TIPS FOR ROAD TRIPS IN ON SELF-DRIVE AFRICA

Traveling takes you to the most vibrant, exhilarating and exciting parts of the world. It provides you with a refreshing break from the otherwise hectic schedule of your life. It is a known fact that an individual always looks for having a great time during his or her trip. But one must be wary that there are certain circumstances that can disrupt one’s trip. From a medical emergency to a loss of baggage, a lot of unforeseen events can happen while one travels. This is where travel insurance comes in. it is a type of insurance that keeps you covered from travel related perils. Therefore, it is important to have travel insurance if you are planning to travel. For example

Vacations are not just something most travelers just run out and purchase at the store. They are things that is carefully planned and are seen as much-anticipated events. In that regard, making sure your vacation investment is protected should be a top priority. Purchasing travel insurance means that, in the event of flight cancelations or lost luggage, your vacation will not be ruined.

Although no one likes to spend more money, the truth is that anything can happen when traveling. So, it’s a good idea to be protected just in case something happens. Trip delays, interruptions, or even cancellations can cause unexpected headaches and expenses, insurance can help you and makes sure you are protected for adjustments you need to overcome these situations. Some plans contain cancellation benefits and if you have a covered reason you can be reimbursed for pre-paid non-refundable expenses, like a medical emergency or loss of employment before your trip even begins

Flight delays can add up. Beyond being annoying, prolonged delays can cause you to be affected by expenses while you wait, or worse, miss a connection. With travel insurance, a covered travel delay can mean cash for rebooking fees, meals, and accommodations. However, a travel insurance also helps if a trip gets canceled. This benefit is only applicable when trip cancellation occurs due to natural or manmade situations. If the cancellation takes place at your side, then you won’t be able to take this benefit

Medical evaluation is included in many travel insurance plans. If the situation occurs where you are to be taken from the scene of the incident to a hospital within the policy network because of a medical condition you do not need to worry about the costs if you have a travel insurance policy. It is evident that travel insurance has got you covered in a lot of unforeseen situations. So the next time

More so, no one wishes to fall sick during their vacation, however injury or medical complications can happen at any time. If you have travel insurance you can avail the required medical treatment without having to worry about the costs involved. You also get covered for dental expenses if you have a travel insurance

Similarly, Travel insurance proves to be helpful in case of loss of passport. If a situation occurs where you lose your passport, the cost of getting a new or duplicate passport will be hectic. Talk about losing your belongings, your travel insurance will compensate for the loss (up to the limit of sum approved), you also get coverage if your baggage gets delayed beyond 12 hours. With all the above, it is better for a traveler to have an insurance for a successful safari within and around Africa

3. Get everyone to do their research

When it means travelling, it is so important for everyone interested in travelling to do his or her own research about the destination you are interested to visit. You will be able to make the most exciting trip in Africa which is free from stress. Are you planning to travel with children or someone elderly? Doing your research before traveling is extremely important. It can help you discover the hidden gems of your destination that you might not have noticed otherwise. Mountain ranges, historic buildings, shopping centers are all examples of things that most people know about most destinations. But if you do your research beforehand, it can help you find out what else there might be to see and do. For instance, if you are interested in Mountain Gorillas, they can only be found in only two countries that is Uganda and Rwanda. Talk about the mighty Nile River which is the longest in Africa that passes through seven countries.

For some people living in larger cities or small towns with lots of things to see and do, there is little time for them to travel. And, for others, traveling is a way of life. They jump at any opportunity to explore new places. Never the less, if you are not sure where to go on a vacation, here are some of the important things you need to research about before you make your decision as a team and after a clear research you will have a memorable experience in and around Africa.

Climate

One of the most important things to research before traveling is the climatic conditions of your destination around Africa. If you are traveling with children or someone who is elderly, you will prefer a climate that is comfortable for both of them. You may also want to research the climate to make sure it’s good and fit for your travel plans. For example, if you’re planning on spending a lot of time outdoors, you will prefer the climate which is warm and sunny.

