In Baobab Guides we have thought that, as we know everything about travelling, it would be great to share our infinite wisdom and help other travellers. This is why we have created this article series ‘How to travel in Africa’.

Mojito without crushed ice, please. Pic by 'JACoulter'

If you drink something containing ice cubes in an exotic country, you’ll die soon. You know it, you’ve read it in the guide, you’ve seen it in the Foreign Office website, your friends told you, the doctor warned you, even the neighbor’s wife, who last year went to Morocco in summer mentioned it. You will also die if you eat any piece of fruit that you haven’t peeled yourself, or if you drink from a bottle of water you didn’t see how was opened.

As you don’t want to die, the best thing to do is to take countermeasures. Whenever you get served ice cubes, ask -demand!- they are immediately removed from your drink. Never mind that almost-boiling Coca Cola, take off those ice cubes, you fool! Always demand it, do not dare to forget it. It’s not proven, but everybody knows that in certain countries they make ice cubes out of polluted water. Be strong. Neither the mojito nor the caipirinha will be the same, but you’ll be safe.

In the case you have been invited to a house and someone is offering you their traditional food and warm hospitality, you’ve got a dilemma. Of course you don’t want to offend them by not eating their salad, the already-peeled fruit and the meat that’s a bit too red inside. At this point, there are two schools of thought. One says you should be firm and not eat absolutely anything remotely dangerous for your delicate health. Say it clearly to the lovely local: You are not eating his suspicious food. There is no point in not offending them if as a result you die. And, anyway, this food looks strange! What you’d like a a good dish of spaghetti with tomato sauce.

The second option is more radical: Eat it all and then at the end of the meal, go discreetly to the toilet and force yourself to throw up. Be careful not to make too much noise or they will get suspicious. With this handy technique, you won’t offend anyone, but will go hungry.

Remember to be alert at all times, make no exceptions, danger hides in every corner. The most important thing is to make it back home alive.