Get all of your vaccinations at least a month before you travel to Africa in order to stay safe. Malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and other life-threatening diseases can be contracted quite easily in Africa, especially if you are traveling through rural areas or small villages. You will also need to bring plenty of malaria tablets with you, ensuring that your supply will last throughout your entire trip.
Avoid having any sexual contact with Africans while you are visiting the country. AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases are reaching epidemic proportions in Africa, mostly due to lack of education about these health risks. In addition, the practice of luring tourists by the promise of sex, and then robbing them when they are in a vulnerable state, has become quite common in some African countries.
Stay safe in Africa by trying not to look like a tourist, since most pickpockets and muggers will target outsiders. Never pull out your wallet or count out money while in public, and avoid wearing cameras around your neck. Try to blend into your surrounding by wearing conservative clothing, and not wearing such Western items as fanny packs, baseball caps and handbags or purses.
Return to your hotel, guest house or other accommodations once the sun goes down in Africa. Nighttime is when the criminals come out, and if you're walking through the streets of an African city at night, you're asking for trouble (especially if you're alone). In addition, dangerous animals such as crocodiles and hippos may wander into town to forage for food after dark.
Do not drink the water while you are in Africa. This includes ice in drinks, and raw foods that have been washed in water. Always keep a plentiful supply of bottled water wherever you go to stay safe and healthy while you are in Africa.
