Marco,
Tu trouveras les Camotes Islands au nord est de Cebu.
Depuis cebu, tu prends le bus pour Danao, 1H ou 1H30 suivant le trafic, depuis le north terminal.
Ensuite le ferry pour Camotes 2H.
En fait de ressort il n'y a pas grand chose. Tu trouveras, je pense, des renseignements utiles dans le dernier Lonely Planet.
Bien amicalement de bantayan.
Denis
CouCou d'une perle des Philippines, Bantayan Island
Désolé de contredire mon ami Denis, mais pas besoin d'aller à Danao pour se rendre aux iles Camotes. Tout du moins c'était le cas en septembre dernier.
Fast craft (environ 2h), pump boat, et ferry depuis Cebu ou bien Mandaue (aglomération de Cebu city) font le trajet.
Les iles Camotes sont le 1er (très joli) endroit où j'ai mis les pieds après l'enfer de Manille et celui (moins pire) de Cebu, et ça restera un souvenir symbolique pour moi. Faites un tour par ici
Il n'y a pas grand chose à y faire bien sûr (mais est-ce bien inhabituel aux Phils), à part explorer, se ballader, découvrir la belle nature et les sourires des enfants qui ont toujours l'air content qu'on passe par là.
2 photos attachées montrant les durs moments que j'ai passé aux Camotes 😏
C'est bien exact, il est possible d'y aller depuis Mandaue.
Désolé pour cet oubli.
Je ne pense pas qu'il y ait encore un fast craft cependant, Aznar n'opérant pratiquement plus.
Bien amicalement de Bantayan,
Denis.
CouCou d'une perle des Philippines, Bantayan Island
Bonjour,
et bien nous étions aux iles Camotes le 31 janvier dernier, durant 8 jours, de très très bons souvenirs, car commep artout aux Philippines, gens adorables, et là, très peu de touristes..;
Nous avions pris le bateau à Danau, 340 pesos pour 2, 3heures de voyage sur le pont du bateau, du bonheur....
A l'arrivée, beaucoup de onde à attendre le bateau, des locaux, donc on te porposera de t'accompagner où tu veux en moto, nous sommes allés au White beach house (700 pesos la chambre), pour chaque moto, le transport nous a couté 50 pesos...
L'hotel ne fait pas les repas, mais tu descends sur la plage, juste quelques marches, l'hotel est en hauteur et domine la baie, et tu as un pêcheur qui vit là avec toute sa grande famille, qui te prépare les repas, juste du poisson péché par ses enfants, tu choisis, il cuisine...un régal...et toujours aodrables..
exemple : beignets de calamars avec du riz, une bouteille d'eau, deux noix de coco fraiches pour 120 pesos 5 tu n'oublies pas de demander au chef de te casser la noix de coco pour manger la chaire fraiche à l'intérieur!!).
Possibilité de louer une moto, ce que nous avons fait, en fait, la personne qui te transporte jusqu'à l'hotel nous a loué sa moto le lendemain, tu poses la question, cela nous a couté 300 pesos par jour...
Voilà pour leprincipal, mais tu ne dois pas hésiter si tu as besoin de renseignements...petite précision aussi, sur le guide, ils conseillent de prendre la route de la côte, plus facile...grosse erreur, belle vue, mais tu as les fesses endolories !! tu essaieras les deux!!
Nous n'avons pas eu le temps de nous ennuyer durant cette semaine, en sachant que nous ne sommes pas du style à rester des heures allongés !!
bon voyage...
Pier 1, cebu city, Ocean Jet, 1 depart / jour ( 6h du mat) pour les Camotes (autre solution que celles pré nommées).
Comme dit auparavant, pas grand chose à faire, si ce n'est du VTT, ou de la motorbike, du kayak sur le lac de Ponson,
une belle plage et si tu tombes pendant la fiesta, c'est sympa.
