Africa is a beautiful continent of wonderful people with a very rich culture. More often than not, there are some prejudices concerning Africa that seem to have taken roots in the minds of many. But to visit the continent and fully understand and enjoy the people and the places, you need to be abreast with some facts that you must know about the place.
Africa is a continent with countries and not a country on its own. It consists of 54 countries.
Africa is the 2nd largest continent in the world. It is home to about 1 billion people of the world’s population in different countries.
Africa has some of the best wildlife and nature reserves in the world. This makes it a great place to visit as tourists have a view of nature and enjoy some serenity.
Africa has relatively very religious people who strongly believe in the existence and worship of deities. In Africa, the most common religions are Islam and Christianity.
The continent has strong traditional rulership in most countries and communities. Additionally, these types of rulership are also keen on the governing of the people. They work aside from the centralized form of government.
In Africa, there are over 1500 spoken languages. Most of the languages are grouped into different dialects. The different dialects are spoken by the several ethnic groups that exist.
Africa is the world’s hottest continent with deserts and drylands covering a percentage of the territorial landscape.
Most African countries were colonized by other countries, which is strongly embedded in the history and culture of the people.
The Makola Market (Photo by Adrien Horridge)
9. Africa is a very vegetative continent. It provides a great percentage of the farm foods eaten across the globe.
10. Africa is home to some of the most hospitable people in the world. Africans are always ready to open up their homes and welcome people who wish to tour and have a feel of their continent.
Being armed with these facts about Africa gives you the tourist, an upper hand in knowing and being abreast with information concerning the place you intend to visit as well as debunk any other contradictory information you may have concerning Africa which has impeded your visit. Africa is always ready with open arms. You just need to visit and have the time of your life.
Africa welcomes all.
The ACT team will be glad to welcome you to Africa. We have put together sustainable packages on our website. Use this link to check it out.
It’s been a while since I came your way with some travel culture. We went on a research spree to find new trends that would be of value to you. Stay tuned for the coming months where I will share great content on travel for wellness, romantic couples trips, girls trips, family trips and volunteer/internship trips to Africa. This week’s article will focus on traveling responsibly. We all know that travel is an essential part of our lives and we cannot do without it. Since traveling through different means can have a detrimental effect on our environment, we should look at ways to travel that benefit the destination.
Ghana. Photo by @amachalker
Many people are aware of the many negative consequences of our frequent trips around the world to enjoy the scenery and experience different cultures. Traveling to popular and busy destinations, going on road trips for months, packing big luggage, staying in huge multinational hotels, may have negative consequences on the environment. For these reasons, you have to think of alternative ways of traveling responsibly. If you understand how the world works, you will notice that traveling has always been part of our lives and we cannot do without it. We travel for different reasons. This article will share 5 wise ways of traveling to benefit you and the chosen destination.
Photo by @monicaoveras
Take the path less travelled
Be sure to distribute your trip money evenly. Choose an less popular destination where not too many people are visiting. Choose a destination that is not often talked about but is loaded with exclusive natural resources that are not found elsewhere in the world. Have in mind that less popular locations are mostly kind to the pocket – you will pay a fraction for services offered as compared to popular locations.
Photo by @visitghana
Curb your carbon emissions
Walking is food for the soul, it keeps you in shape. Take long walks during your trip. Choose a destination that allows you to take long hikes with a cultural experience. Join a group of travellers who are locally assigned to a tour guide. Local tour guides are loaded with information about the destination. They normally share historical stories about the destination, help you find your bearings, and give you that total cultural experience. Going on a long hike keeps you entertained, informed, healthy, and provide the local tour guide with some form of income since he gets paid in the end. You also avoid the use of some form of transportation during sight-seeing which may pollute the environment.
Photo by Ghana @visitghana
Travel light
A.k.a. hassle-free travel. Sticking to at most a hand language is good for the environment. It prevents the airplane from consuming a lot of fuel. Use compression cubes or stuff sacks so that you can pack a lot of stuff in a carry-on language. Remember that traveling light also makes your whole travel experience easier. You save your sanity especially if you will transit in another country. The golden rule for traveling light is to pack cotton clothes and take only what you need. It is better to take twice the money than clothes. You can always purchase items that fall short locally.
Photo by @alicee_love
Choose environmentally-friendly accommodation
Stay in a sustainable hotel/hostel or guesthouse that has employed a local inhabitant and not a gigantic multinational franchise hotel. Look out for facilities that serve local organic food, have eco-friendly water dispensers, conserve energy, limit water use, ditch the use of disposals, recycle, and encourage the guests to reuse linens and towels. Search for hotels and facilities that have accepted regulations and environmental responsibility. They need to have a green lodging certification. Sometimes hotels that work for environment protection and preservation call themselves Ecotel.
Photo by Meet Me There Ghana
Support the local economy
Become a patron for local produce, which can be used as souvenirs. Inquire about locally manufactured handmade crafts and artefacts that are exclusive to the destination. Buying these items provides income for local companies. As a visitor, you also have the opportunity to own uncommon items that are only found at the location.
