How to Travel Alone in North Africa (for Women)

If you are a single woman traveling in North Africa, and if you want to stay single, there are a few cultural differences that can make this a frustrating, and sometimes dangerous experience. Take a few precautions, though, and it's worthwhile.

Step 1

Wear a wedding ring and talk about your (fake) husband if you receive unwanted attention from men. Say that your "husband" is traveling with you and is at your hotel.

Step 2

If you can buy mace legally, do so. Carry it with you in a place that is quickly reachable.

Step 3

Wear loose-fitting, conservative clothing that covers all skin so as not to attract attention to yourself. Wearing skimpy or tight clothes may cause men to mistake you for an "easy Western woman" or prostitute.

Step 4

Do not go out alone at night, unless there is a festival or a bustling night market that would be frequented by families (or other women). Pack a few snacks in your suitcase so that you don't have to wander about town looking for a midnight snack.

Step 5

Avoid eye contact with men when you are traveling alone, especially at night.

Step 6

Stay in decent hotels with a bolt on the inside of the door.

Step 7

Bring reading material or a journal if you do not want to talk to strangers when eating alone in restaurants.

Step 8

Carry a cell phone and call your "husband" when you feel in an uncomfortable situation.
Step 9

Do not take a taxi alone after dark--share a cab with a family if at all possible. Under no circumstances should you get into a cab with multiple "drivers" when you are alone after nightfall.

How to Find a nude beach in South Africa

Nude Beaches are increasing in popularity. As our society lowers its inhibitions, we are finding freedom in letting go of some previously accepted norms. Questioning these traditions helps us see that we do have minds of our own that can decide what is and is not within the standard of being acceptable. Use this information to help you find a nude beach in South Africa.


Step1
Sandy Bay is the unofficial nude beach in South Africa.

Step2
Sandy Bay is located on the western coast and is known as a great beach location.

Step3
While you are at Sandy Bay, you will be working on your tan. Other than that, there is not much else to do.

Step4
To reach Sandy Bay, you must park your car and then walk approximately 20 minutes to the beach.

Step5
Alternately, you could climb over the rocks from Llandudno's souther end.

Step6
While you are on the trail to Sandy Bay, you can take a trail that leads to the ocean for some of the most popular areas for sunbathing. Or, you can take a trail that leads inland to some beautiful high sand dunes.

Step7
While you are at the beach, you are sure to be impressed by the mountains and dunes towering above you.

How to Climb Africa's Kilimanjaro

The tallest mountain on the African continent at 19,339 feet, Kilimanjaro is made up of the Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira peaks - all extinct volcanoes. Though the climb is not technical, the grueling nature and exquisite beauty of this giant are often underestimated. Kilimanjaro simply does not disappoint those who explore its flanks and challenge its summit.


Step1
Write a $4,000 check for a guided expedition and safari, but pay your airfare separately.

Step2
Connect through Europe to Nairobi, Kenya, where you'll spend the night prior to your land adventure.

Step3
Shuttle to Arusha, Tanzania, where tour operators register with the park service and arrange for your porters.

Step4
Travel off-road to the less-visited and wild Machame trailhead.

Step5
Begin your hike at 6,000 feet among the monkeys of the rain forest.

Step6
Camp at 9,000 feet to rest before you trudge across the moor lands.

Step7
Ascend to the Shira Plateau and acclimate to 12,460 feet.

Step8
Push on to the Barranco Hut at 13,500 feet, where you'll be treated to a panorama overlooking five ecosystems and game reserves.

Step9
Charge onward to the Barafu Hut at 15,700 feet, a five-hour hustle to the high desert plateau, where you'll rest before your summit attempt.

Step10
Awake for a 2 a.m. departure with your headlamps mounted. Walk along the ridge approaching the rim of the crater and traverse northwest to the Uhuru peak.

Step11
Absorb the 360-degree panorama before you descend on the same path, or take the Mweka route down the south side of the mountain for a change of scenery.

How to Help Africa

The problems in Africa are numerous and cannot be solved by one person, but there are a lot of ways you can help. Whether you just want to donate money or actually go to Africa in person to volunteer, you can do your part. All it takes is a bit of time and the desire to help your fellow man.

Step1
Donate money. There are many organizations that are collecting money for Africa. Donate to A Dollar For Peace or Africa Now. The money goes towards supplies, food, tools or resources such as HIV education or teaching someone how to farm.

