Original post
Bonjour
Je compte partir 2 mois au Sri Lanka a partir du mois de novembre et j'aurais aimé avoir un retour d'expérience de votre part sur le cout minimal de Guest house , repas et transports.
Merci
Voyage en routard au Sri Lanka
by Pancho32
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
On avait construit notre itinéraire en lisant les forums et en suivant les conseils des uns et des autres. On a fait un circuit de 3 semaines et on a passé une semaine en bord de mer en fin de voyage.
Nous avons voyagé avec Emirates et escale à Dubai(prévue)par contre au retour ils nos ont fait passer par Les Maldives(non prévue)puis à nouveau Dubai(prévue).
A notre arrivée, nous sommes allés directement à Négombo pour 2 nuits, repos, découvertes de la ville, du marché au poisson, de l'activité pêche...
Puis on a pris le train pour Colombo,40rps chacun, mais 3h de voyage... A la gare de Colombo, on s'est laissé convaincre par un chauffeur de taxi qui nous proposait ses services pour visiter le triangle culturel,7000rps par jour pour 2 jours... On a pris le train pour Kandy et on s'est installés à l'hôtel un peu à l'extérieur de la ville au calme. Et le lendemain matin, notre chauffeur nous prenait en charge à 9h mais il avait déjà modifié le programme...Bref, on a fait nos visites avec lui, mais on n'a pas apprécié la personne... A Kandy, on a vraiment aimé le jardin botanique, des arbres géants, des singes, d'énormes chauves-souris...
Après la visite du triangle culturel, on a filé sur TRINCOMALEE ;c'est joli mais avec des enfants la plage n'est pas très facile.
De là, on est remonté sur Jafna, à l'extrême nord, visite de la petite île de DELFT, photo du baobab, des chevaux quasi sauvages...Promenade à Point Pédro, villages de pêcheurs pleins de charme et belles lumières.
Puis, on redescend ou plutôt on monte vers les montagnes et les plantations de thé avec une 1ère étape à Nuwara Elya, ville très agréable, un côté très british...Visite de l'usine Pédro Estate(pas extraordinaire mais on voit le travail)promenade dans les plantations, visite du park Victoria...
Puis direction Haputale, au mileu des plantations de thé, ville agréable aussi, et de là on ira passer une journée à Ela, voir le petit jardin d'épices, c'est tout petit, le ciel était couvert, on n'est pas monté...
L
Puis, on quitte Haputale pour rejoindre Welliwaya.On veut voir les bouddahs géants sculptés dans la falaise(découverts grâce à Pierre).Ce sera peut-être la plus grande émotion de notre voyage.Magnifique!
Le propriétaire de la gesthouse Little rose nos conduira le lendemain matin à la gare routière et de là on repartira en bs pour Tangalle.On s'installera en bord de mer à Goyamboca au Green garden cabanas.Très agréable , grand jardin, des quantités d'oiseaux, mais la baignade est dangereuse...
On ira chercher une plage plus calme à Polhéna, pour se baigner, faire du snorkelling...idéal...
Et depuis Polhéna, on a pris le train pour passer une journée à Galle, c'est suffisant!Une journée à Mirissa et Wélligama, c'est suffisant aussi...
Les images qu'on garde:
Le sourire et la gentillesse des gens, l'importance des cérémonies...
Et les animaux...
Voici aussi la liste de nos hébergements:
Négombo Sea house, sur la plage, propre, sympa.2200rps
Kandy:Netmi, sur les hauteurs au-dessus de la ville, à la limite de la jungle, propre, calme.3000rps avec petit déj
Polonaruva:Tishan holiday resort, très gentil, très propre, excellente cuisine,2500rps.
Trincomalee:Palm Beach, pas sympa, accueil froid, cuisine italienne uniquement et chère.5000rps
On a déménagé dès le lendemain, pour aller à côté, au Shivas beach resort, très bien, restau sur la plage, carte variée,2500rps
Jafna:Sarras GH, très sympa, location de vélos pour visiter les environs,2500rps.
Nuwara Elya:Carnation GH, très bien, on dispose d'un mini appartement, on en profite pour acheter une bonne pizza, des fruits....et manger dans notre appart, on nous prête des couverts...3500rps avec petit déj et lit très douillet...
Haputale, ABC guesthouse, proche du centre avec vue 180degrés sur les plantations de thé, très agréable, grands balcons 2200rps
Welliwaya:Little Rose GH très sympa, tuk-tuk à 800rps pour aller voir les bouddahs de Buduruwagala.SUPERBES.Ch double,2500rps avec petit déj...Pas très loin de la gare routière, on a pris un tuk tuk pour 100rps parce que c'est quand-même en dehors de la ville.
