Travel Guides: All Countries, Africa.
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| | | Cradle of the world |  | Why go on holiday to Africa?
To explore the continent's vast landscapes, teeming with elephants, lions, wildebeest and other fascinating creatures, on a jeep safari, to climb Africa's highest peak Mount Kilimanjaro or spy red-robed Masai tribesmen on a balloon ride over Kenya's stunning parks and reserves.
To escape to quiet Lamu island, sail on a traditional dhow or tour the spice island of Zanzibar. To see gorillas in the wild in south-west Uganda and marvel at Zimbabwe's thunderous Victoria Falls.
To experience the bustle and racket of an early morning food market in Tanzania, ride a slow train to Mombasa, the largest port on the East African coast, and to marvel at the watery expanse of Botswana's upmarket Moremi Reserve.
How much does it cost?
From about £1,000 for a seven-night safari in Kenya and £1,200 for a two-week, twin-centre stay. Air fares go up and down depending on the time of year. Return flights from London to Zimbabwe and Uganda start at about £500.
Fares to Nairobi are from about £400, Namibia flights start at about £600 and those to Botswana cost from about £650. Expect to pay from about £15 per night in a moderate hotel in most major cities.
When should I go?
There are 53 countries in continental Africa and the islands, and their climates vary. East Africa's main tourist months are January and February when the weather is hot and dry, wildlife is about in abundance and temperatures average 31C/88F on the coast. Zimbabwe's coolest months are May to October, when daily highs hover between 24-28C (75-82F).
November to April is a hotter, wetter period in Zimbabwe, but a good time to see the landscape at its greenest. In Africa's Indian Ocean islands, such as Mauritius and the Seychelles, temperatures reach the high 20sC, depending on the time of year.
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| | | Choose the right experience | | Where do I start?
The majesty of Africa's outdoors cannot be missed. How about an activity break kayaking down the Zambezi river, white water rafting in Zimbabwe, walking tours in Zambia, hot air ballooning or getting close to wildlife on horseback in Kenya? Bird watching is popular in Tanzania, Kenya, Mauritius and Botswana and cultural tours are also increasingly commonplace in many countries.
Best places for beaches?
The Seychelles, Zanzibar and Mauritius in the Indian Ocean are fairytale beach destinations, with superb white sand bays and turquoise waters. Kenya has a 200-mile-long coastline, making it a another good beach alternative. Kiwayu Island in the Lamu Archipelago and major resort Diani Beach on the southern coast have lovely beaches.
Can I see the 'Big Five'?
Absolutely. East and central Africa are excellent regions to spot lions, elephants, rhino, leopard and buffalo on safari. Kenya's Masai Mara game reserve and the Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania are fabulous safari destinations.
Dusk or dawn game drives to spot animals are unforgettable experiences, particularly when animals draw near to inspect your vehicle. Namibia's dramatically beautiful landscapes make it a rising star among safari destinations.
Wild lions have been poached out of existence there, but other big game can be seen and jeep tours across the dunes of the Namib Desert are fun.
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| | | Discover new frontiers | | Is it all expensive?
Luxury tented safari camps and five-star hotels found in established tourist hotspots usually are. The Gambia is Africa's budget option and most resorts there are all-inclusive. Escape the confines of a hotel to visit the Abuku Nature Reserve, noted for its birds and wildlife, cruise along the Gambia River and visit historic sites.
Anywhere up and coming?
Malawi is seeing an ever-increasing number of hotels and lodges being built along the southern and western shores of Lake Malawi, one of the Great Rift Valley lakes and the country's main attraction. Indigenous birds are another big draw.
Alternatively, Zambia has several world-class game parks, plenty of adventurous activities, fresh water fishing and elephant back safaris. Mozambique is notable for its lovely tropical coastline. Many of the best beaches are found in Inhambane province.
Should we expect quiet nights?
On safari in remote locations expect to sit back and relax over a good dinner, then talk until late around the table or campfire. Hotels and lodges tend to lay on entertainment at night. Major cities like Nairobi in Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, have Western-style nightclubs and bars. For a more authentically African experience see a traditional Sigana performance of dance and song at cultural and arts centres.
