How far in Advance Should You Plan Your Trip to Africa?
Unless you live in Spain and Morocco is just a quick ferry ride away, most trips to Africa require some serious advance planning. This is especially the case if you're flying to the continent. For most flights to Africa, you should book at least two months in advance, especially if you plan to go over the Christmas holidays. Flights fill up quickly, because there aren't that many compared to other destinations. Many African countries also require you to have a tourist visa before you enter. Sometimes this is available at the airport, but often you'll have to get a visa in your passport before you travel. You can get a visa by contacting your destination country's embassy.
Some African countries still require you to have proof of certain immunizations before you enter, usually Yellow Fever and Cholera. These requirements are being dropped pretty quickly by countries looking to promote tourism -- but you should check before you go. Regardless, there are still plenty of vaccinations you really should get before you travel in order to stay healthy. This requires planning since your local doctor will not have these on hand. You have to visit a travel clinic instead and this can take time. Some vaccinations require a series of shots, which can also take a few months to complete.
So, can you ever take advantage of great deals or spots opening up on your dream safari at the last minute? Sure you can. Most of Africa's major tourist destinations allow you to get your tourist visa upon arrival at the airport, and there are several destinations where you won't need to get any immunizations before you go. Direct flights book up quickly, but if you don't mind a few stops along the way, you can still get some good deals, especially during the low season.
You can visit Egypt without too much advance planning. Image © David Hutchinson
I am traveling to South Africa next July for a wildlife research expedition that will run for 10 weeks, and maybe even 20 weeks if I get an internship with the company I am going with. What is the most cost effective way to plan the flights, I live in south florida. Is it best to book a one way flight because I am not sure when my departure will be? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, you can email if needed.
Try and book your ticket with STA. It’s a student travel agency and they specialize in flexible tickets for lengthier stays (but you don’t have to necessarily be a student to qualify). Their fees for changing the dates on your ticket is usually much less than what an airline or other agency charges. It is always best to get a return ticket because often a country won’t let you enter if you don’t have proof you will also leave. Check with the South African Embassy on what type of visa you are going to need, or make sure your company looks into this in case you do have to extend your stay. Good luck and feel free to ask more questions.