After much time spent travelling and selling tours into Africa, I decided to write this page as a rough idea and some tips on how to prepare for your Africa Travels. This page should be useful to the independent traveller and to the group traveller.

I am not going to suggest tours, operators, car hire and travel centres on this page - if you are looking for specific travel information, please click on the link below: http://africatravelguide.org/ask/ ask your question and I will be happy to answer you.

How to loose your heart in 30 seconds…

For those of you who are considering coming to visit Africa for the first time - you should stop considering, and just get here. You can ask anyone who has been here (most never leave) what their experience was like, and most of them will tell you spending time in Africa changed their lives. Africa, her people, her wildlife and landscape will worm their way into your heart - and you will never be able to shake the feeling that you are meant to be here. So to sum it up, you may loose your heart in 30 seconds, but you will get a lifetime of memories in return.

Africa, It is alive………

What can I say; Africa is a busy place alive with hustle and bustle, markets, and traders so for a virgin traveller this can be quite a shock to the system. We suggest if you plan nothing else for you arrival, just book a hotel and a transfer from the airport. After an ice cold beer and tequila (for the really nervous) you will easily adjust to the rhythm that is Africa. After a day or 2 you will be one of us and find it quite easy to negotiate a taxi or minibus.

T.I.A (This is Africa)…

Wherever you come from you will find that Africa moves to a different beat. What you saw yesterday is not always what you will see tomorrow, so just focus on today.

Africa's clock is timeless, time does not really exist here, and people here never rush or stress. Stress is just not in the vocabulary, and once you visit us, you will understand why. Us African's we live life to its fullest, enjoying the sunshine, open spaces, eating, drinking, laughing and socialising, so leave your burdens at home and let us show you the way.

Don't make too many plans (things change), and Africa is very famous for the attitude of - you may have the watch, but I have the time! Basically this means prepare yourself for a bit of waiting here and there.

When things are delayed (busses, trains and donkeys) sometimes it is impossible to see a reason for the delay. Everybody is waiting, nobody has an answer and just when you are about to give up, something happens. You can scream and shout and get upset, much to the amusement of those around you or you can just say out loud TIA, and just accept that it is what it is. Use your time whilst waiting to read you book or talk to whoever is around you - and make some friend.

So leave your watch at home and remember "This is Africa"

Africa and its people will welcome you with generosity, hospitality, warmth, openness and respect.

The attitude YOU bring is crucial to the success of your travel. Remember you are a visitor, learn and respect local customs, be open-minded and you'll be greatly rewarded.

Look out for Part 2 - Preparation is not only for food………..

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