Africa Travel Advisory and Safety
Read advisories the right way, then follow a few simple habits on the ground.
Get a Free Africa Trip QuoteHow to Read an Africa Travel Advisory
There is no single Africa travel advisory. The U.S. State Department publishes a separate advisory for each country, rated from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel), and many advisories single out particular regions. A country may be rated Level 2 overall while a border area far from the safari parks is Level 4. Read the full text for every country on your route at the State Department travel advisories page, and check again shortly before you leave.
- Read the whole advisory, including the regional warnings and the reasons given.
- Look at where you will actually go; most safari areas are far from the regions singled out.
- Enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so the embassy can send you alerts and reach you in an emergency.
- Check the CDC page for the same country for health notices.
- Ask your specialist or camp how they handle security and emergencies.
Staying Safe on the Ground
- Road travel is one of the biggest risks in many countries. Use reputable drivers and avoid driving at night.
- In cities, keep valuables out of sight, use hotel-arranged or app-based transport and ask locally about areas to avoid.
- On safari, follow your guide’s instructions; stay in the vehicle unless told otherwise.
- In camps, never walk alone after dark where escorts are required.
- Keep copies of your documents separate from the originals.
- Carry the contact details of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
For general travel-safety habits that apply anywhere, see Travel Is Safe. For insurance that includes medical evacuation, see Cruise & Travel Insurance.
Wildlife Safety Basics
Wild animals are wild, even in famous parks. Do not approach animals on foot, do not feed them, keep your arms inside open vehicles and stay quiet near elephants and buffalo. Swimming in rivers and lakes is risky because of hippos, crocodiles and, in some freshwater, the parasite that causes schistosomiasis; CDC advises against it in many areas. These rules are the same in every country and are part of why guided safaris are so safe.
Choosing where to go? Read the advisories alongside the destination guides on African Safari Experiences, then ask a specialist for a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the State Department advisory levels mean?
Level 1 is Exercise Normal Precautions, Level 2 is Exercise Increased Caution, Level 3 is Reconsider Travel and Level 4 is Do Not Travel. Advisories can also single out specific regions within a country, so read the details, not just the number.
Is it safe to walk around at a safari camp at night?
In unfenced camps, no. Animals move through camp after dark, and staff escort guests to and from their tents. Follow the camp’s rules every time.
Travel With People Who Know the Ground
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