Backpacking Africa - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!



Go Back   TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards! > Backpacker College Student Travel Message Boards > Where ya going? & Specific country info! > Africa

Africa Wilderness with a capital W ! Paradise like landscapes, the Kilimandjaro and the Nile, huts and victorian architecture. Africa is a crossroads of civilizations, the land before time.

Raileurope.com: See Europe by train
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-12-2004, 06:28 PM   #1
blinkchick2134
TPunk Emeritus
 
blinkchick2134's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,633
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I know Africa is kinda considered the un-developed country but I also know it has a pretty decent travel industry. Most the travelers I know have never been to Africa and I'm debating catching a flight to Egypt next summer rather than London. I was planning on staying in Cairo then going down the Nile catching a plane to Kenya and hopefully visiting South Africa, Madagasgar (horrible spelling) and a number of other countries.

Any advice or info would be great. I plan to stay in hostels, hotels or with local families...I have two friends from Africa...one in Ethopia and one in Kenya. They say their family would love to have me.
__________________
Amber

"If I had a kid I'd f**k it. Then kill it. Then f**k it again." Seattle 2006

blog of travels and such
flickr

Currently located in HAWAII

Been to: Alaska, Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Hawaii, Spain, Switzerland - - also meetups in Chicago, LA, and Seattle
blinkchick2134 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2004, 07:12 PM   #2
jteichgrab
Members
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Prince Albert, the armpit of Canada!
Posts: 74
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

backpacking in Africa is not unheard of. i say you should go. fuck Europe, fuck southeast Asia, and fuck Australia. these places are toured to death. dont be afraid to do something different.
__________________

jteichgrab is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2004, 02:53 AM   #3
Canadian Dude
TPunk Emeritus
 
Canadian Dude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,709
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I agree, Africa is almost an un touched gem compared to other areas of the world, there are places you could venture to that no backer has ever been.

Although you should be aware of whats going on in the local news about the stablitiy of the region, there are more wars in Africa than any other area. And they happen almost with out notice.

I bet you would have great time! My step sister just got back, and she had a blast! And if backpacking turns out not to work so well for ya, I think Contiki does an Africa tour..
__________________
"The father who does not teach his son his duties is equally guilty with the son who neglects them." Confucius
Support Travelpunk.com by Booking Your Hostel Here

Canadian Dude is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2004, 03:47 AM   #4
worldwidemike
TPunk Emeritus
 
worldwidemike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Columbus, Ohio USA
Posts: 3,390
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Go for it, blinkie! People have been backpacking Africa for years. And knowing people to stay with is the ultimate way to see a country, I always feel. I'd do it, but like CD says, read up on your countries...don't wander into an active shooting war...

How are things with the boyfriend? Is he giving you grief about travel, or has he accepted it?

worldwidemike
__________________
Check out my travel web page at:
Worldwidemike.com
"Life is not measured in the number of breaths we take, but by the places that take our breath away..."
worldwidemike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2004, 06:14 PM   #5
blinkchick2134
TPunk Emeritus
 
blinkchick2134's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,633
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Thanks for everyone's advice! I'm really thinking about going there!

Mike: The boyfriend is...well I couldn't care less what he thinks. I'm deciding between two colleges right now - one less than 10 miles from my home and another 2 hours away. I'm leaning toward the further one...mainly because I love it there and their giving me a scholarship. I asked him for his view on it...he shrugged...said oh. He then said we could try the long distance thing but we all know how that goes. O well...I get to travel freely and enjoy the single life.

Amber
__________________
Amber

"If I had a kid I'd f**k it. Then kill it. Then f**k it again." Seattle 2006

blog of travels and such
flickr

Currently located in HAWAII

Been to: Alaska, Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Hawaii, Spain, Switzerland - - also meetups in Chicago, LA, and Seattle
blinkchick2134 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2004, 10:02 AM   #6
worldwidemike
TPunk Emeritus
 
worldwidemike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Columbus, Ohio USA
Posts: 3,390
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally posted by blinkchick2134@Apr 14 2004, 01:14 AM
I asked him for his view on it...he shrugged...said oh.* He then said we could try the long distance thing but we all know how that goes.
Yikes, Amber. Sounds like "Dead Man Walking"...just counting out the days. I've been there a couple of times in my life, too. It's like both of you know it's about to end, but neither wants to be the one who starts the "final fight." Human nature to avoid conflict, I guess.

