Your safety is our top priority

Africa's biggest enemy is the international media who represent all 46 African countries as a single entity and not as unique and individual countries with their own characteristics.
​
It would come as a surprise to many people to find out that there are in fact areas that are worse off in more developed countries than in the "dangerous" African countries. No country can claim to be 100% safe, and so as with travel to any new or unknown destination, it is advisable to take certain standard security precautions.

We know that visitors should take the same precautions as they would normally take in any other destination worldwide. Keep an eye on your purses, wallets, passports, money and cameras when walking in a crowd. Avoid walking in the cities at night and place valuables in your hotel safe. Choosing a knowledgeable operator such as Eyes on Africa as your specialist Southern African tour operator is the best move you could make.
While staying at African safari lodges and tented camps you are typically far removed from human settlement and crime in the camps is virtually nonexistent, in fact, we have never heard of it and have been traveling to the camps for years.

Safe Travel Tips

  • Do not wear an expensive watch.  Nice watch suggests a fat wallet - possibly making you a target.
  • Spread your money out in pockets, handbag, money belts, etc....  Never carry all your money in one place.  This isn't just about security - it helps when bargaining too.  Carry money in three different places and know how much you have where. 
  • Take the time to greet and exchange greetings with people whose paths you cross.  Everyone is important.  Chat with the guard outside your hotel.  Say hello to the woman selling peanuts, make friends with your driver.  Locals know where the dangerous and dark corners are.  People are your greatest assets when travelling, not your gear, knowledge or prior experience in the region.  Learn a little of the local language -  and always mind your belongings. 
  • In a crowded area, carry your daypack in front.
  • Pay attention to the people around you.  If there are lots of local women and children around, you are ok.  If there are not women, move along.

Packing

  • Take only one bag.
  • Pack less.  You are going to be tempted to pack for every eventuality.  Don't.  Most people use only 1/3 of what they bring.  There are laundry facilities at most hotels, camps, and resorts.
  • No hardback books.  Period.
  • Undershirts keep you cooler.
  • Mosquitos can carry malaria.  Carry enough Deet to last you the trip, use a mosquito net.  Duct tape can fix torn mosquito nets... take a small roll.

Luggage

  • Know where you need to collect your bags.  Do not abandon your luggage.
  • Pack as though you might lose your bags.  Keep things you will need right away in your carry-on. 
  • If your luggage does not show up, report the problem to your air carrier inside the airport at baggage claim before passing through customs.
  • Tell your safari driver and ask his office to coordinate with the airline to get your bags to you. 
  • Know your luggage weight restrictions on all legs of your flights.

Technology

  • USB devices are great for transferring information.  Just remember to know your USB.  Unknown USB devices can carry viruses.  Keep your USB faithful to just your computer.
  • Cameras.  A 300 mm lens for Safari Parks is ideal.  If you have bigger lenses, bring the.  Small monopods and beanbags will help you with image stabilization for crisper photos.  
  • Back up your photos often.  Take extra SD cards (or whatever your camera uses).
  • Remember to take an international power adaptor.  Tanzania uses the 220 volt system.  Most electronics are 120 to 220 volts so all you need is right pin adaptor - Radio Shack carries all these items.
  • Mobile phones.  Two choices. Buy a cheap phone when you get there and get a local SIM card or Obtain an unlocked phone before you leave and buy a SIM card when you hit the ground.  If you are transiting through Europe, most airports sell unlocked flip phones for under 50 Euros. 

Local Culture

  • Women need to dress conservatively in many African cultures.
  • Leave yourself more time than you need - for everything.  Be patient - things move slower in Africa. 
  • Bargain for everything.  The price at the market is at most 25% of what is stated - start at half price and be prepared to walk away.  Be courteous, but firm.
  • Understand local culture, traditions, and sensitivities.  Respect them - even if you disagree. 

Food & Water

  • Pack energy bars / granola bars.  Usually you can find food wherever you are.  However for a small cost in space, you have something familiar handy. 
  • Eat local - especially if you are traveling on a budget.  Ask for recommendations.
  • Drink lots of bottled water.  Stay hydrated. 
  • Never miss an opportunity to go to the bathroom.  You do not know when you'll have your next chance. 

Important Documents

  • Make a copy of your passport (information page), TZ visa, Kenyan visa, airline tickets / schedule and place the copies a separate place in your luggage.
  • Scan all important documents (including contacts and copies of credit cards) and email them to yourself.  You can access your email account if necessary for copies.
  • Treat your passport as the most important document you possess.  Losing your passport will result in time delays, monetary cost, and general problems. 

Children & Families

  • Use Tic Tac candies to teach kids how to swallow their anti-malaria pills long before you land in Africa. 
  • Provide your children with their own technology - cameras and binoculars. 
  • Bring comfort food such as oatmeal packs and instant mac and cheese. 
  • Bring snacks such as Kind bars and beef jerky as well as candy.
  • Create games like African scavenger hunts.
  • Allow your children to play games or watch movies on their tablets.  Don't worry, they will soak in as much as they can.
  • Keeping a journal is ideal.
  • Bring a bag of games such as Apples to Apples, LCR, dice, and cards.  You can carry many games easily in zip lock bags.
  • Take clothes that fit just right or are a little small.  Leave almost everything behind.  Your kids will grow out of their clothes anyways and the locals will treasure anything you can leave.
  • Search out an opportunity for your children to interact with locals. 
  • Be aware of traffic, food, and animals as it relates to your children.