Travel in Africa
Africa Travel Information — Practical Advice From Over 25 Years of African Journeys
Informative, practical advice for travelling around Africa — covering everything from getting here and malaria precautions to safari etiquette, photography and what to pack.
Africa rewards the well-prepared traveller. A little knowledge before you go transforms a good safari into a great one, and the guides below are drawn from more than 25 years of arranging African journeys for our clients.
Some of what you'll read here may surprise you. In the most rewarding corners of this continent — the places our clients most want to reach — you can travel for days without a data signal, and mains electricity is often a luxury rather than a given. Your smartphone may well become a camera and nothing more. But that, in truth, is precisely the point. Being genuinely disconnected is increasingly rare, and it's one of the great gifts an African safari still has to offer. It just pays to arrive knowing what to expect — with a spare battery, a good pair of binoculars and the right clothes in your bag.
Have a look through our Africa travel information guides below. If you have a question we haven't covered, or something you'd like to add from your own travels, please don't hesitate to get in touch — we're always happy to hear from fellow travellers.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel to Africa
African safari destinations
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure across Africa, a land of unparalleled beauty. From the sweeping deserts of Namibia to the lush rainforests of Uganda, this remarkable continent is home to breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. Witness migrating wildebeests, elusive wild dogs, and the mighty Zambezi River cascading over Victoria Falls. Africa offers a profound connection to nature, leaving you with memories that linger long after the journey ends.
Safaris in Africa
There's a reason people return to Africa time and again. Whether it's trekking gorillas through Bwindi's mist, drifting past elephants on the Okavango Delta, witnessing the Serengeti's great wildebeest migration, or watching the sun sink behind a Namibian dune — a safari here stays with you long after you've returned home. At Uyaphi.com, we've been arranging African safaris since 1999, across 12 countries and hundreds of itineraries — fly-in and self-drive, walking and canoeing, luxury lodge and bush camping. Every trip is tailor-made around you, your budget, and the kind of traveller you are. Tell us what you're dreaming of, and we'll handle the rest.
Accommodation in Africa
Africa offers an extraordinary range of places to stay — from luxury safari lodges in Big Five country and tented camps that follow the Great Migration, to Indian Ocean island retreats, colonial hotels, boutique guesthouses and star beds beneath the Milky Way. At Uyaphi.com, we've been curating African accommodation since 1999, covering 12 countries across Southern and Eastern Africa. Every property has been chosen deliberately, and our consultants know these lodges personally. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, family safari, solo adventure or multi-country journey, we'll match you with the right places to stay and build your itinerary around them.
Honeymoon In Africa
An African honeymoon offers something few destinations can match — genuine adventure and complete seclusion, often within the same week. Wake to elephants at a waterhole below your suite, watch the sun set over the Namib dunes from a private verandah, dine by candlelight beneath the stars, then finish your trip barefoot on an empty Mozambican beach. At Uyaphi.com, we've been planning romantic African journeys since 1999. We know the continent's most beautiful lodges intimately — including the quiet, lesser-known gems that never make it into the brochures. From Cape Town and the Kruger to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Serengeti and Zanzibar, we'll tailor-make a honeymoon built entirely around the two of you, with all the thoughtful touches that turn a wonderful holiday into a lifelong memory.
Weddings in Africa
Few places on earth offer a wedding backdrop quite like Africa. Exchange vows on the edge of Victoria Falls, barefoot on a Mozambican beach, among the vines of a Cape wine estate, in the silence of the Namib dunes, or deep in the Kruger bush with nothing but birdsong around you. At Uyaphi.com, we've been arranging African weddings since 1999 — from intimate ceremonies for two to grand celebrations for hundreds of guests — working with trusted suppliers across 12 countries. We handle everything: venues, catering, legal requirements, flights, transfers, and accommodation, so that on the day itself, all you have to do is enjoy it.
