Safety Tips In Africa
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE WORLD CHANGES ON ALMOST A DAILY BASIS. PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST EMBASSY OF THE COUNTRY YOU ARE VISITING, OR CHECK YOUR GOVERNMENT'S OFFICIAL TRAVEL ADVISORY, FOR THE MOST ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE NEWS.
This is a basic guide to safety, whether you're in an African city or out on safari in the bushveld. Travelling around Africa can — and most probably always will — be safe, but as with any destination on the planet, listen to your instincts and use common sense.
Practical Safety Tips For Travelling In Africa
Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy a Safe and Worry-Free Safari
African News and Travel Advisory Websites
The following websites offer up-to-the-minute news and are updated every few minutes (although South African based, they cover most of Sub-Saharan Africa):
We'd also recommend checking your own government's official travel advisory before you depart — for example the UK's FCDO travel advice, the US State Department's travel advisories, or Australia's Smartraveller — for the most authoritative and current safety guidance for your specific nationality.
Safety Tips For When You Are In The Bush
- Always listen to your guide. Guides are experienced, professional individuals with an intimate knowledge of wildlife and the bushveld.
- When visiting wildlife areas, never walk into the bush without your guide.
- Never approach any wild animal — if it's wild, it bites, kicks or gores.
- Do not swim in any rivers, dams or lakes within or near wildlife reserves. The presence of crocodiles and hippos is very real.
- Never feed animals. They become habituated to people feeding them and are sometimes euthanised as a result.
- Never leave the surrounds of your safari lodge or camp unattended, especially after dark.
- Always carry a torch with you at night.
- Give your room a once-over whenever you enter — we've personally had snakes, scorpions and monkeys as unwanted guests.
- Respect Africa's wildlife at all times, and the wildlife will respect you. Disrespect it, and there will only be one winner — and it won't be you.
- Whether staying in a lodge or camping, it's always worth carrying a small first-aid kit. There's nothing worse than a headache at 3am when all the staff are asleep.
- When travelling between lodges, never drive above 80km/h on gravel roads. It's the quickest way to spoil your safari by wrapping your car around a tree.
Safety Tips For African Cities
- Using your common sense is always a good start.
- Ask locals for a rundown of safe and unsafe areas, and appropriate dress codes.
- If you're not feeling safe, leave the area.
- Stay vigilant at all times when travelling around.
- When going out at night, avoid travelling alone — keep to small groups and stick to areas your hotel recommends.
- Keep up to date with local news for the areas you're staying in or heading to next.
- Always use licensed taxi companies — your hotel will know which ones are reputable.
- Let your hotel know roughly when to expect you back, along with your contact details.
- Lock your car or taxi doors while on the move.
- Never carry your original travel documents with you — that's what the hotel safe is for. A certified copy on your person is a sensible precaution.
Safety Tips For Walking Around Africa
- Larger cities do have a criminal element that preys on unwary tourists, as in any city in the world.
- Avoid walking alone in deserted places, especially at night — walk in a group wherever possible.
- Be alert to pickpockets and bag snatchers.
- Don't carry more cash than you need.
- Avoid wearing your finest jewellery.
- Wear a money belt that sits under your clothing.
- Don't carry excessive camera equipment, particularly in major cities.
- Keep a copy of your passport, visa, air tickets and itinerary separate from the originals — or store digital copies securely in the cloud so they're accessible anywhere, anytime.
Safety Tips When Driving In Africa
- Drive carefully and slowly — speed kills.
- Stick to speed limits: generally 120km/h on highways and no more than 80km/h on gravel roads.
- Let road conditions and common sense dictate your speed.
- Never drink and drive. African jails are not known for their hospitality.
- Fill up with fuel whenever you get the chance — Africa is a big continent and distances are vast.
- Always carry your driver's licence with you.
- Never attempt to bribe a police officer, whatever they might suggest.
- Always be polite, friendly and respectful with police officials, and things will generally go smoothly. Never argue or show disrespect — it simply isn't worth the hours you'll lose while they search your vehicle. A smile and good humour can change the world.
- Try to avoid driving at night — animals and pedestrians can cross the road unexpectedly, often right in front of you.
- Stay alert on rural roads, which are often poorly maintained and can have potholes.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Keep your doors and windows locked while driving through major cities.
- Stay aware of what's going on around you, and you stand a very good chance of enjoying a completely problem-free safari.
Travel Smart, Travel Safe
Africa is, overwhelmingly, a safe and welcoming continent to explore — millions of travellers do so every year without a moment's trouble. A little common sense and the advice above go a long way. If you have any specific safety questions about the destinations you're considering, just ask — our consultants have been living and working in Africa since 1999 and are always happy to help you plan with confidence.
Travel To Africa Now
Map of Lodges in and around Africa
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