Activities

Each tourism destination in Africa provides a number of activities. It’s good to know what things are available so you can plan your day accordingly. For example, if there’s an amusement park at your destination, you may want to spend the day there. Then again, if you’re going on a beach vacation, you may not want to spend your days at an amusement park. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll want to find a destination that has a lot of activities for them. If you are traveling with someone who is elderly, you will want to find a destination with a lot of relaxation options. While a team of youth will prefer energetic activities such as trekking, hiking to mention but a few. The bottom line is, you will want to make sure the destination you choose has a lot of activities to keep you busy.

Costs

Another important thing to research is the cost of your destination. This includes how much it costs to travel to and from your destination, as well as the cost of food, accommodations, and activities. If you’re on a budget, this is important to consider. And if you’re traveling with a large group, you will want to consider the cost of accommodations. For example, if you won’t all fit in one hotel room. It would be a good idea to do some research on the average cost of accommodations in your destination.

Transportation

Another important thing to research before traveling is the availability of public transportation at your destination. If you were planning on renting a car or taking taxis, this isn’t important. But if you were planning on using public transportation, you will want to research the options available at your destination. If you are planning on using a bus or other vehicles at your destination, you will want to know the fare how much it costs to purchase a pass, as well as how often the transportation runs. In Africa, there are number of tour companies that can help you with renting a car to move around and up country.

Food

Different people have different tastes and preference and before travelling, make sure you make a research on the types of food a particular country has. If you’re on a diet, you’ll want to research the food options at your destination. You may also want to know what the typical cuisine is like. This will help you plan your meals ahead of time. And if you have any food allergies, you will want to make sure the destination you choose has food options that fit your needs. If you’re not sure what the food options are at your destination, it can’t hurt to do a bit of research online. Maybe even check out some restaurant reviews.

Language

Language also matters a lot. Different countries on the African Continent were colonized by the big super powers. Therefore, official languages to these countries differs and If you’re not comfortable speaking a foreign language, you may want to choose a destination where English is the main language. Or, if you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, you may want to research different languages to see which destinations best suit your needs. While you may not need to learn an entire language, it’s a good idea to know a few key phrases. This will make your trip go much smoother and makes it easier to communicate with people.

Make Informed Choices.

One of the main reasons why doing your research before traveling is so important is because it allows you to make informed choices. By knowing what to expect, you can be better prepared for potential surprises and minimize any unexpected problems. For example, if you’re planning on hiking a difficult trail, researching its difficulty level in advance can help you pack the appropriate gear. Having the right equipment can help you enjoy your time outdoors and ensure your safety.

Understand Cultural Differences.

Doing any type of research on the area you are visiting gives you knowledge about the culture, norms, and social standards. This can help you avoid any cultural faux pas while traveling in a foreign land. When traveling it’s easy to get excited and want to rush out to see everything there is to see. It’s important to remember that just because something seems fun or exciting, it may not be acceptable in the country you are visiting. Before heading out on your trip make sure you spend time doing some research on how people live, dress, and act in order to avoid causing an international incident. People who have taken the time to learn about the culture they will be visiting often find that they have a much more enjoyable and enlightening trip. They are able to connect with the locals in a deeper way and get a better understanding of their way of life. This can lead to some unforgettable experiences that you would never have had if you had just winged it without doing any research.

Places to avoid

In as much as knowing the hottest areas are important, having prior knowledge of spots to avoid can sometimes imply evading potential robbery hot zones or even worse. It is surprisingly easy to get yourself in the wrong places in a foreign destination. Gather some information on those mafia streets to avoid and those dangerous neighborhoods. Though you might not know how much trouble this might save you, just do it. After all, prevention is always better. More so, if you’re traveling to a country that is known for having a high crime rate knowing the local laws and customs can help you steer clear of dangerous areas and minimize your risk of becoming a victim

Take a spare car key

In order to have a peace of mind, always take a spare car key while on a safari. Even if you are the only driver and an additional key is not being used, it still makes sense to have a spare car key stored somewhere safe. This removes the worry of losing your key and gives you a backup option if you can’t find your key but know it is somewhere inside the house. If you are running late you can take the spare key and find the missing key later when you have time.

Moving with a spare vehicle key is not just a convenience; it's a wise decision that can save you from a whole world of trouble. Accidents happen, keys get lost, and unexpected situations arise. By having a spare key readily available, you are proactively safeguarding yourself against these unforeseen mishaps.