Step2
Play the Free Rice vocabulary game. Twenty grains of rice are donated to the UN World Food Program for every word you guess right. This rice goes all over the world, including Africa. Not only are you helping hungry people in Africa, but you're expanding your vocabulary along the way.

Step3
Sponsor a child in Africa, through an organization like World Vision. When you sponsor a child, they are provided with clean drinking water, proper health care and proper schooling.

Step4
Learn about problems in Africa and tell others about them. Whether it's the situation in Darfur or deforestation in Tanzania, you can help just by learning about the situations and spreading that knowledge to as many people as possible.

Step5
Write to your Congressman or Congresswoman. Encourage them to support legislation that helps Africa, like legislation that provides debt relief or sends HIV medication to Africa.

Step6
Volunteer by joining the Peace Corps for a real commitment. The Peace Corps sends volunteers to all sorts of places, and Africa is one of them. The process to become a volunteer is a long one, so be sure you want to do it before you begin this endeavor.

How to Plan a Honeymoon to Africa

Besides being an exciting safari destination, Africa is a romantic and exotic getaway for honeymooners. From the powdery beaches of the Spice Island to the wildebeest migration in Tanzania, Africa offers an unparalleled variety of activities, scenery and accommodations. Here some tips to help you plan a honeymoon to Africa.


Step1
Fly a hot air balloon over the Serengeti. Your pilot will take you up to about 1,000 feet for spectacular views of the plains, then come down to tree level to see wildlife. It will land in a beautiful secluded spot for a champagne lunch.

Step2
Go on a safari in Kenya. Kenya is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world due to its abundance of wildlife and dramatic scenery. Go2africa.com is just one website that offers many safari options for couples planning a honeymoon in Africa.

Step3
Ride the Blue Train in South Africa. Both kings and presidents have travelled on this spectacular moving five star hotel. The routes of the Blue Train take its guests through some of the most breathtaking countryside in South Africa and beyond. While expensive, the world-class meals and lodging make it a once in a lifetime experience.

Step4
Lay on a beach in Zanzibar, a tropical island paradise in the Indian Ocean east of Tanzania. Its miles of powdery beaches and quaint fishing villages make it a great spot for honeymooners to experience while in Africa. Enjoy a ride on an old fashioned dhow or just soak in the exotic aromas. You'll soon find out why Zanzibar is called the Spice Island.

How to Invest Money in an African Business

Many investors shy away from spending money in Africa due to concerns about political turmoil and economic stability. The African continent is not a monolith and investors should look at success stories before writing off potential investments. Nations like South Africa, Mauritius and the Seychelles offer examples of the continent's economic potential in the 21st century. Investors should blend their social consciences with savvy business decisions when sending money to African businesses.


Step1
Bypass faceless corporations and international agencies by working through innovative online lenders like MyC4 (see Resources). MyC4 gives investors the chance to review files on individual business owners who request small loans. MyC4 sets an upward limit on interest accrued on the loan but active investors can earn steady money while encouraging small business growth in Africa.

Step2
Trade stocks on the right exchange if you are interested in regional and pan-African businesses. For example, you will want to work through the JSE Securities Exchange in Johannesburg, South Africa if you are looking at investments in Ghana, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Step3
Expand your holdings on the African continents to take advantage of natural resources unique to each region. You can invest in oil in Egypt, coffee in Tanzania and gold in Namibia to earn dividends off each region's main exports.

Step4
Help families from Algeria to Madagascar live in better homes by investing in home builders and building supply companies in Africa. Look at companies that produce prefabricated housing like ZenKaya, an African company that produces small but eco-friendly homes in Mozambique and South Africa (see Resources).

Step5
Ride the telecommunications wave throughout the African continent as you look for good investments. The spotty nature of wired communication throughout Africa makes mobile phone providers a wise investment. Review information from the African Telecommunications Union to find regional carriers that have increased their monthly subscribers and sell mobile phones in high numbers.

Step6
Play your role in helping solve Africa's transportation woes by investing in transportation consultancies working throughout the continent. Firms like Dornier Consulting (see Resources) work from South Africa to Egypt in an effort to create unified transportation systems that transcend national borders. Your investments in engineering and consulting firms may yield high returns as the United States, China and Russia invest money into Africa's natural resources.

How to Study Abroad in South Africa

Although the world of academia has much to offer any student, studying abroad is a concrete, visceral way of combining school work with real-life experience. The country of South Africa is an offbeat choice for anyone with a love of adventure and desire for broadened cultural, social, and professional horizons. Here you will find how to make your dreams of studying in South Africa a reality


Step1
Contact your school's study abroad office for information on South African programs relevant to your course of study. If your school doesn't have a study abroad office, or programs which enable travel to South Africa, research and contact outside organizations and/or universities that are willing to coordinate with your home university.

