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!
A few points in response:
1- City car: 15–20 € per day (which will be enough everywhere, even in Lesotho now)
2- Accommodation: 20–30 € per day or even less in more remote areas (check SafariNow)
3- With such a long trip, it’d be a shame to just "skim" the country—you’ve got time to drive all the way around.
In Cape Town, you could pick several bases.
You’re not considering what most people come here for: safaris?
Are you interested in semi-desert areas, or will Namibia have ticked that box?
Does it really complicate finding accommodation (availability/price)?
Where supply is limited and demand is high, yes (Kruger, all national parks in general).
Coastal resorts might also be affected.
We’d have quite a bit of time (around 2 to 2.5 months) to explore the country.
So, enough time for a pretty comprehensive road trip that could also include Lesotho and wouldn’t require any domestic flights. (rental car)
For accommodation, we usually turn to Airbnbs—are they affordable in South Africa?
There are no Airbnbs in the national parks. All accommodations are managed by the parks (Sanparks, Kznwildlife).
For the rest, there are plenty of B&Bs and self-catering options that can be booked through the usual platforms (Booking.com, etc.), via the site shared by Voyajou, or even directly.
For long-term travel, it might be worth investing in buying a tent, etc., if the budget is tight.
Finally, regarding safety—are there any regions particularly advised against outside Johannesburg?
Townships, Durban... It’s best to ask your host where you can walk and until what time. (urban centers)
Focus on the Cape Town region
Depending on your tastes, it’s not necessarily the country’s highlight...
Going there at the start of your trip is a good idea weather-wise.
We’re looking for stunning landscapes, hikes, etc.
Like Voyajou, what about wildlife?
For landscapes (and even hikes), consider Cederberg, Karoo NP, Mountain Zebra NP, Swartberg, the Drakensberg, Lesotho, the country’s northern desert regions, the coastal scenery around St. Lucia, Ithala NP...
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
To answer your questions: yes, we’re definitely very interested in safaris and wildlife. More broadly, our main interests revolve around wide-open spaces, nature, landscapes, and animals. We’re not at all drawn to big cities, except for Cape Town since we’ll be arriving there. That said, I’ve heard that spending 15 days in Cape Town might be a bit too long.
* Regarding the accommodation prices you mentioned: should we book well in advance, or is it feasible to travel day by day without too much stress about not finding anything or running into excessive prices?
* About the semi-desert regions question, I think Namibia definitely fits the bill for that part of the trip.
* From a cost perspective, would a domestic flight—like between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg—help us save money (time, gas, etc.)?
* Finally, based on your experience, what overall budget should we plan for a 2- to 2.5-month trip? This would help us assess whether the project is feasible. We’re aiming to travel on a budget, though we’re not necessarily planning to camp the whole time either.
Thanks again for all your feedback! I’ll probably be back with more questions as we go along!
Hi there,
I think it's a shame to consider flying between PE and Johannesburg. With the time you have, the Eastern Cape, the Drakensberg, and the East Coast are worth visiting. It just depends on whether the weather will be favorable. Camping is a great option—you might even get hooked! For accommodations, you can run some simulations to see what’s available right now.
Happy planning.
Hi!
Don’t suppose you’d want to take me along?
Anyway,
2.5 months.
Given the length, I’d go for a vehicle that’s reliable—safety, comfort, good visibility, and extra range for those last kilometers off the beaten track.
The Cape and its peninsula
West Coast NP
Cederberg
Karoo NP
Detour to the coast via Swartberg
Knysna
Tsitsikamma
Check out Addo, and then either:
- Mountain Zebra, then Lesotho
- Via Sani Pass to the north of the Eastern Cape and up to the coast
Or:
- Mountain Zebra
- Eastern Cape, then Lesotho via Sani Pass
Exit to the north
Golden Gate
Giants Castle
Cathkin Peak
Kamberg Highmoor
Hluhluwe
St Lucia iSimangaliso
Cross Eswatini via Hlane
Southern Kruger
Exit at Orpen for the Panorama Route
Re-enter via Phalaborwa
Northern Kruger
Mapungubwe
Waterberg and Marakele
And Joburg
I’m deliberately avoiding all big cities except Cape Town.
