7 Reasons to Overland East Africa

Note: This is a guest post by Ryan Martin of Follow Me Everywhere.

In 2010, I had the pleasure of going to the World Cup in South Africa. It was amazing! Afterwards, my South African friends suggested I take an overland tour through East Africa. I’m not one for tours usually. I mean, come on, I’m a backpacker and should be able to figure it out on my own!

However, Africa is a whole different story. Language barriers, poor and sporadic public transportation, and a developing tourist industry are all things working against you. It can be done on your own, it’s just a major mission. Especially for someone who’s new to Africa.

So I joined a 32 day overland camping tour that started in Johannesburg, South Africa and completed in Nairobi, Kenya. I was skeptical at first about joining the tour, but by the end I didn’t want to leave. It was an incredible, once in a lifetime experience.

Wildlife

Seen National Geographic or Discovery? This is where their material comes from. Out in the bush, you can still see Africa for what it’s been for thousands of years. Throughout the trip, we migrated from National Park to National Park and there is no doubt we were in the wild. Elephants roaming through camp sound interesting to you? How about hyena’s raiding your garbage, wild pigs joining a nightly campfire, or zebra grazing as you set-up camp? It’s real, it happens, and it could be you.

Kids

African children have a special way of pulling your heart strings. Maybe it’s the joy they show in life or their unwavering playfulness. Whatever it is, you can’t help but smile and be happy when interacting with the children.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Ever heard of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World? Yup, Victoria Falls is one of them and there’s a reason for it. The immensity and scale of these falls is incredible. There is a reason the locals named it “the smoke that thunders.” And the gorge that follows is one of the best places in the world to whitewater raft. Just be sure once you’re flipped to get back in the raft quickly before the crocodiles and hippos get you!

Friends

For better or worse, you’re stuck with these people on tour for 32 FULL days. It’s safe to say I got to know some of the people on tour better than a lot of my close friends. Just pray you get a good group!

Culture

Yes, in Africa they really do walk around with stuff on their head. And yes, Masai warriors are still prevalent in the bush. There are hundreds of unique cultures in Africa and I only had a small glimpse into a select few. Let’s just say you definitely know you’re not in Kansas anymore!

Zanzibar, Tanzania

When I got to this spice island, I honestly thought I had been transported back to Thailand. Aside from the Masai warriors strolling about, the two are quite similar. Turquoise waters, beach bars, diving, and good weather. What else can you ask for? This little slice of heaven is just what you need after weeks on end camping in the bush.

Memories That Last a Lifetime

Travel changes who you are to the core. And after doing a trip like this, it’s no different. The more I see of the world, the more my insatiable thirst for it grows. So get out there and start your own adventure. Life’s too short not to.

About The Author

Ryan is a 26 year old single male who just finished backpacking around the world in 2010. His trip took him to Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. He’s been backpacking since 2005, but just built a website to combine his love of travel with work. So if you know anybody looking for a travel writer, travel photographer, or travel guide, let him know. You can subscribe and read more of his awesome stuff at www.followmeeverywhere.com.