Step2
Fund your trip. After being accepted into a program, look into scholarships, grants, and loans for financing your study abroad. All of these options can be combined to ensure that you have enough funds to cover the cost of tuition, flights, accommodation, tuition, and food for the duration of your trip.

Step3
Get a passport. If you don't already have one, apply for a passport through the U.S. Department of State. Locations where you may do so will be listed at the department's Consular Affairs web site provided below. You will need both a valid driver's license and an original copy of your birth certificate.

Step4
Get immunizations. Although the South African city and/or province where you will study may not require any immunizations, it would be prudent to receive yellow fever and malaria shots in case you decide to explore other areas of the country. For similar peace of mind, purchase temporary international health insurance--contact your school for specific costs and coverage details.

Step5
Obtain academic materials, international calling cards, and sturdy luggage before your departure. Be sure to make copies of your passport and driver's license, leaving one set behind with family members in case of an emergency. Finalize your academic requirements with your school, pack your bags, and go!

How to enjoy Namibia, Africa

This article tells you how to get the most out of your trip to Namibia, one of the lesser known destinations in Africa, but it is safe and fun!!

Step1
Namibian Flag Namibian Flag Begin to research your trip. Go to a bookstore or buy online a Travel Guide for Namibia only. General travel guides for Africa are good, but you always get more information when you buy a separate book for each destination!

Step2
Rastas Rastas After you've learned a bit about the culture and customs remember not to take it too seriously. Downtown Windhoek is just like any small town USA. Observe the basic customs and you will be fine. TAKE GREETING SERIOUSLY. Before you ask for anything greet people, seek tips for greeting* People will react differently to you depending on your nationality but keep in mind, the city center of Windhoek is very cool and they are accustomed to seeing many different types of people. There is a big Rastafarian community and if you run into some of them, you will have a great time! Have them take you to a Shebeen/Cuca Shop which is a small bar that sometimes has food, a dance floor, and a little juke box.

Step3
Cuca Shop Cuca Shop Stay in a hostel downtown, and navigate your plan from there. They are safe, especially Diamond Diggers. Safe for women traveling alone as well. The high season will be expensive, so it is best to travel during the off season. If you plan on traveling alone, the best thing to do is try to contact some Peace Corp volunteers. They will know the local language and will be happy to connect with someone from the States. Go to the Peace Corp website and find information on the volunteers.

Step4
Definitely take a trip to the sand dunes. It is touristy, but fun. If you really want to go off the beaten path, you will need to learn Oshiwambo or Afrikaans. Locals will respond better and will be more welcoming. Other than that, everyone is nice and use your better judgement.

How to Tour South Africa's Eastern Cape

South Africa's Eastern Cape has just about all that the country is known for, including stellar wildlife, picturesque beaches and scenery and intriguing history. But few travelers explore this hidden gem.


Step1
Begin a visit to the Eastern Cape in the resort city of Port Elizabeth. It has wide beaches and is the Eastern Cape's transportation hub, linking major cities and towns including Grahamstown and Jeffrey's Bay.

Step2
Go to Addo Elephant National Park. For a small admission fee, you can see one of the world's largest concentration of elephants, plus rhinos, lions, buffaloes and leopards. Tours are available and on-site accommodations are ideal for both luxury travelers and budget-seekers.

Step3
Head to a spot along the untouched Wild Coast called Hole in the Wall near Coffee Bay, where the sea has carved a hole in an offshore cliff.

Step4
Tour the Valley of Desolation within the Karoo Nature Reserve, where erosion has produced sheer cliffs and stone columns.

Step5
Be active. Jeffrey's Bay is known for surfing and the area near Saint Croix Island is best for diving, snorkeling and penguin-viewing. Or head to Tsitsikamma National Park, with one of the world's highest bungee jumps.

Step6
Learn about South Africa's tumultuous apartheid history at the grave of activist Steve Biko in King William's Town and in the area called Qunu, where Nelson Mandela grew up.

How to Plan a Trip to Africa

Whether you're going to Angola or Zimbabwe, planning a trip to Africa is a serious endeavor, and requires a step-by-step strategy. Africa can be relatively dangerous and unstable, depending upon the country, and health risks are commonplace as well.


