J'adore ce forum : on trouve beaucoup d'infos passionnantes.
Dès que la paix reviendra, je souhaite me rendre de France vers le Soudan du sud.
Voici les questions que je me pose :
- L'un(e) d'entre vous connait-elle / il le délai pour obtenir un visa pour le Soudan du sud si on s'adresse à l'ambassade parisienne de ce pays ?
( car le téléphone ne répond pas )
J'ai lu qu'il faut "5 semaines" donc c'est compliqué et risqué de demander un visa en France car soit le visa n'est pas arrivé avant le départ de l'avion, soit les dates du visa ne sont pas celles du vol le moins cher trouvé une fois qu'on a obtenu le visa.
Comment faites-vous pour résoudre ce problème ?
Je constate que beaucoup de touristes se rendent en Ethiopie ou au Kenya ou en Ouganda pour obtenir un visa pour ce pays. Mais, dans ce cas, il faut deux visas : un pour se rendre dans ce pays ( où on obtient, en 48 heures, un visa pour le Soudan du sud ) et un autre pour le Soudan du sud.
- Quel est le trajet le moins cher pour se rendre en avion de France au Soudan du sud ? : passer par le Soudan, par l'Ethiopie, par le Kenya, par l'Ouganda ?
- est-il vraiment plus économique de convertir des Euros en Dollars puis, au Soudan du sud,
des dollars en livres du sud Soudan que de convertir, au Soudan du Sud, des Euros en Livres du Soudan du sud ?
Normallement il y a des vols via Nairobi avec Kenya Airways ou le Caire. Egyptair est généralement une compagnie avantageuse pour se rendre à Juba au Sud Soudan et aussi Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Abeba. Allez sur leur site respectif.
Je connais le nord du Soudan pour y être allée en 2011 et il m'a fallu une lettre d'invitation d'une agence de voyages
sur place et j'ai eu mon visa en 3 semaines au Consulat du Soudan à Genève.
Quels sont vos motifs pour aller au Sud Soudan ? Car c'est vraiment instable là bas, il faut en tout cas bien vous renseigner et inutile de risquer sa vie. La plupart des ONG se rendent à Juba. Les hôtels sont aussi chers, ce n'est pas vraiment une destination "low cost" pour les touristes. Quand j'étais au nord Soudan je devais chaque fois aller m'enregistrer à la police en arrivant dans une ville et la première chose que j'ai faite je suis allée à l'agence pour connaitre
ou je pouvais me rendre et les zones à éviter. Sinon j'ai voyagé en solo, j'ai pris des bus locaux sans problème
Est-ce que le visa que le Soudan vous a délivré était associé à une période de validité ou était-il valable 3 mois à partir de votre arrivée au Soudan ?
Je me pose la question pour savoir si je dois obtenir un visa puis acheter un billet d'avion après avoir obtenu ce visa ( en fonction de ses dates de validité ) ou si je dois acheter un billet d'avion ( au meilleur prix ) puis demander un visa en fonction de la date d'arrivée et de retour ( en prenant le risque de rater l'avion car j'ai lu qu'il faut "environ 5 semaines" pour obtenir un visa du Soudan du sud ) ? Remarque : pour atteindre mes objectifs, je dois rester 90 jours et revenir ensuite. Donc cela ne m'arrange pas si, au moment d'acheter le billet d'avion, le visa n'est valable que deux mois car un mois s'est déjà écoulé depuis sa délivrance.
Comment avez-vous fait pour obtenir une lettre d'invitation d'une agence de voyages domiciliée au Soudan ?
Vous avez raison. Même si la paix revient, ce pays est instable. J'ai lu dans un grand journal qu'un instituteur du Soudan du sud est retourné au Soudan du nord car, après l'indépendance, il a été victime, au Soudan du sud, d'une "embuscade". Ce phénomène semble fréquent d'après les témoignages des touristes qui se sont rendus sur place durant l'année 2011 ou 2012.
Donc je vais peut être choisir l'Ouganda ou le Kenya ( pays dans lesquels il faut également un visa. Telle est la raison pour laquelle je vous ai posé la première question ).
Mon objectif est de créer une Ferme pour élever des animaux ( poulets, vaches ) en plein air et construire un verger ( mangues / papayes / kiwis ) ( car, en France, j'ai perdu espoir de trouver du travail. Donc je dois prendre une initiative et quelques risques ), dans un pays où il est possible de louer un petit terrain pour une somme compatible avec mes faibles moyens.
Effectivement, à Juba, une chambre dans un hôtel coûte, au minimum, "100" à "150" dollars US par nuit ( plutôt 150 que 100 ) dans un pays où "le revenu moyen est de 1 $ par jour". Mais dans les régions que je souhaite explorer pour trouver un terrain, avec un puits ou une rivière, avec une terre grasse et fertile, a louer, a un prix normal, située dans une région stable et pas trop enclavée, ... il n'y a pas d'hôtel donc je vais louer chez l'habitant.
"La location d’un feddan (0,42 ha) au nord du pays coûte ainsi entre 2 et 3 dollars (contre 15 à 20 dollars à Khartoum). Par ailleurs, le gouvernement garantit aux investisseurs que leurs activités productives seront exemptes de toutes taxes sur les échanges commerciaux, le foncier, le capital matériel, les revenus et profits." : http://www.agter.asso.fr/article384_fr.html
Au Kenya, j'ai entendu parler de terres à louer pour "1 dollar par hectare". Mais attention, ce sont des terres perdues au milieu de nul part donc il faut avoir les moyens de vivre en autonomie complète : eau, nourriture, électricité, communications, ...