Plenty of budget-friendly stops in the national parks.
You can easily find nice places to stay with a good value for money.
Hi,
Thanks again for your itinerary idea—I actually used a lot of it for inspiration! 😊
I’m reaching out because I’d love to get your thoughts on the first part of our trip. After some consideration, we’ve decided not to cover the whole country—financially, it was starting to get a bit too steep. This first part alone is already 48 days out of the 85 we planned.
Proposed itinerary:
December 21–29: Cape Town and the entire peninsula.
December 29–January 3: Staying in Gordon's Bay to explore the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine regions, the coast, and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. We settled on Gordon's Bay because there wasn’t much left in our budget around Stellenbosch. 😅
January 3–6: Heading to Saldanha for 3 days to enjoy West Coast National Park.
January 6–10: Cederberg, near Clanwilliam, including the Sevilla Rock Art Trail.
January 10–13: A 2-night break between Clanwilliam and Citrusdal.
January 13–14: One night in Tulbagh.
January 14–16: Staying in McGregor to enjoy the peace and quiet and Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve.
January 16–18: Montagu.
January 18–19: A transitional night in Ladismith, then driving to Calitzdorp before taking the Swartberg Pass to Oudtshoorn.
January 19–22: 3 nights in Oudtshoorn.
January 22–26: Garden Route with 4 nights in Wilderness.
January 26–February 1: Plettenberg Bay or Knysna (we’re still deciding, likely based on accommodation prices 😅). We’ve intentionally planned a longer stop to take our time and wander.
February 1–3: 2 nights in Storms River to explore Tsitsikamma Park (though we might have already visited from Knysna).
February 3–6: 3 nights in Colchester or Addo to discover Addo Elephant National Park.
For accommodations, we’re pretty happy—we’ve found quite a few rooms or entire places for around 35 to 40 € per night max, with a few nights camping here and there.
As for the car, I’ve spotted some good rates with Around About Cars (their name comes up a lot, including in the Michelin Guide). Given our itinerary, I was thinking of going with a small city car. At first glance, I don’t see much point in getting something bigger, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on that.
For the rest of the trip (about 38 days), I’m thinking of taking a flight from Port Elizabeth to Durban. The idea is to then do a loop: Drakensberg → St. Lucia area → Hluhluwe, then drive back to Durban.
What do you think?
We’d considered reaching the Drakensberg via Lesotho (or northern Lesotho), but between the small car, the roads not always being suitable, and the number of kilometers to cover, it seemed less appealing. In the end, flying seems more logical and probably more budget-friendly.
At this stage, we’ve used about 60% of our budget for 60% of the trip, so we’re roughly on track. That said, I’m a little worried the second part might end up costing more than expected.
Since we’ve still got a good month left to do all this, I’m trying to plan ahead as much as possible.
I can already hear you asking: "What about Kruger, then?" 😅 Don’t worry, we know we’re missing out on some classics. But we’d much rather take our time and enjoy the regions we’re visiting instead of rushing through kilometers. It’ll also leave us with some amazing things to discover on our next trip to South Africa! 😊
Thanks in advance for your feedback! 👍
Hi there,
21st to the 29th for Cape Town and the peninsula...
That seems long to me. It's still 8 days... Personally, I'd shorten it.
Especially since Gordon's Bay is really in the same area.
Saldanha might not be the prettiest spot... it's a maritime port.
WCNP is truly stunning... but I'd look more towards Langebaan... touristy but very "soudaf" (South African).
Along the way, there's an original possibility: Ikwathu... but the accommodations are close to the main buildings, not the ones near the road or closest to the sea.
Sorry again, but the Sevilla Rock Art Trail is more beautiful in photos than in reality...