Tangalle, Goyamboca, Green garden cabanas, très bien, grand jardin, près de la mer...4000rps avec petit déj
Polhéna, une semaine au Sunny Lanka,1600rps la nuit.Très agréable, super propre, bonne cuisine, pain au petit déj.
Nous avons voyagé avec Emirates et escale à Dubai(prévue)par contre au retour ils nos ont fait passer par Les Maldives(non prévue)puis à nouveau Dubai(prévue).
A notre arrivée, nous sommes allés directement à Négombo pour 2 nuits, repos, découvertes de la ville, du marché au poisson, de l'activité pêche...
Puis on a pris le train pour Colombo,40rps chacun, mais 3h de voyage... A la gare de Colombo, on s'est laissé convaincre par un chauffeur de taxi qui nous proposait ses services pour visiter le triangle culturel,7000rps par jour pour 2 jours... On a pris le train pour Kandy et on s'est installés à l'hôtel un peu à l'extérieur de la ville au calme. Et le lendemain matin, notre chauffeur nous prenait en charge à 9h mais il avait déjà modifié le programme...Bref, on a fait nos visites avec lui, mais on n'a pas apprécié la personne... A Kandy, on a vraiment aimé le jardin botanique, des arbres géants, des singes, d'énormes chauves-souris...
Après la visite du triangle culturel, on a filé sur TRINCOMALEE ;c'est joli mais avec des enfants la plage n'est pas très facile.De là, on est remonté sur Jafna, à l'extrême nord, visite de la petite île de DELFT, photo du baobab, des chevaux quasi sauvages...Promenade à Point Pédro, villages de pêcheurs pleins de charme et belles lumières.
Puis, on redescend ou plutôt on monte vers les montagnes et les plantations de thé avec une 1ère étape à Nuwara Elya, ville très agréable, un côté très british...Visite de l'usine Pédro Estate(pas extraordinaire mais on voit le travail)promenade dans les plantations, visite du park Victoria...
Puis direction Haputale, au mileu des plantations de thé, ville agréable aussi, et de là on ira passer une journée à Ela, voir le petit jardin d'épices, c'est tout petit, le ciel était couvert, on n'est pas monté...
L
Puis, on quitte Haputale pour rejoindre Welliwaya.On veut voir les bouddahs géants sculptés dans la falaise(découverts grâce à Pierre).Ce sera peut-être la plus grande émotion de notre voyage.Magnifique!
Le propriétaire de la gesthouse Little rose nos conduira le lendemain matin à la gare routière et de là on repartira en bs pour Tangalle.On s'installera en bord de mer à Goyamboca au Green garden cabanas.Très agréable , grand jardin, des quantités d'oiseaux, mais la baignade est dangereuse...
On ira chercher une plage plus calme à Polhéna, pour se baigner, faire du snorkelling...idéal...
Et depuis Polhéna, on a pris le train pour passer une journée à Galle, c'est suffisant!Une journée à Mirissa et Wélligama, c'est suffisant aussi...
Les images qu'on garde:Le sourire et la gentillesse des gens, l'importance des cérémonies...
Et les animaux...
Voici aussi la liste de nos hébergements:
Négombo Sea house, sur la plage, propre, sympa.2200rps
Kandy:Netmi, sur les hauteurs au-dessus de la ville, à la limite de la jungle, propre, calme.3000rps avec petit déj
Polonaruva:Tishan holiday resort, très gentil, très propre, excellente cuisine,2500rps.
Trincomalee:Palm Beach, pas sympa, accueil froid, cuisine italienne uniquement et chère.5000rps
On a déménagé dès le lendemain, pour aller à côté, au Shivas beach resort, très bien, restau sur la plage, carte variée,2500rps
Jafna:Sarras GH, très sympa, location de vélos pour visiter les environs,2500rps.
Nuwara Elya:Carnation GH, très bien, on dispose d'un mini appartement, on en profite pour acheter une bonne pizza, des fruits....et manger dans notre appart, on nous prête des couverts...3500rps avec petit déj et lit très douillet...
Haputale, ABC guesthouse, proche du centre avec vue 180degrés sur les plantations de thé, très agréable, grands balcons 2200rps
Welliwaya:Little Rose GH très sympa, tuk-tuk à 800rps pour aller voir les bouddahs de Buduruwagala.SUPERBES.Ch double,2500rps avec petit déj...Pas très loin de la gare routière, on a pris un tuk tuk pour 100rps parce que c'est quand-même en dehors de la ville.