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| | | Find fabulous local art | | Will children like it?
Children are generally liked in Africa and they are welcome on vehicle safaris, although some types of safari may not be suitable for tots. Activities such as trekking and horseback safaris are only possible for older children. Inland, animal farms are a good diversion for children and camping, watersports and wildlife watching should keep all ages amused.
What's the food like?
Staples include stodgy, dough-like maize served with meat or fish in a sauce, with vegetables. Swahili dishes are cooked with coconut and spices. Seafood, chicken and beef stews, fish, fruits, cooked red kidney beans, European-style meals and fast food are found elsewhere in Africa. Locally produced beers are a must to try.
What should I buy?
Brightly-coloured sarongs in Zanzibar, jewellery, three-legged carved wooden tables and soapstone sculptures in Zimbabwe, artwork in Kenya and distinctive high-backed wooden chiefs' chairs in Malawi. As a rule, arts and crafts are the best mementoes of an African adventure.
More information?
Kenya Tourist Board, 36 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9EU. Tel. 020 7202 6373.
Zimbabwe Tourist Office, Zimbabwe House, 429 The Strand, London WC2R 0QE. Tel. 020 7240 6169.
Namibia Tourism Board, 6 Chandos Street, London, W1G 9LU. Tel. 020 7636 2924.
Zambia National Tourist Board, 2 Palace Gate, Kensington, London W8 5NG. Tel. 020 7589 6655.
For more on South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt, see our destination guides.
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| | Fact File : Africa |
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| | | Africa | | Did you know?
The word safari means "journey" in Kenya, in Namibia elephants have adapted to living in the desert and Zambia's Ngonye Falls are almost as big, but hardly as famous, as Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls.
Language
Swahili and English are the main languages in Tanzania and Kenya and English is also widely spoken in Uganda and Zimbabwe. English, Mandinka, Wolof and Fula are the Gambia's main languages.
Visas
UK passport holders require a three-month tourist visa to visit Kenya. Three-month visas are not needed for Zambia if travelling as part of an organised tour. No visas are required for Zimbabwe, Namibia, Senegal or the Gambia.
Getting there
There are numerous direct flights to South African destinations, direct flights to Zimbabwe's capital Harare, to Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya, to Zambia's capital Lusaka, to Banjul in Gambia and to Dakar in Senegal. South African Airways flies via Johannesburg to Namibia's capital Windhoek. Check Foreign Office trave alerts at www.fco.gov.uk before booking your flights.
Flying time from London
Six hours to the Gambia and between eight and 12 hours to other destinations.
Getting around
Inexpensive, efficient buses and trains connect major towns and cities in Zimbabwe. In Kenya, popular local transport is by matatu, brightly coloured minibuses. In Zambia, trains run from Lusaka south to Livingstone and north to Kitwe and are preferable to buses for long distances. Buses and bush taxis are recommended in Senegal and the Gambia. Buses and trains link major cities in and around Tanzania and ferries run from capital Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia islands.
Currency
Zimbabwe dollar, Namibian dollar, Kenyan shilling, Zambian kwacha, CFA franc in Senegal and dalasi in the Gambia, Mozambique metical, Malawian kwacha, Tanzanian shilling....
Costs
Prices vary greatly from country to country, but as a rough guide: bottle of beer 25p-£1; moderate restaurant meal £3-£15; roll of camera film £1.50-£6; four-mile taxi ride £2-£5; litre of petrol 25p-60p.
Weather
Zimbabwe's summer (Europe's winter) sees average highs of 15-26C/60-80F while winter temperatures (Europe's summer) average 7-25C/45-78F. Kenya's weather varies between regions. The Central Highlands and Rift Valley have the most agreeable climate, averaging 10c-26C/50F-78F throughout the year. Coastal spots tend to be humid with highs of 21C-30C/70F-86F, but sea breezes help. Zambia's wet season runs from November to April, May to August is cool and September to October can be very hot, but with good game viewing. August is the Gambia's wettest month with 20 inches of rainfall on average. May to March are hottest, with highs of 20C-32C/68F-90F. Tanzania has a long wet season from mid-March to May and a shorter rainy season in November to January. The coolest months are from June to October, and the warmest are December to March.
