Africa Travel Directory: Expert Tips on Safety, Bargaining, Etiquette, Money & More
Bargaining
In bustling African markets, craft stalls, and curio shops, prices are highly negotiable—items are valued at what the seller can secure. Master the art of haggling, and it becomes an enjoyable part of the experience. Vendors rarely intend to overcharge; stay calm, set your target price, politely decline if needed, and walk away.
Dangers & Annoyances
The vast majority of Africa travelers return home incident-free. Stay vigilant about potential risks and trust your instincts for a worry-free journey.
- Research destinations thoroughly, noting any advisories or trouble spots beforehand.
- Be discreet with valuables—carry minimal items, skip jewelry or watches, and conceal cash under loose clothing.
- Avoid walking city streets at night; opt for taxis instead.
- Walk confidently and purposefully. If lost, don't advertise it.
Crime
Africans are predominantly honest and hardworking, seeking respect and fair opportunities despite poverty in some regions. Robbery rates remain remarkably low. That said, stay alert in urban areas like Nairobi (Kenya), Lagos (Nigeria), Dakar (Senegal), Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), and Johannesburg (South Africa). Pickpocketing and snatch thefts are common; heed local warnings to avoid rare violent incidents.
Scams
Tourists often attract hustlers, touts, and con artists across Africa. While not uniquely dangerous here, awareness and precautions minimize issues.
Counterfeit CDs
Market CDs may contain blank discs or wrong artists. Always test before buying.
Overseas Calls
Sharing your phone number with locals can lead to costly collect calls home. Provide only addresses, and be cautious.
Fake Police & Drug Traps
Drug peddlers may collude with corrupt officials for bribes. Con artists impersonate police too. Demand station visits and written receipts for fines.
Bogus Tours
Touts promise cheap safaris bundled with transport, but tickets vanish. Pay minimally upfront and use reputable operators.
Hospitality Scams
Free stays turn costly with inflated meals; bags may be rifled. Common in tourist spots—genuine hospitality prevails elsewhere.
War Zones
Tourist visits to active conflict areas are unwise and unhelpful without aid expertise. Risks include kidnapping or worse. At writing, avoid Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Tunisia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Somalia, South Sudan, and certain Saharan regions like Mauritania's. Always verify current status.
Government Travel Advice
Consult these official sites for up-to-date advisories:
- Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (www.smartraveller.gov.au)
- Canadian Global Affairs (www.voyage.gc.ca)
- French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs)
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.viaggiaresicuri.mae.aci.it)
- New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (www.safetravel.govt.nz)
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice)
- US Department of State (www.travel.state.gov)
Emergencies
Emergency services vary widely and may be unreliable. For theft or injury, taxi to police/hospitals yourself—don't rely on calls. Insurance claims require police reports. Seek embassy or upscale hotel referrals for English-speaking care.
Electricity
Most nations use 220–240V, though some blend 110V/240V (e.g., Liberia mostly 110V). Plugs vary: British-style in English-speaking areas, European two-pin in Francophone zones, unique in South Africa. Multi-types common; buy adapters pre-trip. Expect frequent outages and surges.
Embassies & Consulates
What Embassies Can & Can't Do
Embassies abide by local laws and can't aid lawbreakers. In crises, help is limited post-other options (e.g., no free flights sans insurance; possible passport replacement). Register for remote travel via sites like US STEP.
Emergency & Important Numbers
Numbers vary by country. International dial prefix is usually 00 (Nigeria: 009).
| Emergency Number | Countries |
|---|---|
| 01 | Sierra Leone |
| 111 | Côte d'Ivoire |
| 112 | Lesotho, South Africa, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, Angola, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania |
| 113 | Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea |
| 117 | Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, Togo, Burundi, Central African Republic |
| 119 | Mozambique |
| 1011 | Namibia |
| 122 | Guinea, Egypt |
| 15 | Libya |
| 17 | Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad, Djibouti, Senegal, The Gambia |
| 18 | Algeria |
| 19 | Morocco |
| 177 | Gabon |
| 191 | Ghana |
| 197 | Tunisia |
| 888 | Somalia |
| 911 | Liberia, Ethiopia |
| 999 | Botswana, Malawi, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Sudan, South Sudan, Zambia |
Entry & Exit Formalities
Procedures differ; some borders are swift, others slow. Visas on arrival expanding—check ahead. Passports need 6+ months validity.
Customs Regulations
- Bags rarely thoroughly searched.
- Endangered animal products forbidden; cultural artifacts (>100 years) need export permits.
- Currency import/export limits vary; CFA francs interchangeable in zones.
- Declare hard currencies if required.
Visas
Secure pre-trip for short stays; arrange en route for longer. Availability at borders inconsistent—verify regulations.
More Information
Rules change; confirm before entry.
