FAQs
At Danfo, our goal is to curate an unforgettable travel experience for our clients. To decide if Danfo can provide this memorable experience, we want to ensure that the expectations are properly articulated upfront on both ends so that you can make an informed decision if Danfo will be a proper fit for you and your travel goals.
Africa is a diverse continent made up of 54 countries and over three thousand different ethnic groups; Africa isn’t a monolith. Many of the countries in Africa are still developing, therefore depending on what part of the continent we are traveling to, some of the luxuries that are readily available in the West may not be readily accessible.
Africa is a beautiful continent with beautiful people, so please do not allow a few inconveniences to deter you from visiting. At times, you will have to exercise a level of patience, but once you overcome the initial culture shock and some of the infrastructure issues, you will not want to leave Africa.
To get a glimpse of what to expect and to guide you in your tour preparation, here are a few answers to frequently asked questions:
Are there any mandatory vaccines that I need to take before traveling to Africa?
Vaccines needed to visit Africa vary depending on your country of origin. A yellow fever vaccination is often required for travelers coming from endemic zones in the Americas and Africa. Passengers on flights that come from non-infected areas are not required to have yellow fever certificates. For a list of endemic zones please visit CDC.gov.
Besides a yellow fever vaccine, there are no other mandatory vaccinations for Africa, though there are several recommended ones. For COVID-19 Guidelines, please visit the travel portal for the country of travel. The link to the travel portal for each respective country is listed on the itinerary at Danfo.Africa.
Should I take malaria pills?
Anti-malaria medication is not mandatory. It is up to the traveler to decide if he/she wants to load up on the medicine or not. Please consult a healthcare professional before use.
Do I need a visa?
Some countries offer visas on arrival. In some countries, you will not be able to board a flight to that country without a valid visa. Please visit the specific country’s embassy website to find out what the requirements are to enter the country. The link to the embassy website of each country can be found on the country’s itinerary located at Danfo.Africa.
What type of food will we be eating?
Danfo is committed to providing an authentic, cultural, African experience. Therefore, we will be focusing on the traditional foods of the countries we visit. To get a true, authentic African experience, you must have an open mind, be able to test your comfort level and be willing to try different types of African cuisine.
When it comes to experiencing the local food, a white tablecloth/linen napkin ambiance should not be expected. In many cases, the best local food will be found on the street and in “hole-in-the-walls.” If we are at a private gathering and you have any dietary restrictions, we will do our best to meet your needs, within reason, but cannot always guarantee the availability of food to fit your dietary needs. If you have any dietary restrictions, please notify us before travel. The following is what you can expect in the meal plan:
Breakfast: The hotel’s complimentary breakfast is provided as part of the tour package.
Lunch: Lunch consists of an entrée and two non-alcoholic beverages.
Dinner: Danfo will host one group dinner at a local upscale restaurant. Upscale is subjective to many, so please be flexible. Remember we are not in America. Dinner will include an entree and dessert, along with either one alcoholic beverage and one non-alcoholic beverage, or two non-alcoholic beverages.
Hydration: To maintain a healthy level of hydration, each day Danfo will provide a complimentary one-liter bottle of water. The hotel will also provide at least one complimentary bottle of water each day. Size varies depending on the hotel.
What hotel accommodations can we expect?
At Danfo, we strive to provide at least a 4-Star hotel experience. However, in some cases, i.e. season, location, and demand, we cannot guarantee that 4-Star or better hotels will be available. Wherever we lodge we will put forth every effort to ensure you are comfortable and the property is clean. You will be notified well in advance of hotel accommodations on the itinerary located at Danfo.Africa.
**All hotel accommodations are single occupancy unless double occupancy is requested, i.e. couples and/or families**
When checking into the hotel, before you use anything in your room, please fully inspect your room to ensure that everything is clean and properly working. If there are any issues, please notify hotel staff and a Danfo representative, IMMEDIATELY. Also, Danfo will make sure the problem is properly documented before returning to your room. If the problem is not resolved within a timely matter, a room change can be requested if there is availability.
Is citizenship available?
Sierra Leone is the only country that offers citizenship to the diaspora. The requirements are listed on the Sierra Leone itinerary page located at Danfo.Africa.
Which airlines do we fly?
Delta is our preferred airline, but depending on the circumstances, i.e., schedule/travel itinerary, we might have to utilize a different airline. Short layovers are important to us, so direct flights to Africa is our goal when available.
How much luggage can I bring?
