How to Plan a Trip to Africa: The Basics Explained

Did you know that Egypt is the most frequently visited country in Africa? In 2019, over 13 million people explored the country, including the Pyramids of Giza, its most popular attraction.

Of course, there are many other places to explore on a trip to Africa, making it an adventurer’s paradise! If you are thinking of visiting Africa, keep reading for travel inspiration and a step-by-step guide to planning a trip.

Choose Where to Go

With over fifty African countries to choose from, picking a destination may be a challenge. Instead of throwing a dart at the center of Africa, narrow it down by thinking of the kind of experience you want and what type of scenery you would like to see.

For example, Kenya and Tanzania are great choices if you’d like to see wildlife or go on a safari adventure. But, if you are interested in history and ancient civilizations, Egypt and Ethiopia may better suit your interests. Still, islands like Mauritius or Madagasgar are perfect if you love relaxing on beautiful beaches!

Visa Requirements

You may need to apply for a visa before traveling to certain African countries, depending on your citizenship. Be sure to research these requirements well in advance, giving you time to get the right documents together and submit them.

Of course, even if you don’t have to get a visa in advance, you should ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after traveling to Africa, as this is a requirement in some countries.

Book Lodging and Tours

Once you have a destination in mind, you should decide what attractions you will visit and book tours with reputable guides. Doing so will greatly enhance your experience and ensure your safety while traveling in an unknown country.

You’ll also need to book your lodging, especially if you plan on traveling during the high season.

Research Flights

For the best deals on flights, try to book your tickets well in advance, especially if you are traveling to areas with limited airline carriers.

In addition, some websites send you alerts anytime the price of your flight goes down, so you know when to purchase it. So be sure to set up these types of notifications!

Get Travel Insurance

No matter where you’re going, it’s a good idea to get travel insurance to cover your expenses. Flights often get canceled in Africa without advanced warning, and state healthcare may not be the best in some areas. So, you’ll want to have insurance that ensures you get better care without paying an arm and a leg.

Obtain Vaccinations and Medications

A few months before traveling, you should visit a doctor to ensure you have all the necessary vaccinations. These vary according to the country, but the most popular requirements for entry include:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Rabies
• Yellow fever

Furthermore, some areas have Malaria and the Zika virus, so ask your doctor for recommendations on keeping yourself safe while traveling.

Plan Your Dream Trip to Africa

After reading these tips, you are ready to start planning your trip to Africa. Remember to do lots of research in advance so you can choose the right destination and stay safe once you get there! If you do, you’ll have memories that will last a lifetime!

For more travel tips on planning a vacation, check out more of our related content!