4 Africa Travel Tips for the Ultimate Adventure

The African continent is truly massive, making it almost impossible to see everything the landmass has to offer in a single trip. While some vacationers may be able to successfully traverse the 30.4 million square miles of the African mainland, most opt to explore a particular region that piques their interests. Keep in mind, every territory has its own climate, level of industrialization and cultural practices, so researching your destination in detail is always a must. To save you some time, here are a few hot spots for Africa travel you might want to consider:

East Africa: Comprised of over 20 territories - including Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia - this region of Africa is home to some truly remarkable natural wonders and nature preserves. According to Lonely Planet, the top travel destinations in East Africa include:

• Serengeti National Park
• Mount Kilimanjaro
• Stone Town, Zanzibar

Southern Africa: This territory is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Africa, with more than 1.2 million foreign nationals visiting the region in 2018 alone, according to data from Statistics South Africa. In terms of foot traffic, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana and South Africa often see the highest number of visitors thanks to these exciting landmarks:

• Kruger National Park
• Cape Town
• Victoria Falls

Northern Africa: While most areas in Africa have something interesting to offer, the northern portion of the continent is loaded with world-renowned travel experiences. From the Egyptian pyramids to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, there's no shortage of outdoor activities, historic sites and natural wonders to explore, including:

• Sahara Desert
• Siwa Oasis
• Valley of Kings

While most travel destinations in Africa are relatively safe for tourists, it's important to check for advisories before you book your vacation. No matter where you're headed, the health and safety of your group is paramount, which is why the U.S. Department of State operates an easy-to-use travel advisory tool on its website. It's crucial to avoid traveling to destinations with "Level 3" advisories and above, as these regions pose a credible threat to your wellbeing. For example, the Central African Republic is currently listed as a Level 4: Do Not Travel due to high levels of crime and civil unrest.

Health and safety hazards aren't always related to crime - Africa travel can also put you in contact with illnesses and infectious diseases that aren't native to North America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, travelers who are planning trips to Africa should ensure they are caught up on their routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps, tetanus, polio and even their yearly flu shot. The CDC also recommends getting immunizations for the following diseases:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Malaria
• Yellow Fever

One reason these diseases flourish in certain regions of Africa has to do with the climate and vegetation, according to the World Health Organization. For example, yellow fever is most common in the tropical rainforests located in the west and south where mosquito populations are highest. And although the risk of transmission is quite low if you're well-informed, a little extra caution can go a long way.