25 Tips and Some Advice for Anyone Visiting Africa for the First Time

Are you looking to explore Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda or any other African country soon? Do you already have plans in motion? If you’ve heard about Africa or a country on the continent and would like to visit? We have compiled a list of some helpful tips and advice for you. Every single tip and advice in this post was given by people who either live in an African country or have visited before.

Before we start, please remember that Africa is a continent, not a country. There are so many countries in Africa and it’s a very big continent. And do not believe the news. Africa is an amazing continent.

25 Tips and Some Advice for Anyone Visiting Africa for the First Time

1. Make sure your bank and credit card company know that you are going to an African country. That way, you won’t get suspended when you transact from a different country or continent. If you can’t reach out to your bank or credit card company, make arrangements for alternatives before leaving.
2. Have someone or an organization that can change your money to local currency when you arrive or before you arrive. It will make your life easier.
3. Google Maps, Airbnb and hotels are your friends, especially if you are not with a tour guide in the country.
4. Leave your country behind. Do not compare and be humble! Enjoy to the fullest and mingle with the natives, not the tourists.
5. Fast or detox to prepare your body for different foods/water so you can adjust well.
6. Go with an open mind & be non-judgmental. Pack your patience. Don’t try to stick out & keep a low profile. More importantly, leave that ethnocentric attitude at home.
7. Vaccines and shots are mandatory in some countries but don’t worry. You might have to take it when you arrive in the country.
8. Carry a mosquito repellant or buy one in the country when you arrive, especially if you will not be staying in a hotel.
9. See a travel doctor a few months prior to your trip. They will recommend shots based on your specific destinations. Some require 2-part shots so don’t wait until the last minute. If you get a shot, collect a document or proof of the shot. In some countries, you don’t need a shot at all.
10. You can get Covid shots at airports if the country requires it. That is if you haven’t gotten a shot before
11. Go with an open mind, don’t have romanticized ideas about the places or the people. You are not in North America and things may run differently. It is cheaper to Uber around in African cities.
12. Watch for local law enforcement, extortion is real. You might have to give a dollar or 2 at stops and borders. You might not.
13.  Don’t go to Africa with an American/westernized mindset and expected to be the same as America. Depending on where you going, it’s going to be a cultural shock.
14. In most local areas, don’t drink the water, buy bottles of water at your hotel and move around with it
15. Be Respectful to the people/culture/traditions and understand that words matter. Some words we may say here In America shouldn’t be said over there.
    “That’s Crazy” is one of them.
    Respect the animals and try not to allow yourself to feel bad for the dogs. They are in their natural environment surviving.
16. Pack light. You can get clothes and amazing souvenirs in Africa.
17. Get adapters for your phone and take a burner phone in case you need an Android versus Apple.
18. Power bank, separate your cash into small amounts. Try to change into the currency of the country asap, don’t flash foreign currency.
19. Africa is amazing. Bring a camera!
20. Be polite, and be cautious of the food, it may be spicy or bland, ask questions, Africans love to talk about the food and culture. Everything has a history.
21. Wear loose-fitting clothes, It’s hot in some countries, especially in the afternoons.
22. Touch everything from the ground up, smile and … put some sand under your feet, especially at the beach.
23. Do not fear the cats, it’s the elephants that are the most dangerous!
24. Avoid dark corners and go with someone if you’re exploring the nightlife. Tour guides are affordable and you can negotiate.
25. Make sure your devices are charged up well sometimes the electrical grid goes on and off IF you are not in a hotel or Airbnb. It’s no big deal but it’s just smart for you to keep a portable battery system just in case.
26. Do your research about the particular country you are visiting. For Nigeria, you can ask us about the country and we will show you around.

Credit: Taste of Africa Vibes