The importance of responsible travel cannot be underestimated. Sustainable travel saves us money by reducing spending and waste to help our environment to thrive. We have a responsibility to protect the natural ecosystem. Our little contribution to support the ecosystem can go a long way to support life and provide resources to meet the needs of the present and future generations. In the end, there will be healthy communities with clean air, and a non-toxic environment.
Travel to Africa curious and return home empowered
This short article is to inspire a shift in perspective. Are you tired of doing the same thing over again just to earn a decent living? Have you had enough and want to move on to the next thing? Do you need clarity on your next decision concerning what you want to do at this point? Read further to catch some goodness.
Africa is saturated with professional development
To be clear about your current field of studies or work, you need to periodically take field trips to a location that shares a practical experience about different concepts. A field trip is a trip with an educational intent where participants interact with the venue, it’s set up and exhibitions to gain a first-hand connection to ideas, concepts, and subject matter. Several countries in Africa are enriched with the resources that are solely found on the continent. Field trips bring you to unique places that cannot be found at school or workplace. You can observe a natural setting and create meaning through experience. Interactive exhibits will help you to play with concepts and activities that are new and thought-provoking.
People who participate in field trip experiences generate a more positive attitude about life. They add reliance on learning and interpersonal relationships to promote personal social development. You will be able to improve your observational skills, curiosity, interests, social skills, by sharing your perceptions and knowledge with others to result in motivation to reach new and higher levels. If you feel you are stuck and not enjoying what you are doing, a field trip to Africa will offer you a unique opportunity to create connections to help you gain understanding and develop an enjoyment for learning.
Engage in a multidimensional activity where all your senses are involved. (Touch, Feel, Smell, Hear, and See)
This is where you will engage all your senses to authentic, first-hand, sensory-based learning. You will be able to explore; listen, watch, disassemble and reassemble. You will be able to learn a lot by grasping experience and transforming it into a result or an application. You will be directed to a specific experience to guide you through reflection to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop your capacity to contribute to your life, vision, family, or community.
Photo by Duy Pham
Quality Experiences lead to deeper learning and interest development
Here are 7 of my favourite African countries for a field trip
Madagascar, Tanzania (Zanzibar), Kenya (Lamu), Seychelles, Comoros, Cape Verde, and Mauritius
Also known as the Islands of Africa, they are found in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. These countries have spectacular natural resources that will teach you to gain clarity for your next adventure in life.
Look out for my next article where I will talk more about what these countries have to offer for the most experiential field trip to Africa.
P.S. A field trip across the breadth of Africa with focus will provide a potential impact on your knowledge, interests, and life vision.
Join us for our next trip to Africa for life-changing field experience.
Do you need expert advice/help on your trip to Africa?
Are you seeking a travel experience in Africa tailored to your preference?
Do you need us to plan your itinerary by laying out the activities for your trip to an African destination + hours, days or months of volunteering to make your trip more meaningful?
Be well prepared to fully enjoy your ‘Vacateer’ (vacation + volunteering)
Although traveling to a dream country like Seychelles may be exciting, preparing for your trip may also be daunting. Seychelles is a tropical country adorned with white sandy beaches and breath-taking palm trees dangling with delicious coconut. Many travelers dream of visiting this piece of paradise. Travelers think about all the wonderful experiences ahead of them but give little attention to other important aspects of their trip. Travelers need to also think about the travel requirements, safety, travel insurance, and what to pack before embarking on their journey. I have written this article to help you prepare for your meaningful trip to Seychelles and beyond.
Entry into Seychelles
Seychelles is a visa-free country but you will need a valid passport for your trip. Your passport should be valid for at least six months to cover your intended stay plus your return ticket. Although you do not need to obtain a visa from your country of origin, you will acquire a visitor’s permit on arrival at the airport. A one-month permit will be issued on arrival for your stay. There is always room for an extended permit at the Department of Immigration, Independence House, Victoria. You would have to show proof of accommodation, return ticket, and spending money to receive your visitor’s permit. You will be assisted by the airport officials to book a room if you have not done so before your arrival.
Health (Vaccination, food, and drinks)
Seychelles is not susceptible to any great health risks.
Worst case scenario, you can get sunburned or dehydrated. Your sunscreen and bottled water is your best friend. To a great extent, the country is clean.
Cholera and Yellow Fever
Cholera and Yellow Fever are major concerns when traveling to Seychelles. You need to take Yellow Fever vaccination If only they had visited a Yellow Fever prone country within the last 6 days before their trip and show a vaccination certificate on arrival at Seychelles. You can find information on Yellow fever prone countries here.
When staying for long periods at a time, for example, for more than a month, I advise you to take a thyroid vaccine. If you consider volunteering in a medical setting/hospital, a hepatitis B vaccine is recommended.
