Battambang/Pursat/Kompong Chhnang/Kompong Cham/Phnom Penh/Kep/Kampot/Koh Rong
En venant de Thaïlande par Poipet.
Ne croyez personne, n'allez surtout pas aux bus gratuit, c'est une arnaque. Donc juste après la frontière de poipet, en continuant l'avenue principale (ATM, Banques, Money changer tous les 50m) sur 300m il y a un bus local qui part à 8h30 pour Battambang ou Siam Reap.Le billet c'est 5/6$ pour Battambang.
En tout le bus va mettre 3h pour arriver à Battambang avec les arrêts.
Battambang je me fais littéralement happer par les mecs qui veulent absolument m’emmener dans un hôtel etc. Ils parlent tous en même temps, non c’est moi, j’étais le premier, tu m’as vu moi d’abord, cet hôtel pas cher, je t’emmène pour 1$, moi pour 1000 riel, moi pour 500, et ça continue comme ça, ils se battent à la parlotte. Puis on arrive à moi je t’emmène gratuit, oui moi aussi.
La je suis à Tomato GH pour 3$ une mini chambre avec une sdb eau froide.
Je change de GH, je vais a asia hôtel pour 6$ j’ai une grande ch. la 211 qui me correspond plus.
Départ vers Pursat à 10h 2.50$ 105km avec capitol, on part avec 20MN de retard. On arrive à 12h15. Je prends la première GH, Pursat GH juste à 200 m après le bus sur la route principale. C’est une mamie sympa qui m’accueil, elle aussi avant parlait le français. La CH. B4 ce n’est pas le top mais bon 5$. En fait c’est une maison familiale, avec mobilier en bois mais ce n’est pas vraiment entretenu… Pour le coup ici il n’y a pas de touristes mais il n’y a rien d’intéressant.
Pour repartir d’ici c’est une espèce d’arnaque, tu payes le billet depuis Battambang !!! Alors qu’il n’y a pas 100km 4$ ! Et 5$ si tu pousses jusqu’à Phnom Penh…
Vers Kompong Chhnang. Je fais mes adieux à la mamie de la GH et vais juste en face attendre le bus. Il se pointe avec plus de ¾ h de retard. Tout simplement parce que il n’y a pas de bus toutes les ½ heures. On part mais il s’arrête 20mn plus tard, pose déjeuné. J’arrive à Kompong Chhnang à 13h15. Je me fais déposer pour 2000 riel à reakmsey pich chea chan hôtel à 15mn du lac. La ch. 117 pour 7$. Tout confort sauf que pour aller dans la SDB il faut un chausse pied tellement elle est petite.
Vers Kompong Cham et le prix est encore une arnaque (8$ avec sorya) mais pas le choix.
le bus arrive 3/4h en retard et je donne 7.50$ ce n'est pas sorya, ils sont sur la place. Le trajet dur moins longtemps que prévu (5h) (en fait j’arrive 3h 15 mn plus tard). Je me fais déposer par une moto a l’hôtel monorom 1 ch. 210, grande avec deux grands lit, fan, eau froide, 7$. La particularité de l’endroit c’est un hôtel à karaoké. Ma chambre est bien. Le truc c’est que ça fait karaoké le soir donc musique qui résonne dans la chambre etc. (ça fait aussi des massages, un espèce d'hôtel ou il y a des filles partout). En tous les cas, plus tard j’ai fait plusieurs hôtels et Gh, que des endroits pourris pour quasiment le même prix. Puis les hôtels en bord de Mékong pour 20, 30$.
Le karaoké à finit entre 23h30 et 2h du matin.
vers Phom Penh.J’achète mon billet pour la capitale 4$75 avec sorya normalement un bus à 10h30. Le bus a évidement 1/2h de retard, on part à 11h et on arrive à 13H30. Pour 2000 riel je me fais déposer à golden home GH la CH. A10 avec fenêtre, sdb eau froide et fan, 10$.
Je fais une demande de prolongation de mon visa pour 44$. Un endroit on me demandait 60 ou encore 46 etc. Puis aussi plus tard 43,45, 44 $ selon les endroits.
Ticket pour Kep 6$ par agence avec bus wifi. Je suis pris par un tuk tuk qui m’emmène au bus. On part à 8h, la route est particulièrement mauvaise. On arrive à kep vers 12h15 et on nous dépose en face de la plage. Kep s’étale sur plusieurs km et sans moyen de locomotion ce n'est pas évident. Par exemple, le marché et le centre ville sont à 3km de la plage qui est elle-même à 2km du marché aux crabes. Et c’est pareil pour les GH. Je tombe sur une GH pour cambodgiens juste en face de la plage. Je paye 10$ pour une mini room confortable avec une mini sdb avec une grande terrasse pour moi tout seul. mais c'est plutôt bruyant et toute une journée sans eau.
Je change de GH, le lotus villa pour le même prix (10$) j’ai une immense CH. Avec 2 lits, mobilier et une vraie SDB.
Départ vers Kampot. 2$, Difficile de trouver une Gh presque toutes full pour le nouvel an chinois. J’en ai une pour une nuit, belle CH. A moitié prix 8$ face au fleuve Rainbow bridge GH. très sympa.
Le matin je change de GH je vais à Rakmsey kampuchea sur la place du monument durian. 8$ une ch. Toute clean et neuve. eau chaude, fan etc.
Je pars pour Sihanouk (5$) un gars vient me chercher et me dépose à l’agence. Le mini bus part avec une demi-heure de retard à 11h. On arrive à Sihanouk vers 13h30, il nous dépose à Ocheutal. Les motos essayent de me vendre leurs services très chers. Je pars à pieds, je suis à plus de 4km de Victory Hill. L’un d’eux me rejoint et je le prends pour 2$ au lieu de 5.