Au niveau resort, y'en a 2 ou 3, pas cher, typiquement philippin, c'est à dire du béton coloré aux formes de bambous.
de manille tu vas ou tu veux en avion, air philiipines, philippines airlines, cebu pacific
en bateau aussi, mais c'est plus long
autrement, reste autour de manille et prends bus, jeepneys, vans, voitures...
c quoi 2-3 *? eau chaude et clim?
à cette saison, compte minimum, selon les endroits, 3000 pesos/nuit avec petit déjeuner
excellent choix les camotes, destination peu connue mais une perle ou plutot trois, a partir de san francisco ou tu trouveras une location de moto et des petits resorts pas chers et ravissants, j ai pas le nom en tete ici a sagada, fais le tour des iles , il y a de tout, des caves, des plages au sable blanc, des sanctuaires authentiques, il faut y payer des droits d entree mais tu ne seras pas decu, possibilite aussi de louer de petites bangcas avec pecheur guide, le petit syndicat d initiative de san francisco est tres accueuillant, ne pousse pas a la consommation, veut accompagner reellement le touriste,
excellent trip
yves
Bon, je suis actuellement a cebu city et j'ai rencontré un phillipin qui m'a conseillé camotes.Donc deux questions: les prix donc vous parler pour ls resorts sont il toujours d'actualité? Et 2: ya moyen de partir du port de cebu pour là bas, parceque l'homme que j'ai rencontré me disait que je devais aller dans le nord de cebu pour prendre le ferry.C'est pas un probleme mais si vous pouviez me conseiller! merci
salut, jetais aux camotes en mars dernier, j'ai fait la liaison ormoc/camotes camotes/cebu, il me semble que c'est possible depuis le port de cebu sans monter jusqu'à danao, pour les piaules, j'ai opté pour une pension de famille à proximité de san fran, juste avec le ventilo et la douche pour presque rien, peut être 300php à 2, la mob à 400 je crois ou un peu moins à notre logeur. n''hésites pas à passer un grand bonjour de la basque à jonh, cindy et leurs filles qui tiennent LE burger de san fran. Profites bien, j'aimerais encore y être....
Il y avait une connexion directe de Cebu a Poro, je ne suis pas sur qu'elle existe encore.
Elle prenanit plus de 4 heures.
Le plus simple me semble-t-il est de monter a Danao en bs depuis le north terminal (1 heure hors heure de pointe) et d'y prendre un ferry pour Poro o San Fernando.
Bon trip a Camotes.
Grand bea temps sr Bantayan.
Cordialement,
Denis.
CouCou d'une perle des Philippines, Bantayan Island
Le Santiago bay resort est très bien, avec swimming pool au-dessus de la baie,
chambres de 800 a 2000p, selon le confort recherché, bon resto, la manager te trouve une moto pour 300p/j! 3-4 km plus au nord, t'as un nouveau resort
très classe, pour 2000p/j,3-4 étoiles, j'y allais souvent manger et profiter de leur
infinity pool...Mais j'ai oublié le nom!😛 😉
raph
Tout ce qui ne me tue pas, me rends plus fort
Ni dieux, ni maitres
.Merci de vos réponses, en attendant je suis allé faire un tour dans le sud de cebu, d'ou ma lenteur a repondre.Donc merci a tous de vos conseils, je vais aller faire un tour la bas voir comment ça se passe.Une derniere question , en cherchant sur internet j'ai vu qu'il n'y avait pas de distributeur d'argent la bas (c'etait ya deux ans les messages que j'ai trouvé)? est ce toujours le cas?
effectivement, je me creuse la tête mais ne visualise pas de distributeur.... comme je n'ai fait que des "petites" iles avec souvent pas d'eau courante et peu d'electricité, je fonctionnais avec du cash et à l'économie. je viens de feuilleter le lonely mais rien n'est indiqué dessus, j'ai le mail de john et cindy qui vivent à san fran si tu veux je peux leur demander...
