Personal security is a prime concern for many travelers thinking about taking a trip to Africa – or anywhere in the world that is unfamiliar. The common sense employed in any of the world’s major cities will go a long way towards your safety.
Here are some safety tips below:
- Do not walk alone at night.
- Do not carry large sums of cash, passports, air tickets and other important documents. (You should take an additional copy of all important documents and travel aids and keep them separate to your originals—also, be sure to leave a copy with a friend or family member back home).
- Do not leave valuables in hotel rooms. All valuables should be locked in the hotel’s safety deposit box or room safe.
- Leave expensive jewelry and watches at home.
- Carry your camera in a non-flashy bag.
- Dress with sense.
- Beware of unmarked personnel and transportation. If a vehicle is not properly marked as a taxi or proper transport do not get inside. This same concept applies to any type of unmarked personnel (someone in regular clothing—not a professional uniform) who is persuading you to take part in an activity or tour.
- Book your African safari vacation through a reputable Africa safari specialist to ensure you are in good hands during your entire trip and well-looked after. This also ensures that the accommodations you will be staying at are tried and tested and are safe to visit.
Central Africa: Most national parks are safe to visit. Kampala and major cities are relatively safe, although visitors should take sensible precautions against opportunistic crime, especially at night. Theft of European Union passports has been on the increase. Demonstrations and political rallies should be avoided in all main towns. It is also advisable to respect local customs. Visitors should not to take photographs of military or official sites, including Owen Falls Dam.
Eastern Africa: Travel in Kenya has been of concern lately, primarily on the coastal areas, such as Lamu and Mombasa, as well as the border of Kenya and Somalia. Please be advised that we recommend not traveling to these areas; however, the safari destinations within Kenya, including the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Tsavo, and Samburu are considered safe and unaffected by attacks. We recommend while visiting Nairobi to stay in reputable accommodations and to not take public transportation or venture into low-income areas.
Petty crime and theft occurs in some of the urban areas, so be vigilant and keep valuables concealed. Security within the parks is quite good, but never leave possessions unattended. It is always better to travel in a large group.
Tanzania is considered to be generally safe, but it is a third world country. Extra care should be taken in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. Driving at night is not recommended.
Southern Africa: Cape Town is considered to be a safe city to visit and is one of South Africa’s most popular urban tourist destinations. As with all cities that you visit, be sure to keep your valuables concealed at all times, refrain from carrying large sums of money, and avoid areas that are not recommended by your guide. Visitors should not walk around unpopulated areas alone at night and should take sensible precautions against opportunistic crime, especially at night.
South Africa’s game reserves and National Parks are considered very safe to visit; however, be sure to lock your valuables in your accommodations’ lock box or safe and do not leave valuables out in the open.
Johannesburg is considered generally safe to visit, but we recommend staying within the confines of your resort or hotel unless a tour guide or hotel staff member escorts you throughout the city. Refrain from using public transportation and from walking through the city at night.
*As with all safari destinations, pay close attention to instructions provided by your safari guide and camp staff in regards to game drive and nighttime safety. This will ensure your safety as well as that of others.