Corporate Travel in Africa
With a portfolio of state-of-the-art facilities, world-class catering, diverse leisure options and luxury accommodation — including an outstanding selection of beach resorts, safari lodges, country house hotels and world-class metropolitan hotels — Uyaphi.com offers the very best corporate travel options available anywhere on the African continent. We've been doing this since 1999, planning board retreats in the Kruger bushveld, incentive programmes on the Okavango Delta and large-scale conferences in Cape Town, Nairobi and Johannesburg, with a portfolio spanning more than 1,000 carefully selected properties across 12 countries. Best of all, Uyaphi.com is owner-run and Cape Town-based, so you deal directly with people who know Africa inside out — no call centres, no booking fees, no credit card surcharges, just expert advice, a single point of contact from first brief to final transfer, and 24-hour support once your group is on the ground.
Malaria In Africa
Malaria remains a serious health consideration for travellers to many parts of Africa, causing an estimated 597,000 deaths worldwide each year, the vast majority of them on this continent. Our general guide covers symptoms, prevention, prophylaxis options and an honest assessment of your risk in each region — including the many excellent malaria-free destinations we offer.
Photography On Safari
Capturing memories on safari is, without a doubt, one of the most important aspects of the African experience. Arriving with unsuitable photographic equipment would be a tremendous disappointment, and certainly not the way we want our clients to embark on what should be an absolutely spectacular journey.
Safari Etiquette
Safari etiquette is, without a doubt, one of the most important aspects of any wildlife experience. It's all about showing the utmost respect for the magnificent environment you are privileged to visit, your fellow passengers, and the warm local communities that call this place home. Here, we'll provide a detailed guide on how to show the deepest respect for the incredible wildlife you'll encounter, as well as some personal tips on gracefully handling situations where fellow passengers may be disrupting the experience.
Safety Tips In Africa
This is an essential guide to staying safe while exploring Africa's vibrant cities or embarking on an unforgettable safari in the breathtaking bushveld. In our experience, traveling across Africa is an overwhelmingly safe and rewarding adventure. That said, as with any destination across the globe, it is always wise to trust your instincts and apply common sense to ensure your journey remains as spectacular as it should be.
Travel Apps for Africa
The wealth of mobile applications now available to travellers is extraordinary — and often bewildering. Which one should you download? Which actually works offline when you're two hundred kilometres from the nearest tower? Our guide cuts through the noise with the apps we genuinely rely on across Africa.
Your Safari Suitcase
A comprehensive guide to packing for an African adventure, covering everything from baggage allowances to the most suitable clothing for the diverse environments you'll encounter. Without a doubt, packing appropriately for Africa can make or break your experience, so consider this your essential, go-to resource for ensuring you're perfectly prepared for every moment of your journey.
Flights To Africa
Whether you are based in Europe, the Americas, Australia or Asia, our consultants will arrange all flights from your point of departure to your African destination and right back to your home destination. Our flight sales team will suggest the absolute best choices when reserving travel arrangements to, from and within Africa.
Map of Lodges in and around Africa
African Travel Topics
The Perfect Kruger National Park Honeymoon Safari
Embarking on the perfect Kruger National Park honeymoon safari offers an unparalleled blend of thrilling wildlife encounters and luxurious romantic escapes in one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness destinations. The Greater Kruger area, encompassing both the national park and its adjoining private reserves like Sabi Sand and Timbavati, provides newlyweds with exclusive access to the Big Five, rare wildlife sightings, and world-class cuisine paired with rejuvenating spa treatments. Beyond the captivating game drives and wildlife, Kruger seamlessly integrates with other South African highlights to create a truly bespoke honeymoon journey. Many couples combine their safari with cosmopolitan stays in Cape Town, exploring Table Mountain and the Winelands, or extend their trip to the breathtaking Victoria Falls or pristine beaches of Mozambique.
10 Reasons To Visit Botswana
Botswana stands as a beacon of conservation and unparalleled natural beauty, offering a sanctuary for those seeking an authentic African safari experience. With over a third of its territory dedicated to conservation areas, this country promises an extraordinary journey through some of the most pristine landscapes on the continent. Whether you're drawn by the allure of majestic wildlife, including the iconic "Big Five" and the elusive African wild dogs, or enchanted by the idea of drifting along serene waterways in a traditional mokoro canoe, Botswana caters to all. Its unique approach to tourism combines luxury with adventure, making it perfect for everything from romantic honeymoons to action-packed family safaris.
