Travel Essentials For Your First African Trip

Everyone who wants to travel to Africa has the same question in their hearts - is it safe to travel in Africa? The answer is actually very simple, as long as you go to the right place, the journey is not dangerous. Here is an African travel guide for you!

Located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Cancer, Africa has a large area of ​​high temperature areas throughout the year, and is known as the "tropical continent". Africa is located southwest of Asia. It is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and Europe across the Mediterranean Sea to the north. Africa's water systems are dominated by the Nile (north of the equator) and Congo (Central Africa) basins, which together irrigate nearly a quarter of Africa's land area. Africa's desert area accounts for about 1/3 of the entire continent, making it the continent with the largest desert area. Among them, the Sahara Desert is the largest desert in the world.

East Africa also has the largest rift valley in the world. Of course, apart from deserts, Africa also has lush forests and endless grasslands. The Nile River Basin in Africa is one of the cradles of ancient civilizations in the world. Egypt in the lower reaches of the Nile is one of the four ancient civilizations in the world. Ancient Egypt also made great achievements in the arts of architecture, sculpture and painting. The magnificent pyramids and sphinxes standing majestically near Cairo on the Nile River are the masterpieces of ancient Egyptians around the 27th century BC; they are miracles in the history of human architecture and immortal monuments of the outstanding wisdom and hard work of the ancient Egyptian people. .

If you're bored of your beach vacation and want to try something a little more adventurous, an African safari might be the way to go. There are plenty of action-packed itineraries to choose from, from expeditions watching games in the east or south of the continent, to gorilla safaris in Uganda, to mountaineering holidays on Kilimanjaro and Meru. To make the most of these vacations, though, you need to make sure you're picking the right gear.

Utility bag

When choosing luggage for these vacations, consider small and soft. Duffle bags or canvas totes are ideal as they can squeeze into tight spaces in vehicles and small aircraft. In addition to your main suitcase, make sure you bring a day bag that can store things like cameras and binoculars. A simple, lightweight backpack should be ideal.

Sturdy footwear

No matter what type of vacation you're booking, you need sturdy, comfortable footwear—especially important if you're planning a hike. According to customized adventure vacation specialist The Explorations Company, hiking through the African terrain is one of the best ways to see Africa because it allows you to truly connect with nature. However, to fully enjoy these experiences, you need the right shoes. It's worth buying a high-quality pair of boots and trying on a pair before going on vacation.

Wear light clothing during the day and layers at night

Temperatures can spike during the day, so you'll need cool clothing such as light pants, shorts, and a T-shirt. Natural fibers, such as cotton, are more susceptible to heat than synthetic materials. Also, since dark colors tend to attract insects and bright colors can scare away animals, it's best to choose neutral shades like stone, light brown, and khaki. In the early morning and early evening, you need a long-sleeved top and pants to protect you from mosquitoes. It's also worth wearing a sweater or fleece, as temperatures can drop, especially on higher ground.

Lots of sun protection

Sunscreen is also essential. In addition to bringing a high-factor sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses, it's useful to wear a wide-brimmed hat. Ideally, it should have a strap so it doesn't fall off when you're standing in a jeep or van.

Additional Items

A quality camera is another safari must-have, and make sure you have a battery charger for this kit. It is also useful to carry a decent pair of binoculars with you. Of course, you'll need toiletries, too, and probably pack wet wipes to keep you clean on the go. Consider adding a basic first aid kit and a small torch to the trunk. The key to packing any safari properly is to read your holiday itinerary carefully to make sure you know exactly what to expect. For example, you need to know about all the activities you will be trying, the facilities available at the camp, and the weather you may encounter.