Africa should be on your travel bucket list. With so many countries to choose from, Africa truly has it ALL. They don’t call it the motherland for no reason. However, it does call for some extra preparation as compared to a trip to the Caribbean, for example.
Vaccination & Medication Required for Africa
Depending on where in Africa you’re traveling to, you will need to receive a plethora of vaccines. The most common, which we don’t normally receive at birth, are Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Yellow Fever. If you’re going to a country that’s in the Yellow Fever belt, you will need a yellow fever vaccine to either enter or to travel anywhere else in the continent that isn’t on the belt. For example, if you fly into Egypt, you won’t need a Yellow Fever vaccine, however, if you first travel to Kenya and in the same trip Egypt then you will need to show proof of vaccination. You will also be prescribed malaria medication since there are no vaccines yet.
Vaccination and medication are a highly personal choice, however, of all the vaccines the Yellow Fever is the most important one (in my opinion, I’m not a doctor). I say this because it’s the one proof of vaccine you will absolutely need to show if you’re hopping around countries in Africa. Customs did not ask for proof of any other vaccinations. Keep that in mind when planning a multi-country trip.
Many of these vaccinations and medications are considered a “luxury” and may not be covered by your insurance. You also likely won’t be able to get it at your doctor’s office, as there are specialized clinics for it. That said, Passport Health will keep you covered with all pre-travel related medical needs.
Drinking Water
The reason the Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended is because it is a virus contracted by water and food, which isn’t a problem here in America. However, when traveling throughout Africa, especially Zanzibar and Kenya (outside of Nairobi), you should solely use water bottles, even when brushing your teeth. Better safe than sorry!
Visas & Entry Requirements for African Countries
Many countries will require a visa. Make sure to google entry requirements for the specific country.
PRO TIP: if traveling to Kenya, Uganda and/or Rwanda, make sure to get the East African Tourist Visa that allows you to enter each country under the same visa.
Cash or Visa is King
Generally, only the most modern and tourist frequented places will allow payment using a credit or debit card. And even still, the machines will only support Visa cards. American Express cards are seldomly allowed and made it a pain finding locations that used it. Ultimately, cash is king, but make sure to bring plenty because not all ATMs are reliable.
African and Arab Airlines
One thing I was hit with was luggage prices. Many African and Arab Airlines, particular Precision Air, Flight 748, Kenya Airways, and Etihad, have strict weight limits when it comes to carry-on luggage and personal items. This is starkly different from American airlines that don’t have carry-on weight limitations. Make sure to read each airline baggage policy because the overweight fees are killer! Also, don’t be alarmed if you can’t add luggage to your trip online during check-in, you’ll be able to pay for them at the airport without incurring extra charges.
Make sure to also read: How to Plan a Safari in Kenya and Questions to Ask a Safari Tour Company
