Zanzibar Travel Guide

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Important Tips And Guide To Travel Safely In Southern Africa

There is no doubt that safety is a concern for many people who travel to southern Africa. But like any other country you simply need to prepared and aware at all times.

The African sun is hot. Even in winter it is advisable to wear sunscreen. In places like Durban, Mauritius, Mozambique and the other islands you will be able to swim and do water sports during the winter months. In the Namibian desert the days are hot but the nights will be cold.

The Western Cape has winter rainfall and can be cold and wet in June and July. From November to February it will be hot throughout the entire area and sunburn will be a real danger.

Malaria is a life threatening disease and preventive medication is necessary. The Kruger National Park is at the moment the only affected area in South Africa. The whole of Mozambique and Zambia as well as the northern areas of Namibia and Botswana are also danger areas. Zanzibar is a malaria area but not Mauritius. Be safe and make sure you get the correct information from your traveling clinic.

Mosquitoes carrying malaria have become immune to some of the medications, so ask your doctor for advice on what to take. Even after taking medication, it is possible to contract the virus so get medical help if any of the symptoms present themselves.

Tap water in South Africa is considered safe but some more remote areas had problems before. Bottled water is relatively cheap and easily available. Namibia and Botswana claim to have save tap water but in Mauritius, Zambia and Mozambique it is not. Bottled water in all these countries is readily available and cheap.

For various reasons driving long distances at night is not advisable in Southern Africa. Road conditions around major cities and highly populated areas are mostly in a reasonable condition. In less dense areas and on country roads potholes, stray animals and people not visible in the dark, can be a danger.

Don't pick up hitchhikers ever. Most of them might be harmless but too many people have been high jacked or robbed that way.

Be careful to openly display expensive photographic equipment, laptops, cell phones and expensive jewellery. Africa has many poor people that would not think twice to relieve you from these items. Never lock anything inside a car where it is visible, rather lock it in the boot.

Street vendors can sometimes be overwhelming but they are mostly harmless. If you are interested in something they sell, buy it. If you are not interested a firm "no thank you" will get them off your back. If they still try, just ignore them and they will soon find another victim.

Rather don't give money to beggars. Some of them have elaborate stories which very seldom are true. If you want to help, give them some food or clothes. With money they buy alcohol or drugs that create just more problems for them.

Other than this, be aware of what is happening around you, don't enter places or areas where you don't feel safe and expect big cities to have criminal elements like any other city in the world. African and Mauritian people and very friendly and helpful.

Ask and they will help you. Always enquire at your accommodation about dangerous areas, transport that is safe and anything else you need to know about the area.

By keeping yourself safe and out of trouble, you will experience a trip you never forget.

About the Author

Jared Wright is the marketing manager of Clivir.com - the free learning community site. You can learn more about digital products such as
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by clicking the links.

Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar


zanzibar travel guide
zanzibar travel guide
zanzibar travel guide