Africa has a variety of beautiful go to destinations to visit. These include the beautiful Masai Mara in Kenya, which is home to some of Africa’s most popular wildlife. There is also nothing like viewing the spectacle that is Victoria Falls located near the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. for those who seek adventure, Africa is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro Africa’s highest peak. Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, and stands at an impressive 19,340 feet (5896m).
On the border of Uganda and Rwanda travellers can enjoy a close encounter with the mountain gorillas, which is a once in a lifetime experience. For those looking for some local flavour, Cape Town has a bustling night life as well as picturesque views that will captivate you for years to come.
When travelling throughout Africa, every traveller should equip themselves with a variety of gadgets, accessories, and portable power banks to enjoy the journey. In order to assist with this, IT News Africa has put together a list of the top 10 Must have Gadgets & Gear when travelling in Africa.
1. Camera
Whether you are taking in the scenery of the Masai Mara, or traversing up the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, chances are, you will most definitely want to capture your adventure with a decent camera.
For amateur photographers a smartphone, tablet or standard camera will do the trick; however, if you are looking to capture your adventure in high detail you will need a Digital Single-lens Reflex Camera (DSLR).
What would we suggest?
– Canon Powershot S200
– Canon EOS 60D
2. Laptop or Tablet Device
Or both? While travelling throughout Africa, it is essentially to at least keep a small laptop or tablet device with you.
These devices can be used to blog about your trip, keep up-to-date with social media, and ultimately search for popular destinations to visit.
Be sure to pack a power bank to keep your devices running at optimal levels.
What would we suggest?
– Huawei Ascend P7 Smartphone
– Sony Experia Z2 Tablet
3. GPS Navigation System
The last thing you will want to do is get lost. If you do not have a GPS on a smart device then packing one in will most definitely be beneficial to your trip.
Additionally, most popular GPS Navigation Systems can be updated with maps that will guide you through Africa. This will provide you with easy navigation options.
What would we suggest?
– TomTom Go 600
– Garmin Nuvi 55LM
4. Power Bank Portable Power Supply
When travelling through out certain areas of Africa, charging your device may become a problem – especially in the more remote and rural areas.
In order to keep your devices powered up at all times, a Power Bank Portable Power Supply is a must.
Power Banks come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours; however, always be sure to check whether the power bank is compatible with your device. Especially when it comes to output voltage.
What would we suggest?
– IntoCircuit Power Castle
– Scud Power Banks
5. Heart Rate Monitor
Keeping your fitness in check is always a must; however, certain areas located within Africa are populated with Mosquito’s that may be carrying Malaria.
In order to keep your health in check, a heart rate monitor as well as a temperature gauge are definite musts.
Be sure to always check for areas throughout Africa that feature as Malaria hotspots.
What would we suggest?
– Tomtom Runner Cardio Sports Watch Plus Heart Rate Monitor
– Polar Loop Activity Tracker
6. Backpack and Gear
Back packs are becoming more and more advanced. Not only do they hold all your gear and gadgets, but they can now be used to charge up that gear.
A variety of back packs these days now feature removable 10,400mAh rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries, which provide up to 4 full smartphone charges or 1 full tablet charge.
Additionally, if you are carrying a DSLR camera as well as lenses, a combination camera/laptop bag is definitely a must while travelling through Africa.
What would we suggest?
– Case Logic SLR Camera/Laptop Backpack
– TYLT Energi Plus Backpack
7. Personal Wi-Fi Hotspot
Chances are you may find yourself in a few remote areas, with cellular coverage, which may not offer Wi-Fi hotspots.
To eliminate not having a Wi-Fi connection, travellers should equip themselves with a personal Wi-Fi hotspot.
Just be sure to signup with one of the local telecom providers in order to take advantage of a cheaper internet rate.
What would we suggest?
– MTN Pocket Gateway
– Huawei e5151 Pocket Wi-Fi
8. Rechargeable USB Travel Razor
While roughing it in Africa will indeed be one of the many highlights, some travellers may want to experiencing the vibrant night life in Cape Town.
There are many local retailers that stock shaving equipment; however, if you are travelling from coast to coast you may want to pack in a Rechargeable USB Travel Razor.
What would we suggest?
– ShaveTech USB travel razor
9. Luggage Tracker
Whether you are travelling through Europe, America, or even taking in the vast wildlife in the Kruger National Park, a luggage tracker is essential.
These devices can be used to track and locate your luggage just in case it goes missing or gets misplaced.
These devices employ newly patented
micro-electronics and ground-based
cellular telephone technologies to
track and report.
What would we suggest?
– Trakdot Luggage Tracker
10. USB Travel Mug
Tackling the great outdoors in Africa? Whether you are camping out at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, or taking in the sights and sounds of the mountain gorillas on the border of Uganda and Rwanda – a hot cup of coffee is always essential.
What would we suggest?
– Excalibur Electronic USB Travel Mug
Darryl Linington
