How to Stay Safe When You Visit Southern Africa

Before you start your trip in Southern Africa it is a good idea for you to educate yourself on a few things to make sure you stay as safe as possible for the entire length of your trip.

The African sun is hot. Even in winter it is advisable to wear sunscreen. In places like Durban, Mauritius, Mozambique and the other islands you will be able to swim and do water sports during the winter months. In the Namibian desert the days are hot but the nights will be cold.

It can be cold and wet around the Western Cape during winter, but hot throughout the summer months of November through February.

Malaria is a life threatening disease and preventive medication is necessary. The Kruger National Park is at the moment the only affected area in South Africa. The whole of Mozambique and Zambia as well as the northern areas of Namibia and Botswana are also danger areas. Zanzibar is a malaria area but not Mauritius. Be safe and make sure you get the correct information from your traveling clinic.

The malaria mosquito has become immune to certain preventive medication so it is important to make sure you get the correct medication. Remember even if you did take the preventive medication you can still get malaria. If you experience any flue-like symptoms after visiting an infected area see a doctor immediately and mention that you have been in an area infected by malaria. It is completely curable but must be treated.

Tap water in South Africa is considered safe but some more remote areas had problems before. Bottled water is relatively cheap and easily available. Namibia and Botswana claim to have save tap water but in Mauritius, Zambia and Mozambique it is not. Bottled water in all these countries is readily available and cheap.

It is not advised to drive long distances during the night as potholes and stray animals can easily cause accidents.

Don't pick up hitchhikers ever. Most of them might be harmless but too many people have been high jacked or robbed that way.

Be careful to openly display expensive photographic equipment, laptops, cell phones and expensive jewellery. Africa has many poor people that would not think twice to relieve you from these items. Never lock anything inside a car where it is visible, rather lock it in the boot.

Street vendors can be quite forceful but if you are equally firm in displaying your lack of interest they will move on.

Rather don't give money to beggars. Some of them have elaborate stories which very seldom are true. If you want to help, give them some food or clothes. With money they buy alcohol or drugs that create just more problems for them.

Make sure you are aware of where you are at all times and do not stray into a dodgy part of town. Like all major cities, there will be areas that you should avoid. In general, Africans are very helpful people.

Ask and they will help you. Always enquire at your accommodation about dangerous areas, transport that is safe and anything else you need to know about the area.

By keeping yourself safe and out of trouble, you will experience a trip you never forget.

About The Author Jared Wright is the marketing manager of Clivir.com - the free learning community site. You can learn more about digital products such as free apple iphone tips and digital cameras reviews by clicking the links.