Additionally, having a backup key gives us peace of mind while in a safari more especially when the main key is misplaced, stolen, or unintentionally locked inside the vehicle. In an emergency, when you must leave your automobile without delay and don’t have time to seek your keys, having a backup key assures your safety worldwide.

In the event that the primary key is misplaced, stolen, or unintentionally locked inside the vehicle, having a spare key with you provides a backup plan. If you have a spare key, you can start your car and get inside it without needing to contact a tow truck or locksmith. You can avoid waiting for aid to arrive and save time, money, and inconveniences by doing this.

It’s always a good idea carrying a spare car key, in case you accidentally lock your keys in the car or lose them. Having a spare key can save you time and money in case of an emergency lockout. Having a backup key will allow you to continue your trip uninterrupted in the event that you lose or damage your primary key while travelling thus creating travel convenience in the African tourism destinations in and around Africa.

First Aid kits for you and your car

An emergency first Aid kit can be a lifesaver in situations where help isn't immediately available. Whether it's a flat tire in a remote area or being stuck in severe weather, a kit can provide the essentials to keep you safe until help arrives. Therefore, you should check your kits every six months. Replace expired items, put new batteries in all of the electronics, charge any rechargeable devices, ensure all equipment is in working order, and consider seasonal needs.

It is reasonable to store your kit in a location that's easily accessible, such as the trunk or back seat. It should be in a sealed bag or container to prevent any damage from moisture or other contaminants. While the basics remain the same, there might be specific needs for different types of vehicles, such as trucks, motorcycles, or electric vehicles. It's essential to tailor your kit according to your vehicle type.

A well-stocked first-aid kit is an essential item in every home-and in every car. After all, you're just as likely to get a bump, bruise, bite, or other self-treatable injury while traveling as you are at home. First-aid kits for cars don't need to be elaborate, but they should contain certain essentials.

Once you know what should be in your first-aid kit, you can put the essential items together yourself in a waterproof box or buy a pre-assembled kit from a pharmacy. Store your first-aid kit in an area of your car that stays relatively cool since heat and sunlight can degrade certain products, like medicated creams and ointments. It's a good idea to have copies of important health forms in your car, including:

Adhesive Bandages. They are often referred to as Band-Aids-although there are many other brand names and generic versions. Adhesive bandages are essential for dealing with small cuts, scrapes, and blisters. They come in many shapes and sizes to accommodate different injuries, so stock your kit with as much variety as you can.

Be sure to include butterfly-shaped bandages which can be used to hold two sides of a wound together. You might also want bandages that are waterproof or include antibacterial medication. You might also include a type of liquid bandage-a waterproof adhesive that only needs to be applied once and may speed healing.

Antibiotic Ointment, There are lots of topical antibacterial medications on the market, including bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin. Some brand-name products like Neosporin and Mycitracin combine all three medications into one formula.

You can apply antibiotic ointments directly to a wound or to an adhesive bandage or gauze pad before covering the wound. These formulations can help stop the growth of bacteria that can cause infection and slow healing.

Antiseptic Wash or Wipes, this helps to clean a fresh wound is with soap and clean water. If they aren't on hand, use an antiseptic cleaner. Some come in squeeze bottles that produce a stream forceful enough to flush dirt particles out of a wound. Antiseptic wipes are a handy alternative. Recommended by the Red Cross for medical care. These wipes can also be used to disinfect your hands before you administer first aid.

Disposable Gloves are important for protecting the person administering first aid and keeping a wound free of bacteria and other harmful microbes. They are also useful for cleaning up an area where blood or other bodily fluids might have been spilled. Some people are allergic to latex, a material commonly used in disposable gloves. To be safe, stock up on non-latex gloves made of nitrile or neoprene.

Elastic Bandage has a variety of uses in first-aid care. It can tightly wrap an injury to help reduce swelling, serve as a tourniquet, or hold cold packs or gauze in place. Look for elastic bandages that include metal clasps or Velcro for easy closure.

