Travel

Africa is a huge and diverse continent, so travel "must haves" vary from country to country. (Photo: africa image by Luka76 from Fotolia )

Planning for travel to any of the wide variety of destinations in Africa need not be any more complicated than for any other destination. There are, however, a number of must haves that will aid you with preparation for your trip, and furthermore upon arrival. Some facilitate a smooth travel experience; others are essential for your personal health and safety.

The Internet and up-to-date guidebooks for your specific destination are invaluable when it comes to planning travel to Africa. Visit the US Department of State s travel site, travel.state.gov, and read current international travel warnings for your destination, if there are any. Stay on that site to find country-specific information for more about the country s tourism industry and infrastructure, and whether any particular regions of the country should be avoided.

Although some adventurous travelers may enjoy figuring out accommodations and transportation upon arrival in a new destination, most feel more comfortable with these details taken care of before departure. At a bare minimum, you must have accommodations arranged for your first night or two, and have a plan for getting from the airport to your hotel upon arrival.

Before travel to Africa, you must get all necessary immunizations. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, cdc.gov to see what vaccinations are recommended for your specific destination. Consult a medical professional at least four to six weeks before your travel time. For most African destinations, you need a vaccination for yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid. Your doctor may also recommend other vaccinations, such as polio, meningitis or rabies, depending on the country you are visiting and kinds of activities you intend to pursue. Make sure you are issued a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and take it to Africa with you as it may be mandatory for entry.

There is no vaccination for malaria, which is a risk in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. There are various prescription drugs that prevent malaria, and your health care professional will recommend an appropriate one. Bite prevention is essential so bring plenty of mosquito repellent. If your lodging facility does not provide mosquito nets, bring one for your bed. Sunscreen, a first-aid kit and travel insurance are additional must haves.

Beyond the passport you need to enter Africa, but you must also find out if the country you are visiting requires you to have a certain length of validity left on your passport. To enter Zambia, for example, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure. Research the country s visa policies as far in advance of your trip as possible, as there is always a chance of it being a lengthy and/or involved process. Know what local currency you need and whether US dollars and other currencies are accepted and to what extent. If the ATM network in your destination country is limited, traveler s checks are a good idea.