les camotes sont vraiment très belles, c'est un bon choix:)
effectivement, je me creuse la tête mais ne visualise pas de distributeur.... comme je n'ai fait que des "petites" iles avec souvent pas d'eau courante et peu d'electricité, je fonctionnais avec du cash et à l'économie. je viens de feuilleter le lonely mais rien n'est indiqué dessus, j'ai le mail de john et cindy qui vivent à san fran si tu veux je peux leur demander...
les camotes sont vraiment très belles, c'est un bon choix:)
si tu peux leurs demander ce serait pas mal , je pense y aller samedi, faut que je sache si je dois y aller avec du cash ou non, merci de ta reponse!
merci bien! mais meme si t'as pas de reponse a temps j'irai quand meme, ça a l'air vraiment cool.C'est juste que jaime pas me ballader avec pleins d'argent sur moi.
en fevrier, il n y avait pas de distributeurs de billets. pour l hebergement, santiago bay resort est bien mais dans les 1500 php le moins cher. plus bas vers santiago, 200 m, il y a des hebergements moins chers. attention le week end , beaucoup de monde vient de cebu, beaucoup de coreens, en fevrier j ai du partir 1 jour plus tot. cette fois j y suis dimanche en revenant de bantayan. pour info le ferry qui part de danao arrive a consuelo, pas a poro, mais c est plus pratique pour rejoindre les hebergements.
ett bien merci encore une fois a tous pour tout ces renseignements.Je parts demain du coup, mais je sais a quoi m'en tenir!pas d'ATM ok, je prends du liquide avec moi.Je vous faits signes si je trouves des endroits extraordinaire et pas chères! bisous!
j espere qu tu as trouve. a santiago, chambre aircon 1350 php avec petit dej philippin. jamais vu aussi propre aux philippines. sinon a cote le santiago beach resort est a 1300 la standard aircon. et il y un atm a danao, metrobank, presqu en face de l entree du quai pour le ferry.
!pas d'ATM ok, je prends du liquide avec moi.Je vous faits signes si je trouves des endroits extraordinaire et pas chères! bisous!
Salut,
alors, ces Camotes ? Je compte m'y rendre après-demain et je voudrais avoir quelques renseignements complémentaires car les choses évoluant très rapidement ici, les questions posées précédemment ont peut être de nouvelles réponses 😉
Alors,
1- ATM ou pas ATM sur place ? Sur http://travelcamotes.com il est dit qu'il en existe mais souvent vides ou non fonctionnels>
2- Bateaux a destination de Poro : apparemment, toujours selon http://travelcamotes.com, il n'y a qu'un super Shuttle ferry par jour et a 5h du mat ... et je comprends pas bien comment fonctionne la ligne de Jomalia shipping.
3- n'importe quel autre sujet ...
atm aux camotes, je n'ai pas vu. les ferries au départ de danao sont soit pour poro, soit pour consuelo. ces derniers sont plus pratiques pour aller aux resorts. sinon en novembre j'ai pris un ferry vers 14h pour poro. rien au départ de cebu. sinon, j'ai logé une fois au santiago beach, et une autre fois à la villa bleue à coté qui loue des chambres
il n'y a plus de liaison cebu/camotes. j'ai essayé en novembre et on m'a confirmé au port que c'était supprimé. et merci pour la bella vista, je n'arrive pas à me mettre le nom dans la tete. en revanche j'ai payé 1295 php. bon j'avais la clim, zet surtout c'était super propre.
Hello! 👋
I’m new to this site and feeling a little desperate. 😢 My boyfriend’s birthday is in 4 days, and I wanted to surprise him with a New Year’s trip to London... except I just found out he’s already been there as a kid. Well, there goes my surprise! 😅
Since we both love Christmas and winter, I’m looking for a destination where we can really feel the holiday magic—with a budget of around 500 € for transport + accommodation for two (yes, I know, I might be asking for a Christmas miracle here 😇).