Instant Cold Packs. There are many benefits to icing an injury. The cold can slow the flow of blood to decrease swelling and bruising after a sprain or collision. Cold also can ease itching from stings and bites. An instant cold pack that turns icy when a substance inside is activated (usually by shaking or bending the ice pack) is an important addition to your first-aid kit. Consider keeping several in your kit, since instant cold packs can be used only once.

A good pair of scissors has lots of uses, from cutting gauze pads and medical tape to size to trimming away clothing to quickly access a wound. A pair of small curved medical scissors is worth the investment; their blunt tips make them safer than craft scissors and they are easier to manipulate.

Medical gauze, which is sterilized to prevent bacteria from entering an open wound, should always be part of a first-aid kit. Use a length of gauze or pre-cut gauze pads to stop bleeding or cover a wound that's too big for an adhesive bandage to cover. Clean the wound before applying gauze, then use the tape to keep the gauze in place.

Sting and Bite Treatments reason being Insects are everywhere, so it's a good idea to have treatments on hand to deal with bites and stings. To ease itching (not only from bug bites but also from poison ivy or poison oak), pack calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream, ointment, or lotion.

It is also a good idea to include an Epi-Pen (epinephrine injection) in your kit if someone in your family is allergic to bees or other insects.

A Thermometer is useful for checking to see if a child has a fever related to an illness or infection, a simple digital oral thermometer is a space-saving choice for a first-aid kit. Avoid thermometers made of glass, which can shatter.

In conclusion, therefore, regularly check your first-aid kit for expired items, materials you are running low on, and dead digital thermometer batteries

Prepare for travelling with children

By following these simple tips, you can make the experience much more pleasant for everyone involved and who knows, you might even enjoy it too. You have to determine what works best for your child's age and temperament and try to plan your safari accordingly. Preparing a child for travel process could help to calm fears and make for a more pleasant travel experience. Give yourself plenty of time to pack your larger bags, ensuring you have everything you will need for fun and a relaxing holiday. This gives you time to double-check your bags before checking them in at the airport. Different airlines have different rules when it comes to traveling with children. Some have age restrictions on how young a baby can be before flying, and some will have seating restrictions in place.

Before traveling make sure you have all of the necessary documents in order. This includes things like passports, visas (if needed), and vaccination certificates (if required). If you are traveling to certain parts of the world, you might need to get certain vaccinations before you go. For example, traveling to Africa you might need a yellow fever vaccination. It's always a good idea to check the latest travel advice from your government website before you book so you can make sure you have everything in order. If you are traveling with your children, you might also need to provide a letter of consent from the other parent. This is to prove that you have permission to take your children out of the country. You will have to check their passports and find out if they are still within the expiration date for the whole period of travel. Children's passports only last for five years and they have a habit of running out when you least want them to. Allow atleast four weeks to renew one. Hiring a service to get you an expedited passport is very costly and although they claim to be able to get you a passport in 24 hours or less, they don't always follow through.

Have spare clothes handy without having to unpack half the car. Have plenty of baby wipes for washing hands, washing gas station toilets, cleaning up messes in the car and more! If you are all comfortable using the great outdoors as your restroom, you may not need the pull-up diapers. If not, sometimes the next restroom is miles down the road. It's a good idea to also bring the child's blanket and stuffy from home. Not only do these provide a familiar cuddle item, they can keep your child warm during naps or giving your child something to lean their head against in their car seat or against their Cardiff headrest.

And last but certainly not least, snacks. If your kids are picky, you will want to bring snacks they are familiar with. This reduces their anxiety and will in turn reduce yours. Bring more than you think they will eat on the plane, after all there is always the plane ride back and times in between meals during your trip that having a snack on hand is helpful.

Another important thing to do before you set off is to ensure you have packed everything you need. There are several essential items you are going to need when traveling with children, so make sure to pack for every scenario. This includes making sure you have plenty of medicine, just in case someone should fall ill.

Get a travel insurance while preparing to travel. This is a must for any trip, but it's even more important when you are traveling with young children. You never know what might happen, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you get comprehensive cover that will protect you, your children, and your belongings in the event of any problem. This is especially important if you are planning on doing any adventurous activities while on a vacation. Many insurance companies will cover things like lost baggage or cancellations, but they might not cover more risky activities.

