Where should I go?
Think about the countries you’d like to visit and what you want to see and experience. What does Africa conjure up in your imagination? Unbridled adventure, dreamy romance, lush landscapes, barren deserts, amazing animals, ancient cultures? Or maybe something completely different. Whatever it might be, the chances are that STA Travel will be able to deliver it. Their massive range of travelling options shed a whole load of light on the Dark Continent.
When should I go?
A gap year to Africa can be taken at any stage during your life. Most people take them as a school leaver in-between school and University or between school and getting a job, apprenticeship or whatever it is you’re looking to do next. Heck, you could even go years after you’ve finished your apprenticeship, A-Level training scheme or whatever it is you’re doing!
Getting around Africa
Getting around Africa isn’t like getting about other parts of the world. Public transport is virtually non-existent, roads don’t always come with tarmac included and buses and trains are about as reliable as a British summer. Thankfully STA Travel doesn’t deal with dodginess, so wherever you want to go in Africa, you can trust us to help get you there comfortably, safely and on time.
Money
Each African country has its own individual currency, but you’ll usually be able to get by with American dollars, so it’s definitely worth taking some for emergencies. Every major town and city in Africa will have ATMs, so you’ll have quick and easy access to your funds with your credit, debit or STA Cash Card.
STA Travel help you to work out a budget when you book your trip, but think about where you’ll be going, how long you’ll be away for and what you’ll be doing whilst you are there. Many of STA’s adventure trips include nearly everything you need to survive, so you’ll only need a small amount of money per day to get by. This amount is normally calculated by establishing how many additional activities you want to enjoy and how much shopping and drinking you intend to do whilst you’re away.
Make sure you book at least your first few nights accommodation before you leave. You’ll find that it’s quite a bit cheaper, so you’ll save yourself lots of cash. You certainly don’t want to find yourself scraping together a few dollars to afford a hotel bed after a long, weary flight.
Travel Insurance
OK, travel insurance ain’t the most exciting thing in the world, but it could be the most important purchase you make before you take off on your travels. You must take travel insurance before you leave, you will not be able to get travel insurance once you have left the UK.
Vaccinations and Malaria
It’s your responsibility to obtain proper and detailed medical advice in good time before departure. We suggest that you visit the Department of Health website for up to date information. Your local GP can also give advice on which vaccinations you’ll need for particular countries. If you’re down in London, you can also pop into STA Travel Victoria which has a travel clinic attached, for a one-stop medical service before you travel.
Those travelling to Africa have to be particularly aware of the problems posed by malaria. Carried by those pesky mosquitoes, it’s important that you do all you can to prevent being bitten. Insect repellent, mosquito nets and long sleeved tops will all come in handy. If travelling to an affected region it’s essential that you take the recommended antimalarial drugs. Generally speaking, these are taken from one week before you travel until one month after you return, but this can vary depending on the type of drug and the country you’re visiting.
Visas
Your trip of a lifetime will quickly grind to a screeching halt if you forget to sort out your entrance visas. Please don’t forget to check with one of STA Travel’s very clever staff if you need to get a visa for the countries in Africa that you plan to visit. If you do they should be able to help you get one – so you can sit back and relax.
