5 Tips for Backpacking Africa
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

5 Tips for Backpacking Africa

It's much easier than people may realize.

70
5 Tips for Backpacking Africa
Doug Diaz

Back in 2014, I was riding high off my previous backpacking excursions in Europe and Asia. Feeling the momentum of independent success, I decided to finally head to Africa. After all, I’ve always wanted to see the continent for myself. Looking back at the experience, there are some things that deserve mention.


1. Understand safety

Safety on the African trail comes in 3 parts: wildlife, crime, and medical precautions. Even if you’re not engaged in a safari, the fauna of your local village might be ecstatic to meet you. In Victoria Falls, it was not unusual to see elephant families openly wandering about. Other places might feature crocodile and hippo warning signs.

Second, is crime. Now, this caution must be exercised in the larger cities especially Johannesburg, in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Though authorities are still trying to mitigate crime, major cities throughout the region continue to have problems.

Rule of thumb, just stay inside at night in both small villages and larger cities. In terms of medical requirements, you’ll certainly need a Yellow Fever vaccination. Also, don’t forget about the "M" word, Malaria. If you’re heading up north to Kenya and Uganda, you’ll need your Doxy, and do take it.

2. Understand visas

Things get a little tricky here because well, visas are typically a pain. The continent alone is a jigsaw of different visas requirements that can be a deterrent for unseasoned travelers. Luckily, many of the southern nations are visa-free, including Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia, South Africa, etc.

However, heading further north, the visas get trickier. Though located on the eastern shore, the Mozambique sticker is a good example. It took me visiting government posts in Cape Town, Swaziland, and Pretoria before I finally landed a Mozambique visa. My advice is to acquire as many visas as you can prior to departure, or in one major city. However, it's true that some nations have a fairly painless border visa, Zambia and Zimbabwe are really simple. Others such as Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda have transitioned to the East Africa visa that is now available online. But still be aware of what's required as requirements and accessibility can instantly change.

3. Infrastructure

Sure, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and their neighbors have great transportation options. Intercape, Greyhound, and Translux are great examples. However, when traversing further north, such as in Malawi, options might be scant. Keep in mind also that trains are rare throughout the continent, though there is a famous train that links Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Now let's talk about taxis; shared taxis are not only common but are an adventure in their own right. Don't be surprised to be sardine canned with 25 people in a van.

Additionally, roadways will possess rural charm, so expect plenty of potholes and frequent stops. Whenever a shared taxi driver gives you an arrival time, add two hours. Lastly, remember that shared taxis don't leave until they're full.

4. Start from the north and move south, avoid the west

Unless you're a more experienced traveler, western Africa should be avoided. The reason harkens back to the previous three bullet points. Sure, some Europeans choose to drive across west Africa, but for individual travelers, relying on shared taxis could be a pain. Plus, a number of visas alone will make it a headache. Now, starting from the south starts easily enough, but visa and infrastructure might prove cumbersome as you move north toward Tanzania. The ideal method, in my opinion, is to go from north to south. It’ll be easier overall. As you head south the roadways, along with transportation options, will improve and visa requirements will become more streamlined or non-existent.

5. Things Move Slowly

What I mean is that the mentality is incredibly relaxed, and it might catch many coffee driven westerners off-guard. The key thing to remember is that everything moves slowly, and few things are cause for emergency. This is especially true during border crossings which can take longer than expected. Arriving at the Zimbabwe-South Africa border at around 9:00 pm, our bus was stuck overnight until around 8-ish in the morning. This relaxed attitude extends into other areas as well, so those accustomed to the New York Minute, or the college second crunch, might be flabbergasted by the African Hour. A-type personalities will need to dump buckets of patience over their heads.


Another reason for this article is that I'm considering traversing the continent a second time. Planning to start in Ethiopia and move south to Cape Town. In fact, after creating this list, I realize how much I miss the place. From the high speed shared taxis, wildlife photo ops, and the open hospitality, it's worth the experience.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59052
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38135
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959622
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

196453
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments