My African Big Tour
9 months in the Middle East, Eastern Africa and Morocco
African Big Tour was the world apart
African big tour was the next step after exploring Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Asia. It was logical to continue my travels there.
For some reason, though, I had never felt drawn to the Mother Continent. Stories of corruption, political instability, danger, high costs, limited budget options, and the risk of tropical diseases delayed my long-awaited encounter with this last unexplored continent.
Even when I believe I’ve learned everything about Africa, it still reveals new challenges and hidden wonders.
As usual, I wasn’t in a hurry, having just turned down an attractive job offer in Switzerland. I decided to start my African Big Tour from Slovenia overland through the Balkans, Turkey and Iran to the Middle East. At that time, Syria was a very safe country, known for its exceptionally hospitable people who kindly welcomed me into their homes during the evenings of Ramadan.
Wildlife, indigenous groups and limited natural wonders
Because of my limited budget, I skipped Israel and took a ship from Jordan to Egypt, my first destination in Africa. Egypt turned out to be one of the highlights, not just of Africa, but of my entire travels.
In contrast, the rest of my journey through East Africa was quite challenging, filled with unpredictability and frequent frustrations.
The absence of established roads in the northern desert of Sudan was compensated by the unexpectedly warm hospitality of the local people, who frequently welcomed me into their modest homes. Such gestures, routine for them, were profoundly appreciated by me.
Ethiopia is arguably the most attractive country in Eastern Africa, yet the constant requests for money from numerous beggars greatly diminished my satisfaction during the visit. My meeting with the Mursi tribe in the Omo Valley will be a treasured story to recount to my grandchildren.
Going on safaris in Kenya to see the incredible wildlife of the African savannah was one of the essential things to do, while relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar was the perfect ending to my African Big Tour.
When travelling in Africa the expectations have to be adjusted to reality. Apart from wildlife, tribes and limited natural wonders, there are hardly any historical, architectural or educational landmarks that could be compared with worldwide standards. It is all about people, mingling, markets, colors, surviving and taking it easy, as it is.
I often found myself wondering why I was spending so much money on uncomfortable transport, terrible accommodation, or unappetizing food that I would normally avoid in any other situation.
During African Big Tour, I didn’t fully appreciate the continent, which led to many challenges. It wasn’t until years later, when I started traveling without specific expectations, that I learned to truly appreciate some of the continent’s most demanding destinations.