We recommend that you pack as light as possible to reduce the chances of luggage being lost during transit. We recommend the following luggage items: 1 carry-on, 1 personal item, and 1 check-in luggage. However, you can bring as much luggage as you prefer depending on what is allowable by the airline. Any extra or excessive luggage charges will be incurred by the traveler.
What happens if my luggage is lost by the airline?
Lost luggage can be an unfortunate and inconvenient situation. The recovery time of lost luggage is beyond our control. However, we are committed to staying in constant contact and communication with the airline/airport to retrieve the lost article as soon as feasibly possible.
If needed, Danfo will immediately provide a complimentary replacement hygiene kit, which will include a toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, comb, and brush. The purchase of any replacement clothing will be the responsibility of the individual traveler.
Danfo will make arrangements for you to acquire clothing within 24 hours of arrival at our final destination. We recommend that you pack toiletries and a change of clothes in your carry-on.
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
Yes, the hotels offer a wash and fold service. Travelers are responsible for the expense.
How is the traffic?
Our goal when traveling through the city between each destination is to provide safe travel and arrive promptly. However, due to conditions outside of our control, commute time might be longer than expected depending on the country, city, time of day, and any other unforeseen circumstances, i.e., accidents and/or construction.
Traffic can range from smooth to problematic. Also, the distance of travel between locations on the itinerary might cause the need for extended travel time on the road. Expected travel time between each location will be communicated, but there could still be unexpected delays.
Roads might not be fully paved and/or developed in some areas and cities which in some cases can lead to delays in commute.
What if I need to use the restroom while away from hotel?
Since we are traveling to and throughout developing countries, we cannot guarantee the cleanliness of restrooms or that the functionality of the toilets will be to “Western” standards in public and/or private settings. In some of the facilities we visit, toilet paper might not be available. Therefore, we will provide toilet paper and disinfectant wipes, which will be strictly for BATHROOM USE ONLY.
Do you offer luxury tours?
Currently, Danfo does not offer luxury tours. However, there are plans in the future to expand into the luxury tour market.
What should I wear?
Attire will depend on the location, activity, time of day, and season. The majority of the countries we travel to are conservative but offer a bustling nightlife, so please use proper judgment when selecting your attire. We recommend casual dress during the day, and club attire is suitable for nightlife.
The rainy season in West Africa typically lasts from June until mid-October. When traveling during the rainy season, we can experience periods of light rain to some periods of heavy rain, so please pack accordingly.
Where can I exchange money?
We will exchange money once we reach our final destination. We will not exchange money at the airport because the exchange rate is usually higher at the airport than in the city.
Can I purchase a local sim card?
In many countries, to purchase a local sim card, you have to be either a resident or a citizen of that country. That being the case, please contact your carrier and enroll in an international plan before travel. Danfo will not cosign on or provide any local sim cards once we arrive at our destination.
Will my debit/credit card work in Africa?
Yes, but please contact your bank and/or credit card company before departure and notify them that you will be traveling outside of the country and need your card unlocked for international travel. Prepaid debit cards, such as Cash App cards, will not work.
Will I be able to charge my electronics?
You will need to purchase an International Travel Adapter. You can find them at Best Buy and Amazon.
What is Bespoke Travel?
The Bespoke Travel option is an individual/group tour package that can be taken at any time throughout the year, outside of the scheduled group tours. With the Bespoke Tour option, Danfo will create a customized, tour itinerary that is tailored to your travel goals and requirements. Please schedule a discovery call to discuss this in detail.
Is Africa safe?
Safety is important and is a top priority. We want to ensure you arrive at your destination and back home safely. Here are a few tips to ensure your safety and well-being while traveling:
- Protect your pockets when in large crowds
- Avoid the area boys. When you come in contact with them, keep it short, say hello and goodbye.
- Be conscious of whom you share your personal contact information. The countries that we are traveling to, are developing so many people that you come in contact with will view you as an “opportunity”, so again, please be careful to whom you give your contact info, to avoid the possibility of them calling and badgering you for money and other items.
- Be careful while going out at night and be conscious of your surroundings. Keep your guard up and stay alert.
- We do not travel to areas in countries where there is ongoing conflict.
- Be careful of shady business opportunities.
While there are safety measures to consider, please keep in mind that Western media and propaganda have painted a negative picture when it comes to the image of Africa. Some of the issues affecting Africa are grossly exaggerated. The areas we travel to in Africa are more than likely safer than the current city that you reside in if you reside in the west.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to… ASK! Communication is important and your feedback is more than welcomed. We look forward to you joining Danfo!
