Visiting and discovering different cultures is a wonderful activity that can bring you many unforgettable memories. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lockdowns and restrictions forced many people to cancel their trips. But now, more and more people have started to join the travelling trend again, with even more enthusiasm than before.
So, if you decided it’s time to travel again, and think Africa would be a great destination idea you may feel overwhelmed because you don’t know how to plan such a trip after staying home for an extensive period. Where should you go? For how long? What budget you’ll need? If you don’t have the answer to these questions, then you may get lost while trying to plan all the details.
You will have to think about flights, activities, accommodation, vaccines, weather, clothes and packing essentials because Africa has more rules than other countries. Besides, make sure you research the country’s requirements and regulations.
Here are some tips to help you plan your trip and enjoy a unique experience in Africa:
Choose your destination and activities
If you already have a destination on your mind and some activities to try, your job is half done. But if you struggle with choosing somewhere to go, it’s time for some research. Whether you decide to open Google and start searching for destinations on Maps or follow the old style and circle places on a map, check all the beautiful locations. Plus, you can find great guides for different flight destinations online.
The most important step is to decide the scope of your trip. Are you up for a Safari, climbing Kilimanjaro, or exploring the wonderful beaches? Africa has 54 countries, and each of them has stunning places and unforgettable experiences to offer. So, when choosing the destination, think about what you want to do there.
For more inspiration, here are some destinations:
- Kruger National Park, Limpopo/Mpumalanga Provinces;
- The Drakensberg Mountains;
- Cape Town and Cape Floral Region Protected Areas;
- Cape Peninsula;
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Northern Cape.
Choose the perfect period for travelling
Before choosing the time, decide if it will be a two-week trip or longer. A prolonged trip will allow you to try more experiences and visit many places, but the budget will define your activities in this case. Ensure you have enough money to do all the planned things.
Choosing a suitable period may be difficult if the job or school restricts you because the trip will be planned depending on your leave or holidays. But, if you are free like a bird, you will be able to enjoy parts of Africa at the right time. You may wonder what a correct time means. You should plan your activities depending on the weather, season or events.
For example, there are some festivals you may want to attend, such as the Lake of Stars festival, in Malawi or AfrikaBurn in South Africa. Weather can have a significant impact on the trip if you don’t research the best time to visit the chosen places. An out-of-season trip can cost you less, but some activities and tours may not be available. Besides, some of them are seasonal. Climbing Kilimanjaro when it’s raining may be challenging, while a safari in Tanzania during the wildebeest migration can become the experience of a lifetime.
Set up a budget
Setting up a budget is essential before starting booking flights, activities, and accommodation. Ensure you choose a realistic budget, and don’t forget to keep some money for emergencies. A good strategy for more financial safety is saving as early as possible before the trip.
Besides, after choosing your destinations and activities, find out how much it all costs. Yes, the experience may seem outstanding on travelling websites and Instagram, but the enthusiasm can diminish once you find out the prices and expenses in detail. For example, you can notice a fantastic view from the 10th floor of a fancy hotel, but it will cost you more per night than you ever intended to spend. And this is not helpful if you plan a longer trip.
But don’t panic, because there are lots of cheaper alternatives that can offer you an enjoyable trip. You can also opt for a tour, and the things will get even more accessible because you’ll know from the start the overall costs. All you have to do is add the pre-trips costs, visas and optional activities.
Book your flights and tour
Booking your flights in advance will save a lot of money, helping you find the best deals. Besides, you’ll have more options and plenty of time to arrange the essentials, such as passports, visas, vaccines and insurance. Plus, by buying the tickets as soon as possible, you can avoid the stress and anxiety of last-minute plans.
Another thing to consider is the airport pickup. Most hotels will provide you with transportation services from the airport to the accommodation place, so you can arrange your airport pickup in advance. If you want a more independent option, opt for taking a taxi from the airport, but ensure it is a licensed one to avoid unpleasant events.
When booking the flights, purchase travel insurance if you don’t have one already. It is vital for an Africa trip. Ensure the insurance covers all your needs during the travelling, including cancelled flights or health problems.
Book the activities and accommodation
After booking the flights, it’s time to do the same with activities and accommodation. At this point, you probably conducted research about what the best hotels or hostels for your stay are. So, don’t wait up and make a reservation. For a great experience, make sure you book the activity and accommodation simultaneously. Besides, consider booking a night or two for your arrival.
Africa is an outstanding country that can offer anyone a lifetime experience. But planning a trip to the beautiful country may be challenging without researching in advance. So, if you decide that Africa is a must, follow the tips above, and book yourself a great time.
