The necessities:
Like any other trip planning, it's always good to consider a few things before your journey. We won't bore you with this as you most likely have traveled domestically and internationally numerous times and know what you need away from home for 10-days to 2 weeks.
Package Cost
The all-inclusive package from Atlanta, GA to the two visiting countries and back to Atlanta, GA is $4,500 - $6,000 per person. As the cost of airfare fluctuates depending on season and the region visiting (West, East, or Southern Africa) these numbers will be more exact and made available within 2 months of each trip.
Weather patterns:
Africa for the most part has two weather patterns: Dry Season ("Summer" as we would call it here in the States), and Raining Season (which typically runs from June - September). Depending on the time you will be traveling, plan with those seasons in mind - especially with a portable umbrella and appropriate footwear.
Air Travel:
All airlines cancel, delay, or reroute flights due to circumstances and most of the time, without warning. In 2001, I was returning from Abidjan, Ivory Coast when my connecting flight in Paris was missed. The result was me staying in Paris for 3 days until the first available flight to Atlanta. Upon arrival in Atlanta that night, I woke up the next morning to news of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York which again resulted in all air traffic being shut down and flights diverted until the authorities could sort things out. In short - plan for the unexpected...pack 3-4 days extra clothes, medication, money, etc...
Vaccinations and Traveler's Medication:
Traveler's Diarrhea is as common as leaving New York and going to New Orleans and just from the change of water, you could experience that discomfort for a few days until the bug leaves your system. It is especially true when changing countries with different chlorination and purification processes (or none in some cases). Some anti-diarrhea medicine never hurts to have on hand.
The 'Common Cold' is prevalent here in the United States and even though we have the same mosquitoes as in Africa, they normally don't infect with 'Malaria'. There are anti-malaria medication you can take before and during your trip to ensure you are immune from the illness, even if it doesn't stop the mosquito bites.
Health and Medical Emergencies:
African cuisine is extremely rich and at times spicy - much like you would find in Louisiana or the Caribbean...if you have 'High Blood Pressure', or some other condition that can be triggered by certain foods, please let us know so when preparing local dishes, your taste and situation will be taken into consideration. Additionally, if you prefer the normal foods eaten here, we can have those arranged for you.
In each country, we will establish a relationship with a physician that can be on call during our entire stay in the event of an emergency arising. Unless there is a severe case, what is needed to get you to a 'stable and fit to travel condition' will be the aim and if follow-up is required, it can be done upon return to your Stateside home.
Consult your doctor or healthcare professional for a health guide.
Security:
In all countries we visit, we will have a plain clothe armed police officer with us during the trip. Along with registering with the US Embassy, we will also register at presence with the LUC (Local Unit Commander) of the police station jurisdiction over where we will be staying to ensure an authoritative eye looks after our well being.
Please note however that even in New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami and small town USA, it is not advisable to forget your surroundings or draw too much attention to yourself when in a community you are not intimately familiar with. Look and do as the locals do, as much as you can.