In this area, I prefer Mount Ceder as a base for accommodation... great walks and just a stone's throw from the Staadsal Caves and rock art, which I find magical...
I'd skip the night in Tulbagh to head there and spend more time (there are two simple and efficient lodgings... and a very nice campsite...).
From there, I'd head down to Swellendam... for Bontebok NP... it's not amazing, but it's nice and cheap...
That’s if I stick to your route...
Otherwise, if I shake things up...
Cape Town is fine, but if Gordon's Bay is for heading toward Franschhoek (places I don’t know well because the wine route isn’t my thing...), I’d do it from Cape Town... even if it means just one night in that area.
From there, I’d head back west to Langebaan, Ikwathu, or Paternoster (a really beautiful campsite at Cape Columbine).
From there, Tulbagh or not, and Mount Ceder or others in that area (see above).
From there, I wouldn’t go as far south as you but stay north via Anysberg NR, Touwsriver, and Prince Albert, which puts me right on the Swartberg route... I’d just pass through Oudtshoorn to head toward Wilderness, then Knysna (Buffelsbay, the "Dutch" houses along the way, etc... Tsitsikamma is far from Knysna...), then Stormsriver...
If you go further south via Montagu, Ladismith, Calitzdorp, and Oudtshoorn, you’ll have to head back up toward the Swartberg... though you could make it a loop instead of a round trip, but it’s a long day...
Logically, you’d head toward the coast... You’d follow it down to Addo... where I think it’s better to stay inside Addo NP.
PE to Durban by plane... well, yes, it’s shorter... we skip the Eastern Cape... you can’t do everything in life.
From Durban... Drakensberg, yes... Kamberg Highmoor (nice walks), Giants, Cath Peak, and Monks Cowl—we can talk more about that...
From there, you head down to Hluhluwe... (try to stay INSIDE Hluhluwe). St. Lucia and iSimangaliso, yes, yes, and yes again...
But there’s a possibility to avoid going back to Durban and save the flight... by crossing Eswatini with Hlane or another stop... Unless Durban marks the end in South Africa?
And you’re at the gates of Kruger...
AroundAboutCars is fine with me—three times over...
For the car...
I’d try to get something fairly big... you’ll be spending a lot of time in it. In a country where accidents aren’t rare, on roads that aren’t always in top shape in some areas...
Ideally, something like a two-door Hilux 4x4...
Have I covered everything?
My opinion, but YOUR trip...
Merci encore pour ton idée d’itinéraire, je m’en suis d’ailleurs largement inspiré! Je reviens vers vous parce que j’aimerais bien avoir votre avis sur la…
Voyager à petits prix › Afrique du Sud · 0 replies
21 au 29 pour CT et la péninsule... Cela me parait long. C'est quand même 8 jours...Perso, je raccourcirais. D'autant que Gordon's bay est vraiment dans le…
Three years after exploring northern Argentina and Chile, my two travel buddies and I want to discover the southern part of these two countries.
We’re traveling on a budget, backpacker-style, favoring public transport and modest accommodations, but we don’t hesitate to splurge a little when it’s worth it.
The classic spots that have been fueling our dreams: Bariloche, the lakes, Chiloé, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno, El Calafate, Fitz Roy, Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego, and wrapping up in Valparaíso.
We’ll take a round-trip flight to Santiago, then I’m thinking of a one-way flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. From there, we’ll explore and do several day hikes in the south, including Ushuaia and, if possible, Tierra del Fuego.
Then we’ll head back north by bus to Bariloche and the lakes, followed by Chiloé, then a bus to Santiago and Valparaíso.
Based on your experience, could you help me figure out the best way to structure this trip and maybe suggest some ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Didier
I’m heading to Quebec and New Brunswick this summer and got a Revolut Classic card for the trip. I’ve already exchanged some Canadian dollars in the app so I’ll have a reserve ready for my departure day. My question is whether I’ll incur any additional fees when using my Canadian dollar account. I think I’m limited to 200 € in ATM withdrawals for my part. Thanks!
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 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)
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.
