Africa Solo Travel
Ten Tips For African Travel
Africa is a huge part of the modern world. It is also one of the most exciting outfield destinations for the contemporary traveler left on the planet. There is an aura in Africa that it is travel on the front line, and in many ways it is. However the reputation the continent suffers for gratuitous violence, corruption and unrest is largely exaggerated, and with a few simple precautions travel in Africa is as reliable, reasonable and enjoyable as anywhere else in the world.
General Safety
Africa has a shocking reputation for violence and civil unrest, and there are certain places where the life expectancy for a westerner on the streets is measured in hours, if not minutes. However in general, for example Sierra Leone, a nation with arguably the worst legacy of violence in the world, is also one of the friendliest tourist destinations in Africa.
A fact worth remembering is that African political violence usually has an internecine flavor that rarely includes random or misdirected acts of violence against outsiders. You can get caught in the crossfire, so make a point of avoiding war zones, but don’t assume that because a country has experienced violence in the past that violence is endemic in the national psyche. In fact Africans continent wide have a reputation for openness and friendliness that is unparalleled anywhere in the world.
Date: August 25th, 2008 |
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A Poor Backpackers Guides to Cheap Safaris
In many parts of Africa, safaris can be pretty expensive. Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana are all countries that charge a lot of money to go searching for animals. In Tanzania, a typical safari will run about $100 per day per person – and that’s pretty average to low end. That safari can end up biting a huge portion of your already slim budget. Are these costs justified? Sure! Huge portions of the fees go back to the government to maintain the roads, stop poaching, and help fund other education projects in the area.
But for a traveler with little …
Date: June 30th, 2004 |
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Introduction to Solo Travel
Ever since the first explorers traveled into the exterior of the then called “Dark Continent,” there was a true appetite for adventure and not knowing what to expect throughout Africa. Africa held an assorted array of mysterious cultures, landscapes, animals and overall difficulties. This type of adventure is what has drawn people to the continent for ages.
Today, hundreds of years later, it still draws people from all over the world. Backpackers, hunters, volunteers, missionaries and animal watchers are drawn to the unique rhythm and beats of Africa. For solo travelers on a minimal budget, most of Africa still remains a …
Date: May 25th, 2004 |
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Bribing 101 – some basic tips to save your money
I will never forget my first encounter with a police bribe in Africa. I had heard about it from other Africa travelers, but was never sure if I was going to experience it. In fact, many travelers shrugged it off as no big deal, “just a part of traveling here,” one said. My African friend, my girlfriend and I were driving down the road, minding our own business, when all of a sudden a cop flagged us down. When I say “flagged” down, I literally mean waving his hand to stop us since, unfortunately, many police officers in the …
Date: July 1st, 2004 |
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A Solo Travelers First Steps
When a solo traveler finally commits to traveling through Africa on their own, one of the first questions that comes into his or her mind is, “Where to go?” It’s a daunting, almost mind boggling question - one that you could think about for literally years. Why? The reason is Africa is mammoth and has such a wide variety of landscapes, cultures and travel options. There are countless solo trips around Africa – you could just see where fate takes you, or you could follow a typical tourist route. Ultimately, the great thing about traveling in Africa is that, depending …
Date: June 25th, 2004 |
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