We’ve already been to Bucharest, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, so I’d love to find something a little more offbeat, not too expensive, and with a beautiful Christmas atmosphere.
Please help me! 🙏 On social media, it’s always the same ultra-touristy cities... I’m sure there are hidden gems I haven’t discovered yet!
Three years after exploring northern Argentina and Chile, my two travel buddies and I want to discover the southern part of these two countries.
We’re traveling on a budget, backpacker-style, favoring public transport and modest accommodations, but we don’t hesitate to splurge a little when it’s worth it.
The classic spots that have been fueling our dreams: Bariloche, the lakes, Chiloé, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno, El Calafate, Fitz Roy, Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego, and wrapping up in Valparaíso.
We’ll take a round-trip flight to Santiago, then I’m thinking of a one-way flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. From there, we’ll explore and do several day hikes in the south, including Ushuaia and, if possible, Tierra del Fuego.
Then we’ll head back north by bus to Bariloche and the lakes, followed by Chiloé, then a bus to Santiago and Valparaíso.
Based on your experience, could you help me figure out the best way to structure this trip and maybe suggest some ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Didier
I’m heading to Quebec and New Brunswick this summer and got a Revolut Classic card for the trip. I’ve already exchanged some Canadian dollars in the app so I’ll have a reserve ready for my departure day. My question is whether I’ll incur any additional fees when using my Canadian dollar account. I think I’m limited to 200 € in ATM withdrawals for my part. Thanks!
Hi there,
I'm heading to Morocco for 10 days as a backpacker, with my car and a tent canvas if needed. Does anyone have great experiences in this country around the Tétouan and Tangier areas?
I'd love to spend time with locals, rent a small room, and take part in daily life.
If you've got any addresses to share, that'd be awesome!
Thanks a million for your replies!!!😉
Christine
My boyfriend and I are going there for just 9 days, including the two travel days… It’s not much, but oh well!
Looking at prices online, I get the impression everything’s more expensive than I thought 😅 So, I wanted to get your feedback on a few things:
* Is hitchhiking common, easy, and generally safe in Albania?
* Is it possible to find day-to-day accommodations without booking ahead? If so, are they usually cheaper than the ones you find online?
* Is wild camping allowed or at least tolerated?
If any of you have traveled there recently, I’d love all the tips and great deals you’ve got!
Hi,
We’re a young couple planning to travel to South Africa after spending about three weeks in Namibia. We’ll arrive in Cape Town around mid-December, with no fixed travel duration (though our budget will eventually set a limit).
After browsing through the forum, we’ve realized the country is packed with incredible spots, which makes choosing an itinerary tough. We’re looking for stunning landscapes, hikes, and so on. So, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
When we arrive in Cape Town, we’d like to settle in and take it easy until New Year’s, exploring at a relaxed pace. We know this period coincides with South African holidays—does that make finding accommodations (availability/prices) more difficult? Do you think it’s possible to stay in a nice place for about 15 days without aiming for the most upscale neighborhoods? Maybe somewhere a bit outside Cape Town, like Fish Hoek, and just visit the city occasionally.
After that, we’ll have plenty of time (about 2 to 2.5 months) to explore the country. We’d like to take our time. In your opinion, is it better to focus on the Cape Town region, or is it reasonable to consider more distant areas like the Drakensberg or Blyde River Canyon? Can everything be done by car if we take our time, or are domestic flights sometimes more practical?
Budget-wise, how much do car rentals cost? For accommodations, we usually look at Airbnb—are they affordable in South Africa? What’s the average nightly rate outside the biggest cities? Are there other platforms you’d recommend for saving on lodging?
Finally, regarding safety, are there any regions to avoid besides Johannesburg?
We know this is a lot of questions, but we’re still in the early planning stages!
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi there,
After exploring southern Peru in 2024 with your help, we’d love to head north next. There’ll be 5 or 6 of us:
1. Arrive in Lima in the evening.
2. Visit Lima and take a flight at 6:35 PM to Tarapoto.
3, 4, 5. Spend a few days there to trek in a reserve (Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve) or somewhere else.