Pour 10$ je prends une chambre à All nations.
Plus tard je change de Gh sunset garden inn mama medicine. Une grosse bâtisse à quelques 200m de la route en pleine nature ou presque. La mama de 65 ans n’en est pas moins une bisness woman, elle parle le français. Pour ce qui est de ma chambre, elle n'est pas top pour 8$ mais l’avantage ici c’est que c’est plus frais. L’endroit est plutôt convivial.
7$ pour Koh Rong dans une agence… on part à 9h et on arrive à 13h30. J’ai dû faire le forcing pour que le chauffeur me dépose en ville et pas ailleurs. Du coup plusieurs personnes sont aussi descendues. J’ai une adresse de GH la bohpa ko kong GH. 7$ tout confort ou presque. Thaïlande.Le matin je rejoins mes amies , on prend un tuk tuk pour 2$50 chacun (3). Il nous dépose à la frontière. Un gars essaye de nous vendre des billets de bus pour Trat plus de la moitié du prix réel. Quand je luis dis juste après la frontière c’est 120bth, il s’en va dégoûter.
les bus en retard, c'est normal ; vous voulez essayer ceux du Vietnam (où j'habite depuis 6 ans) ? Dans ces pays, il n'y pas la même notion délirante de l'horaire et du temps qu'ont les occidentaux ; devinez qui sont les moins stressés !
Je ne lis dans votre poste que des histoires d'arnaques et de "mecs" qui essaient de vous attraper ; pensez plutôt qu'ils essaient de gagner quelques dollars dont ils ont bien besoin ! Vous voulez que je vous parle des arnaques en France ? Soyez un peu plus indulgent dans un pays où les gens sont très pauvres ; vous avez une idée des salaires et ces conditions de travail dans le pays ?
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Le Cambodge est un pays pauvre, il se reconstruit peu à peu et pour beaucoup de choses en effet c'est pas comme l'Europe (heureusement d'ailleurs).
Quand vous parlez de logements à 10$ avec ceci ou cela, pas top ou trop de musique et ainsi de suite, pour ce prix là il ne faut pas vous attendre à avoir une chambre immense, grande salle de bain avec airco et eau chaude ainsi qu'une superbe terrasse ...
Les moto dops ainsi que les tuktuks essayeront toujours d'avoir les clients qui sortent des bus, c'est toujours une ruée vers l'or, c'est ainsi et je pense pas que cela changera. Si vous vouliez éviter de telles choses, il fallait réserver votre logement à l'avance et leur demander de vous envoyer un pick up à l'arrivée ;)
Le marchandage est une pratique courante du pays qui se fait avec le sourire et en général on y arrive (c'est vrai que certains gonflent les prix car si ça passe tant mieux pour eux et si ça passe pas et bien ils le descendent).
Les routes étant en mauvais état, les animaux ainsi que les gens qui traversent sans cesse ou même les conducteurs qui tournent sans prévenir etc font que les bus ont souvent du retard, sont plus lents. Quand un cambodgien vous dit qu'il y a 4h de trajet, il faut compter 5h.
Les Cambodgiens sont loin d'être discrets quand ils font un mariage, enterrement, avec leur téléphone, ou pendant des fêtes arrosées ... La musique va très fort ici et là où vous verriez du mal car pas de respect pour le sommeil d'autrui et bien ils ne sont pas sensibiliser à cela, ils ne s'en rendent même pas compte car chez eux personne ne rouspète et accepte en attendant que ce soit fini.
J'ai eu moi même un mariage chez mon voisin avec la musique (un mur de baffles + baffles en hauteur) qui commençait à 5h du matin pour s'arrêter à +-23h.
En face de chez moi j'ai eu un enterrement, la musique à commencé à 4h30 ... Certes sur le moment j'ai pesté mais après coup je me suis dis je fais comme les gens d'ici et j'attends avec le sourire que ce soit fini ;)
Cette population travaille casi non stop, les jours de congés sont un luxe ici ! donc quand on a l'occasion de faire la fête et bien on la fait à fond ;)
J'aimerais voir ce que cela donnerait de voyager en Europe avec les mêmes prix qu'ici au Cambodge ...
Le voyage ouvre l'esprit et permet justement de découvrir des choses bien différentes de l'Europe, d'autres façons de faire, d'autres façons de se projeter dans la découverte d'un pays.
Vous avez fait un parcours mode routard et qui dit routard dit un peu plus de débrouille ;)
Amicalement
Iza 😉
Bonne préparation de voyage et je vous souhaite de belles découvertes !
Ah, il y a méprise, je ne suis pas la pour juger. je me sens très bien au Cambodge et j'aime la culture, les gens, la façon de vivre etc. Dans mes infos, je ne veux donner que des infos pratiques avec les prix et le confort qu'on y trouve pour les GH. pour les transports, je préviens aussi de la réalité... et pour les arnaques, je ne vois pas pourquoi je n'en parlerais pas. si ça peux éviter aux voyageurs de se faire piéger. d'autant que souvent les arnaques sont faites par les gens qui en ont le moins besoin ( douanier aux frontières, transporteurs etc.) libre à moi après d'aider les gens comme je l'entends...
Bonjour, un ami sera en visite en Grande-Bretagne au mois d'août et souhaiterait découvrir des endroits représentatifs du Danemark avant son retour au Canada.
Quelles activités à prix abordables, si possible, pourriez-vous lui conseiller?
Il en serait heureux car il a beaucoup d'appréciation pour les pays du Nord, sans doute ses origines d'un pays nordique y sont pour quelque chose.
Merci
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!
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!
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
