Bonjour,
je vais faire un circuit individuel avec mes enfants et j'aimerais savoir si l'on peut aller dans les marchés locaux acheter des produits tels que fruits, pain ou autre denrée comestible et ainsi ne pas être toujours obligée de s'arrêter dans les endroits" à touristes".
Et auquel cas, peut-on payer en CUC et avoir un retour de monnaie en pesos cubains??
Est-ce permis aux étrangers de fréquenter ces lieux?
merci
facile de se procurer de la MN en faisant du change à l'arrivée, pas de problème (environ 25 CUP pour un CUC) changer 5 a 10 CUC (+- idem en euro) pour en avoir sur soi.
on peut acheter en monnaie nationale (MN également nommée CUP) du pain, des fruits et légumes, des pizzas, des oeufs durs ou des sandwichs rudimentaires ; par contre on ne peut se procurer ni jambon ni fromage, c'est plus utile à ceux qui peuvent cuisiner qu'aux itinérants
il y a quelques restaurants en monnaie nationale (voir le Routard) et ils sont bien sur ouverts aux touristes : tout ce qui est embouteillé (eau, sodas, bière) se paiera par contre en devises CUC
par expérience on peut survivre en mangeant sur le pouce dans les petits villages le midi avec ce genre de choses mais cela ne va pas loin ; sauf à accepter de manger des choses de qualité moyenne auquelles nos estomacs d'occidentaux ne sont pas obligatoirement préparés.... vaut mieux se nourrir en mangeant chez l'habitant (paladares) en devises mais bon marché (moins de 10 CUC)
voila, un résumé que les routards purs et durs (à l'estomac en béton et sans peur de la turista...) vont bien sur descendre en flammes mais il est l'image de ce que nous avons vécu en x autotours dans l'ile.
Cuba, si l'on veut une certaine sécurité alimentaire, est une ile chère mais il y a mille choses possibles pour éviter les hotels à touristes, sois tranquille !
maya, bonjour, voilà une bonne question..
pour la monnaie nationale change un peu pour en avoir sous la main car certains achats se font en CUP . la restauration à Cuba est trés trés problématique si on pense pouvoir acheter facilement de quoi se sustanter comme ailleurs ... je rajouterai presque , dans le monde ......... si vous prévoyiez un trés consistant petit déjeuner ( souvent excellent en casa particular ) et un bon dîner ( idem )ou restaurant mais bien souvent pas bon pas copieux toujours les mêmes plats etc.... donc le reste de la journée on peut toujours trouver des bricolles .... j'ai eu la chance deux ou trois fois d'acheter des fruits vendus dans la rue .... quel bonheur!!... mais c'est rare.
donc pour résumer on ne mange correctement à Cuba que chez l'habitant et il faut se contenter la journée de petits sandwiches bof bof... l'eau: achetez dans les commerces qui en vendent, facile à trouver et dans les villes de moyenne importance il y a toujours un lieu ou on peut boire qque chose et éventuellement manger un peu.
il vaut mieux savoir tout ça pour ne pas être contrarié au cours du voyage .
dans les "super marchés " style villes touristiques vous arrivez à trouver un peu plus de choses mais super cher et attention à la caisse ... faites les gros yeux!!! car "on" se trompe facilement........... bon voyage a tchao billie
heureusement , j'ai modifié un peu notre itinéraire en limitant notre séjour à Varadero pour rester plus longtemps à Cienfuegos et Trinidad où nous séjournerons chez l'habitant, donc avec une chance de mieux manger.
et vous me rassurez sur la possibilité d'utiliser les deux monnaies , en cas de besoin.
fort bien comme ça... sauf qu'à varadero, vous serez en hotel TI ou non? et si c'est le cas vous mangerez correctement . si c'est en petits déj il y a des restaus chers pour ce qu'ils proposent et pas de casas particulares; donc en effet , à Cienfuegos et Trinidad vous mangerez trés bien chez les particuliers . dans les guides Routard et Petit futé les infos sont fiables les prix annoncés sont vrais et surtout construisez votre voyage en déterminant bien ce que vous voulez et en faisant vos choix de manière trés ferme . pour ce qui est de la sécurité soyez prudentes car les vols sont courants dans les voitures justement . autrement franchement les cubains sont gentils plein d'humour et charmants sauf sur les lieux trés touristiques ou ils ne pensent qu'au pognon à récupérer par tous les moyens . mais comme vs le dites aussi à Paris ou Marseille c'est bien plus "craignoss" parfois...je confirme . a plus billie
Personnellement, je vous dirais de ne aps hésiter à acheter la nourriture de la rue. Ils vendent des pizzas (5CUP) des bocaditos (sandwichs au jambon ou au porc, 5-10CUC) des cajitas (riz, un peu de légume, une tranche de porc, 10-20CUC) et c'est en général très bon! J'ai le système digestif fragile et je n'ai jamais eu de problème. Les batidos (jus de fruits, sucre et eau) sont très bon aussi, mais comme ce n'est pas fait avec de l'eau en bouteille, il ne faut pas abuser...
Par ailleurs, n'hésitez pas à aller dans les marchés, vous trouverez pleins de fruits et légumes peu chers car vendus en CUP. Et je vous conseille d'aller dans les paladares, restaurant cubains qui vendent en CUP. Pour l'équivalent de 2-3CUC par personne, vous aurez un très bon repas complet. C'est l'habitant, c'est en général très bon, des fois moins dépendant de la cuisinière, mais c'est plus cher que les paladares... N'hésitez pas à négocier... Un repas langouste ne devrait pas être plus de 10CUC, un repas de poulet, poisson, crevettes, autour de 6-7CUC.
bonjour,
merci pour les bons conseils.