Device Chargers: Delays and long travel days happen. You will want to have your computer, cell phone, and tablet chargers within reach to charge at the airport or even on the plane.

Finally, if you want your child to stay quiet and happy throughout the journey, you need to make sure they don't get too bored or frustrated. Today, entertaining young kids has become much easier with the introduction of iPads and other devices that allow them to play games or watch TV. So before you leave, make sure your device is pre-loaded with whatever keeps them happy and set it to airplane mode. It is also a good idea to bring a few small travel games, window clings, activity books, coloring books or magazines depending on the age of the child. Having lots to distract them, particularly if they are stuck sitting on your lap, can make your flight (and other passenger's flights) much more enjoyable

Carry a bit of cash

One of the things that can easily skip the mind while planning a safari is the extra cash you need on a safari. This money is for your personal spending for the duration of your safari and is used for buying some souvenirs, giving tips, buying a beer, to mention but a few. It is important to contact your credit card company and let them know that you will be visiting Africa. This pro tip will save you the potential frustration and headaches that might arise should your credit card company deny transactions based on unusual charges. It would also help you to ask if your company charges a transaction fee for each international charge so you know exactly which card to use.

If your safari is paid for in advance, you will only need money for personal purchases and gratitude. However, if you are taking a self-driving tour, you should plan on bringing more money to Africa. Another consideration for self-driving tours is that it's customary to be paid in the local currency in many places. To ensure that you can withdraw and change money where you can, play it safe by bringing some cash to exchange for local currency at your destination's airport. This would also be a good time to withdraw cash from the airport's ATM since it may be hard to find another ATM during your safari adventure.

Places throughout South Africa and East Africa generally accept credit cards including MasterCard, Visa, and less prominently, American Express. You should also call in advance to make sure your preferred credit card is accepted at your lodge, especially if you spend your nights to safari lodges situated in more remote areas.

U.S. Dollar is the best method for tipping safari guides and accommodation staff. Try to bring a mixture of small denominations, like $US5, $US10 and $US20 to simplify the tipping process. Please note that USD bills must be year 2010 or newer.

Carry a combination of cash and at least one credit card. Travelers’ cheques are not widely accepted in African countries. The United States Dollar remains the most widely accepted, followed by the Euro and Sterling. Take at least US$150 to $250 per person/per week in cash from home. Visas secured on arrival must be paid in cash and in the exact amount.

Most establishments accept international credit cards therefore, use them as a method of payment wherever possible. It makes sense to carry more than one brand of credit card as not all types are accepted by all hotels. On the downside, credit card companies do not offer the best exchange rates going around and will often add a foreign transaction fee for good measure. Credit cards in Africa carry a surcharge - up to 5% in some cases, and possibly more. Be sure to ask about any surcharges before you hand over your credit card. Also, be cautious of providing your credit card details when travelling. And do not let your card out of your sight when paying your bill.

As a traveler, you should have this in mind that in Africa ATM machines supply only local currency and you may need an international PIN code. Be sure to check with your bank/credit card facility at home about how this should work. Not all ATMs in Africa will accept every credit card type. Use an ATM at a bank, so if your card is retained for any reason, you can go in and get it back. Don't rely on ATMs as your main source of cash while on safari!

Carrying money on a safari is necessary because at times you want to tip someone who has given you heartwarming services or you want to buy a piece of art from a local market and take it home as a souvenir to remember your trip.

Please ensure that the USD bills are in good condition and have no rips, tears, or markings. This is because marked notes are troublesome when taken to most banks and therefore most people will be cautious of them

Travel with required documents

Being prepared before overseas, travel can make your trip go smoothly. When it comes to what to bring and what to leave at home, you'll be weighing a lot of options. As well as thinking about the important travel documents as seen below;

Passport

This is a common document that many people know about. When traveling outside their own country, it is important to carry a passport as it is a requirement in many countries. However, there are some tips to understand regarding a passport and travel. When visiting many countries, it is crucial to renew their passport to make sure that it has enough pages before getting on the road. Passport. Therefore, Make sure you have a valid passport before you book your flights. Some countries enforce strict rules about the validity of your passport, which means you'll need to have at least 6 months left before your passport runs out. It's also worth remembering that passports issued for children are for 5 years only, not 10 as for adults.