6. From Tarapoto to Chachapoyas—either by overnight bus, daytime bus, or private car.
7. In Chachapoyas: Gocta Waterfall, Sonche Canyon, and walk back to town.
8. Head to Kuelap citadel, Revash, and arrive in Leymebamba.
9. Leymebamba museum, then route to Cajamarca.
10. Cajamarca hot springs, overnight bus to Trujillo or Chiclayo—or do both.
11, 12, 13. Visit and explore the area.
14. Overnight bus back to Lima.
15. Lima.
16. Depart at 8 PM for France.
What do you think of this itinerary? Looking forward to your advice.
Thanks
I’m planning a 7-day trip to Marrakech for a sports camp, and I’ll be traveling with just a standard carry-on backpack.
I’d love to hear your best tips and tricks:
• What clothes are absolutely essential?
• Any advice for managing the heat while traveling light?
• Which accessories have been the most useful for you?
• Mistakes to avoid on a first trip to Marrakech?
I’m also open to your recommendations for neighborhoods, restaurants, or activities not to miss during my free time.
Thanks in advance for your advice and experience! !
Hi there, we’re heading to the Cyclades from June 23 to July 9. We’ll arrive in Santorini and leave from Mykonos. We’re thinking of visiting these islands: Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Tinos, and Mykonos. Do you think it’s better to book the ferries now (which site do you recommend for booking?) or can we buy the tickets on the spot? Also, do you have any suggestions for accommodation under 100 €/night on each of these islands? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone!
I’m planning my dream trip for next September, lasting about a month. Here’s my itinerary:
Amsterdam: 3 days (departing from Montreal)
Tanzania: 3-day safari
Zanzibar: 6 days
Istanbul: 7 days
Return to Montreal.
Since my budget is pretty tight, I’m looking for tips and advice to cut costs without sacrificing the experience. Here are my questions:
Multi-destination flights: What’s the best way to book these connections? Is it better to buy a one-way ticket from Montreal to Amsterdam, then a separate internal flight, or use comparison tools for a multi-destination ticket?
Budget safari: Do you have recommendations for local agencies or tips to do a 3-day safari (Serengeti/Ngorongoro) at an affordable price (e.g., camping/glamping instead of luxury lodges)?
Accommodation in Zanzibar: Which villages or types of lodging are the most budget-friendly and accessible via local transport for these 6 days?
Istanbul: Any tips for well-located but cheap accommodation and great food deals?
Hi,
Are there still basic, traditional, and affordable authentic accommodations in Poland? I’ll be traveling in July with my husband and our 2 kids along the Warsaw-Łódź-Toruń-Gdańsk route, and all I can find online are standardized Ikea-style apartments in the cities. When I look for agrotourism, it’s all luxury farms.
Can you find farms in the countryside or city lodgings for under 60 euros per night? And if so, how?
Is it possible to find accommodations on the spot without internet—like from people who put up signs—even in July?
Hi,
I need to stay in Paris or Créteil for 2 nights a week for a month. I know some cheap backpacker options, but I’d like something even cheaper. Do you know of any rooms for rent from private individuals?
Thanks
We’re a young couple planning our first trip to Albania from June 23, 2026, to July 2, 2026. We have a pretty tight budget and want to make the most of this amazing country without breaking the bank.
We’re looking for all the advice you can give to help us plan our stay:
* What are the must-see places to visit?
* Which cities or villages are really worth the detour?
* What natural sites, hikes, canyons, springs, or viewpoints do you recommend?
* Do you know of any free, uncrowded, or particularly beautiful beaches?
* Where can we responsibly observe or swim with sea turtles?
* What are the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera that are accessible on a small budget?
* What budget-friendly accommodations (hotels, hostels, homestays, campgrounds) do you recommend?