You're right, Amber. You WILL get to enjoy traveling while single, and won't have to worry about rushing around to call or send e-mails "so it doesn't look like you're blowing him off."

I guess my advice is just try to end it on as amicable and cordial a note as possible. I have been lucky and most of my exes (who don't live in Texas ) I stay friends with.

The way I look at it is this: Nearly everyone dates numerous people throughout their life. Just because one relationship didn't work out and ended, is no reason to be angry or hold grudges. Each relationship adds its bit of tile to the mosaic that makes up your personality. How can you hate that part, because it is part of what makes you YOU? That'd be like saying "I hate this patch of skin over here...or I hate that lock of hair (or in my case, LACK of hair)...

Good luck, Amber, and I look forward to meeting you and the gang in Philly...

worldwidemike
__________________
Check out my travel web page at:
Worldwidemike.com
"Life is not measured in the number of breaths we take, but by the places that take our breath away..."
worldwidemike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2004, 02:17 PM   #7
Carisia
TPunk Recognized
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 535
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I couldn't have said it better WWM, Oh Wise Travel God!
Carisia is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2004, 11:11 PM   #8
blinkchick2134
TPunk Emeritus
 
blinkchick2134's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,633
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Brought a tear to my eye Mike....that may be my contact actually. But seriously thanks for the mood lifter! I look forward to meeting you and everyone also!

Amber
__________________
Amber

"If I had a kid I'd f**k it. Then kill it. Then f**k it again." Seattle 2006

blog of travels and such
flickr

Currently located in HAWAII

Been to: Alaska, Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Hawaii, Spain, Switzerland - - also meetups in Chicago, LA, and Seattle
blinkchick2134 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2004, 12:51 PM   #9
***Beady***
TPunk Recognized
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Kent, UK
Posts: 226
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Post

My ex went to Africa. And he did one of these travel around with a guide and a group things. He climbed mount Kilimanjaro. He had the time of his life! We split up before he went, but he really enjoyed himself out there.
Definetly gem up on all the goings on out there, but Africa is an enlightening and purely fantastic place....which I am totally green with envy for you! I really want to do relief work out there one day. I've never been, but from I've heard, ah man, it sounds like one fantastic place.
Just some useful clicky's for you.

hostels, etc...
getting from A to B
B.T.S.A.
Info....

One of the most usefullest places you 'might' find, is V.I.P., they do a discount card, where you can get special offers on with almost anything. They do a lot of countires, including Africa. I have one for Australia, and I've already saved money on it by booking a decent & cheap hostel for my first few nights in oz. But, I don't know what they are like with anything else. Although, they sent me a book, and I get offers with almost anything, from food, to transport, to water sports, to tours, to hostels, etc...It's worth a look at least.

When are going on your trip?
***Beady*** is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2004, 12:46 AM   #10
blinkchick2134
TPunk Emeritus
 
blinkchick2134's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,633
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I'll probably head out for my trip the summer of 2005. I wanted to go this summer but decided to stay in the states for the season.

I might delay the Africa trip though because I'm sort of worried to travel alone and I don't enjoy tours that much. I'll find a travel buddy at school in the fall to go with me. HAhaha good thing going to a International campus...people from everywhere.

Thanks for the sites Beady...they will be put to good use!

Amber

---

I'm attending Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ this fall. www.fdu.edu
__________________
Amber

"If I had a kid I'd f**k it. Then kill it. Then f**k it again." Seattle 2006

blog of travels and such
flickr

Currently located in HAWAII

Been to: Alaska, Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Hawaii, Spain, Switzerland - - also meetups in Chicago, LA, and Seattle
blinkchick2134 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2004, 07:03 AM   #11
Carisia
TPunk Recognized
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 535
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Hey there! I just saw a film on Kilimanjaro yesterday at the IMAX theater! Awesome! I few I've been there!
Carisia is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2004, 12:59 AM   #12
U2fan
BONO'S LOVE SLAVE
 
U2fan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Unfortunately, currently not in Sydney
Posts: 1,639
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I just got back from Egypt a month ago and had tons of amazing experiences and will remember it always! I am surprised to see that there is not more of a discussion about Africa, and especially, Egypt because it is not as "difficult" as other parts of Africa, in terms of logistics, etc. But I guess it's always easier to go to Europe! If anyone is going, I'd be happy to try and give tips/advice/whatever!