Do not drink tap water
Although many popular hotels boast of filtering their water, I advise avoiding drinking tap water to stay safe and enjoy your trip. Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly cleaned before consumption. Food bought from a restaurant should be consumed when they still warm to prevent contamination. The country has typical Creole, Chinese and Indian food. Fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits are common. Local chefs cook mouth-watering dishes such as fresh seafood flavored with coconut milk, ginger, garlic, pepper, and limes. A locally served meal normally goes with a fizzy soft drink, fruit juice, or Seybrew (a locally brewed beer).
Travel Insurance
You need to choose Travel insurance that gives you value for your money will be of great benefit for emergencies during your trip. Emergencies may include cancellation of flights, sickness, and the cost of hospitalization in a foreign country. Travelers need to be informed about what chosen Travel insurance covers or not. Click here to find out what your options are when you are choosing suitable insurance for your trip.
What to pack for your trip.
This certainly depends on the length of stay. For a few weeks stay a hand language will do the job. As Seychelles is hot all year round, light cotton clothing in blouses, T-shirts, and dresses will never go wrong. You can go as informal as possible since the goal is to relax and have fun. Note that nudism is not allowed.
Personal Experience
Personally, I packed essential travel necessities such as sunscreen, a lot of white blouses, and Tee’s which works well with sweating, shorts, sunglasses, flip-flops, open sandals, and a pot of moisturizing cream. One thing I regretted not bringing along during my trip in my wide-brimmed hats. Hats are really a great essential against the direct rays from the sun. Do not forget to bring yours along. If you plan on taking a hike, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
A small torch light will serve you well when you stay out late and you are trying to find your way home. For the animal lovers who want to engage in bird watching, binoculars. Snorkeling equipment is readily available for rent if needed. For the scuba divers, your certification of proficiency is a must. In case you forget a great need, it is almost always available to buy. Just ask a local for directions.
Declare these products at the airport
Personal products such as cigarettes, liquor, wine, and perfumes are controlled. Each person is allowed 200 packs of cigarettes, 21 bottles of liquor, 21 bottles of wine, and, 200ml of perfume. Seeds, tea, flowers, plants, and meat products are not allowed into Seychelles. No weapons and firearms are allowed into Seychelles. On your return to your home country, you are allowed 300 Euros worth of gifts and souvenirs. Do have in mind that there are very strict rules and controls concerning the smuggling of plants and animals. It is possible to bring plants (Coco de Mer) to your home country with permission from the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Recourses, Union Vale, Mahe, Seychelles, Tel. 4225333.
Means of transportation to Seychelles
Seychelles lies in the middle of the ocean, therefore there are two means of getting there. You can either travel by air or by sea. Since many travels embark on journeys by air, I will share with you how to efficiently travel by air to Seychelles.
When commuting from Europe, most of the flights available to Seychelles are not direct. When Travelling from Amsterdam or Brussels, there are no direct flights. Available flights include Etihad Airways (stops in Abu-Dhabi), Air France (Stops in Paris), Kenya Airways (Stops in Mombasa), Emirates (stops in Dubai), British Airways (stops in London), Qatar Airways (stops in Doha), and then finally on the main island of Mahe in Seychelles.
The German Condor is the only direct flight is from Frankfurt Main and this is a comfortable 9-hour flight. Depending on the season of travel, flight fares range between 800 and 1200 Euros. Of course, there is a cheaper flight with multiple transits in different countries. Transiting for long hours in different countries gives you the opportunity to see other countries. It is up to you to decide. You can find less expensive tickets here on Skyscanner.
Other regular flights link Seychelles from other continents such as Africa, American, and Asia. Air Seychelles with its fleet of modern aircrafts links cities such as Zurich, London, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, and Madrid to Mahe.
Inbound flights are available to different islands in Seychelles. Air Seychelles operates regularly to w11Praslin. It is always affordable to go for a package tour when you want to do Island hoping. A private chatter is always readily available if you are not a budget.
Safety
Based on my own experience, Seychelles is a very safe country. It is not a crime-ridden country. It is wise to keep all personal and valuable belongings in sight. For instance, make sure that your handbag is not left unattended on the beach when you are swimming or snorkeling. One of the things that made me feel safe is when a police officer randomly showed up when we visited the Grand Anse waterfall to check if we were doing okay. Local police officers wear dark blue trousers and a white short-sleeved shirt.
It is generally safe for women visitors to be out on their own. Physically challenged travelers have access to wheelchairs at the airport ad most of the big hotels. Please make a local travel agent aware of your challenges prior to your trip. You can call 999 for police, fire, or ambulance if you find yourself in any problem.
Seychelles is truly a magical destination that will give you an experience of a lifetime in Africa. These travel tips are helpful to get you prepared and make your trip enjoyable. Do not forget that you can always highlight your vacation with some form of volunteer/charity work to make it your trip more meaningful to yourself and the destination. Find out more about which volunteer work you can add to your trip.
Get your curated travel experience
Do you need expert advice on a ‘Vacateer’ (vacation+volunteering) to Africa?
Are you seeking a travel experience in Africa tailored to your preference?
Do you need us to plan your itinerary by laying out the activities for your trip to an African destination + hours, days, or months of volunteering to make your trip more meaningful?
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ntries and not a country on its own. It consists of 54 countries.
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