Africa

Travel to Africa offers limitless opportunities to explore a history dating back to ancient times and see the unique landscape of the world's second largest continent. From the Great Pyramids of Egypt to the southern tip of South Africa, this continent seems to have it all. Africa's diverse landscape extends from the Sahara Desert to the southeastern savanna and includes a central rainforest. With over 1,000 cultures, a visit begins with Islamic North Africa, including Morocco, Libya, and Egypt. Tropical sub-Saharan Africa encompasses forty-eight countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and the island of Madagascar. One could spend a lifetime exploring all of Africa.

A trip here requires a lot of preparation. A valid passport is needed, as well as a visa in most countries. One should contact the country of destination to see about its specific requirements. Almost all major airlines fly in, so travel to Africa is not a problem. Once on the continent, it is best to either hire a professional driver or take public transportation such as a taxi to get around safely. Certain health precautions are also necessary, including receiving proper vaccinations before going. Most countries require a certificate of yellow fever vaccination before they will allow entry into their country. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, polio, tetanus, and typhoid vaccines are also helpful in insuring one's health. Malaria is a common disease here, and it is highly recommended to take pills and wear insect repellent to prevent it.

One of the most popular excursions is the safari. Reserves throughout the continent offer chances to see big game such as lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and giraffe. Popular safari countries include Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. One can see animals during travel to Africa any time of year, but June through August, migration season, is the time to see a better variety. Other sites to see include the ruins of former kingdoms in the western part, gorilla watching in Uganda, and the wonders of ancient Egypt along the Nile. Africa is also home to one of the world's largest waterfalls, Victoria Falls, and its highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, is a popular hiking destination. Africa's sites can certainly make one stand in awe of the Creator. (Psalm 8:3-4)

Other helpful tips include using common sense while traveling. Visitors must respect the culture by knowing local etiquette and traditions. They need to keep track of belongings and be aware of their surroundings. A visit is not recommended for foreigners in certain countries where threats of terrorism and ethnic conflict remain high. Tourism websites on the Internet or travel books are very helpful in planning an African vacation, and are very informative about a country's history, culture, and attractions. They are also excellent sources to help book hotels, transportation, and safari excursions. A good knowledge of the countries is certain to make travel to Africa an unforgettable experience.