Throughout the year, people from all over the world make their way to Africa to enjoy an exciting African safari. Companies such as Kensington Tours make it easy to set up a safari that can be the experience of a lifetime, but every traveler has their own preparations they must make before they can embark on their exciting adventure.
Be Warned About Problems
The United States Department of State has a complete listing online of all of the areas throughout the country considered dangerous for travel. Sometimes the danger comes in the form of a contagious disease, while other dangers could involve military unrest. Before you decide to go on an African safari, it is smart to check with the State Department to make sure that the area where you will be traveling is safe.
Get Immunized
No matter where in the world you intend to travel, it is always smart to get immunized against disease before you leave. Whenever you travel to a foreign country, you run the risk of being exposed to viruses that are not found where you live. The locals where you are traveling might be immune to those viruses, but your body is not. Check with your doctor to find out how you can protect yourself from strange diseases you may experience in far-off lands.
Convert Your Cash
These days, people prefer to use their secure credit or debit cards while on vacation. Using your cards is convenient because just about every place in the world that has tourists takes the cards, and the card company will automatically do the currency conversion for you. But no matter where you go, it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand for emergencies. There are plenty of tow trucks and taxis in foreign countries that do not take credit cards, and that could leave you stranded. Find out what the local currency is for the area where you will be traveling and then convert some cash to have on hand before you go.
Get A Translator
For most safaris, your tour company will have a translator available to help you speak to the locals. But it never hurts to buy an electronic translator that will help you communicate when your human translator is not around. You can get an inexpensive electronic translator that will fit in the palm of your hand and allow you to communicate effectively throughout your trip.
Learn The Local Customs
When you plan an African safari, you are usually insulated by the tour company from the rest of the local area. But if you intend to head out and take in the local scenery, then you will need to learn the local customs. There are plenty of websites that will show you what is considered polite and impolite in the area where you will be traveling. In some parts of the world, a handshake is considered impolite, so it is important to do a little research on local customs to avoid problems.
Make Sure You Have The Right Phone Accessories
Since you will be on vacation, you will want to make sure that you capture as many moments as you can to look back on. That means that you will need to keep your smartphone charged to be able to capture pictures and video when you need it. Before you leave, you should find out what type of power outlets are used in the area where you are traveling so that you can be sure to have the right charging accessories with you. Most parts of the world have power outlets different than those found in North America, so it is a good idea to do some research and be prepared.
An African safari can be an exciting vacation, but there is plenty of work you have to do before you can head out on your adventure. It is always smart to be as prepared as possible, especially when you are planning on visiting the wide open plains of the African continent.