* What are the best ways to get around between different regions at a low cost?
* Do you know of any reliable and affordable agencies for renting a vehicle (car, scooter, or motorcycle)? What are the average rates at the end of June, and which rental companies do you recommend or advise against?
* Is it better to rent a vehicle right when we arrive or stick to local buses and minibuses to keep costs down?
* Which restaurants or local specialties offer the best value for money?
* Are there any free or low-cost activities we shouldn’t miss?
* Which places do you think are overrated or can be skipped when you’re short on time and money?
* What practical tips would you have wished you knew before your first trip to Albania?
We’d also love any 10-day itineraries that you particularly enjoyed, along with your budget estimates for accommodation, meals, and transportation.
We’re open to off-the-beaten-path spots and local tips. If you have any secret addresses, hidden beaches, favorite accommodations, or mistakes to avoid, we’d love to hear about them! 😊
Hi there, we’re planning a road trip in northern Algeria at the end of January – early February.
Anyone have any tips for a car rental agency that’s both reliable and not too expensive? Thanks in advance!
I traveled through southern Peru in November 2024 and now I’d like to explore the north.
We’re a group of 5 people for a 15-day trip.
Iquitos or Nauta for the Amazon rainforest—I saw that you have to fly there.
Chiclayo
Chachapoyas
Kuelap
Leimebamba
Cajamarca
Trujillo
And if we have time, Huaraz for the Andes cordillera.
No problem taking overnight buses—they save a lot of time.
Or renting a car and figuring it out as we go.
We’d also love to take the train from Lima to Huancayo, but it seems complicated—I don’t understand when it runs.
I’d like to drive to Morocco from Paris via Spain. I was really surprised to see the ferry crossing prices—around 500 €—but especially the crossing time (about 1 hour). Normally, I pay 3000 € to go to Tunisia from Genoa, but that’s for a 24-hour crossing.
My question: is it cheaper to buy the ticket on the spot, as some Moroccans have advised me? Though I’ve also heard the opposite.
What do you think, considering I need to get to Tétouan around July 17th and return from Tangier around August 4th?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning a 10-day trip to Slovenia in May (9–19 May) and starting to look at accommodations. Unfortunately, I’m only seeing relatively expensive options—nothing under 50 €, and usually around 100–150 €. Traveling solo, that could quickly blow my budget. And 30 € for a bed in a 10-person dorm at a youth hostel feels like a rip-off...
Are there other booking sources besides the usual Booking.com, Airbnb, and Google? Or can anyone confirm if I’ll find more reasonable rates on the ground around Bled, Bohinj, Triglav, or in mountain huts? I’ll be renting a car to optimize my travel, so I won’t be limited geographically.
Hi there,
Could you recommend some nice and affordable neighborhoods to book a hotel in for visiting Nice and exploring its surroundings and nearby villages?
I’d like to know if it’s better to book the entire stay in Nice and take day trips to the villages, or if there are villages worth spending at least one night in to really explore them properly?
Since all the villages are stunning and we have to make a choice, which ones are absolutely must-visit?
My 16-year-old daughter and I will be spending a week there at the end of April. We’ll arrive by TGV from Paris and plan to use public transport during our stay. Do you know if there’s a weekly transport pass available and how much it costs?
I’m planning to spend about twenty days in Réunion in November.
I’d like to get around using the *car jaune* (2 € per ticket), but from what I’ve heard, it doesn’t cover the whole island.
I’m not looking to head toward the ocean and the beautiful beaches—more toward the mountainous landscapes, even if I’ll just be admiring them from below. 😉
Maybe other buses go where I want to go.
By the way, are there any relatively easy mountain hikes, and where?
But here’s the most important part:
I don’t want to book anything in advance because I don’t know what my itinerary will look like—it’ll change depending on my mood. 3 days here, 5 days there, etc.
On top of that, I’d like to arrange half-board stays with locals—not professionals—by approaching them and asking if they’d be willing to host me (overnight stay, breakfast, and dinner) for 30 € to 40 € per day.
