Seasoned traveller offers tips to avoid the pitfalls

Travelling in Africa is not for the
faint-hearted – and it’s all about
preparation, say the experts.
Jackie Tong, director at
Ernst & Young with
responsibility for managing
the HR function for 23 African
countries, says it is important
to research the destination.
Having travelled to many
African countries deemed
“dangerous”, Tong says it is
about being prepared. “I follow
some very basic rules that include
knowing exactly what the do’s
and don’ts are of the country I am
visiting. I know exactly where I am
staying and who is picking me up
from the airport while I also have
contact numbers of people I can
call immediately should anything
go wrong.”
She says it is also advisable
to always travel with small
denominations of US currency in
Africa.
“Also do not assume that
international roaming for your
phone will
automatically
work and that
credit cards will be
readily accepted.
Researching the
social conventions
of the country being
visited is often
helpful,” says Tong