- Eli Solidum, aged 28, embarked on an adventure across Africa and explored 8 different countries during his journey.
- He reveals which nation is considered 'otherworldly' and which one boasts the 'most friendly' folks.
- 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 had in Africa.
TikTok voyager and writer Eli Solidum @elisolidum From the Philippines, he shared 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.
A 28-year-old person shares their insights on which African nation is ideal for newcomers, describes how encountering local fauna can be overwhelming, and points out typical errors travelers often make when arranging an African adventure.
However, firstly, what was the nature of the challenges 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. Due to the sparse and inconsistent public transport, limited affordable lodging choices in some areas, outmoded and incorrect map information, along with scant online resources for my intended locations, I found myself having to improvise extensively and adjust spontaneously."
I did not encounter numerous travelers to share tips and strategies with. Being a foreigner posed significant mental challenges as I always stood out regardless of circumstances. Staying inconspicuous was unachievable, and I found it difficult to get accustomed to the persistent notice from others, despite much of it stemming from innocent curiosity.
The traveler, who is 29 years old, mentions that there’s an optimal point when it comes to organizing a journey in Africa. Eli states: "I hadn’t finalized the specific African nations I would visit, making unplanned side trips to Uganda and Rwanda necessary but challenging because obtaining the needed visas took extra time."
Eli was forced to remain in Kenya for an extended period beyond what he initially planned due to the delay. He also had to ‘rework’ his visa during this time, which turned into a “ten-day ordeal” involving extensive running around Nairobi to get all the paperwork sorted.”
He shares, "Although you may not enjoy organizing your travels, and I definitely do not, I would suggest investigating the visa prerequisites for each nation you plan to visit. Additionally, look into the necessary or suggested vaccinations and medicines, identify key transport centers and airports, and proceed accordingly."
However, on the other hand, Eli cautions that it’s simple to commit the usual error of overscheduling your journey to the mainland.
The traveler remarks, "Should you meticulously organize everything with rigid reservations and flight arrangements for each part of your journey, that well-laid plan will likely crumble sooner rather than later."
Things tend to progress at a leisurely pace around here; consider the journey of a train traveling over three days from Dar-es-Salaam to Lusaka. About midway through this trip, we came to an unexpected halt after being en route for roughly two-and-a-half days. 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 post-departure. Though I did not keep in contact with these travelers afterward, my guess would be that they ended up missing their plane.
Next up are 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 appeared disorganized or intimidating. As a foreign traveler carrying two backpacks attached on either side, I would typically find myself being shuffled around by individuals attempting to direct me onto their particular bus, even when those weren’t necessarily the right ones."
'Events are destined to unfold, and a single domino tipping over can ruin your whole plan.'
Fortunately, you don’t need to plan extensively to experience Africa’s amazing wildlife. Eli mentioned he was taken aback by just how widespread it was.
He elaborates, "You don’t necessarily need to embark on safaris just to spot wild animals. Once, as I cycled down the path, I had to halt so a giraffe could pass by. On another occasion, while strolling toward my meal, I witnessed a baboon tearing into a garbage bin right before me, and simultaneously, a warthog darting off with some discarded scraps. In Botswana, when I caught a lift somewhere, our vehicle came to a standstill for about 30 minutes due to a massive group of zebras and elephants alternately quenching their thirst at a waterhole alongside the roadway. The experience was breathtaking and remained endlessly fascinating."
Botswana is also home to one of Eli’s ‘most tranquil moments,' even with an unexpected visitor popping up. He shares this about his experience: "Paddling along in a mokoro—a slender canoe—across the Okavango Delta early in the day was among the calmest times I’ve ever had. Everything seemed so quiet; the glassy surface of the water, the bird calls echoing around us—it truly felt surreal."
While being on this small, vulnerable wooden platform amidst waters teeming with numerous hippos and elephants at the same time, we faced quite a challenge. On our return journey to where we started, a charging hippo confronted us, making those brief moments feel incredibly long. Fortunately, it turned out to be just a mock charge as it eventually retreated; however, it provided a sudden surge of adrenaline contrasting sharply with the peacefulness of the day so far. This experience truly underscored the raw wilderness, unpredictability, and pristine nature of the locations I visited.
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, calling it "the most surreal, out-of-this-world location I explored." The ascent up Mount Kenya was another standout moment for him. Eli shares, “The climb to the peak of Mount Kenya remains etched in my memory due to how challenging it was, battling the high elevation and starting our trek towards the summit around 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 clarifies: "When I arrived in Kenya, it didn’t cross my mind at all. However, I encountered numerous Ugandans who seemed to be perpetually cheerful and jovial. This piqued my interest, making me wonder what made everybody in Uganda so incredibly joyful constantly. Although my stay lasted just ten days, I thoroughly enjoyed it."
'This place offers a mix of adventures. You can go gorilla tracking, chimps watching, see the stunning Murchison Falls, visit where the Nile starts, explore crater lakes, and admire the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains with their towering peaks—some of the highest in Africa. This country stands out as one of the lushest places I have visited; moreover, the locals are incredibly friendly and humorous. Additionally, its night life is fantastic and likely tops all others in East Africa.'
For those visiting Africa for the first time, Eli suggests starting with South Africa as an ideal ‘beginner’s gateway’. He elaborates: "In Cape Town and along the Garden Route, you can get acclimated because these places offer a blend of Western and African influences. It serves as a gentle entry point to the continent before venturing into areas that might be more distant and distinctively different from what one typically experiences."
If I didn’t explore Cape Town five years back, adjusting to travel across the rest of the continent might have been tougher for me. Additionally, it’s an excellent spot to connect with fellow travelers where you can seek their insights or perhaps join up with them during your journey.
Although Africa may not be a popular destination on the typical backpacking trail, this could turn out to offer some surprising advantages. As Eli shares, "During my time there, few backpackers were exploring the continent. This meant that occasionally you might shell out $10 (£7.88) for a bed in a shared dorm at a hostel but end up with the entire room—or even the complete facility—all to yourself."
Eli mentioned that certain upscale accommodations charging hundreds of dollars per night also provide campsite options at a much lower cost. He would occasionally opt for staying in hotels or apartments whenever he felt like taking a break following an adventurous day, yet generally, his lodging expense stayed around $20 (£15.76) or less each night.
What advice might Eli offer to someone hesitant about visiting Africa?
He states: "It’s quite beneficial to experience some hesitation and nervousness beforehand. This isn’t an ordinary place to visit; expect various hurdles along the way. African backpacking may not suit everybody, yet should thrill-seeking adventures be 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 immense satisfaction and stands out as possibly my most gratifying adventure yet. Should you desire to return home with numerous tales and enduring recollections, Africa will generously supply these elements. This continent presents an unparalleled travel experience compared to anything else I’ve done previously.
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