What do you think?
Does the price seem reasonable?
And is it okay to take the initiative and ask Réunionnais directly?
The tourist office in Réunion told me that since November is peak tourist season, I should book without delay. 🤪
For four years in a row, I traveled across Canada for a month and a half each time, relying only on hitchhiking and half-board stays with Canadians who welcomed me (and refused to let me pay them).
If I’d listened to my family and friends, I never would’ve taken the leap—and that adventure remains one of the best experiences of my life.
It’s been ages since I last dropped by here... maybe simply because, apart from Nepal, I haven’t really had the chance to hit the road lately. 😉
This year, I’d love to spend a few days in Lisbon, probably in late May or early June. But with my budget being what it is, I’m looking for great tips to avoid wasting time once I’m there and risk missing out on hidden gems or unusual culinary specialties and/or quirky activities! I’m hoping to find a room in a local’s home where I can stay in a quiet neighborhood near the center, so I can get around without relying too much on public transport—my walking shoes are my best travel buddies.
I’d love all your recommendations, especially for parks, small neighborhood markets, casual eateries for a quick bite, your favorite viewpoints to soak in the scenery (I’m bringing my travel journal to sketch my getaway in watercolors), events around traditional art and crafts, and so on.
All your advice will definitely help me travel peacefully and come back with my head full of vibrant memories!
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Isabelle
I’m diving into planning a trip I’ve dreamed of for a long time: crossing Africa from North to South solo, with a departure planned for October 2025 for about 8-9 months. I’m leaving from Paris with a starting budget of around 7,000 €, aiming to supplement it with work along the way.
My planned route: Senegal → Gambia → Sierra Leone/Liberia (if logistics work out) → Côte d'Ivoire → Ghana → Togo → Benin → Cameroon → Gabon → Kenya (Masai Mara) → Uganda (Bwindi gorillas) → Rwanda → Tanzania (Kili + Serengeti + Zanzibar) → Mozambique → Malawi → Zambia (Victoria Falls) → Botswana → Namibia → South Africa (Cape Town). Madagascar as a bonus if timing/budget allows from Mozambique.
I’m not a backpacking newbie—I’ve done several trips in Europe and I’m familiar with the lifestyle, hostels, local transport, etc. But Africa is my first big adventure on this continent, and I’ve got some very concrete questions I’d love feedback on from people who’ve been there.
🎭 My big dilemma: flexibility vs. pre-organized work
What matters most to me is NOT rushing through. If I feel good somewhere, I’ll stay longer. If a region doesn’t click, I’ll cut it short. That seems totally incompatible with having pre-booked work or volunteer gigs, yet I need that income to stretch my budget.
I’m torn between two approaches:
Option A: The mixed rhythm: 3-4 weeks of volunteering in a country (free accommodation, full immersion), then 1-2 countries in classic backpacker "vacation" mode, then another mission somewhere, etc. This gives a breathing rhythm and avoids burnout from non-stop volunteering.
Option B: The continuous flow: finding gigs as I go, from the previous country, contacting hosts 2-3 weeks in advance with a flexible date range. Keeping maximum spontaneity but never arriving anywhere without a safety net.
Have you tried either? What actually works on the ground in Africa?
🌍 What I’m really looking for in this trip
Not just the classic tourist spots. I want to see the country as it is—eating at local joints, taking local transport (bush taxis, minibuses, sept-places), staying with locals when possible. The big reserves and safaris are part of the plan (Masai Mara, Serengeti, Okavango), but just as much as hanging out in a residential neighborhood in Dakar, understanding how people really live.
Volunteering or work interests me for that reason too (not just for free lodging, but because it’s the deepest way to dive into a country). Working at a school in Ghana, a lodge in Kenya, a permaculture farm in Mozambique—I see it as an immersion that classic tourism can’t offer.
