So you want to do Africa, but you are not into commercially organised trips where you go and see whatever it is that the guides or the tour organiser want you to see. This article does not intend to knock organised tours as they are fantastic to visit places of interest that you might not wish to visit alone or where a guided tour will give you insights into these places that are far better than a written travel guide.

There are a number of things that you need to think about before you go it alone. This article focuses on those things that can help keep you safe and enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery and vibrant cultures that the world has to offer.

Before going off the beaten track anywhere in Africa, make sure that you have checked with locals and other travellers that it is safe to do so. Make sure that the information is current. Sometimes peaceful places can erupt really rapidly, catching the people there, unawares. Information that is more than a month old might no longer be valid.

Like anywhere, when violence erupts, things can get really nasty. You don t want to spoil your travels by being taken hostage at the end of the barrel of an AK47. Even hardened journalists who have travelled the world over into war zones will testify that being robbed or hijacked in this manner is really scary.

Before you venture into the great unknown, let someone know where you are going, who you are going with and when you expect to be back. If by any chance this unfortunate situation should occur, try to remain really calm as this will help your chances of survival.

Make sure that when you are travelling in any area where poverty is abound, keep valuables out of sight. This situation is not unique to Africa. Remember the adage, "Poverty breeds crime." Well that s true all over the world. You are as likely to get robbed of valuables in a city like New York as you are in the towns throughout Africa. Just be sensible and don t flaunt your apparent wealth.

One good tip from seasoned travellers is to make a small flat cotton bag that sits under your arm with a diagonal shoulder strap and a strap to fasten the bag around your ribcage. The bag should be able to hold a passport, credit card, other valuable documents and any cash you may have. These can be put into a small plastic bag if you are travelling anywhere that you might get wet.

Speak to any traveller that has lost their passport or access to cash and they are likely to wax lyrical about how horrendous the experience was and how much of a hassle it was to try and get new ones.

Don t wear expensive watches or jewellery while you are travelling. Leave these at home. All you are doing if you insist on wearing such stuff is advertising to those of nefarious minds is that you are a rich and gullible foreigner who cannot wait to be rid of their finery.

Be sensible, follow local and up to date advice and you should stay safe. Enjoy the journey.