Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your African Adventure: Why First-Timers Should Start in South Africa
- Eli Solidum, 28, visited 8 countries in Africa on his odyssey through the continent
- He shares which country is 'otherworldly' and which has the 'friendliest' people
- READ MORE: I sold my house to go travelling - these are my favourite countries
'I've travelled to over 70 countries across five continents, but even that couldn't prepare me for a lot of what I experienced in Africa.'
TikTok traveler and writer Eli Solidum @elisolidum From the Philippines, he is sharing with MailOnline Travel details of his incredible four-month adventure across Africa, a trip marked by numerous challenges yet also filled with 'surreal' and 'otherworldly' moments.
The 28-year-old shares insights into the top African destination for newcomers, describes how the wildlife can be overwhelming, and points out typical errors travelers often encounter when organizing their visit to Africa.
However, let's start with the 'tone' of difficulties he encountered?
Eli went to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa , and discloses: "In terms of logistics, this could very well be the most challenging journey I’ve undertaken. The combination of scarce and inconsistent public transport, limited affordable lodging choices in some areas, outmoded and incorrect maps, along with sparse online information about my intended locations forced me to improvise extensively and adjust spontaneously."
I encountered few fellow travelers to share tips and strategies with. Being a foreigner posed significant mental challenges as I always stood out regardless of circumstances. Blending in unnoticed was unachievable, and the relentless focus from others took some getting accustomed to, despite much of it stemming from innocent interest.
The 29-year-old traveler mentions that there’s an optimal point when it comes to organizing a journey in Africa. Eli states, "My itinerary wasn’t fixed regarding the specific countries I would visit, leading to impromptu side trips to Uganda and Rwanda. However, these unplanned excursions meant obtaining additional visas, which took some waiting."
The delay forced Eli to remain in Kenya for an extended period beyond what was initially planned, necessitating he ‘rework’ his visa amidst a “ten-day ordeal” involving extensive running around Nairobi to resolve all the issues.
He shares, "Even though you may not enjoy organizing your travels, and I certainly do not, I suggest reviewing each country’s visa regulations, assessing necessary vaccinations and medications, identifying key transport centers and airports, and proceeding accordingly."
However, on the other hand, Eli cautions that it’s simple to commit the frequent error of over-planning your journey to Europe.
The traveller says: 'If you plan too much and have strict bookings and flights for every stretch of the trip, that plan will fall apart before too long.
Things tend to progress at a leisurely pace around here, much like the three-day journey by train from Dar-es-Salaam to Lusaka. On my trip, we were only halfway through our route when the train stalled after approximately three days of travel. Later on, I encountered individuals in Lusaka who intended to take the very same train with hopes of arriving in Dar-es-Salaam just in time for a flight scheduled precisely three days hence. Though I did not keep in contact with these travelers afterward, I would venture to guess that they likely missed their flights.
Next up are the buses. Typically, they simplify travel between locations, yet there’s always a risk of boarding the incorrect one.
Eli explains: 'East Africa had no shortage of buses or shared minibuses called matatus and it was easy to get from place to place. But bus stations were often chaotic or overwhelming and showing up as a foreigner with two backpacks strapped on both sides of me usually meant that I'd be dragged all over the place by people trying to get me on their bus, which wasn't always the correct bus.
'Things are bound to happen, and a simple domino falling can demolish your entire itinerary.'
Fortunately, no prior planning is needed to appreciate Africa's incredible wildlife, as Eli mentioned he was astonished by how widespread it turned out to be.
He shares, "You don’t necessarily need to embark on safaris just to spot wild animals. Once, as I cycled along, I had to halt so a giraffe could pass by. On another occasion, while strolling towards lunch, a baboon tore into a garbage bin right before my eyes, and simultaneously, a warthog grabbed some refuse and darted off with it. In Botswana, when I caught a lift, our vehicle came to a standstill on the highway for about 30 minutes because a massive group of zebras and elephants took turns quenching their thirst at a waterhole alongside the road. The experience was breathtaking and remained endlessly fascinating."
