Travel Info Africa

General notes on the section

This section provides concise and up-to-date travel information for Africa. The articles are regularly reviewed and adjusted to changing conditions. They serve as a guide for travel planning and do not replace individual advice.

The topics include travel time, visa, health, money and safety. For legal questions, reference is made to the official pages of the Federal Foreign Office. The information applies to most African countries, but may vary depending on the destination.

Best travel time for Africa

The optimal travel time depends heavily on the chosen region and planned activities. In Africa, two major climate zones can generally be distinguished: the tropical areas near the equator and the subtropical or temperate zones in the north and south.

In East Africa, which includes countries such as Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda, there is usually a tropical climate with dry and rainy seasons. The main travel season for safaris and beach holidays is between June and October and from December to March. During this time, the animals can be easily observed at the waterholes, and rainfall is low.

West Africa and parts of Central Africa have a pronounced rainy season, which often lasts from April to October. The best travel time for these regions is usually the dry season from November to March. In southern Africa, such as in South Africa, Botswana or Namibia, there is a subtropical climate. The months from April to September are suitable for travel here, as the temperatures are milder and the landscape appears greener.

In North Africa, including Morocco, Egypt or Tunisia, the months from October to April are ideal for escaping the heat. The summer months can be extremely hot, especially in desert regions.

Regional characteristics

• Sahara: Extremely hot days and cold nights, best travel time is the winter months.
• Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe): The best view of the falls is between June and January, when the water level is high.
• Madagascar: Dry season from April to October, ideal for nature observations.

Individual countries may have different climatic conditions. It is advisable to check the specific travel times of the desired destination before booking.

Visa and entry regulations

Visa requirements vary depending on nationality and destination country. Citizens of the European Union generally require a visa for most African countries, which must be applied for before the trip. Some countries offer visa on arrival, while others require prior application.

Popular travel destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania or South Africa usually require a visa. For Kenya, an e-visa can be applied for online, while for Tanzania a visa is often issued upon arrival. In South Africa, a visa is not required for most European citizens, provided the stay does not exceed 90 days.

For trips to North Africa, such as Morocco or Tunisia, German citizens generally do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Egypt, on the other hand, requires a visa, which can be applied for upon arrival or online.

It is advisable to check the current entry regulations with the Federal Foreign Office or the respective embassy, as regulations can change at short notice. Applying for a visa can take several weeks, so this should be done in good time.

Important documents

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Return or onward travel ticket
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Vaccination certificate (required for certain countries)

Entry regulations may change. Current information is provided by the Federal Foreign Office.

Health and vaccinations

Travelers to Africa should inform themselves about the recommended vaccinations in good time. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Federal Foreign Office regularly issue updated recommendations. In general, vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies and meningococcal disease are recommended.

The yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travel to certain African countries. These include, among others, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and parts of West Africa. Without a valid certificate, entry may be refused. It is advisable to have the vaccination administered at least ten days before departure, as the protection only becomes fully effective after this period.

Malaria is a risk in many regions of Africa, especially in tropical areas. Medication prophylaxis is strongly recommended for these regions. Protection against mosquito bites with long clothing and repellents is also important. The risk of malaria is lower in higher altitudes and in desert regions.

Other health risks include diarrheal diseases, which are transmitted through contaminated food or water. It is recommended to drink only bottled or boiled water and to avoid raw foods. A travel pharmacy with basic medicines should also be carried.

Travel pharmacy

• Antidiarrheals (e.g. loperamide)
• Electrolyte powder
• Disinfectant
• Fever and pain medication
• Mosquito repellent
• Bandages

It is advisable to consult a travel doctor before the trip to receive individual recommendations.

Money and means of payment

The currencies in Africa vary greatly. In many countries, the local currency is the official means of payment, while US dollars or euros are also accepted in tourist areas. It is advisable to carry cash in the local currency, as credit cards are not accepted everywhere.

In South Africa, the Rand (ZAR) is the official currency, in Kenya the Shilling (KES) and in Tanzania the Shilling (TZS). In West Africa, the CFA franc (XOF) is used in many countries. Exchange rates can vary depending on the country and exchange office. It is advisable to exchange money at official exchange offices or banks and to keep receipts.

Credit cards are accepted in larger cities, hotels and restaurants, but are often not usable in rural areas. It is advisable to choose a credit card with low foreign transaction fees. Cash should be carried in small denominations, as change is often scarce.

ATMs are available in cities and tourist centers, but can be difficult to find outside these areas. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash when embarking on a safari or a longer trip to remote areas.

Safety tips for financial transactions

• Only exchange money at official exchange offices or banks
• Keep copies of credit cards and travel documents separately
• Carry cash and valuables securely on your person
• Do not use ATMs in remote areas at night

Safety in Africa

Africa is a diverse continent with varying safety standards. In many countries, crime rates are high, especially in major cities. Valuables should not be carried openly and unattended vehicles should be avoided. At night, it is recommended to move in groups and to prefer tourist areas.

In some regions of Africa, there is an increased risk of armed conflicts or terrorist attacks. The Federal Foreign Office regularly issues safety advisories that should be checked before traveling. Particularly affected countries include Mali, Niger or parts of the Congo. The security situation can also be tense in border regions with conflict zones.

Travelers should inform themselves about local customs to avoid cultural misunderstandings. In some countries, strict dress codes apply, especially in Muslim regions. Alcohol should only be consumed in licensed establishments.

Behavioral tips for increased safety

• Do not visit lonely streets or beaches after dark
• Avoid photographing military or government facilities
• Use public transport only during the day
• Book local guides or tour operators for remote areas

For current safety advisories, the Federal Foreign Office provides an overview by country.

Further reading

This section is updated regularly. The following articles provide in-depth information on individual topics:

• Best time to travel to Africa – Detailed overview by region
• Visas and entry requirements for Africa – Country overview and tips
• Health tips for traveling to Africa – Vaccinations and disease risks
• Money and payment methods in Africa – Currencies and tips for handling money
• Safety in Africa – Country advisories and rules of conduct