Mostly I just have to say.....GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO...........I was only there for 11 days but it taught me so much and was (I know it sounds corny) but almost a spiritual experience, not necessarily in a religious way...if this makes any sense. Also, I felt SO safe there; everyone goes out of their way to help you, is very friendly, and wants to practice their English with you! They love tourists and want to see the industry come back up! If you have the money and the opportunity, you should make a trip to Egypt high on your life's "to do" list! Cheers
__________________
Flight to Tokyo: 92,000 yen

Metro to Ginza shopping district: 160 yen

Watching middle-aged Japanese woman dance to U2: priceless
U2fan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2004, 01:03 AM   #13
U2fan
BONO'S LOVE SLAVE
 
U2fan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Unfortunately, currently not in Sydney
Posts: 1,639
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Actually though, I should have mentioned that Egypt is CHEAP....seriously cheap, like other countries in the area. I knew before going it was cheap, but it was SO much cheaper than I thought. So the most expensive thing is the airline ticket...if you can get that, you can do it! I think mine was around 800 dollars, maybe a little more. I stayed in a hostel for less than 10 dollars a night, meals are like 5 dollars or less (and we're talking a good meal), souvenirs, anything really....well....you get the idea! Money goes so far there...it's crazy
__________________
Flight to Tokyo: 92,000 yen

Metro to Ginza shopping district: 160 yen

Watching middle-aged Japanese woman dance to U2: priceless
U2fan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2004, 08:50 AM   #14
crious
TPunk Recognized
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 149
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Send a message via MSN to crious
Thumbs down

Blink

Don't put the trip of a life time off because you are alone. Africa is more traveled than most people think. I went 2 years ago to South Africa and used the Baz Bus to get around. I ended up meeting 4 other backpackers that basically adopted me into their group and I spent 3 months in Africa on a 3 week trip using the rail lines to get around. I would not have traded that experience for anything. My advice is just to go for it. You never know what or who you may run into in Africa. If you are still worried about being alone hit me up at tqctek@hotmail.com I will be there around May or June 2006 I will help you get situated with a group.

Mikie
__________________
"A three some always sounds fun for a guy untill he finds out it is with his girl friend and his best friend"
Josh Goodrich

"New Pack= $300"
"New Hiking boots= $98"
"Travel guides for countries= $115"
"Falling off the stupid Great Wall of China......PRICELESS"
crious is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2004, 11:43 AM   #15
blinkchick2134
TPunk Emeritus
 
blinkchick2134's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,633
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Thanks for the info!

I'll keep that in mind now that I'm starting to plan my trip next year.
__________________
Amber

"If I had a kid I'd f**k it. Then kill it. Then f**k it again." Seattle 2006

blog of travels and such
flickr

Currently located in HAWAII

Been to: Alaska, Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Hawaii, Spain, Switzerland - - also meetups in Chicago, LA, and Seattle
blinkchick2134 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2004, 04:17 AM   #16
southafricangirl
Members
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 5
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Hey guys, ive just come back from spending 2 and a half months in South Africa. and i have to say it was the most amazing experience of my life.

Flew to jo,berg from london but didnt stay their. instead got an internal flight to goerge and travelled to plettenburg bay. Rented a house for a couple of weeks with other travellers and went wild! traveled up the east coast to durban stopping off at beautiful places like coffee bay and cinsa. Cuddled lion cubs near port elizabeth, rode ostriches at outshorn and saw monkeys and elephants. Managed to get a local township school in plettenburg bay let me teach their kids english for a week which was amazing.

Then hired a car for 12 pounds a day to drive to cape town. making our way slowly through mossel bay, swellendam and stellenbosch. Cape town rocked! lots of great things to do and long street is a girls shopping heaven. Be careful of the green point area though. drug land but we did stay in a lovely hostel there.

seriously think about going to south africa, you will never forget it
__________________
SOUTH AFRICA ROCKS BABY
southafricangirl is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply






Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Africa PressurePoint Africa 3 08-08-2006 03:44 PM
AFRICA elcabojota Companions Wanted 7 08-13-2005 03:38 PM
Africa Anybody jfxiii General Travel Tips and Advice 2 05-17-2004 10:47 PM
Africa anyone? Palmette Companions Wanted 3 02-26-2004 04:17 AM


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:14 AM.



 

Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.2.0 (Unregistered)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121