Time difference
None in the Gambia and Senegal, they're on GMT. Between one and three hours ahead of GMT elsewhere.
International dialling code from the UK
Zimbabwe 00 263; Namibia 00 264; Kenya 00 254; Zambia 00 260; Senegal 00 221; the Gambia 00 220l; Mozambique 00 258; Tanzania 00 255.
Voltage
220V in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Senegal and the Gambia, 240V in Kenya, 220V-240V in Zambia, 220V-240V in Mozambique.
Opening hours
These vary greatly, but as a rule shops open from 8am and close between 4.30pm and 5pm on weekdays, with an hour's break for lunch between 1-2pm or until 2.30pm. Banks tend to open at 8am and close at lunchtime, but times can vary from day to day. On Saturdays shops typically open from 8am-1pm, with banks keeping roughly the same hours.
Health – Before you go
Hepatitis A, polio and typhoid vaccinations are recommended for Zimbabwe and Namibia. No jabs are compulsory for Kenya, although tetanus, diptheria, polio, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, rabies and cholera may be considered. For Zambia, hepatitis A, polio, typhoid, anti-malarial tablets and yellow fever vaccinations are recommended. Similar jabs are suggested for other African countries. Always consult a GP for the latest advice about inoculations at least a month prior to departure, if possible.
Health – When you are there
Medical services in Zimbabwe are quite good and tap water there is considered safe to drink. Private medical care is of a relatively high standard in Namibia. Tap water should not be drunk in Kenya and fruit should be peeled before being eaten. In Zambia malaria is endemic and tourists should stick to bottled water as drinking water must be boiled or filtered first. Adequate medical insurance, including cover for repatriation in an emergency, should be arranged before departure. Avoid swimming or paddling in fresh water in Senegal as bilharzia is present.
Warnings
Don't display valuables, keep important documents in a safe place and ensure you have copies separately. Be aware, get a guide if you are uncertain and check the latest Foreign Office travel alerts before departure at www.fco.gov.uk/travel or by calling 0870 6060290.
Emergency
Zimbabwe: fire 993 99, ambulance 994 99, general 999 99. Namibia: general 1011.Kenya: police 99. Zambia: 999. Senegal: Dakar police 628 1700. The Gambia: ambulance 16, police 17, fire 18.
Customs
In the Gambia and Senegal the majority of people are Muslims so modest dress is recommended. Zambians also appreciate modest dress and frown upon public nudity and displays of affection.
Pets
African countries are not yet part of the PET Travel Scheme overseen by the Environment Department, so pets travelling there would need be quarantined for six months upon their return to Britain.
Tipping
A service charge of 10% is added to most restaurant bills in Zambia. Kenyan restaurants usually add 5%-10% to tourist restaurant bills and expect to pay from around £1.50 per day in tips to safari guides. Tipping is forbidden in Namibia's parks and reserves and is only expected in upmarket tourist businesses, when 10% is ample. In Zimbabwe a 10% tip is adequate unless already included in the bill.
Tourist offices
Kenya Tourist Board, 36, Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9EU. Tel. 020 7202 6373. Zimbabwe Tourist Office, Zimbabwe House, 429 The Strand, London, WC2R 0QE. Tel. 020 7836 7755.Namibia Tourism Board, 6 Chandos Street, London, W1G 9LU. Tel. 020 7636 2924. Zambia National Tourist Board, 2 Palace Gate, Kensington, London W8 5NG. Tel. 020 7589 6655.The Gambia National Tourist Office, The Gambian High Commission, 57 Kensington Court, London W8 5DH. Tel. 020 7376 0093.
More
Take a look at our South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt factfiles too.
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