGreta@gmail.com

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