Safety Tips For First-Time Travelers To Africa

There is no better way to spend money than on traveling and exploring new places. It is by far the most enriching experience there is, and you will be all the better person for it. When you come in contact with new cultures and meet new people, you change as a person and grow.

Then there is the beauty of nature and the gorgeous sights you get to explore on your journeys. If there’s one place that has all that, it has got to be Africa. With jungles, waterfalls, mountains, valleys, and by far the most unique ethnic cultures in the world, it’s the experience of a lifetime.

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Still, like any other place in the world, you need to know some safety tips before going to explore this beautiful, yet sometimes dangerous, continent.

Still, like any other place in the world, you need to know some safety tips before going to explore this beautiful, yet sometimes dangerous, continent. There are some logical steps that you have to take while traveling to any tourist destinations around the world, and that’s the point of reading about safety tips when traveling in Africa for the first time.

It is not to say that Africa is more dangerous than any other location – it isn’t – but as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and being prepared is always the smart thing to do. Here are safety tips for first-time travelers in Africa:

Beware Of Theft

While this is a very common problem in most places around the world, Africa probably has it in a bit of abundance due to poverty in several countries. You should exercise caution and be alert from petty theft, especially in famous tourist locations where it is quite common for a first time visitor to get pickpocketed. So, there are a few steps you could take to avoid that happening.

One of the best travel solutions out there is getting a money belt to wear under your clothes. You can keep your money, credit cards, and passport as well as any important documents within it, and the belt would never be visible to anyone, ensuring its safety. Just to be on the safe side, you should also make copies of all the important documents you have on you, like the passport and any credit card numbers.

Be Modest

Modesty is generally a good thing, and it might save you a lot of trouble while traveling as well. Africa is a great place, and the people are as friendly as they come. But there are plenty of poor people, and you need to take that into consideration. If you’re traveling to South Africa, for example, you’ll notice some concerning crime stats, but they don’t convey the full picture really.

So, leave your jewelry at home. There is no point in flashing your diamond rings and gold earrings, and it will just attract too much attention and put you on any thief’s radar – which would happen even in Europe.

Ask The Locals

Knowledge is power when it comes to your personal safety in a new place. When you first arrive in a city, ask the locals about where the safe spots are, and what should be avoided. They will give you very helpful insights that will help you steer clear of areas where crime is likely to happen.

There are also some places where it would be unwise to go without having a local guide with you, so it’s very important that you get those details from the natives as soon as possible. Pro tip: don’t walk the streets alone at night.

Be Careful In Crowded Places

This is generally a good idea in any place around the world. You should always be on your guard in crowded locations where pickpocketing is common. Keep your valuables like phones and laptops nearby and in sight, and stay alert.

Avoid Scams And Cons

As mentioned earlier, there is much poverty in Africa, so you might feel tempted to give money to street beggars and wanderers. But you need to be very careful because it very well might be a scam. If you want to help, find local charities to donate to, which ensures the money will really be going to the people who need it, instead of some professional con artist.

Health Concerns

You have to get vaccinated against certain diseases before even leaving your country, and it might just save your life. You should also be very careful about what food and water you drink, because serious illnesses like Malaria are very common, and they could really mess up your trip.

So, never drink tap water, and try to travel with a complete medical kit filled with insect repellents, antibiotics, painkillers, and any other thing you might need.

Africa is one of the most stunning locations on earth, and it might just be the best trip you ever go on. But you need to take some safety precautions for your trip to go smoothly. It will definitely be worth it by the time you get to meet the fascinating people and view the breathtaking scenery.

If you are interested in even more lifestyle-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.

IMAGE: PEXELS