Traveling through Africa like a local can be an incredibly enriching experience, offering unique insights into the diverse cultures, landscapes, and traditions of the continent. Africa is the world’s second largest and second most populous continent after Asia. At a total surface area of 30,370,000 square kilometers, the continent encompasses 54 countries that can be explored during a long drive. African countries are known for their incredible attractions including the rare tree climbing lions, endangered mountain gorillas that are seen in only three countries in the world – Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Other attractions include the glaciated mountains, rivers, lakes, wildlife, primates and bird species.
For the best exploration of all these attractions, it’s better for one to travel like a local since he/she will get different items on negotiated or discounted prices. In this article, we have listed some tips to help you travel like a local as shown below;
Buy a local sim card
The first thing you need to do when entering the country is to buy a local sim card and load it up with data and airtime. Data is cheap, especially in Tanzania. With the Airtel network, you can buy 3GB for around $4.50 and 8GB for under $7.
Before you buy a sim, ask around which network has the best coverage. For Arusha, Tanzania Vodacom is the best, In Kenya, Safaricom is the best, and in Uganda MTN is the best but it depends on what area you are in.
Research Local Customs and Traditions
As you are planning to travel like a local, learn about the cultures of the countries you plan to visit. Africa is incredibly diverse, with thousands of ethnic groups, each with its own customs and traditions. During your time at a specific African country, endeavor to respect local customs regarding dress, greetings, and social interactions. Modesty and respect are key in many African cultures.
Language
As you are travelling to any of the African countries, try to learn basic phrases in the local language. While English, French, and Swahili are widely spoken in many African countries, knowing some local words can go a long way especially those used in greetings. Use translation apps or phrasebooks to help with communication. The most general greeting in Kenya and Tanzania is ‘Habari Yako’. This loosely translates to ‘how are you?’ or ‘what’s the news?’ The reply is Nzuri or nzuri sana, good/very good.
Transportation
As a local traveler, use public transport like minibusses, matatus (Kenya), tro-tros (Ghana), taxis in Uganda or dala-dalas (Tanzania). They are the primary means of transport for locals and can be a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Consider overland travel for long distances. Buses and trains are common and can offer scenic views of the countryside.
Incase you are going for a long drive in different countries, go for car rental services that offer self-drive experiences and thus a chance to explore a lot at your own pace.
Accommodation
As a local traveler, stay in local guesthouses, campsites or homestays instead of international hotels. This supports local businesses and provides a more authentic experience.
Food
Eat at local markets and street food stalls. This is often where you’ll find the most authentic and affordable meals. Try local dishes and specialties as each region has its own unique cuisine, from jollof rice in West Africa, bobotie in South Africa to injera in Ethiopia.
Engage with the Community
While at the destination of your choice, attend local events like festivals, markets, and sports games. These are great opportunities to interact with locals and experience the culture firsthand. Also, try to volunteer or participate in community projects since they can be a rewarding way to give back and connect with the community.
Understand the laws and customs
In some countries, it is illegal to be gay. Even if it is legal, it is not always accepted. Always look up the laws as well as the customs and culture before you arrive at a destination or even decide to visit a destination.
Safety and Health
Stay informed about the safety situation in the regions you plan to visit. Check travel advisories and talk to locals about areas to avoid. Take necessary health precautions such as vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. Always drink bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
Be Respectful and Open-minded
Approach travel with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Be respectful of different ways of life and open to new experiences. Avoid making generalizations about African cultures since each country and community is unique from the other.
Learn not to take time seriously
Remember there is such thing as ‘African time’ in two senses of the word. Generally, timekeeping is not a strong point, expect people to be late and be pleasantly surprised if they are there on time.
In the second sense, there is a thing called ‘Swahili time’ which is 6 hours ‘behind’ normal time. Basically, 7 am is the ‘first hour’ in Swahili time. So 7 am is 1 o’clock, 8 am is 2 o’clock etc. When arranging meeting times etc always clarify if they are talking Swahili time or not.
Be prepared for things to not go as planned
Be prepared for things to go wrong, shops to not be open when they say they would be, miscommunication, standard items to be out of stock and just generally things not going according to plan.
Life out here can be tough and there isn’t a 24-hour Walmart around the corner to solve the problems. Things go wrong, that is just life and you can’t control it so just go with it.
Documentation
During your travel in Africa, keep a travel journal or blog to document your experiences. This can be a wonderful way to reflect on your journey and share your stories with others. Take photos responsibly and always ask for permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas.
In summary, traveling like a local in Africa can offer deep insights and unforgettable experiences. By embracing local ways of life, you can create meaningful connections and gain a richer understanding of the continent.
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