voila j'aimerai partir sur pekin, visiter un peu, 1 semaine puis me diriger gentiment sur la mongolie jusquau desert de gobie, mais bon je parle je parle mais cé plus facile a dire qua faire donc je voulais savoir si c'étais possible de le faire sur 1 ou 2 mois avec un budget de 3000 euro et si quelqun la deja fait . si vous avez des infos, des circuit pas cher ou des adresses c'hotel la bas, et comment vous avez circuler lq bqs, enfin je prend toutes les infos, merci
Perso j'ai passé une dizaines de jours dans le Yunnan, et c'est pas tres cher!!!
ex : sur un marché 3euros le canard laqué entier!!!
un nuit dans une GH (dortoire) 2euros!!
donc si tu mange dans la rue, ou que tu fais tes courses au marché deja ça ne coutera pas trop cher pour la nourriture et les logements sont abordables!!!!!
Apres Pékin c'est surement plus cher!!! mais ça peut deja te donner un ordre d'idée!!!
A+
PS : tu devrais poster dans la rubrique Chine t'aura peut etre plus de réponse!!! (si ce n'est pas deja fait)
Un voyage de mille lis a commencé par un pas. (Lao-Tseu ; 1 lis=ancienne mesure chinoise équivalente a 576m définie des la dynastie Qin, mais qui variait selon la région et l'époque, valeur actuelle 500m, le li est une mesure coréenne d'environ 3920m)
pour les pti curieux!!! le chien subliminaleeu
en dortoir il faut prevoir 50/70 yuans et on peut manger dans la rue pour 15-20 yuans ou un grand bol de pates fraiche avec un coca ou macdo pour 18 yuans
un canard laqué cé delicieux (surtout a pekin) mais pas testé dans la rue
merci, ça lui donnera un meilleure ordre d'idées!!!!
A+
Un voyage de mille lis a commencé par un pas. (Lao-Tseu ; 1 lis=ancienne mesure chinoise équivalente a 576m définie des la dynastie Qin, mais qui variait selon la région et l'époque, valeur actuelle 500m, le li est une mesure coréenne d'environ 3920m)
pour les pti curieux!!! le chien subliminaleeu
Un canard laqué dans la rue ? Avec les crêpes, la sauce, les petits légumes, puis le canard en soupe, je demande à voir !
Dans les restos (recommandés par Yangguizi et beaucoup d'autres sur ce forum) on a toujours payé entre 5 et 7 euros par personne. A mon avis, ce n'est pas un plat à manger debout, en vitesse.
Mais bon, si on est à 3 euros près quand on va en Chine ...
Danielle
A man, a plan, a canal, Panama - palindrome, auteur inconnu
dans mon premier msg, je parle de canard laqué entier a 3euros au MARCHE!!!
vous pouvez l'achater au marchéet le manger ou vous voulez et de la façon ou vous voulez!!!
pour les "vrais" resto, je suis d'accord avec vous!!!!
Par contre, les gargottes dans la rue ou peut manger pour 2, 3 euros facilement, tres facilement!!! (Tsingtao incluse)
A+
PS : je parle toujours pour le Yunnan, je suis pas aller a Pékin qui doit tre plus cher
Un voyage de mille lis a commencé par un pas. (Lao-Tseu ; 1 lis=ancienne mesure chinoise équivalente a 576m définie des la dynastie Qin, mais qui variait selon la région et l'époque, valeur actuelle 500m, le li est une mesure coréenne d'environ 3920m)
pour les pti curieux!!! le chien subliminaleeu
salut pour la chine je ne peux pas grand chose au niveau info mais pour la Mongolie disons c'est mon rayon!!
allons souvent la bas donc on peut briefer sur pas mal de sujet...
dejà en allant sur www.terramongolia.com tu vas pouvoir y trouver des idees
ensuite de la chine pekin a Ub tu peux puisuqe budget un peu just prendre le bus local jusqu'a la frontiere sino mongole et ensuite le train local jusqu'a UB cela coutera moins cher que le transmongolien comme l'avion et tu traverseras le desert de gobi enfin une aprtir certes!
ensuite sur place a Ub on a des contacts et amis formidables qui dejà pourront te prendre a ton arrivee, te loger dans modeste guest house et si un tour en jeep trop cher alors pourquoi aps un trek a cheval avec guide? ou bien un sejour de qq jours dans une famille de nomade?
ce sont des pistes a mediter, a asembler et a voir selon ses envies...
bonnes recherches
un mongol nait sous la yourte et meurt à cheval (proverbe mongol)
Un Canard Laque dans la rue, c'est sur de sur est plus sur que sur...dans de nombreux marches du Sud de la Chine.
