Missteps in African Adventure: Why Bus and Boat Trips Should Start With South Africa

• Eli Solidum, aged 28, embarked on an impressive journey across Africa, visiting 8 different countries during his adventure on the continent.
• He reveals which nation is considered 'otherworldly' and which one boasts the 'most friendly' inhabitants.
• READ MORE: I sold my home to embark on travels — here are the top countries I love.

'I have visited more than 70 countries spanning five continents, yet nothing could truly ready me for many of the experiences I encountered 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 the top African nation for newcomers, discusses how the wildlife can be overwhelming, and points out typical errors travelers encounter when organizing an African adventure.

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: "From a logistical standpoint, this could very well be the most challenging journey I have 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 did not encounter numerous travelers to share tips and strategies with. Being a foreigner was also psychologically demanding since I stood out regardless of circumstances. Staying inconspicuous was unachievable, and I simply wasn’t accustomed to the persistent notice from others, despite much of it stemming from innocent interest.

The traveler, who is 29 years old, mentions finding a 'sweet spot' when it comes to organizing travel within Africa. He states, "I hadn’t finalized which countries I would visit, so unexpected side trips to Uganda and Rwanda meant obtaining visas, something that took some waiting."

The wait meant Eli had to stay in Kenya 'longer than planned' and 'readjust' his visa in 'a whole 10-day-long mess of hobbling around Nairobi to sort everything out'.

He shares: "Despite not being fond of trip planning myself, I would suggest considering the visa prerequisites for each destination you plan to visit. Additionally, research the necessary vaccinations and medicines needed or advised, identify key transport nodes such as main airports and transit centers, and proceed accordingly."

However, on the other hand, Eli cautions that it’s simple to fall into the trap of over-planning your journey to the continent.

The traveler remarks, "If your itinerary is overly detailed with fixed reservations and flight arrangements for each segment of the journey, that well-laid plan will likely crumble sooner rather than later."

'Processes tend to be slow around these parts, much like the three-day railway journey from Dar-es-Salaam to Lusaka. About midway through my trip, we came to a halt before even getting close to our destination. Later on, I encountered individuals in Lusaka who were considering embarking on the very same train ride, aiming to reach Dar-es-Salaam just in time for a flight scheduled precisely three days after departure. Although I did not keep in contact with them, I'd wager they ended up missing their flight.'

Next come the buses. Typically, they simplify travel between locations, yet there’s always a risk of boarding the incorrect one.

Eli clarifies: "In East Africa, buses and shared minibuses known as matatus were abundant, making travel between locations quite simple. However, bus terminals frequently exhibited chaos or felt overpowering. As a foreign traveler carrying two backpacks slung on either side, I would typically find myself being pulled around by various individuals attempting to direct me onto their particular bus, even when those weren’t necessarily the right ones."

'Events are destined to occur, and a single domino tipping over can ruin your whole plan.'

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 elaborates: "You don’t necessarily need to embark on safaris just to spot wild animals. Once, as I cycled down a path, I had to halt so a giraffe could pass by. On another occasion, while strolling towards lunch, I witnessed a baboon tearing into a garbage bin right before my eyes, and simultaneously, a warthog grabbed some discarded food and darted off with it. In Botswana, when I caught a ride, our vehicle came to a standstill for 30 minutes on the highway because a massive group of zebras and elephants alternately approached a waterhole on the roadside to drink. This experience was truly 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 insight: "Paddling in a mokoro—a slender canoe—across the Okavango Delta’s waters at dawn was among the calmest times I've ever experienced. The serenity was palpable; the quiet surface of the water combined with the bird calls created an almost surreal atmosphere, making me feel as if I were dreaming."

While you’re floating on this small, vulnerable wooden raft amidst waters teeming with numerous hippos and elephants, danger lurks everywhere. On our return trip 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, after which it retreated. This sudden burst of adrenaline sharply contrasted with the serene atmosphere of earlier that day. It truly underscored the raw wilderness, unyielding terrain, and pristine landscapes I encountered during my journey.

Therefore, excluding Botswana, what are some must-visit destinations on your list?

Eli suggests visiting Sossusvlei in Namibia, a salt pan enclosed by desert dunes, calling it "the most surreal, otherworldly location I explored." The ascent up Mount Kenya stood out as well. According to Eli, reaching the peak of Mount Kenya remains etched in his memory due to the immense difficulty, battling against high altitudes and starting their climb at 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 shares: "When I arrived in Kenya, Uganda hadn’t crossed my mind at all. However, I encountered numerous Ugandan people who seemed perpetually cheerful and jovial. This piqued my interest, prompting me to explore what made everyone in their nation so incredibly joyful constantly. Although my stay lasted just ten days, I thoroughly enjoyed it."

'This place offers a mix of adventures including gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking, exploring Murchison Falls, discovering the origin of the Nile River, visiting crater lakes, and seeing the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains with their towering peaks—some of the highest in Africa. This country stands out as one of the lushest destinations I have visited; moreover, the locals were incredibly welcoming and humorous. Additionally, the night life here is outstanding and likely tops anything else found within East Africa.'

Eli suggests that for someone visiting Africa for the first time, South Africa makes an ideal starting point. He elaborates: "Cape Town and the Garden Route offer a perfect blend where you can ease into things; they combine elements of both Western and African cultures well. It serves as a gentle gateway to the continent, allowing one to acclimate gradually before venturing into areas that may be more isolated with significantly different cultural landscapes."

Had I not traveled to Cape Town half a decade earlier, navigating the remainder of the continent might have been far more challenging. Additionally, it serves as an excellent hub for connecting with fellow travelers, allowing you to seek their guidance or potentially rendezvous with them during your journey.

While Africa isn't a well-trodden route on the backpacker circuit, that can have unexpected benefits. Eli reveals: 'There weren't too many backpackers travelling the continent while I was there. It'd be nice sometimes 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 certain luxurious accommodations priced at several hundred dollars per night also provide campsite options for much less money. He added that occasionally, he would opt for staying in a hotel or an apartment when he needed respite following significant adventures; however, generally speaking, his lodging expenses were kept to around $20 (£15.76) or below each night.

What advice might Eli offer to someone hesitant about visiting Africa?

He states: "It’s beneficial to experience some hesitation and nervousness before setting off. This isn’t an ordinary place to visit, so expect hurdles along the way. African backpacking may not suit everybody; however, should you crave excitement, very few regions worldwide provide experiences akin to those found in Africa."

'Most travellers I've met have said the same thing. It isn't easy, but it is an immensely rewarding experience and perhaps the most fulfilling trip I've ever taken. If you want to come away from your trip with countless stories and lifelong memories, then Africa will provide that in abundance. It's unlike any trip I've taken before.'

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