Africa is the second largest continent, as it consists of 54 countries and some other territories. With close to a billion of people, it is only behind Asia as the most populated continent in the world. Africa is home to the Sahara desert, the Nile River, Lake Victoria, The Victoria Falls and Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a fascinating place to visit; however, many people are cautious about visiting Africa because of safety concerns.
Violence and Crime
Africa is home to one of the most diverse environments in the world, and crime and violence is prevalent in some parts of the country. Liberia and Sierra Leonne has some of the highest crime rate on the continent and it is often advised that visitors to Africa should head elsewhere. If you do plan to visit an area such as Sierra Leonne, this requires a fair amount of planning and flexibility so it’s always recommended to arrange as much as possible in advance. Keep in mind that Sierra Leone is still one of the poorest countries in the world; therefore do not expect everything to work.
Health Concerns
Diseases are widespread throughout Africa; therefore, you want to make sure that you get the necessary vaccines before travelling to the continent. Hepatitis A and B occur frequently, as well as typhoid, yellow fever and rabies. Prior to your trip, you need to see your doctor about taking medications to prevent malaria. When in Africa, be careful about where you purchase your food and drinks. It’s a good idea to ask the locals for some advice on where they would recommend dinning.
The Best Places to Visit
Cape Town is a city in South Africa that is a popular tourist destination in Africa. It is home to spectacular beaches and lively nightlife. Egypt, Morocco, Zimbabwe and parts of South Africa are considered safe places to visit in Africa.
Unsafe Places to Visit
There are several countries in Africa that you want to avoid. Kidnappers and Islamic fundamentalist have been known to target Algeria and Mauritania. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan are areas were war, rebel pursuits and social movements are prevalent. You also might want to avoid Chad, as there is much rebel activity in the country. Piracy, warlord ventures and kidnappings make Somalia a dangerous place to visit.
Customs
In certain areas of Africa, such as Libya, Somalia and Egypt, women need to make sure that they obey the local customs or they could be the target of violence. In most Muslim areas of Africa, women should not wear short skirts or shorts, and they should avoid sleeveless shirts. If a woman goes into a mosque, she should cover her head out of respect.
Safety Tips
When travelling to Africa, there are a few things that you can do to stay safe. Do not display your cash for everyone around you to see. It would be wise to wear a money belt that you can put underneath your clothes. Keep your credit cards, traveller’s checks and passport in this. It is a good idea to make a copy of your passport, plane ticket and the number of your traveller’s checks. Put the copies in a safe place. Keep your cash in your pocket. Do not wear expensive jewellery or cameras around your neck. Do not walk around the town by yourself at night.
Africa is an interesting continent that has so much to offer visitors. However, if you are planning on traveling to Africa, you should contact a local travel expert to get travel tips. You can then take the necessary safety precautions and enjoy your holiday.