There are a lot of ways to seek adventure in the modern age. Some like to climb up to the top of Mount Everest; others might like to go diving in the Great Barrier Reef. But for some, there’s nothing quite as thrilling as slowly making your way across the incredible continent of Africa.
It’s the ultimate adventure, allowing you to experience everything that Africa has to offer, including a wide range of cultures, peoples, foods, places, wildlife, and so much more. And while the vast majority of Africa has become perfectly safe to travel through, there are some tips and tricks that the intrepid entrepreneur will want to know before setting off.
Immunisation
Although healthcare across many African countries has improved substantially over the last few decades, there are some parts of the continent that remain hotspots for certain diseases. Yellow Fever, Malaria and Dengue Fever are three of the worst offenders, which is why it’s vital that a traveller ensure that they have all of the right immunisations before entering the country.
These tend to be relatively cheap and are highly recommended to most travellers – a disease like Malaria, once caught, can be persistent for the rest of a person’s life, and in some rare cases can even be fatal. Fortunately, there exists a vaccine to keep Malaria at bay, but it’s still a good idea to use the appropriate netting at night when in Malaria red zones.
First Aid Kit
If you’re going to be travelling through Africa, there will be some areas that are quite remote, meaning that if there is any kind of injury, getting to a doctor or hospital in time might be out of the question.
This is why it’s a good idea to have a decent first aid kit on hand, one that has everything you could need to close up a wound, treat a cut, and even perform some simple stitching. It’s also a great idea to get some first aid training before heading starting your travels, as this can make a first aid kit that much more useful.
Personal Safety
Africa is rife with poverty, and some areas tend to be worse than others. If you have the money to travel across the continent – whether it’s from work or FIFA World Cup bets – it goes without saying that you will typically have more money than most other people you come across. And while most of them will be friendly, welcoming, and warm, there will always be those that see your wealth and might want to engage in petty theft.
Keep a close eye on your belongings, never carry around large amounts of cash, and it’s a better idea to keep valuable jewellery and watches at home. Make sure to do a bit of research on the areas that you might want to book accommodation in, in order to ascertain just how safe the area is for those that are new to the region.
