Deciding where to travel in Sub-Saharan Africa is as challenging as choosing a dish in a three-Michelin-star restaurant. The continent’s enormous variety of destinations, ethnic groups, and natural wonders can take a hefty amount of time to process. Too often, people around the world refer to Africa as a single culture with vast savannas and roaming lions and elephants. While this is true for some areas, the continent boasts a full spectrum of overlooked landscapes and cultures.

To make a wise choice, consider these three factors:

1. Is this your first time in Africa? For first-time visitors, it’s highly recommended to start with an easy and hassle-free destination with excellent tourist infrastructure, such as South Africa, Seychelles or Kenya. For more experienced travelers, nearly every country is an option, except only for war-torn regions.

2. Are you a winter or summer person? Weather preferences are crucial in Africa, where temperatures range from the hot, dry Sahara Desert to the warm, humid equatorial regions, and the relatively mild climate at the southern tip. Be sure to check the average temperatures and the likelihood of rain according to the time of year you plan to visit.

3. What kind of vacation do you prefer? If you’re after an adventurous journey, you might want to choose a destination that offers more than just the usual tourist spots. Safe countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and Ghana all have rich cultural heritage often overlooked by those focused on wildlife. To make an informed choice, consider all aspects of a destination, including its wildlife, pre-colonial history, and the ability to cover multiple interesting attractions within a reasonable timeframe.

It is no secret that Africa presents many safety challenges for the average tourist, yet some measures can dramatically reduce the risk of any ordeal:

1- Restrict your outdoor activities to daytime hours. If you must go out at night, opt for a private taxi for transportation.

2- Avoid carrying valuables in your pockets since pickpocketing is common in many African cities. Instead, keep an extra wallet with a small amount of cash handy.

3- Politely decline if a stranger on the street offers you a tempting suggestion. While it might be a genuine act of hospitality, it could also be a scam designed to take your money.

4- Some African cities have no-go zones that are not recommended for foreigners. Always ask the reception desk at your hotel about which parts of town are safe to walk in.

5- It’s advisable to get vaccines before traveling to African countries where highly infectious diseases are still prevalent. In addition, ensure you pack a wide range of medications for different ailments, including fever, nausea, and food poisoning.

Until recently, most cuisines across sub-Saharan Africa were rather basic, comprising of dishes designed to be filling at minimal cost. However, global trends and rising tourism have brought significant changes. Today, nearly every major city throughout the continent boasts decent restaurants and cafes, so much so in fact that Africa offers some of the most interesting culinary experiences anywhere in the world. Here are a few things to know ahead:

1. Ethiopian cuisine stands out for its distinctive and exceptional flavors. Central to Ethiopian meals is injera, a spongy flatbread made from teff flour, and accompanied by an assortment of wats (stews). These wats can vary significantly in spice levels, with some being quite fiery, so just in case, keep a glass of water or a cooling drink close by.

The ingredients in Ethiopian dishes, such as berbere spice, lentils, and various meats, contribute to the rich and complex flavors. Better yet, the tradition of eating from a shared platter offers a somewhat unusual dining experience that reflects the communal nature of the country’s cultural heritage. Often complementing these feasts is tej, a traditional honey wine known for its floral aroma and a slightly effervescent texture.

2. Consuming street food in Africa is generally not advisable due to varying sanitary and health standards across the continent. However, if you still wish to try some of these local treats, make sure it is freshly cooked in front of you

3. South Africa is home to some of the world’s top restaurants, including La Petite Colombe or Fyn, to name just a few. What makes fine dining in South Africa truly worthwhile is the affordability; unlike many Western countries, enjoying a meal at these acclaimed establishments is far more accessible for the average person, making it remarkably good value for money.

Rightfully or not, Africa has a reputation of being a poor place. This perception in turn leads many to believe that the lower average income in many African nations translates to a low cost of living for travelers. However, this assumption is far from accurate.

While it’s true that adopting local living standards in many place can indeed save you money, this often entails foregoing amenities like showers and air conditioning. Across vast regions of Africa, access to running water and electricity remains limited. Therefore, traveling there, with a few exceptions, tends to be costly, particularly when factoring in expenses like fees for national parks and safari lodges.

To minimize costs, bargaining is key. Travel agencies often inflate prices for safari trips, so it’s wise to compare offers from different agencies and negotiate for a better deal.

When it comes to handling money, ATMs have become more common in major cities in recent years. However, if you’re planning to travel to remote rural areas, carrying enough cash is crucial. For the best conversion rates, it’s advisable to exchange money at banks. In situations where immediate cash is needed, such as at the airport, withdraw only what is necessary until you can access more favorable currency options.

When traveling, arriving at your destination roughly on time may seem trivial, especially in today’s world where high-speed trains and well-maintained highways are the norm throughout many parts of the world. Despite progress in some African countries, it is not uncommon to spend an entire day traveling a relatively short distance between two major cities across muddy, unpaved roads riddled with potholes.

Traveling under such challenging conditions can indeed be tough. Nonetheless, imagine the unusual experience of chatting with two African women dressed in colorful garments, learning about their country’s history while a live rooster darts between your legs. Moments like these not only distract your mind but also make the journey unexpectedly enjoyable.

As mentioned earlier, commuting in Africa is often a daunting task. Yet, with the right precautions, many of the difficulties can be minimized:

1. Prepare for your upcoming trip by conducting a comprehensive online research. Even if you prefer flexibility while traveling, this planning can save you money and reduce idle time at bus stations and terminals

2. Choose your method of travel based on your preferences, budget, and time constraints. Across Africa, there are numerous options to adjust your plans accordingly. While a luxury bus with spacious seats and complimentary meals may be favorable for some, others may prefer a more authentic experience.

3. Many African cities grapple with road congestion and poor infrastructure, resulting in extensive traffic jams that can make commuting frustratingly slow. One effective solution is hopping on a motorcycle taxi, known as Boda-Boda, Okada, and by various other names. Besides saving time, it offers a thrilling way to navigate Africa’s bustling urban landscapes

4. Another common sight is the copious street hawkers who approach vehicles at traffic jams, red lights, or bus stops, selling a hodgepodge of treats and wares, ranging from scrumptious snacks such as samosas and plantain chips to souvenirs, accessories, and even small electrical appliances.

Around the globe, traveling is becoming more convenient with every day as governments exempt an increasing number of foreign citizens from visa requirements to bolster tourism revenues. For instance, borders between European countries are gradually being eliminated altogether.

However, Africa presents a starkly different scenario. Many African nations still require travel visas for citizens of most other countries, including fellow Africans. Worse still, crossing international borders within the continent is often a complex endeavor that demands considerable patience and resourcefulness.

To mitigate some of this headache ensure you have all necessary documents for border control before embarking on your journey. That includes extra blank pages in your passport, a yellow fever certificate, passport photos, and any other required paperwork.

It’s worth noting that ATMs near border crossings are a rare sight in most places. Given that some countries offer visas upon arrival, make sure you carry an ample supply of cash, preferably in US dollars, which are often advantageous for visa payments and currency exchange at the border.

Since visa policies can change frequently, it’s essential to confirm your eligibility for entry into the country you plan to visit. Otherwise, you risk being stranded at the border. For instance, it’s a common oversight among travelers to arrive at the border without knowing they need a pre-issued visa or to be unaware that their passport already has a single-entry visa stamp.