Tangalle, Goyamboca, Green garden cabanas, très bien, grand jardin, près de la mer...4000rps avec petit déj
Polhéna, une semaine au Sunny Lanka,1600rps la nuit.Très agréable, super propre, bonne cuisine, pain au petit déj.
Bonsoir Fabien,
Tu dis vouloir rester 2 mois au Sri Lanka. Nous aussi aimerions rester peut-être plus d'un mois là-bas mais il semblerait que le visa ne permette de ne rester qu'un mois et que pour avoir une prolongation, il faut retourner à Colombo.
Si tu pouvais m'éclairer là-dessus, ce serait sympa...
Merci
Anne
Mes récits de voyages : www.unendroitoualler.fr
En fait, j'ai trouvé la réponse sur le blog "des tongs au Sri Lanka"...
Anne
Mes récits de voyages : www.unendroitoualler.fr
Bonjour Pancho,
Je suis allé moi-même, 3 sm en 2013, seul et sac au dos. je suis resté tt d'abord près de Colombo à Negombo à 25 km au Nd, une plage magnifique, dans une AJ : (Hostel First, 477, Negombo Road, Kurana Katunayaka, Negombo, Hostel First @ Colombo Airport ) vraiment pas cher mais confort correct, propre, mais bien sûr pas comme l’hôtel. Je suis parti 1 sem en louant les services d'un chauffeur trouvé sur la plage et qui s'est avéré tt à fait pratique pour 50 $ par jour tout compris cad, me conduire, m'assister dans les démarches et les recherches d'AJ que j'avais repéré sur mon parcours choisi. Cela s'est très bien passé, sans surprise. Sinon, les transports sont tt à fait fiable, train et bus circulent comme chez eux ils savent le faire. Il y a des circuits proposés par les agences et moi, je me suis inspiré d'eux pour faire mon tour assez réussi malgré qqs jrs de pluie. J'ai d'ailleurs arrêté 1 jr plus tôt mais il était quand même réussi. Depuis mon séjour proche de Colombo, il était facile de prendre les bus pour aller visiter les alentours et la capitale. J'ai èassé bcp de temps dans le village de pêcheurs très accueillants et avec lesquels vs pouvez aller à la pêche.
Voilà qqs idées et je vs souhaite un bon séjour.
Christian
Je suis allé moi-même, 3 sm en 2013, seul et sac au dos. je suis resté tt d'abord près de Colombo à Negombo à 25 km au Nd, une plage magnifique, dans une AJ : (Hostel First, 477, Negombo Road, Kurana Katunayaka, Negombo, Hostel First @ Colombo Airport ) vraiment pas cher mais confort correct, propre, mais bien sûr pas comme l’hôtel. Je suis parti 1 sem en louant les services d'un chauffeur trouvé sur la plage et qui s'est avéré tt à fait pratique pour 50 $ par jour tout compris cad, me conduire, m'assister dans les démarches et les recherches d'AJ que j'avais repéré sur mon parcours choisi. Cela s'est très bien passé, sans surprise. Sinon, les transports sont tt à fait fiable, train et bus circulent comme chez eux ils savent le faire. Il y a des circuits proposés par les agences et moi, je me suis inspiré d'eux pour faire mon tour assez réussi malgré qqs jrs de pluie. J'ai d'ailleurs arrêté 1 jr plus tôt mais il était quand même réussi. Depuis mon séjour proche de Colombo, il était facile de prendre les bus pour aller visiter les alentours et la capitale. J'ai èassé bcp de temps dans le village de pêcheurs très accueillants et avec lesquels vs pouvez aller à la pêche.
Voilà qqs idées et je vs souhaite un bon séjour.
Christian
Christian HUBERT, Champ Derrey 3, 1083 Mézières VD, Suisse
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Anyone have any tips for a car rental agency that’s both reliable and not too expensive? Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
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.
Thanks for your help! Best regards,
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.
Thanks for your help! Best regards,
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
Is there a bus between Djema el Fna square and Guéliz? Where do you catch it?
Change: at Djema el Fna square or go to Bld Mohamed V?
Thanks!
Hi there,
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.
Thanks so much! !
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.
Thanks so much! !
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?
Thanks in advance for your help!
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?
Thanks in advance for your help!
hi there
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.
Thanks for your input!
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.
Thanks for your input!
Hi everyone,
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
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
Hey everyone!
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!!
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!
Thanks,
Marsyork
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!
Thanks,
Marsyork
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)
3 days in Nazca
3 days in Arequipa
3 days in Puno (Lake Titicaca)
5 days in Cusco
Thanks in advance
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)
3 days in Nazca
3 days in Arequipa
3 days in Puno (Lake Titicaca)
5 days in Cusco
Thanks in advance