Travelling in Africa
Africa is a destination that undoubtedly features on most travellers ‘wish lists’, enticing many of us to explore it’s natural beauty, vibrant cultures and diverse scenery.
You can travel Africa for two weeks, two months or two years, it will never be enough; when the African bug bites it is a sure bet you will be back for more.
A popular travel option is to jump on an overland truck that will see you take in a number of countries in a relatively short period of time – the time frame is up to you as the options are endless. Overland safaris give you a great insight into Africa combining safe group travel with all the major highlights and some off the beaten track specialities.
Some African Highlights
• Trekking in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
• Witness the greatest wildlife extravaganza on earth – the migration, watch over a million wildebeest and zebra make the mighty trek from the Serengeti National Park to the Masai Mara Game Reserve.
• The spice island of Zanzibar is home to a colourful history, tiny alleyways of great shopping, endless beaches and great seafood.
• Victoria Falls, the adventure capital of Africa, promises to enthral you with it’s natural beauty and leave you breathless with extreme activities- not for the fainthearted, from rafting the mighty Zambezi River to cruising its upper waters in search of thirsty wildlife.
Africa around the world tickets
It’s easy to include Africa on almost any round the world ticket, with almost the entire region well served by round the world friendly airlines. Nairobi, Johannesburg and Cape Town are amongst the more established arrival and departure points.
The great attraction of travelling in Africa (well one of many) is the ease of travelling across the region by overland truck – this means that you have the opportunity to visit a multitude of countries using just one of your ticket’s allocated stops.
See some great round the world options that take you via Africa - more
How best to get around
One of the most popular and safest methods of travel in Africa is joining an existing overland safari. These safaris cater for the adventure travel market and promise you a true insight into Africa by ensuring you get to see all the highlights as well as some off-the-beaten-track local favourites. Travelling with a company and crew that have created itineraries based on years of experience definitely gives you the upper hand on African travel.
Local transport is another option with a bus and train network connecting some of the larger cities of southern and east Africa. Travelling on local transport can be tiresome due to the long distances and without a grasp of a variety of local languages can make things a little tricky, especially at more remote stops. Buses often wait until they are full (not on a timetable) with travellers needing to arrive first thing to secure a space. Having said all this, once you have mastered the ‘art’ and if you have the patience and time then travelling this way is possible.
Border crossings are generally straightforward so long as you have the necessary visas (some you can get on the border – be sure to check) and vaccinations (all travellers to Tanzania need to have had a yellow fever jab and carry a certificate to prove it).
In South Africa a number of low cost airlines have also started up making internal flights a lot cheaper than a few years ago and they can be a great help, especially if you are short of time.
Tours and Passes
Overland tours – truck tours throughout southern and east Africa – more
Baz Bus – jump on jump off backpacker bus service in South Africa – more
Money
Africa is relatively cheap to travel in, US dollars is the best hard currency to carry in east Africa. Most major bank cards are accepted in the bigger towns and cities throughout southern and east Africa. Once you are outside of the bigger towns’ cash points can be few and far between but the crew on your overland truck will be able to advise.
Weather overview/when best to go
East Africa
Early April through to early June is the time of the long rains in East Africa, with the short rains coming from late November through to December .The dry season offers excellent visibility as the grass is shorter and makes it easier for game viewing as the animals are forced to concentrate around the limited water sources. July and August are generally extremely busy in East Africa, with the migration in the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The migration back to the Serengeti is more spread out, running from the end of November to early April.
Southern Africa
The rainy season in southern Africa runs mainly from late November through to mid April in the main safari regions as they have a summer rainfall; however at this time the southern Cape is experiencing full blown summer with great temperatures and perfect summer’s days. During the winter months of June through to August the Cape area can be cold and rainy but this marks the high season for wildlife viewing elsewhere in the safari regions.
Top 3 activities
• Climbing Table Mountain for an incredible, panoramic view of Cape Town and the surrounding countryside.
• White water rafting on the rapids of the Zambezi River or at the source of the Nile in Uganda.
• Walking with lions in Kruger, take a gentle stroll with the big cats.
Top 3 overland routes
• Nairobi to Victoria Falls, a very popular adventure, starting at the Kenyan capital; through the Serengeti National Park; soaking up the history and sunshine on the spice island of Zanzibar; relaxing on the banks of Lake Malawi before arriving at the mighty Victoria Falls.
• Travelling overland from the foot of Cape Town’s majestic Table Mountain through the deserts of Namibia and by canoe up the Okavango Delta to one of the world’s greatest waterfalls – ‘the smoke that thunders’ - Victoria Falls.
• Following the Wild Coast of South Africa from the warm waters of Durban, to t he Eastern Cape garden route before finishing at the mother city, Cape Town for some relaxing and soaking up the Capetonian culture and relaxed pace of life.
Top 3 nights out
• Contrary to its nickame “Slaapstad” (Sleep Town), Cape Town does not sleep – especially during the summer months. Long Street and the trendy haunts of Camps Bay will keep you enthralled with live music, good cocktails and beautiful people. Finish off the night by watching the sunrise from the extensive selection of fabulous beaches.
• Swakopmund, a small town set half way up the Namibian coast and surrounded by desert on three sides, has a surprisingly good nightlife. After a day spent skydiving, quad biking or sand boarding, there is no better way to continue the adrenaline high. Extreme activity in the fresh, coastal air warrants a cold beer- a lively social scene!
• Beach party on the north coast of Zanzibar, Nungwe. Sip a cocktail, watch the sun set and boogie to the local tunes mixed in with some international hits from years gone by.
Top 3 sunsets
• The last ray of sunlight dropping behind a sea of dunes all viewed from the top of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert.
• A true African sunset at Okaukuejo waterhole in Etosha National Park, as a burning big ball of sun drops away, the animals come out to bathe and drink.
• Sitting at Africa House in Stone Town, Zanzibar watching the sun set with a cocktail in hand as a traditional dhow sails past.
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Try and learn a few basic words in local dialect. Local people really appreciate the efforts you make and consider it respectful.
- Follow local dress guidelines especially when in areas of strong religion, eg Stone Town, Zanzibar
- Appreciate the wildlife and be silent whilst game viewing, you are in their back yard.
- Drink a lot of water – Africa is hot in all senses of the word
- Travel responsibly - more
- Get relevant vaccinations and malaria precaution if needed
Don’t
• Photograph policemen or take any pictures at border crossings
• Litter, Africa has enough litter, take everything away with you especially when bush camping – leave only footprints – more
• Believe that travelling independently is always cheaper. If you want to see Africa, get on an overland truck and ensure the trip of a life time.