Je me suis jamais autant regalee !
J'ai voyage + d'une annee en Chine avec un Budget de - 8 Euros par jour, tout compris.
Une soupe de nouille = 40 centimes
Une nuit en dortoir = 1 euro sauf dans les grandes villes = 5 euros.
Un piaule pour 2 dans un hotel = 4 a 5 euros.
Cela reste le plus extraordinnaire des pays pour voyager.
Dommage que le gouvernement soit devenu complement hysterique avec cette histoire de JO.
Par contre La Mongolie est environ 3 fois + cher.
Un plat de base = 1 Euros 50
Une nuit en dortoir d'une " Boudal " basique = 4 Euros
Un hotel = 15 euros mini.....heureusement il y a la steppe pour planter sa tente.
Bonjour,
je suis en train de preparer mon periple de 25 jours entre Moscou et Pekin pour cet été...on voulait passer 1 semaine en Mongolie et se diriger ensuite vers Pekin! Niveau budget on essaie de limiter mais entre les visas, invitation pour la Russie, billets d avion etc., ca monte assez vite...
je voulais savoir si qq un avait un ordre d idee sur le prix du passage de la frontiere sino-mongole en bus+ train regional et de la durée du trajet (#trans-mongolien)
Tout conseil est le bienvenu, que ce soit sur les transports, visites a faire en Mongolie, logement ?
Merci d avance
Tatiana
bonsoir,
alors le temps du trajet en bus local depuis pekin sur frontiere sino mongole et ensuite train sur Ub dure + de 36h, un peu moins avec transmongolien mais certes ce dernier plus cher et il faut reserver
combien cela coute je en sais plus... mais bon cela ne devrais pas allez chercher trop... c'est certes un peu plus fatiguant mais interessant
par contre pour la Mongolie je peux vous donner l'adresse de notre chauffeur et ami mais ce n'est pas obligatoire de louer une jeep!!! loin de là!!! on vous accueillera pareil en venant vous prendre gratis a votre arrivee, en vous logeant dans modeste guest house en vous conseillant, vous mettant sur bon bus, vous indiquant une famille de nomade qui pourrait vous accueilir qq jours (ideal pour budget serré comme solution afin de partager la vie des nomades sans pour autant devoir louer une jeep...)
bref des idees, des adresses, des contacts sur mes pages www.terramongolia.com
et certes me contacter....
bon voyage
ici des infos de 2007 qui pourraient vous aider ce touristes donnent quelques prix a vous de voir si cela cela peut etre une aide?
Erlian / Erenhot Info Fact Sheet information 2007!
An Erlian Fact Sheet:
Just spent two days here and very tempted to stay on another...
This is a pleasant but fairly big town. Probably about 50, 000 at the very least, and considering the building boom out of town, this will get bigger… Nonetheless, it is definitely worth one or two days, as it is both VERY cheap and easy to navigate.
If arriving from Beijing, especially on the Trans-Mongolian train, be sure to look out of the cabin side windows (the left of the train) at around 2020 (about 12-15 minutes before you enter town). The is a beautiful replica of the fighting dinosaurs in the distance. These were discovered in 2005 and are very unique. A stunning sight at dusk. Unfortuantely, the train form Mongolia comes by around midnight…
PLACES TO STAY:
There are two VERY cheap guesthouses, right opposite the Railway Station. Walk to the right, and they are both opposite the huge Waiting Room building.
10 yuan in a 3 or 4 bed dorm.
20 to 25 Yuan Singles. And its 30 for a double.
They both offer TV and a hot/cold water dispencer in the room. The first one has no running hot water shower, but the second one (next to the International ticketing booth – see below) has steaming hot tap water to mix in a bucket if you like.
