Family Encyclopedia >> Travel

Preparing for your holidays in Africa

Steps before leaving

Before leaving, do not forget to check that your passport is still valid. Then, find out about the entry formalities of the country where you want to spend your holidays. You will certainly need a visa and the time required to obtain it is often one month. Next step:make an appointment with your doctor. This will tell you the essential vaccinations to take and will prescribe a medicine kit to take with you. All you have to do is contact your bank to request cash in the local currency and make sure that your card allows you to pay and withdraw money on the spot.

What to put in your suitcase?

Always adapt the contents of your suitcase to the climate and the activities planned:whether it's for a safari in Kenya, the beaches of Zanzibar or meeting the locals in Namibia, you will not dress the same way. A bathing suit and a few dresses will do for a lazy vacation. But warm clothes will be more than appreciated for the possible cold nights during a trek in the Moroccan mountains. In any case, you can always buy clothes on site such as a djellaba or a chèche.

Manners and customs

Last step:find out on the internet or from the embassy of the country about the security issues and the customs of the country where you want to stay. Do not hesitate to browse forums and travel blogs to inform yourself about your destination. In some cities and tourist areas, you can wear whatever you want. However, in other regions, long skirts will replace mini-skirts and shirts will replace tank tops. Keep in mind that you are traveling to a country with customs different from ours. A little modesty and respect towards the premises will be necessary.