- Eli Solidum, 28 years old, traveled to 8 countries in Africa as part of his journey across the continent.
- He discloses which country is "otherworldly" and which one has "the friendliest" people
I have traveled to over 70 countries across five continents, but even that was not enough to prepare me for a lot of what I encountered in Africa.
A traveler from the Philippines shares with MailOnline Travel his incredible four-month adventure in Africa, a journey marked by a multitude of challenges yet also inclued surreal and otherworldly experiences.
The 28-year-old reveals the continent's premier destination for first-time visitors, why the wildlife is a jarring experience and the frequent errors people commit when organizing a trip to Africa.
Let's delve into the numerous obstacles he encountered
"'Logistically, it might be the most challenging trip I've ever taken. Just between infrequent and unreliable public transportation, a lack of budget-friendly accommodation options in certain areas, outdated and inaccurate maps, and fewer online resources covering my destinations, I had to improvise and adapt frequently as I went along.'
'I met surprisingly few travelers to share advice and plans with. As a foreigner, I also found it mentally demanding as I stood out regardless of what I did. It was difficult to maintain a low profile and I was unaccustomed to the constant attention I received, even though most of it was harmless curiosity.'
A 29-year-old traveler shares that there's an optimal time for planning a trip to Africa. He says, "I didn't have specific countries planned, so spontaneous trips to Uganda and Rwanda required visas that I had to wait for."
The delay forced Eli to stay in Kenya for longer than intended and caused him to "readjust" his visa in a "10-day ordeal of racing around Nairobi to deal with the problems."
He says: 'Even if you dislike organizing your trips, which I highly dislike, I suggest looking into visa requirements for every country you plan to visit, checking the necessary vaccinations and medications, identifying major transportation centers and airports, and then proceeding accordingly.'
However, Eli cautions that it's easy to fall into the trap of overplanning a trip to the continent.
The traveler says: "If you plan too much and have strict bookings and flights for every leg of the trip, that plan will fall apart before long."
'I've experienced the slow pace here firsthand – the 3-day train journey from Dar-es-Salaam to Lusaka is a prime example. On my trip, the train broke down less than halfway to Lusaka, and I was stuck for three days. Later, I met some people in Lusaka who planned to travel the same route and catch a flight from Dar-es-Salaam exactly 3 days later. Unfortunately, I didn't stay in touch with them, but I'm confident they missed their flight.'
The public transportation system, specifically buses in this case, offers convenient travel options, but there's always a risk of boarding the wrong one.
Eli explains: 'East Africa didn't lack buses or shared minibuses known as matatus, making it relatively simple to travel from one place to another. However, bus stations often presented challenges, with multiple options available, and as a foreigner with two backpacks slung across both sides of me, I was frequently approached by people trying to recruit me onto their buses, which wasn't always the correct route I wanted to take.'
Small events can have a significant impact, and a single disturbance can completely disrupt your plans.
Fortunately, there's no planning needed to appreciate Africa's breathtaking wildlife; Eli was pleasantly surprised by how widespread it is.
He explains: 'You don't need to go on safaris to see wildlife. I'd be riding my bike and have to stop for a giraffe to cross my path. I'm walking to lunch and a baboon is tearing open a trash can right in front of me, while a warthog snatches some rubbish and makes off with it. I got a ride in Botswana and we had to stop on the highway for half an hour because a huge herd of zebras and elephants were sharing a watering hole, taking turns to drink on one side of the road. It was awe-inspiring and never lost its impact.'
Botswana is where Eli had one of 'the most peaceful experiences' of his life, despite the appearance of an unwelcome guest. He says: 'Being in a mokoro (a flat, narrow type of canoe) and gliding through the waters of the Okavango Delta in the early morning light was one of the most peaceful experiences of my life. It was serene, the stillness of the water, the chirping of the birds, it felt like a dream.'
'At the same time, I was on a small, vulnerable wooden platform in waters teeming with dangerous hippos and elephants. We encountered a hippo on our return to our starting point, and the few seconds that followed were an eternity. Fortunately, it was just a show of force, and it stepped back, but it was a massive buildup of adrenaline compared to the peaceful start of the morning. It really highlighted the reality of visiting places that remain remote, uncharted, and completely raw.'
What are the other bucket-list destinations besides Botswana?
Eli suggests visiting Sossusvlei in Namibia, a shallow salt and clay pan surrounded by immense sand dunes, which he believes is the 'most surreal, otherworldly location I visited.' Climbing Mount Kenya was also a notable experience. Eli comments: 'Elevating to Mount Kenya's summit was a groundbreaking experience, specifically due to the great challenge of withstanding the high altitude and embarking on our summit climb at two in the morning.'
He asserts that Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Zambian National Park hosting approximately half of the Victoria Falls, is 'awe-inspiring, surpassing the hype and expectations'.
And don't miss Uganda.
Eli explains: "It wasn't even on my radar when I arrived in Kenya, but I met a lot of people from Uganda there and they were always smiling and laughing. I became curious about why everyone in the country was so incredibly happy all the time. Although I was only there for 10 days, I really loved it."
'This place has a little bit of everything. Trekking with gorillas and chimpanzees, taking in Murchison Falls, the source of the Nile River, crater lakes, and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains - home to some of Africa's highest peaks. It's one of the most verdant countries I've visited, and the locals were among the most welcoming and humorous. The nightlife scene is truly exceptional and likely the best in East Africa.'
For the first-time visitor to Africa, Eli recommends South Africa as the 'best introduction'. He explains: 'Cape Town and the Garden Route are a great place to start, offering a blend of Western and African cultures. I found it a great way to get started, like gradually easing yourself into the continent before exploring more distant and culturally distinct areas.
If I hadn't visited Cape Town five years ago, I think I would have found it even more challenging to navigate the remainder of the continent. It's an excellent location to connect with fellow travelers, who can offer valuable recommendations or even make arrangements to meet up along your journey.
Although Africa is not a commonly traveled destination on the backpacker trail, this can sometimes be beneficial. Eli notes: "There weren't too many backpackers traveling the continent while I was there. It was nice at times because you'd pay $10 (£7.88) for a shared dormitory in a hostel and have the whole room, sometimes even the whole hostel, to yourself."
Eli mentioned that some of the high-end lodges that cost hundreds of dollars per night offer camping options for a fraction of the price. He also shared that sometimes he'd stay in a hotel or apartment if he needed a break after an intense adventure experience. However, his usual budget typically ranges from $20 to under, with a night's accommodation costing $20 or less in local currency (£15.76).
What would Eli say to someone hesitant to visit Africa?
He says: 'It's beneficial to have a bit of indecision and anxiety when deciding to visit. It's not a conventional travel destination, and there will be some challenges. Backpacking in Africa isn't for everyone, but if you're seeking an adventure, there are very few places on the planet that can match what Africa offers.'
'Many of the travelers I've encountered have expressed the same sentiment. While it's not a straightforward journey, it's incredibly enriching and possibly the most gratifying trip I have ever taken. If you wish to return from your trip with a multitude of stories and enduring recollections, then Africa will generously provide an abundance of both. It's in every way distinct from any trip I have undertaken before.'
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