Mon souci était de ne pas savoir si je pouvais utiliser les CUP et les commerces qui en dépendaient et de devoir systématiquement aller dans les lieux balisés pour le touriste et ne posséder que des CUC.
Mais avec toutes ces réponses, je suis rassurée.
la notion d'hygiène alimentaire des restaurants en MN (et de Cuba en général) et de rupture de la chaine du froid est très très relative.... quand aux nourritures de la rue conservés en plein air par 30 à l'ombre.... à la bonne votre !
la tourista n'est pas qu'une vue de l'esprit en circulant à Cuba et avoir les vacances gachées pourries pour avoir économisé trois sous n'est pas la meilleure option
la notion de protection de l'eau à Cuba est tout aussi relative et les peaux des fruits peuvent avoir été au contact de fumier dans la charette les transportant... la viande de porc en plein air avant la vente, exposée aux insectes...
est ce que nous sommes prêts à digérer cela, pas si sur...
la notion de commerces en CUP est très relative, il n'y a pas de boutiques alimentaires quasiment (les shopis sont en CUC....) mais des stands ou échoppes
pour ceux qui ramenent à la maison et font cuire, pas de risque, manger tel quel, prudence, encore une fois !
Petites précisions, même si les prix sont en MN jamais on ne te refusera un paiement en CUC (sauf si tu veux payer avec un billet de 20 CUC quelque chose qui vaut 5 CUP et que la personne n'a pas la monnaie). Il faudra juste faire un peu de calcul mental pour convertir!
Les marchés qui vendent des fruits et légumes (du moins dans les grandes villes où je suis passée) ferment vers 17h ainsi que le lundi. Il arrive quand même que tu croises un paysan qui vende quelques fruits et légumes ou qu'un marchand soit présent.
je suis bien consciente de tout cela ..... mes filles étant végétariennnes et ne consommant pas de porc!!!! 🤪!nous allons réduire le risque d"indigestion".
Nous respecterons les principes de précaution d'usage 🙂
Pour les fruits, si on les épluche avec soin , avec un couteau propre ", pa ni pwoblème".
J'apporte toujours lingettes désinfectantes ou petit gel aseptisant qui facilitent les choses.
quand on en est a ce niveau de précaution, il vaut mieux changer de destination pour moins cher le Belize ou le Nicaragua vous satisferont tant au niveau culturel que domestique.
bonsoir,
si vous avez lu un des messages précédents où l'un des participants à ce forum disait que les fruits pouvaient être transportés à proximité du lisier , et qu'il fallait être prudent, je ne vois pas en quoi quelques précautions d'hygiène que je peux avoir en France ou ailleurs dans le monde, m'empêcheraient d'apprécier les conditions de vie en tant que touriste à Cuba.
J'ai voyagé dans quatre continents et ce n'est ni la première ni la dernière fois que j'aurai mes lingettes, mes kleenex ou autres accessoires qui vous semblent superflus, mais qui en ce qui me concerne , améliorent mon quotidien lorsque je ne connais pas le pays;ce qui est le cas pour ce voyage.
Chacun voit midi à sa porte , n'est-ce-pas? et si vous procédez différemment, libre à vous de ne pas prendre de précautions e t aussi d'aller au Vénézuela ou à Tombouctou....
kleenex et calinettes....tu as parfaitement raison de prendre ce genre de précaution d'hygiène, nous avons toujours fait attention à Cuba et avons limité à un strict minimum les désagréments genre turista...
hola pépette, faut le prendre de moins haut, ce ne sont que des discutions , tu veux voyager a Cuba pour pas cher avec un max de précautions dans un pays soumis a l'embargo sur a peu prés tout et pour avoir un renseignement il faut sortir le $ ou le cuc, alors je m'excuse mais pour cela ce n'est pas la bonne destination.
quand a ma petite expérience de ce pays , avec mes enfants en bas âge , pas de tourista ni de désagréments , sans pour autant me balader avec le litron d'eau de javel.
sur ce ................................
hola pépette, faut le prendre de moins haut, ce ne sont que des discutions , tu veux voyager a Cuba pour pas cher avec un max de précautions dans un pays soumis a l'embargo sur a peu prés tout et pour avoir un renseignement il faut sortir le $ ou le cuc, alors je m'excuse mais pour cela ce n'est pas la bonne destination.
quand a ma petite expérience de ce pays , avec mes enfants en bas âge , pas de tourista ni de désagréments , sans pour autant me balader avec le litron d'eau de javel.
sur ce ................................
je "te" retourne le compliment "pépette toi-même";
en l'occurence je n'ai nul besoin d'un avis de quelqu'un qui se la pète parce que tu sembles considérer détenir "l' unique manière" de penser et de faire.
pour ta petite gouverne, j'ai un cancer et une certaine fragilité et si je me renseigne autant c'est pour me protéger.Mais là aussi tu peux penser que "les cancéreux" peuvent rester crever chez eux et pas emmerder les "je sais tout, je sais rien" sur un forum d'infos.
Désormais évite -moi avec mes lingettes et je me tiendrai à l'écart de toi et de ton bidon d'eau de javel!!!!!
je vois que je ne suis pas la seule à "prendre la mouche".😕....
mais, à priori , si j'avais voulu aller dans les deux pays que vous avez cités je n'aurais pas cherché à venir sur le forum Cuba;et je ne cherchais pas non plus à être découragée ou être prise pour un "blaireau" parce que j'évoque des règles d'hygiène qui n'engagent que moi....
Votre réponse n'était pas très constructive et c'est pourquoi j'ai réagi ainsi, mais sans vouloir vous prendre de haut , même si vous l'avez .ressenti comme tel.Quant à la suite, "pépette et compagnie"....on m'attaque;je mords.
Sans rancune😐
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
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
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!
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)