Regional Visas
Etiquette
Social norms are conservative yet welcoming. Politeness and modesty ensure positive interactions.
- Greet warmly, inquiring about well-being.
- Respect elders and authorities.
- Stay patient and friendly in challenges.
- Ask before photographing people.
- Avoid criticizing government or nation publicly.
- Receive gifts with both hands, perhaps bowing.
- Honor Islamic customs; dress modestly.
LGBTIQ+ Travelers
- Conservative views prevail; same-sex acts illegal in many places, punishable severely in spots like Mauritania, parts of Nigeria/Somalia/Sudan.
- Prosecutions rare but discretion essential—no PDA for any couples.
- Cape Town offers Africa's best gay-friendly scene.
Resources
Afriboyz (www.afriboyz.com/Homosexuality-in-Africa.html)
David Travel (www.davidtravel.com)
Global Gayz (www.globalgayz.com/africa/)
ILGA (www.ilga.org)
Insurance
Essential for theft, health, evacuation. African hospitals charge high fees. Verify coverage for activities, advisories. Shop via www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-insurance.
Internet Access
- Cybercafés fading; wi-fi widespread in hotels (often free).
- Speeds vary—slow uploads common.
Legal Matters
Recreational drugs illegal everywhere; contact embassy if arrested. Laws vary otherwise.
Maps
Michelin Africa series (No 741 North & West, 745 North-East, 746 Central & South). Stanfords (www.stanfords.co.uk) or IGN (www.ign.fr).
Media
Media faces access and suppression challenges. Reporters Without Borders (www.rsf.org) tracks freedom. Internet empowers; social media pivotal (e.g., Arab Spring), though censored in places like Ethiopia. New African (www.newafricanmagazine.com), East African (www.theeastafrican.co.ke), Mail & Guardian (www.mg.co.za), Jeune Afrique (www.jeuneafrique.com). World Newspapers (www.world-newspapers.com/africa). Ubiquitous; BBC World Service (www.bbc.co.uk/worldserviceradio), VOA (www.voanews.com), RFI (www.rfi.fr), Channel Africa (www.channelafrica.co.za). Communal viewing common; digital TV growing rapidly.Internet
Newspapers & Magazines
Radio
TV
Money
ATMs rising but unreliable; carry ample cash. Unofficial rates better but risky/illegal. Discreetly seek shops/hotels if needed; count carefully. Mix denominations. US$ dominant East/South; € West/Central/North. Post-2006 US$100 bills. CFA pegged to €. www.xe.com Bureaus best for cash; cheques poor. Upscale: expected; taxis: round up; safaris: US$10+/day/guest.ATMs
Black Market
Credit Cards
Currencies
East & Southern Africa
West & Central Africa
North Africa
Avoid Old US Dollars
Exchange Rates
Changing Money
Travellers Cheques
Tipping
Opening Hours
Mon–Fri standard; Sat mornings some. Muslim areas: Fri close, Sun open.
Photography
Zoom/SLR for wildlife; spares essential. Protect from dust/heat. Lonely Planet's Guide to Travel Photography.
Post
Capitals fastest. Poste restante: passport needed. Couriers for parcels.
Public Holidays
Lunar calendar shifts ~11 days/year. Good Friday, Easter Sun/Mon, Christmas. New Year, Labour Day; local events.Islamic Holidays
Event 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Ramadan begins 28 May 17 May 6 May 25 Apr 14 Apr Eid al-Fitr 27 Jun 16 Jun 5 Jun 25 May 14 May Tabaski 2 Sep 22 Aug 11 Aug 1 Aug 21 Jul Eid al-Moulid 12 Dec 1 Dec 20 Nov 9 Nov 30 Oct Christian Holidays
Other Holidays
Smoking
Banned in public most places; penalties strict. Laggards: Malawi, etc.
Telephone
Local SIMs work in many phones; roaming pricey. Bureaus cheap; cybercafés variable. Ubiquitous; buy SIMs. Check provider.More Information
Bureaus
Mobile Phones
Phonecards
Time
UTC to UTC+3; plan border crossings.
Toilets
Squat or Western; carry paper. Left hand for hygiene in Muslim areas.
Tourist Information
Limited offices; ask locals/hotels.
Travel with Children
Kids welcomed; bring supplies. Upscale options available.
Accessible Travel
Limited facilities; companion/tours help. Friendly locals assist. Resources: Access-Able, etc. Lonely Planet guide: https://lptravel.to/AccessibleTravel.
Volunteering
Skills-based, long-term preferred. Orgs: VSO, Peace Corps, African Impact, etc.
Weights & Measures
- Metric standard.
Women Travelers
Safe overall; harassment possible (North worst). Dress modestly, avoid solo nights out. Locals helpful.
Work
Permits tough; tourism/aid best bets via expat networks.
