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Eli Solidum, aged 28, traveled to eight different countries in Africa on his impressive journey across the continent.
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He reveals which country is “otherworldly” and which has the “friendliest” people
‘Traveling to over 70 countries across five continents has taken me far, but nothing could have fully prepared me for the many incredible experiences I had in Africa.’
A traveler from the Philippines shares his incredible four-month journey across Africa with MailOnline Travel, recounting the numerous challenges he faced but also the surreal and otherworldly experiences he encountered.
The 28-year-old reveals the top destination in the continent for newcomers, why the wildlife will be a blow to the senses and the habitual errors people make when arranging a trip to Africa.
To begin with, what were the numerous challenges he encountered?
This journey was the most challenging one I’ve undertaken in terms of logistics. Due to infrequent and unreliable public transportation, limited budget-friendly accommodation options in some areas, outdated and inaccurate maps, and a lack of online resources covering my destinations, I had to make a lot of things up as I went along and adapt quickly.
‘To be honest, I didn’t come across many fellow travelers with whom I could exchange advice and itineraries. It was also mentally exhausting being a foreigner since I stood out regardless of what I did. It was impossible to maintain a low profile and I just wasn’t accustomed to the constant observation, even though most of it was simply out of curiosity.’
A 29-year-old traveler shares their experience and discovers there is “a sweet spot” to planning a trip in Africa. He states: “I didn’t have the countries I would visit set in my itinerary, so spontaneous detours to Uganda and Rwanda necessitated visas that had to be obtained after waiting.”
The wait forced Eli to stay in Kenya longer than anticipated, and he had to redo his visa in a protracted and troublesome 10-day process of dealing with administrative issues in Nairobi.
He estimates: ‘Even if you’re not a fan of planning your trips, which I’m not either, I suggest researching the visa requirements for all the countries you plan to visit, checking which vaccines and medications are necessary or recommended, finding the major transportation hubs and airports, and then building your itinerary from there.’
On the other hand, Eli cautions that one of the most common mistakes is making the trip to the continent overly complicated by overplanning every aspect.
The traveler says: “If you meticulously plan every detail of the trip, including booking flights and accommodations in advance, you’ll likely end up making adjustments along the way, and your itinerary will change.”
‘Travel in this area often moves at a sluggish pace, such as the train ride from Dar-es-Salaam to Lusaka that took three days. During my own journey, the train broke down roughly halfway to the final destination after I had travelled for approximately three days. Later, I encountered some people in Lusaka who intended to take the same train and arrive in Dar-es-Salaam with just enough time to catch a flight departing three days hence. Unfortunately, I did not remain in contact with them, but I think it is likely they missed their flight.’
…and then there are buses. They are generally convenient for traveling from one place to another, but there is always the risk of boarding the incorrect one.
Eli explains: “East Africa had no shortage of buses or shared minibuses called matatus and it was easy to get from place to place. However, bus stations were often chaotic or overwhelming, and showing up as a foreigner with two backpacks wearing on both sides of me usually meant that I’d be dragged all over the place by people trying to get me on their bus, which wasn’t always the correct bus.”
Life is full of uncertainties, and even the smallest incident can completely derail your carefully planned schedule.
Fortunately, no prior planning is needed to experience Africa’s impressive wildlife, and Eli himself was surprised by how pervasive it is.
He explains: ‘You don’t even need to go on safaris to see wild animals. I’d be riding my bike and have to stop for a giraffe crossing the road. On my way to lunch, I see a baboon breaking open a trash can, while a warthog grabs some garbage and runs off with it. When I hitched a ride in Botswana, we had to wait on the highway for half an hour because a huge herd of zebras and elephants were taking turns drinking at a watering hole on the side of the road. It was awe-inspiring, and never lost its appeal.’
Eli had one of ‘the most peaceful experiences’ of his life in Botswana, where he encountered an unexpected presence initially intimidating to him. He recounts: ‘Gliding across the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, a flat, narrow canoe, during morning sunlight was one of the most serene experiences of my life. The stillness of the water and the birdsong created a dreamlike atmosphere.’
At the same time, you’re standing on a small, defenseless piece of wood surrounded by waters teeming with countless hippos and elephants. We were chased by a hippo on our way back to our starting point, and those few seconds felt like an eternity. Luckily, it was a bluff charge, and it backed off, but it was a massive surge of adrenaline compared to the serene feeling of the morning up until then. It really made me realize how wild, untamed, and untouched some of the places I was visiting still were.
What are the top destinations to include in a travel bucket list, assuming Botswana is already included?
Eli highly recommends Sossusvlei in Namibia, a salt pan situated amidst vast desert dunes, which he describes as “the most surreal, otherworldly place I visited.” Mount Kenya was another standout experience. He recalls, “Climbing the summit of Mount Kenya was an unforgettable adventure, particularly the grueling challenge of battling altitude and starting our final push at 2 am.”
He describes Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Zambian National Park that’s home to half of the Victoria Falls waterfall, as ‘awe-inspiring, living up to the hype and then some’.
And don’t miss Uganda.
Eli explains: ‘I didn’t even anticipate it when I arrived in Kenya, but I met numerous Ugandans while I was there and they were always smiling and laughing. I became intrigued and wanted to understand the reasons behind everyone’s constant happiness. During my 10-day stay, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
‘It’s got a little bit of everything. Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, Murchison Falls, the source of the Nile River, crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains, home to some of the highest peaks in Africa. It’s one of the most lush countries I’ve visited, and the people there were among the friendliest and most affable I’ve encountered. The nightlife scene is incredible and probably the best in Eastern Africa.’
For the first-time visitor to Africa, Eli suggests South Africa as the ‘best introduction’. He explains: ‘Cape Town and the Garden Route are an ideal place to find your footing because they feature a perfect blend of Western and African cultures. I consider it a good introduction – it’s like easing into the continent before delving into the more isolated and culturally diverse regions.
‘My visit to Cape Town five years ago was instrumental in preparing me for my further travels across the continent. This city proved to be an ideal hub for connecting with other travelers, offering opportunities to gather valuable advice from them and also make plans to meet up while on the road.’
Africa is not a popular destination for backpackers, but this can have some pleasant surprises. Eli says: ‘I was fortunate in that there weren’t many backpackers traveling the continent while I was there. It was 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 some luxury lodges, which cost several hundred dollars per night, offer affordable camping options at a much lower cost. He also noted that sometimes he stayed in a hotel or apartment, mainly to rest after a particularly challenging adventure. Generally, his nightly budget was £15.76 or under.
What would Eli say to someone reluctant to visit Africa?
He says: ‘I think it’s a good idea to have some indecision and anxiety before you go. It’s not a usual travel destination and there will be challenges. Backpacking in Africa isn’t suited for everyone, but if you’re looking for an adventure, there are few places worldwide that can offer what Africa does.
‘Many travelers I’ve encountered share a common sentiment. It’s not an easy journey, but it is an exceptionally fulfilling experience, and arguably the most satisfying trip I’ve ever taken. If you desire to return from your trip with numerous tales and enduring recollections, then Africa promises an abundance of them. It’s unlike any trip I’ve undertaken previously.’
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