Top 5 Exciting and BEST Ways To Travel Around Africa Like a Local.

Africa, the most beautiful and friendliest continent, is home to the world’s largest waterfalls, incredible biodiversity, and warm hospitality.

But before starting your African trip, you must think about how you’ll get around this vast and diverse land.

This guide will help you understand the different transportation options, making sure you have a smooth and unforgettable journey.

1. Domestic Flights Within Africa

When traveling long distances in Africa, flying is often the best choice. Domestic flights can quickly take you from one place to another, It might cost more, but it saves time and is usually more comfortable.

Navigating African Airspace:

Many airlines are flying in Africa, each offering different services and prices. Let’s quickly see who the main ones are:

• Major Airlines: Think of these airlines as Africa’s big, strong elephants. Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and South African Airways are the main ones. They are reliable and connect many major cities, often serving as entry points for international flights.
• Regional Airlines in Africa: These airlines are like quick gazelles, focusing on specific regions. Fastjet and Air Côte d’Ivoire are examples of these regional carriers. They are great choices for exploring certain parts of the continent.
• Cheap Airlines in Africa: For travelers on a budget, low-cost airlines are like fast cheetahs – quick and affordable. FlySafair and Kulula, both from South Africa, are popular for finding cheap flights, especially within their own country.

Comparing Flight Costs and Route Networks:

To help you see the different African airlines, look at this easy table that shows average flight costs and routes for some popular choices:

Airline	Average Flight Cost (Short-Haul)	Route Network
Ethiopian Airlines	$150 – $300	Extensive, connecting major African cities and international hubs
Kenya Airways	$180 – $350	Strong regional network, particularly in East Africa
South African Airways	$120 – $280	Comprehensive coverage within South Africa and connections to other African countries
Fastjet	$80 – $200	Focused on specific regions, such as Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa
FlySafair	$50 – $150	Primarily within South Africa, offering affordable domestic flights

(Note: These are estimated average costs and can vary depending on the season, route, and booking time. Always check specific airline websites for accurate pricing.)

 2. Exploring Africa by Bus

If you want a cheap and immersive way to see Africa’s vibrant culture, take a bus. It’s like a “local express” where you can see the continent up close.

You’ll travel with local people, pass through busy towns and villages, and see daily life in action.

Types of Buses in Africa

Before you start your bus journey, let’s understand the different kinds of buses you might see:

• Luxury Coaches: These are like first-class buses. They have comfy seats that recline, air conditioning, entertainment, and sometimes Wi-Fi. They’re great for long trips when you want comfort and convenience.
• Express Buses: These are reliable and efficient buses. They usually connect big cities and towns, offering a good mix of affordability and speed.
• Local “Trotro / Matatus”: These are minibusses that are very important for public transport in many African countries. Some have colorful decorations, and lively music, and can be very crowded. Riding a matatu is a great way to experience local culture, but it can be a bumpy and unpredictable ride.

Average Bus Fares Between Major African Cities:

Route	Approximate Bus Fare (USD)
Nairobi to Mombasa (Kenya)	$10 – $20
Johannesburg to Cape Town (South Africa)	$30 – $50
Accra to Kumasi (Ghana)	$8 – $15
Dar es Salaam to Arusha (Tanzania)	$15 – $25
Dakar to Saint-Louis (Senegal)	$12 – $20

(Note: These are estimated average fares and can vary based on the bus company, class, and season. Always check with specific operators for accurate pricing.)

3. Journey Through Africa by Train 

For a trip that feels old-fashioned and beautiful, take a train ride through Africa. You’ll be in a comfy seat, hearing the wheels as you watch the stunning scenery go by outside your window.

Popular Train Routes in Africa:

Africa has an interesting railway history, with old lines from the colonial era still in use today. There are also modern luxury trains that give you a taste of old-fashioned travel.

