Page 62 iGap Travel Guide 2022
P. 62
iGap Travel Guide | Africa
62
1. Packing:
It could all depend on your plans, but
above all else ensure you pack for extremely hot
weather. Lighter, breathable clothing is important,
but it’s worth taking clothes that will cover you if
you’re hiking and camping too. Longer trousers for
example will offer protection from insect bites.
2. Visas:
Before you travel to Africa, check the
visa requirements for each country you’re visiting
on this vast continent. The rules can depend on
your nationality and guidelines can change at a
moment’s notice, so keep yourself up-to-date.
3. Vaccinations:
Always check sources such as
the CDC, as the recommended vaccinations could
change depending on which part of Africa you’re
visiting. Generally, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and
Typhoid are the minimum recommendations.
4. Hostels:
Staying in a hostel that’s in a well-
populated area is perhaps the best bet for
backpackers. This will ease your expenses, and offer
a better chance of meeting like-minded travellers
whilst on your African adventure.
5. Don’t rush:
Travelling across Africa is an
experience to truly savour. Give yourself time to enjoy
the incredible scenery, from exotic wildlife to those
beautiful African plains and rugged mountains.
12
TOP
TIPS FOR
BACKPACKING
IN AFRICA
6. Take a proper camera:
Your smartphone can
take decent quality photos of course, but if the
battery gets drained whilst you’re catching up with
friends and family from home, you will regret not
taking a dedicated digital camera for those once-in-
a-lifetime moments.
7. Take cash:
Parts of Africa – particularly rural
areas – are less likely to have a card payment facility.
It’s important that you know the local currency
and always have some cash available. For certain
situations, having larger currencies such as U.S.
dollars could be useful too.
Backpacking in Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and careful planning should be done beforehand
to ensure that travellers have the best experience possible and make fantastic memories. Africa is a vastly
different place from much of the western world, and our useful tips will ensure that backpackers cover all
the bases before and during their adventure.
62
1. Packing:
It could all depend on your plans, but
above all else ensure you pack for extremely hot
weather. Lighter, breathable clothing is important,
but it’s worth taking clothes that will cover you if
you’re hiking and camping too. Longer trousers for
example will offer protection from insect bites.
2. Visas:
Before you travel to Africa, check the
visa requirements for each country you’re visiting
on this vast continent. The rules can depend on
your nationality and guidelines can change at a
moment’s notice, so keep yourself up-to-date.
3. Vaccinations:
Always check sources such as
the CDC, as the recommended vaccinations could
change depending on which part of Africa you’re
visiting. Generally, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and
Typhoid are the minimum recommendations.
4. Hostels:
Staying in a hostel that’s in a well-
populated area is perhaps the best bet for
backpackers. This will ease your expenses, and offer
a better chance of meeting like-minded travellers
whilst on your African adventure.
5. Don’t rush:
Travelling across Africa is an
experience to truly savour. Give yourself time to enjoy
the incredible scenery, from exotic wildlife to those
beautiful African plains and rugged mountains.
12
TOP
TIPS FOR
BACKPACKING
IN AFRICA
6. Take a proper camera:
Your smartphone can
take decent quality photos of course, but if the
battery gets drained whilst you’re catching up with
friends and family from home, you will regret not
taking a dedicated digital camera for those once-in-
a-lifetime moments.
7. Take cash:
Parts of Africa – particularly rural
areas – are less likely to have a card payment facility.
It’s important that you know the local currency
and always have some cash available. For certain
situations, having larger currencies such as U.S.
dollars could be useful too.
Backpacking in Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and careful planning should be done beforehand
to ensure that travellers have the best experience possible and make fantastic memories. Africa is a vastly
different place from much of the western world, and our useful tips will ensure that backpackers cover all
the bases before and during their adventure.