A further 50m there is a better hotel with doubles for 80 yuan and triple for 90.
The Hotel directly opposite the Station charges 128 for a double. The Railway Hotel (to the left, as you exit the station) has a huge dorm with beds for 20 Yuan.
There are at least another ten hotels in the nearby area.
THINGS TO DO IN TOWN:
There is a wonderfully pleasant Dinosaur Park at the corner of Konglong Dajie (the second road leading up from the LEFT of the Station) and Qianjin Lu (this is the third major parallel road to station).
There is also a Dinosaur Museum narby, at same Qianjin Lu, pass the petrol station (on your left) and it is in the grey building, on your right. Also known as “Child En Spalace” (Children’s Palace?). The 10 yuan entry is well worth it. Note the short opening hours:
0800-1100 and 1500-1800.
GETTING AROUND:
Most things are within 15 to 20 minutes walk. Taxis charge a flat 3 yuan. There is a bus from the main bus terminal TO the border (about 2km away!) for 2 yuan.
A mini bus (ten people) to Zamiyn Uud charges 50 yuan and leaves when full. They try to charge an extra 10 yuan for the Exit Permit (but this should only cost five!). Jeeps to Zamiyn uud charge around 70 to 80 yuan.
There is a three times a week TRAIN between Erlain and Zamiyn Uud:
Monday No. 681 departs at 1600 arrives at 1625 (Mongolian time, hence total ride is 1.25)
Wednesday No. 683 depart at 1600 arrive at 1625.
Note that the FRIDAY departure No. 685 is at 1800 arriving at 1825.
Costs 66 yuan which includes all taxes and permits (its 41 yuan + 20 + 5).
NOTE that the International ticketing office is opposite the main Waiting Building, and not in the Station. This opens only at 0900am. DO NOT quee up with the hundreds of Chinese between 0800-1000. just go there AFTER TEN and it will be almost empty. There are ten carriges!
The Main Bus station is at the corner of Chahaer Jie. Walk up the main street out of Train Station, and take the second RIGHT (note the CITS on the corner). Turn LEFT at Chahaer Jie, and its on your left. Note the clock tower.
Buses to Beijing depart at 0630am and 1400, 1420, 1440, 1600, 1620, 1640. They take about 12 hours and cost 180 yuan.
There is only one departure a day to Datong at 0825am costing 83 yuan.
In both cases you will save a lot of money by taking the train.
INTERNET ACCESS
Costs 2 yuan/hour. One small place opposite the Train Station, another (bigger) one, as you turn out of the BUS station turn left and then right – it is 10m from the corner on your right.
CHANGING MONEY:
None of the small banks between the two stations change any money. There is a Small Bank of China between the Train station and CITS office, on your left (change $, pounds and Euros only!).
The main Bank of China is along Qianjin Lu, opposite the petrol station. They change Travellers Cheques for 0.75% commission.
The ONLY people that change TUGRIKS are the private Mongolian women at the entrance to the Personal Market, along Qianjin Lu and opposite the Dino Park.
I managed to get 156 T for the Yuan after a lot of haggeling…
SHOPPING:
The above Personal Market is a lovely modern Arcade with plenty of camping gear and clothes – many a lot cheaper then in Beijing!
There is a HUGE fruit and veg market along Sunite Jie, which runs parallel with Konglong Dajie (so the first right turning if coming from Dino Park. First LEFT if coming from Dino Museum…).
The is an EXCELLENT SUPERMARKET, with prices indicated and even cheaper than Beijing!. Walk up from the Railway Station to the second corner. Note the CITS office on the corner – the Supermarket is immediately opposite. No sign in English, so you need to look for it!
MONGOLIAN CONSULATE IN ERLAIN
JULY 2007 UPDATE:
The Consulate has now moved to near the main long distance bus station.
Erlian Fandian no longer exists...
From the main RAILWAY station walk straight ahead until the second junction (CITS office on your left).
Turn here RIGHT and walk for another 5 minutes until you cross Chahaer Jie.
The bus station is up this street to the left, but you need to carry on the very same road for another 10 minutes. There are now no more buildings or restaurants, but you will see the Consulate on your LEFT hand side about ten minutes beyond the BUS Station. Keep on walking, you are not lost...