🎒 My concrete questions
About Workaway and Worldpackers: I’ve read a lot but would love on-the-ground feedback, especially for West and East Africa. Are hosts really flexible with dates for long-term travelers? Do the advertised gigs match reality? Are there alternative platforms you’d recommend for Africa specifically (I’ve heard of Help Exchange, WWOOF Africa, local networks…)?
About "off-platform" jobs: Is it really doable to find informal work on the spot (bars, restaurants, lodges) without prior contacts? In which countries/cities is this most accessible for a French speaker without a local work permit?
About logistics between countries: For those who’ve done the West Coast (Senegal → Ghana → Benin), how did you cross borders? Direct buses or local shared taxis at each border? And for the jump from Central Africa → Kenya, is a flight mandatory, or are there feasible overland routes?
About Madagascar: I’m considering adding it from Mozambique (flight Maputo or Beira → Tana). Those who’ve done it backpacker-style on a tight budget—is 3-4 weeks doable, or is it too short to be worth it?
I’m open to all tips, experiences, warnings, and pleasant surprises. And if you’ve got trusted local contacts (Workaway hosts, associations, community lodges), I’m all ears!
I’ve got tons of questions and I’m eager for any advice or experiences you can share!!
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for 2 adults and 2 kids to Tanzania and Zanzibar. I’ve had a quick look, and the prices are starting to get pretty wild.
We’ve got a budget of 8,000 €, and I was thinking of doing three or four days of safari and three or four days in Zanzibar, but even that seems like it might be over budget. Have you got any thoughts? I was also considering heading straight to Zanzibar and doing a one- or two-day excursion by plane instead—maybe that’d be cheaper than staying in a lodge.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences and any price tips, departing from Nice!
Good evening,
As two senior French couples who are used to traveling independently all over the world, we’d like to visit Kenya next November.
Now, after seeing and reading a bit everywhere, and with the first quotes for a 6/7-day safari, I’m shocked by the prices (like $2,250) for places like Maasai Mara, where entry alone costs $200 per person per day, plus fees for the driver and vehicle.
So if you have any recent great tips or contacts to share to help me out, I’d really appreciate it—because despite the costs, we’d still love to go, while keeping things reasonable.
The most plausible solution is probably renting a vehicle with a driver-guide.
Thanks in advance for all your replies.
Jacques
We’ll be in Srinagar for 4 days in mid-May 2026 during our backpacking trip as a couple. Do you have any nice places to recommend, and what about the houseboats on Dal Lake? Should we spend all our nights there, or just one night for practicality when getting around?
Thanks,
Rozenn
Hi there,
This is my first time traveling to Italy, and I’m planning to go by car.
From what I’ve read, parking is tough in cities like Florence.
I’m looking for a small town not too far from Florence where I can stay and park my car, then take the train to visit Florence.
Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Hi there, it’s been a long time since I last went to London. I’d love to spend a week there in July with my daughter and my niece (both young adults).
Of course, I’m looking for great tips on accommodation, and I’m wondering about renting an apartment. It seems like a better deal to save on restaurants (with the option of having a few meals at home... but is that really the case? I’m not sure about the cost of a meal in a modest restaurant, the pound exchange rate, or grocery prices...).
Otherwise, I’d like to stay in accommodation (hotel or apartment) near a tube station and in Zone 1.
If you have any great tips, I’d love to hear them!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading to Morocco for a trip in the south, starting with 3 days in Marrakech (from January 8th to 11th, 2026).
If you’ve got any tips, cool spots to recommend, I’m all ears! 🎊
And, fellow traveler, if you’d like to share this Marrakech adventure together, I’d love that!
Have a great evening
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Peru and have estimated how many days I’ll spend in each place.
Any advice on must-see sights and tourist traps to avoid?
September–October
5 days in Lima
Bus: 07:00→13:30 or 06:00 to 09:30 (express) (3 hr 30 min journey)
3 days in Paracas (beach)