In Botswana, Eli had one of the most tranquil moments of his existence, even though an unwelcome visitor appeared. He shares this about his experience: "Sailing in a mokoro—a slender, flat-bottomed boat—across the Okavango Delta’s waters at dawn was among the calmest times I've ever known. The serenity of the silent water, coupled with the sound of birds singing, made everything feel almost surreal."
While you’re floating on this small, vulnerable wooden platform amidst waters teeming with numerous hippos and elephants, danger lurks around every corner. On our return journey to where we started, a hippo confronted us head-on. Those brief moments stretched into what seemed like hours. Fortunately, it turned out to be just a mock charge as the animal retreated; however, it delivered quite a rush of adrenaline after such a serene start to the day. This experience underscored the fact that certain locations remained truly wild, uncontrolled, and pristine during my travels.
Therefore, excluding Botswana, what are some must-visit destinations on your list?
Eli suggests visiting Sossusvlei in Namibia, a salt flat encircled by sand dunes, describing it as "the most surreal, otherworldly location I explored." The ascent up Mount Kenya stood out too. According to Eli, “The climb to the peak of Mount Kenya remains etched in my memory due to how challenging it was; battling against high altitudes and starting our trek towards the top just after midnight.”
He adds that Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Zambian National Park that's home to half of the Victoria Falls waterfall, is 'awe-inspiring, living up to the hype and then some'.
And don't miss Uganda.
Eli explains: 'It wasn't even on my radar when I landed in Kenya, but I met so many Ugandans in Kenya and they were always smiling and laughing. I got curious and wanted to see why everyone in the country was so dang happy all the time. I only spent 10 days there but I loved it.
'This place offers a mix of adventures. You can go gorilla tracking, chimpanzee trekking, see the stunning Murchison Falls, visit the origin point of the Nile River, explore crater lakes, and marvel at the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, which boast several of Africa’s highest summits. This country stands out as one of the lushest destinations I have visited; moreover, the locals were exceptionally friendly and humorous. Additionally, its night life is top-notch and likely the finest across all of East Africa.'
Eli suggests that for someone visiting Africa for the first time, South Africa makes an ideal starting point. He elaborates: "In Cape Town and along the Garden Route, you can ease into things since these areas offer a blend of Western and African influences. It serves as a gentle entry to the continent before exploring more isolated and culturally distinct zones."
If I had not been to Cape Town five years back, traveling across the rest of Africa might have been tougher for me. It’s an excellent spot to connect with fellow travelers where you can seek their guidance or arrange meetings as you journey through.
Although Africa may not be a popular destination on the typical backpacking trail, this scarcity of travelers can come with unforeseen advantages. Eli shares, "When I visited, there weren’t many backpackers exploring the continent. This meant that occasionally, you could pay $10 (£7.88) for a bed in a shared dorm at a hostel and end up having the entire room—or even the whole place—to yourself."
Eli mentioned that certain upscale lodgings priced at several hundred dollars per night provide campsite options for much less money. He also noted that occasionally he would opt for staying in a hotel or an apartment when he felt like taking a break following a major expedition. However, mostly his lodging expenses stayed within a budget of around $20 (£15.76) or lower each night.
What advice might Eli offer to someone hesitant about visiting Africa?
He states: "It’s beneficial to experience some uncertainty and nervousness beforehand because this isn’t an ordinary place to visit; it comes with hurdles. African backpacking may not suit everybody, yet if thrill-seeking is what you desire, very few regions worldwide provide experiences akin to those found in Africa."
The majority of travelers I've encountered have shared similar sentiments. While not simple, this journey offers profound rewards and stands as possibly the most satisfying adventure I’ve embarked upon. Should you desire to return home with numerous tales and enduring recollections, Africa promises ample opportunities for both. This continent presents an unparalleled travel experience compared to others I have visited.
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