Traveling in Africa like a Pro

August 22, 2023 | 4 minutes read

categories : Tips Africa

This list has been compiled based on commonalities across the highly diverse African continent. It sums up the tools and tricks that are often crucial, especially when moving between different countries and cultures. Always check country-specific advice!

(No shame: I used a helpful AI Assistant (Gemini) for quick formatting and to synthesize common advice, but the content is mine)

🌍 Essential Apps & Tools

Google Maps / HERE Maps / Maps.me

Google Maps is generally reliable in large cities and for major routes.
Maps.me and Organic Maps are often better for offline use and in remote/safari areas.
Rather accurate for major landmarks, but off-road tracks can be misleading.
/!\ Download offline maps for every region you plan to visit before you lose connectivity.

It’s the primary communication tool for most people and businesses.
You’ll use it to message tour guides, lodges, taxi drivers, and new friends.

Google Translate

/!\ Download language packs (e.g., Swahili, Afrikaans, French, Portuguese…) for offline use.
The camera function is useful for menus and signs, but not always perfect for complex dialects. (Like in Ethiopia)

Currency Converter (e.g., XE Currency)

Essential with over 50 currencies and fluctuating exchange rates.
Great for quick conversion when bargaining in markets to ensure a fair price.

VPNs are generally, not needed, as most major international sites are accessible. A security-focused VPN is still useful for protecting your data on potentially unsecured public Wi-Fi, which happens a lot.

🚗 Transportation

Booking Flights & Overland

Domestic Flights: Recommended for covering the continent’s vast distances quickly (e.g. between Harar/Dire Dawa and Addis in Ethiopia).
Overland Tours/4x4 Rental: The most common way for safaris and exploring remote parks.
Using a local travel agent or the airline/bus company website directly is often best (And sometime they have better prices, especially for Ethiopia. They can get flights almost twice as cheap)
In Ethiopia, tourism is a mafia, drop the right names, door opens. I don’t know who’s the current boss, but the one I knew in 2022 opened up a lot, one name dropped and people treats you far better.

Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber, Bolt, Indrisver)

Uber and Bolt are common, while, apparently, Indriver is popular in parts of West and North Africa.
Generally considered a safer, more transparent option than hailing a street taxi.
Payment is easiest by linking a card to the app.

Minibuses & Shared Taxis

Also known as Matatus (Kenya), Tro-tros (Ghana), or Daladalas (Tanzania).
Extremely cheap and authentic but often crowded, less comfortable, and do not follow a strict timetable (they leave when full).

💰 Payments

Mobile Money (M-Pesa, Airtel Money)

Mobile Money is King in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) and increasingly common elsewhere.
It’s a phone number-based payment system used for nearly everything, from street vendors to park entry fees.
Non-residents can usually register for a Mobile Money account with a local SIM card and passport.

Cash (USD/Local Currency)

Cash is still widely used. Most places only use mobile money or cash.
US Dollars (USD): Often accepted (and often required) for visas, major tourist expenses, and tips. Only bring new, clean, post-2006 bills—old or damaged notes are often rejected. A black market for conversion exists in most countries. It also works in Euro in old french colonies.
Credit/Debit Cards: Sometimes accepted in high-end hotels, major supermarkets, and tourist centers in major cities. Expect surcharges of 3-10% in some places.
Mobile money: Once again, very important, M’Pesa, Mobile Pay and many others are parts of the daily life in most subsaharan african countries. Even more accepted than cash.

ATMs: Available in cities and towns. Use bank ATMs during the day and be discreet.
Inform your home bank of your travel dates to avoid card freezing.

Other Notes

SIM Card: Buying a local SIM card is cheap and vital for navigation, ride-hailing, and Mobile Money.
Bus vs flights: Flights are often expensive, but much quicker than bus. Notoriously slow and not as cheap as planned. Trains are usually uncommon.
Toilets: Varies greatly; carry tissues and hand sanitizer.
Etiquette & Safety: Publicly displaying wealth (even a single coin) is discouraged in cities. Always ask before taking a picture of a person. Be patient, polite, and embrace the concept of “Africa Time” (things move slowly, very slowly).
Scams: Assume everything is a scam. If someone approaches you? Scam. A deal? Scam. Bus prices? For tourists. Don’t trust anyone.
Politics/Military: Avoid sensitive topics, queue firmly, and never take pictures of government, police, or military installations. NEVER. You can seriously get arrested.