What are the best travel tips for going to Africa?

Vast, vibrant and teeming with incredible wildlife and culture, Africa can seem a world away from everything familiar to you. Yet for us at ROAR AFRICA, it is not a far-flung destination – it is home. Our roots, relationships and heritage here open doors that most travelers never know exist and each journey we design reveals previously unimaginable possibilities. Follow our expert Africa travel advice to ensure your experience of this enchanting, fabled continent is unforgettable in all the right ways.

When is the best time to visit Africa?

It all depends on where you want to go and what you want to see on your African adventure.

The dry 'high' season months (often July to October in sub-Saharan countries like Botswana, Namibia, Kenya and Tanzania) are popular for safaris as animals are easier to spot in the arid landscapes, but the lush vegetation of the wet season months (roughly November to March) provides a stunning backdrop for photographs. Between November and April, migratory birds arrive en masse from Europe and Asia, creating sensational displays at breeding grounds. Traveling in shoulder season means you can enjoy such magical encounters with fewer crowds of visitors to contend with.

At ROAR AFRICA, your travel specialist will consult their innate wildlife calendar to ensure you enjoy unbeatable safari sightings that exceed your expectations, whenever you travel. We know our destinations intimately and can craft inimitable journeys at the time of year that is suitable for you.

Where is the best place to go in Africa?

Africa is the world’s second-largest continent, a tapestry of 54 countries and countless landscapes, cultures and ecosystems. There is no single “best place” to go – only the right journey for who you are and what you are seeking at this moment in your life.

Because Africa is our home, we know how different each region feels and how powerfully they combine. Some guests are drawn to a single country; others are best served by a multi-country odyssey or one of our specialist journeys, including the The Greatest Safari on Earth and our poetry and awe-focused retreats. Every ROAR AFRICA itinerary is crafted around your passions, so you can experience the Africa that speaks most deeply to you.

Official Africa travel advice

Before visiting any destination in Africa, we recommend taking advice from a travel health professional. You may als like to refer to the official Africa travel advisories and follow the current CDC health advice for your destination.

Vaccines for Africa

The required vaccinations for travel to Africa depend on which countries you may be visiting. Vaccines are often advisory rather than essential but may be necessary in some rural areas. Again, we recommend that you speak to your doctor in advance of traveling, allowing at least six weeks for vaccines to be administered before you depart.

For a number of countries, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is an entry requirement and many require proof of a valid Yellow Fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country where the disease is a risk. This can include longer layovers at airports located in high-risk countries. Regulations can change quickly, so if you are unsure, please speak to us and we will advise the best course of action.

Malaria prevention

Malaria, a disease spread by mosquitoes, is prevalent in Africa. If you are traveling to known transmission areas, your doctor will advise you to take prescription medication to prevent malaria. You may need to take the tablets prior to travelling, as well as during your journey and when you return.

Practical Africa travel tips

Insurance

We highly recommend all our guests arrange travel insurance for their African safari once your booking is confirmed. This can provide valuable financial protection and peace of mind against unforeseen events such as medical emergencies and journey cancellation or interruption. At ROAR AFRICA, we can facilitate travel insurance for residents of the U.S.; please contact us for more details.

Climate

You can experience several climates within each country in Africa, with most boasting a range of habitats and distinct wet and dry seasons. Your safari specialist will share recommendations of what to pack and wear based on your itinerary and the time of year you're traveling but as a rule of thumb, it's best to be prepared for a range of temperatures and weather conditions.

Drinking water

You should avoid drinking tap water in Africa, even in urban areas. Filtered or bottled water will be provided at your accommodation and often, reusable water bottles are provided for you to refill at your convenience. For more general travel health advice, such as sun protection, speak to your Africa specialist.

ROAR Africa's top travel advice

"If I could offer only one piece of Africa travel advice, it would be this: arrive with an open heart and embrace the local culture. Rise early, sit with the land, listen more than you speak, and let the people who call this place home show you how they see it. That’s when Africa stops being a trip and starts becoming a part of you."

−Deborah Calmeyer, CEO & Founder, ROAR AFRICA

Africa safari travel tips

What to wear on a safari

Whether you’re exploring by jeep, boat or on foot, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics in neutral tones – think soft greens, sand, stone and khaki – that blend into the landscape. A wide-brimmed hat or cap, long-sleeved shirts and pants help protect from sun and insects, and sturdy closed-toe shoes are essential for walking safaris.

Bear in mind that hot days can begin and end with a chill in the air, so warm layers are advisable no matter what time of year you're visiting. Most camps and lodges offer laundry, so you can pack lightly and still feel perfectly put-together. Above all, choose pieces that feel good on your skin and let you move with ease – when you’re comfortable, you can give all your attention to the wild world around you.

How to take great safari photos

The most powerful images start with being fully present. On the ground, our experienced guides understand light, angles and animal behavior and will position you so that each drive offers the chance to capture the raw beauty and awe of the wild, without ever disturbing it. They’ll help you slow down, wait for the right moment and frame shots that tell a story, not just prove you were there.

Bring the camera you’re comfortable using, from a phone to a professional set-up, and we’ll do the rest. Before you travel, check out our Africa safari photography tips for practical guidance on lenses, settings and caring for your equipment between game drives.

What to pack for your Africa journey

We have put together a comprehensive general packing list for safaris, and your specialist will provide tailored packing tips once you've confirmed your destination and day-to-day activities. Some of the most important things to include are:

• Essential documents - this includes your passport, insurance and vaccination records
• Travel adaptors - we advise taking a universal travel adaptor for Africa safaris
• First-aid kit - with insect repellent, bite and sting relief cream and sunburn treatment
• Sun protection - a hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential
• Protective footwear - such as sneakers or walking shoes
• Lightweight clothing - in natural fabrics and neutral colours, with layering options

Our commitment to responsible travel

Our final piece of advice for your Africa safari is to embrace responsible travel. Sustainable and responsible travel is our passion and conservation and community are woven into every journey we design, from the properties we select to the people we champion. We partner only with those who protect land and wildlife, uplift local communities – especially women – and honor indigenous knowledge. When you choose to travel this way, you become a temporary custodian of the wild, helping to safeguard Africa’s future and infusing your safari with deeper meaning, humanity and joy.

A personal journey of discovery

At ROAR AFRICA, we draw on a lifetime of experience and relationships across Africa to curate itineraries that feel deeply personal, from once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters to transformative journeys of stillness and awe. Every detail is meticulously considered so your journey runs seamlessly, with just the right balance of structure and flexibility.

ROAR AFRICA safaris are elevated, intimate experiences that can shift how you see the world – and yourself. If Africa is calling, we would be honored to craft a journey of discovery that is uniquely yours. Inquire today to learn more.