Key Takeaways
- Africa is a massive continent known for its exotic animal encounters, dramatic landscapes, world-class beaches, and rich cultural traditions that vary
- Stretching over 30 million square kilometers and home to over 1.2 billion people, Africa is a vastly diverse landscape — both geographically and cultu
- Where many countries in Africa do have their struggles, there are also many places where tourism is booming. Whether you’re looking for an intrepid bu
Last update: 7/8/22 | July 8th, 2022
Africa is a massive continent known for its exotic animal encounters, dramatic landscapes, world-class beaches, and rich cultural traditions that vary from region to region. It’s a continent few explore in-depth (there are 54 countries here after all), yet one that always seems to captivate anyone who visits.
Stretching over 30 million square kilometers and home to over 1.2 billion people, Africa is a vastly diverse landscape — both geographically and culturally. Most world maps end up distorting the continent’s true size, leading many to underestimate just how big it is (contrary to what a Mercator map shows, Africa is actually 14 times larger than Greenland!).
Clearly, there is a lot to see here.
Where many countries in Africa do have their struggles, there are also many places where tourism is booming. Whether you’re looking for an intrepid budget backpacking experience or a more luxurious safari getaway, you’ll be able to find it somewhere on the continent.
But how do you get around while you’re there?
To help you plan your next adventure, here’s everything you need to know about traveling Africa — no matter your budget!
Overland Africa Safari Tours
Overland safari tours are organized package tours of Africa. They are the easiest way to see the continent, catering to more short-term travelers who want to see Africa without a hassle. If you’re a little intimidated about traveling Africa on your own, this may be your best option.
Overland tours are more expensive than doing things yourself, but food, transport, and accommodation costs are all included. You can usually find a wide variety of options as well, from basic backpacker tours to more luxurious options. Small group tours will be your cheapest option, though private tours will also be available (though much more expensive).
These tours are generally perfect for people who don’t want to plan and research a trip and/or travelers who want to minimize hassle while they’re there.
If you’re specifically interested in animal safaris and seeing the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino), South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania are some of the best places for safaris in Africa.
Public Buses
Traveling by bus gives you an opportunity to be a part of other passengers’ everyday lives. You’ll get the opportunity to learn about how the locals get around and experience a more authentic way of traveling the continent.
It will require a bit more planning, but it’s an affordable way to travel. Plus, you’ll get the opportunity to converse with the locals. You’ll find that people will go out of their way to make sure that you, as a visitor, are comfortable and safe as possible.
Public buses will usually cost between $3–$30 USD depending on how far you’re going. More often than not, they are used for city travel or inter-city journeys where there is a good network of sealed roads. These buses are generally comfortable, safe, and spacious.
Countries or regions that have fewer or no sealed roads will usually have much older buses that frequently break down and are overcrowded. You’ll want to make sure you plan ahead, secure your valuables, and expect delays.
For these trips, make sure that all your valuables are stored on you/within reach and not in your luggage that’s checked below or above the bus. While thefts are rare, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.
Minivans
How many people do you think you can fit in a minivan? Africa is the place that defines the limit to that answer. Just when you think they couldn’t possibly fit another person in, they have them stand on the windowsill outside the van.
While this may not be the most luxurious method of travel, it’s definitely a memorable one — and an affordable one, too! Minivans are an incredibly cheap way to get around and are usually taken for journeys up to six hours long within a country (or to a neighboring country). Unless you’ve pre-booked a journey with a company, most minivans don’t leave until they are full, so jump on one that looks ready to go and avoid waiting for hours until it fills up.
Like public buses, prices are cheap. Expect to pay anywhere from $1–20 USD depending on how far you are going.
Hitchhiking
More people tend to hitchhike through Namibia and South Africa rather than other East African countries. And hitchhiking in Central Africa is not recommended.
While hitchhiking can be convenient and free, it carries inherent risks — especially for solo travelers or those unfamiliar with local norms and safety conditions. Always trust your instincts, prioritize visibility and daylight travel, and share your route with someone trustworthy before departing.