Bravo pour votre projet et je souhaite vraiment qu'il puisse aboutir et vous ouvrir de nouvelles portes 🙂
j'ai contacté via internet cette agence et peut-être pourront-ils vous aider pour votre démarche et renseignements
pour le sud Soudan. Je m'y suis rendue à Khartoum à mon arrivée et j'ai eu un très bon contact avec le
responsable, c'est lui qui m'a aidé à mon arrivée pour mon registre à la police et j'ai aussi pris un tour d'un jour
pour visiter les pyramides de Méroé au nord de la capitale, car il faut un 4x4 et on a fait de la piste un bon moment.
Il m'a envoyé par email la lettre d'invitation pour effectuer les démarches de l'obtention de mon visa. Par contre je ne me
rappelle plus du prix. Cette agence est vraiment sérieuse et donne les bonnes informations. J'étais de mon côté flexible,
prête à changer mes plans étant donné l'instabilité politique.
En 2011 c'est la seule agence qui me semblait valable et comme cela ne courait pas les rues (ce n'est pas la Thaïlande où on a l'embarras du choix...) j'ai fait appel à eux : Voici le lien
Pour la validité du visa je ne me rappelle plus et mon passeport étant actuellement au Consulat du Togo je
je ne pourrai vous renseigner qu'en fin de semaine. De mon côté je vais faire du bénévolat durant un mois et aider
à la construction de latrines éco sanitaires et prendre du temps avec des enfants démunis qui vivent dans le village
où je serai au nord de Lomé, la capitale.
Sinon je ne peux pas vous renseigner pour le choix du pays, mais je pense personnellement que l'Ouganda ou Kenya
sont plus sûrs. Le sud Soudan est la destination des ONG comme je l'ai dit précédemment . Moi j'étais au nord Soudan
un mois avant la séparation du pays en deux et la région du Kordofan et des Monts Nuba était dangereuse, et même la région
de Kassala (que j'aurais voulu voir) proche de la frontière éthopienne. Le responsable de l'agence m'a averti de ne pas y aller. Donc j'ai pris un bus pour le nord et la petite ville de Dongola, à 5h de bus de Khartoum ensuite je me suis rendue à Karima et Atbara avant
de retourner sur Khartoum.
Je ne peux vous en dire plus. Sinon que j'ai eu une très bonne expérience et j'ai même rencontré à Dongola une dame
australienne qui voyageait aussi en solo. Je n'ai rencontré aucun autre touriste et il faut dire que j'étais en mai-juin les
mois les plus chauds. J'ai cru que je n'allais pas pouvoir rentrer car le dernier jour il y a eu le "haboub" une tempête
de sable qui sévit à cette période de l'année et les vols commençaient à être annulés. Elle a duré 24h... Toute l'atmosphère devient orange-marron en quelques minutes, on a une impression de "fin du monde" 🙂 Par contre il ne faut prendre que du cash car les cartes de crédits et travelers cheques ne sont pas acceptés.
Je vous tiens au courant pour la validité du visa avant mon départ. Je m'envole dimanche et je me réjouis de cette expérience. Je souhaite par la suite entreprendre une formation en gestion de projet dans le cadre de l'humanitaire et donc changer de profession après plus de vingt ans en agence de voyages. Je m'occupe particulièrement des voyages d'affaires et j'ai travaillé dans les organisations internationales à Genève, organisé des voyages pour des missions et Juba est une destination fréquente pour les missions.
Je vois sur la carte du Soudan que vous avez fait une grande aventure. Comme vous, j'ai constaté que les touristes étaient rares dans ce pays. Les vestiges archéologiques sont magnifiques !
Hier, en effectuant une recherche sur le Soudan du sud, j'ai découvert le site de "MSF Suisse" ( la Suisse est, en effet, le pays des ONG internationales ) et j'ai constaté, en effet, qu'ils recherchent, notamment, des experts en "gestion de projet"... diplômé. Ce métier est fantastique ( c'est un métier fondamental et un métier qui permet de donner un vrai sens à sa vie ) mais il me semble que, pour l'exercer, il faut être très forte psychologiquement car on doit voir et entendre souvent le sourire magnifique que fait un nouveau né à sa maman et, quelques minutes plus tard, les larmes et les cris de personnes qui souffrent terriblement.
Au Soudan du sud, il faut non seulement emporter du cash mais, en plus, que des dollars car plusieurs personnes disent ceci : soit on ne peut pas changer les Euros dans les banques de ce pays, soit on peut le faire mais à un taux beaucoup moins intéressant que si on change, en Europe, des Euros contre des Dollars puis, au Soudan du sud, des Dollars contre des Livres du Soudan du sud.
J'ai récupéré mon passeport et c'est la date d'émission du visa qui fait foi. Ils m'avaient fait un visa pour 1 mois. Et les
choses sont différentes car pour moi il s'agissait d'un visa touristique.
Pour le sud Soudan c'est peut-être différent, le mieux à faire est de contacter une des agences en cliquant
sur le lien que je vous ai donné ci-dessus.
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)