Masai Mara Bucket List
Discover the untamed beauty and thrilling wildlife of one of Africa's most iconic destinations in our latest blog post, "Masai Mara Bucket List". For over twenty years, Uyaphi.com has been your gateway to personalised safari adventures in the heart of Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. This sprawling savannah, a jewel in the crown of African wilderness, is a sanctuary where nature's most awe-inspiring dramas play out under the vast, open skies. Venture with us as we explore the undulating landscapes and rich Maasai culture that make the Masai Mara an unforgettable destination. Our Masai Mara Bucket List guide is crafted to inspire seasoned travellers and first-time explorers alike, highlighting not-to-be-missed experiences that capture the essence of this extraordinary ecosystem.
The Ultimate Guide to a Serengeti Safari
Embarking on a Serengeti safari is like stepping into a living canvas, where the beauty of nature unfolds before your eyes. "The Ultimate Guide to a Serengeti Safari" is your compass through this stunning landscape, capturing unforgettable moments. From the thunderous hooves of the Great Migration to lions basking under the Tanzanian sun, this guide immerses you in the Serengeti's essence, offering an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa. In this blog post, we delve deep into what makes a Serengeti safari an unparalleled adventure. We've curated essential tips, insider knowledge, and must-see destinations within this vast ecosystem to ensure your experience transcends the ordinary. Whether you're yearning for close encounters with wildlife or seeking solace in nature's grandeur, our ultimate guide is tailored to help you navigate through this iconic savannah.
10 Reasons to Visit Volcanoes National Park
Nestled in the heart of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park stands as a beacon for adventurers, nature lovers, and those seeking an intimate encounter with the raw beauty of East Africa. This park is not just a destination; it's an experience that transcends ordinary travel. From the moment you set foot on its lush terrain, you're propelled into a world where endangered primates roam free, ancient volcanoes tower majestically, and luxury lodges offer sanctuary amidst the wild. Drawing from our extensive experience and passion for African safaris, we've crafted a guide that not only highlights the unique allure of Volcanoes National Park but also provides practical advice for planning your visit. Whether you're intrigued by the prospect of coming face-to-face with mountain gorillas or enchanted by the idea of hiking through verdant volcanic landscapes, our latest post has something for everyone.
10 Reasons to Visit Zanzibar
In our latest blog post, "10 Reasons to Visit Zanzibar," we delve into the myriad wonders that make this island a must-visit for travellers seeking an unforgettable experience. From its legendary powder-soft beaches to the rich historical narrative embedded within Stone Town's winding alleys, Zanzibar beckons with an allure that's hard to resist. Beyond its scenic shores and architectural marvels, Zanzibar offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that cater to every type of adventurer. Whether you're a diving enthusiast eager to explore vibrant coral reefs, a wildlife aficionado hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare red colobus monkeys, or a culinary explorer hungry for the exotic flavours of Spice Island, there's something here for everyone.
The Perfect Kenya Honeymoon Safari
Embarking on the journey of matrimony is a significant milestone, and what better way to celebrate this new chapter than with a honeymoon safari in the enchanting landscapes of Kenya. The allure of Africa, with its majestic wildlife, breathtaking sunsets, and serene wilderness, offers an ideal backdrop for romance and adventure. At Uyaphi.com, we understand that planning your dream honeymoon should be a joyous and exciting endeavour rather than a source of stress. With our expertise in crafting bespoke safari experiences coupled with round-the-clock support, we promise to transform your vision into reality, leaving you to bask in the glow of love and the beauty of Kenya.
Best Kruger National Park Safari Itinerary
Embarking on a safari in Kruger National Park is an adventure that promises the awe-inspiring beauty of African wildlife and landscapes. For those plotting their first journey into this majestic wilderness, understanding the daily rhythm of safari life is essential. Early morning game drives are your golden ticket to witnessing the park's inhabitants in their most active states, as the cool air and rising sun stir them to life. Our Kruger National Park itineraries are designed for every type of traveller. Whether you want an intimate, three-night stay in a private reserve or a nine-day exploration of diverse ecosystems—including stops in Johannesburg and the Panorama Route—there's an itinerary for you.