Step1
Get all of your vaccinations at least a month before you plan on arriving in Africa. You may need to carry a certificate of your yellow fever vaccination before you are allowed entry into some African nations. In addition, you will need to ask your doctor for plenty of malaria tablets to last through your entire trip.

Step2
Obtain a passport before you plan a trip to Africa. Bring your original birth certificate, one other form of identification and two small passport-sized photographs of yourself to the post office. Give yourself 4 to 6 weeks for the passport to be mailed to your home, unless you opt for the rush service, which may double the price of your passport.

Step3
Arrange for proper financing before you plan a trip to Africa, since modern banking methods and access to cash may be limited. Up until recently, Western visitors had to enter Africa with large amounts of cash, which made tourists attractive targets for violent crime. In recent years, modern banking advances have made it easier to acquire cash in Africa, but you may still encounter obstacles in rural areas or the less developed countries.

Step4
Check the website for the U.S. State Department for travel advisories for African nations before you plan your travel itinerary (see Resources below). The website allows you to check on travel warnings and alerts throughout Africa, and tells how to contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate in each country. Additional information may be available concerning terrorist alerts, health risks and entry regulations.

Step5
Keep a return plane ticket with you whenever you enter an African country. In many places, such as Nigeria, you will be refused entry into the country without one. Anyone without a return ticket back home will be viewed with extreme suspicion, and you may wind up in jail until you can produce one.

How to live in Ghana, West Africa

Ghana is a country that is situated on the equator that has two seasons the hot and the rainy. It is a country that is deep in tradition but also open to modern trends. As a tourist, Ghana is a treasure trove of cultural and historical depths. It is also a country noted to treat foreigners very well. Accra is the capital city, but there are also other cities such as Kumasi, Cape Coast and Koforidua that offer an assortment of interests. These are several critical recommendations for anyone wanting to live in Ghana.



Living in Ghana

Step1
1. Register with your embassy.
2. Do not carry cash. If you have to, carry what is needed for the day. Open a bank account and link it to your foreign account.
3. Buy a vehicle and, if you are not comfortable driving, hire a chauffer.
4. Always buy bottled water.

Step2
5. Check with your local health department for necessary vaccination shots.
6. Buy a house, if possible and always sleep in mosquito nets. If not, rent according to the duration of time that you would spend in Ghana.
7. Do not let people know your financial condition.

Step3
8. Make acquaintances in your business sphere. They will help you a lot with getting around. Do not be a loner. You will be an easy prey for bad people. There is so much happening, so you do yourself a favor by participating.
9. Never do crowds. You might end up being a victim of pick-pockets.
10. Make friends with the local police. Sponsor police events, they will love you forever and help you whenever there is a problem.

Step4
11. If you are in the rural area, always be in the good books of the chief. Help the community with your skills, the people will protect you with their lives.
12. Make an effort to learn the culture and language, it makes the people very comfortable to associate themselves with you.

Step5
13. Do not take sides in politics! Ghanaians are very passionate about their politics. The more neutral you are the better your chances of enjoying a prolonged stay in the country.
14. Be nice, it always attracts a Ghanaian.

How to Plan a Honeymoon to Africa

Besides being an exciting safari destination, Africa is a romantic and exotic getaway for honeymooners. From the powdery beaches of the Spice Island to the wildebeest migration in Tanzania, Africa offers an unparalleled variety of activities, scenery and accommodations. Here some tips to help you plan a honeymoon to Africa.

Step1
Fly a hot air balloon over the Serengeti. Your pilot will take you up to about 1,000 feet for spectacular views of the plains, then come down to tree level to see wildlife. It will land in a beautiful secluded spot for a champagne lunch.
Step2
Go on a safari in Kenya. Kenya is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world due to its abundance of wildlife and dramatic scenery. Go2africa.com is just one website that offers many safari options for couples planning a honeymoon in Africa.

Step3
Ride the Blue Train in South Africa. Both kings and presidents have travelled on this spectacular moving five star hotel. The routes of the Blue Train take its guests through some of the most breathtaking countryside in South Africa and beyond. While expensive, the world-class meals and lodging make it a once in a lifetime experience.

Step4
Lay on a beach in Zanzibar, a tropical island paradise in the Indian Ocean east of Tanzania. Its miles of powdery beaches and quaint fishing villages make it a great spot for honeymooners to experience while in Africa. Enjoy a ride on an old fashioned dhow or just soak in the exotic aromas. You'll soon find out why Zanzibar is called the Spice Island.