Here are some notable train journeys to consider:

• Rovos Rail’s Luxury Journeys Travel back in time and enjoy the luxury of early 20th-century train travel. Rovos Rail has beautifully restored old carriages, fancy dining, and amazing routes through South Africa and beyond.
• Tazara Railway (Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority) This historic railway, built with help from China in the 1970s, connects Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. It takes you through rugged landscapes, showing you rural life and the impressive engineering of crossing tough terrain.
• The Blue Train (South Africa) Called “the five-star hotel on wheels,” The Blue Train offers a luxurious trip, connecting Pretoria and Cape Town with stops at beautiful places along the way. Enjoy fine dining, butler service, and stunning views from your private suite.

4. Renting a Car in Africa

For those who love adventure and freedom, renting a car in Africa can be exciting. Envision being behind the wheel, driving through beautiful landscapes, finding hidden spots, and exploring at your own pace. 

Car Rentals in Africa

Before you start your road trip, let’s go over the basics of renting a car in Africa:

Car Rental Companies You’ll find both international brands (like Avis, Hertz, Europcar) and local agencies like Wopecar. International companies usually offer more consistent services and newer cars, while local agencies might have better prices and more vehicle choices.

Insurance Considerations It’s a good idea to get full insurance when renting a car in Africa. This will protect you from damages, theft, or accidents. You might also want to add a liability waiver for extra safety.

Driving Permits You generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in African countries. You can get an IDP from your home country’s automobile association before your trip.

5. Using Ride-Hailing Apps in Africa 

Getting around Africa’s busy cities is now easier with ride-hailing apps. These apps are like your small urban chariot, ready to take you from one place to another with just a tap on your smartphone.

Popular Ride-Hailing Apps in Africa 

Uber and Bolt (formerly Taxify) are well-known in many African cities. They have changed urban transportation by offering a convenient and often cheaper option compared to traditional taxis, especially in big cities like:

Accra (Ghana): In Accra, you can use Bolt, Uber, Yango, and Accra Cab. These apps make it easier to get around the city

Nairobi (Kenya): Uber and Bolt are widely used in Nairobi. They make it easy to get around the city’s traffic and reach different neighborhoods.

Lagos (Nigeria): Ride-hailing apps are very popular in Lagos. They offer a safer and more reliable option compared to the city’s often chaotic taxis.

Johannesburg (South Africa): Uber and Bolt are common in Johannesburg. They connect different parts of the city and make it easy to reach popular attractions and business areas.

Cape Town (South Africa): Ride-hailing services are widely available in Cape Town. They make it easy to explore the city’s neighborhoods, beaches, and scenic spots.

Local Ride-Hailing Apps 

Besides the big global apps, there are several local ride-hailing apps that meet specific needs and offer unique features:

SafeBoda (Uganda): SafeBoda focuses on motorcycle taxis (boda-bodas) and emphasizes safety with trained drivers, helmets, and insurance.

Yango (Ghana): Yango offers competitive prices and an easy-to-use app, providing another ride-hailing option in Ghana’s cities.

Choosing the Best Transportation for Your Trip

The best way to get around Africa depends on a few things:

• Budget: Think about how much you want to spend. Buses and local taxis are usually the cheapest, while flights and luxury trains cost more.
• Travel Style: Consider your travel style. Do you like adventure and flexibility? Or do you prefer a more planned and comfortable trip? Self-driving or motorbike travel might be good for adventurous travelers, while guided tours or luxury trains might be better for those who want a more organized experience.
• Destinations: Your destinations will also affect your choice. Some places are best explored by car, while others are easy to reach by bus or train. Island hopping often needs ferries, and remote areas might require domestic flights.

Join The Gold Coast XP Travel Club 

The GCXP Travel Club is for people who love traveling in Africa. It’s not just about fun trips – we also want to help others while we travel.

What Makes Our Travel Club Special:

• We plan trips to beautiful places in Africa that most tours don’t visit.
• Our members get to see African life up close and see amazing wildlife.
• Our trips include volunteer opportunities, so you can help local communities while exploring.
• Our members come from different backgrounds, united by their love for adventure and making a positive impact.
• Members get exclusive trip discounts and can connect with other travelers who care about responsible travel in Africa.