A travel visa

A travel visa is crucial when traveling. One must understand the places they want to visit and the country's policies about traveling. Before moving, a tourist should research and find out what policies the country they are visiting has in regard to traveling and issuing of visas. Different countries in Africa have varying policies. For some countries, a visa must be obtained before moving in. However, for others, one is allowed to get their visa upon arrival. It is crucial to understand and get it right beforehand.

Driver's license

If you prefer a self drive safari, a driving licenses is so important. Never the less, making a trip in a car or one expects to drive when they arrive at a new destination, carrying a valid driver's license is crucial. Doing this will keep one on the right side of the law. When traveling to a new country, one must research and find out the country's regulations about foreign visitors while using the roads.

Copies of Identification documents

Identification documents are a must when traveling. These are crucial documents to carry as they show who someone is and their origin. Additionally, one should make sure they have copies of their identification documents. Copies can be used instead of originals. These documents include a National Identity Card and Birth Certificate.

Travel itinerary plan

The itinerary travel details can be in both soft and hard copies. The reason for carrying these documents is that many countries will be required as proof of travel intentions before entering a border. You should make sure your itineraries are well kept and close by to produce whenever asked to while crossing different borders of countries in and around Africa.

Additionally, these documents serve a good purpose when helping a visitor navigate their way when traveling. They are a constant reminder of where to go, when, and what to do. At times we just forget things, for example activities you are supposed to participate in while in your safari destinations in Africa reason being Africa has a lot to give out when it comes to activities like chimpanzee tracking, gorilla, game drives, hiking to mention but a few. It's great to have a reminder available whenever you need it.

Travel insurance certificate

When traveling, especially in new countries, a travel insurance policy is crucial, and it is a must. It is advisable to print a hard copy of the travel insurance certificate and have it while traveling. It is important to always request the issuing insurance company to provide the certificate once the plan is purchased. The document is essential when traveling, especially in case something happens while traveling around Africa.

As soon as you confirm your travel plans, take out travel insurance. Select a policy that covers cancellation, medical illness, emergency evacuation and associated hospital treatments. Be sure to take your travel insurance emergency phone numbers and your policy number/details with you. Keep your travel insurance information handy so you can get it whenever you need it. In some cases you'll need to show that you have insurance to enter a country but even where this isn't required, having easy access to both a hard and soft copy of your details can be reassuring and make life easier if something goes wrong on your trip.

Air ticket

Air tickets are also essential documents that one should always carry when traveling. Despite the fact that it might sound obvious, there are people who forget to carry their air tickets simply because they booked online. Irrespective of booking online, in most cases, one will be required to provide the ticket before boarding a plane.

Children's birth certificate

This is crucial when traveling with kids. Kids will also be required to show their identification documents in many cases. As a traveler, you should make sure they carry birth certificates for minors as they show proof of identity. These documents should always be close such that they are easily accessible when needed. They should also be well protected to prevent issues like water damage. One can also print copies as they can be used instead of the original where necessary.

Vaccination certificates

These may not be specific as they vary from time to time. In cases where there is an outbreak, certain certificates will be necessary. For example, a Covid-19 vaccination and testing certificate. However, different countries require different vaccination certificates before entry. As a traveler, we advise you to make a clear research and find out which vaccination certificates are required in East Africa and Africa at large. Vaccinated travelers are not only encouraged to travel with their vaccination card as proof, but keeping this item safe in a plastic sleeve is recommended. Most vaccination records are made of paper which makes them vulnerable to damage or destruction, particularly during travel. Additional protection for this document may be helpful in the event of a spill or accident.

Proof of accommodation

Depending on where you're heading to, you may need to prove your itinerary as part of getting a visa or when you cross the border to your destination. It's unnecessary but in some countries you will be asked to show a hotel booking or similar when you apply for a visa or when you arrive at immigration on the border. Proof of accommodation and an address can also be required when completing a landing card. Usually an online hotel booking, or letter from whoever you're staying with will suffice. Get full details for your destination before you leave