Taxi seem to charge a flat rate of 3 yuan.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 0830-1200 only.
Same day processing costs US$55 or Yuan 465, which makes this a VERY expensive option!
The only cheaper option is ONE WEEK processing which costs US$25.
un mongol nait sous la yourte et meurt à cheval (proverbe mongol)
Je pars pour la Mongolie de mi juin a mi juillet, et je recherche un petit hotel proche du centre de Oulan Bator. Si vous avez de bonnes adresses je prend…
Nous avons recueillis pleins d'infos sur les différents forums sur la Mongolie mais quelques unes de nos questions restent sans réponse. Nous avons contacté…
Je souhaite avec un ami partir debut juillet 2009 pour la Mongolie à pied. On partirait de Bordeaux dans l'objectif de rejoindre la pologne en 2-3 jours (train…
Je pars cette été au Québec et au nouveau Brunswick et j'ai pris une carte revolut classic pour ce voyage. J'ai pour le moment échangé des dollars canadien sur mon appli de manière à avoir une réserve prête le jour de mon départ. Ma question était de savoir si j'allais autres frais en utilisant mon compte en dollars canadien. Je crois que je suis limité dans mes retraits au distributeur 200 euros pour ma part. Merci à vous
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!
Bonjours,
apres avoir fait avec votre aide le sud du perou en 2024 nous aimerions faire le nord.Nous serions 5 ou 6 personnes
1 arriver a lima le soir.
2 visite lima et vols le soir 18h35 pour tarapato
3 ,4,5, jours de prevu la bas pour faire trek dans une reserve ( Réserve nationale Pacaya-Samiria ) ou autre
6 tarapoto , chachapoyas sois en bus de nuit ou jours ou voiture privé.
7 chachapoyas cascade de gocha , canyon de sonde avec retour a pied sur la villes.
8 direction kuelap citadelles, revash arrivé a leymebamba
9 musée de leymebamba route pour cajamarca
10 cajamarca source chaude bus de nuit pour trujillo ou chicliyo ou faire les 2
11,12 ,13, visite et alentour
14 bus de nuit pour lima
15 lima
16 depart a 20 h retour france.
Que pensez vous de ce circuit. Attend des conseille.
Merci
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?
Bonjour,
je doit me rendre 2 nuit par semaines à Paris ou Creteil, pendant 1 mois, je connait des backpackers pas cher, mais j aimerai encore moin cher, connaissait vous des chambre a louer au particulier ?
merci
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)
I'd love some destination suggestions for a road trip from Nice to Livorno by car, including the routes, tolls to cross, distance, and estimated travel time. We're planning a 5-day trip, with 2 nights near Nice, 1 night along the way, and finally 2 nights in Livorno. There are 4 of us in a rental car, and we'd like to stay in either an apartment, a mobile home near the sea, or a campsite. Our budget isn't too extravagant!!!! We want to visit the Promenade des Anglais, and I've heard Menton is really interesting. Once we reach Livorno, we'll take the ferry to Corsica for 12 days with the same rental car. We're planning to leave the last week of May and the first two weeks of June 2026, so around 17-18 days total.
Thanks
Hello everyone,
We’re planning our next trip for this winter and need some advice to put it together. We’d love to avoid renting a car for the whole time. We visited southern Morocco back in 2011—our first trip as retirees! We loved the country so much, and now we’re heading back. Still focusing on the south, mainly for the weather. The plan is to travel down the coast from Essaouira to the Tighmert oasis at a relaxed pace. First question: is this doable without too much hassle using local transport? The idea of driving for the entire 6-week trip doesn’t really appeal to us. After that, we’d head to Ouarzazate, Skoura, the Todgha Gorge, Tinejdad, Erfoud, and then Marrakesh. I’d also like to visit the Fès region, which we can reach by train from Marrakesh. It’s a bit all over the place, and I’m realizing that as I write!
Thanks in advance for your valuable input! We haven’t booked flights yet or even decided on a starting point. The trip is planned from mid-January to the end of February. We know the end of the trip will fall during Ramadan.
Could anyone tell me how to connect Central America (starting from which country and with which airline) to Martinique in the most budget-friendly way, please?
Flight duration and number of stopovers don’t matter.
