• Eli Solidum, aged 28, embarked on an extraordinary journey across Africa, visiting 8 different countries during his adventure.
• He reveals which nation is considered 'otherworldly' and which one boasts the 'most friendly' inhabitants.
• READ MORE: I sold my home to embark on travels — here are the top countries I adore.

'I have visited more than 70 countries spanning five continents, yet nothing could truly ready me for many of the experiences I had in Africa.'

TikTok traveler and writer Eli Solidum @elisolidum From the Philippines, he is sharing with MailOnline Travel details of his incredible four-month adventure across Africa, a trip marked by numerous challenges yet also filled with 'surreal' and 'otherworldly' moments.

The 28-year-old shares insights into the top African nation for newcomers, describes how the wildlife can be overwhelming, and points out typical errors travelers often encounter when organizing an African adventure.

However, let's start with the 'tone' of difficulties he encountered?

Eli went to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa , and discloses: "In terms of logistics, this may well have been the most challenging journey I’ve undertaken. The combination of scarce and inconsistent public transport, limited affordable lodging choices in some areas, plus outmoded and incorrect maps, along with a dearth of online information about my intended locations forced me to improvise extensively and adjust spontaneously."

I did not encounter numerous travelers to share tips and strategies with. Being a foreigner was psychologically demanding since one always stood out. It was difficult to remain inconspicuous, and I found the persistent notice from others quite unsettling, despite much of it stemming from innocent interest.

The 29-year-old traveler mentions that there is an optimal point when it comes to organizing a journey in Africa. Eli states, "I hadn’t finalized which countries I would visit, so unexpected side trips to Uganda and Rwanda meant obtaining visas, a process that took time."

Eli was forced to remain in Kenya for an extended period beyond what he initially planned due to the delay. He encountered significant difficulties in adjusting his visa during a "10-day ordeal" involving extensive travel within Nairobi to resolve all the issues.

He shares: "Although you may not enjoy organizing your travels, as I personally do not, I would suggest investigating the visa prerequisites for each country you plan to visit. Additionally, look into necessary vaccinations and medications, identify key transport centers and airports, and proceed accordingly."

However, on the other hand, Eli cautions that it’s simple to fall into the trap of over-planning your journey to the continent.

The traveler remarks, "If your itinerary is overly detailed with rigid reservations and flight arrangements for each segment of the journey, that plan will likely crumble sooner rather than later."

'Processes can be quite sluggish around these parts, much like the three-day journey by rail from Dar-es-Salaam to Lusaka. When I took this route, we were only halfway through our trip when the train stalled after just three days of travel. Later on, in Lusaka, I encountered individuals who intended to board the very same train, aiming to arrive at Dar-es-Salaam well within a three-day timeframe so as not to miss an outbound flight. Though I lost track of those travelers afterward, my guess would be that most likely, they did not make their scheduled departure.'

Next come the buses. Typically, they simplify travel between locations, yet there’s always a risk of boarding the incorrect one.

Eli clarifies: "In East Africa, buses and shared minibusses known as matatus were abundant, making travel between locations quite simple. However, bus terminals frequently exhibited chaos or felt overpowering. As a foreigner carrying two backpacks attached on either side, arriving at these places typically resulted in being shuffled around by individuals attempting to direct me towards their own buses, even when those weren’t necessarily the right ones."

'Events are destined to unfold, and a single domino tipping over can ruin your whole plan.'

Fortunately, no prior planning is needed to appreciate Africa’s amazing wildlife, as Eli mentioned he was astonished by how widespread it turned out to be.

He elaborates, "You don’t necessarily need to embark on safari adventures to spot wild animals. Once, as I cycled down a path, I had to halt so a giraffe could pass by effortlessly. On another occasion, while strolling towards lunch, a baboon tore into a garbage bin right before my eyes, and simultaneously, a warthog seized some refuse and darted off with it. In Botswana, when I caught a lift somewhere, our vehicle came to a standstill on the highway for about 30 minutes since a massive group of zebras and elephants took their time quenching their thirst at a waterhole alongside the road. The experience was breathtaking and remained endlessly fascinating."

In Botswana, Eli had one of the most tranquil moments of his existence, even though an unwelcome visitor appeared. He shares this about his experience: "Paddling in a mokoro—a slender canoe—across the Okavango Delta’s waters at dawn was among the calmest times I have ever experienced. The serenity enveloped everything; the quiet surface of the water combined with the bird calls created an almost surreal atmosphere, making me feel as if I were dreaming."

While at the same time, you find yourself on a small, vulnerable wooden platform amidst waters teeming with numerous hippos and elephants. On our return journey to where we started, we encountered a charging hippo, making those brief moments feel incredibly long. Fortunately, it turned out to be just a mock charge as it retreated, yet it provided quite a rush of adrenaline contrasting sharply with the peacefulness of the day so far. This experience truly underscored the raw wilderness, lack of taming, and pristine condition of some of these locations I visited.

Therefore, excluding Botswana, what are some must-visit destinations on your list?

Eli suggests visiting Sossusvlei in Namibia, a salt flat enclosed by sand dunes, calling it "the most surreal, otherworldly location I explored." The ascent up Mount Kenya stood out for him too. He shares this experience: “The climb to the peak of Mount Kenya remains etched in my memory due to its difficulty—conquering the high elevation and starting our trek towards the summit just after midnight.”

He adds that Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Zambian National Park that's home to half of the Victoria Falls waterfall, is 'awe-inspiring, living up to the hype and then some'.

And don't miss Uganda.

Eli shares: "When I arrived in Kenya, Uganda hadn’t crossed my mind at all. However, I encountered numerous Ugandan people who seemed consistently cheerful and jovial. This piqued my interest, prompting me to explore what made everyone in their nation perpetually joyful. Although my stay lasted just ten days, I thoroughly enjoyed it."

'This place offers a mix of adventures including gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking, visiting Murchison Falls, exploring the origin of the Nile River, discovering crater lakes, and seeing the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains with their towering peaks, which are some of the highest in Africa. This country stands out as one of the lushest places I have visited; moreover, the locals were incredibly friendly and humorous. Additionally, its night life scene is outstanding and likely tops anything else you'd find in East Africa.'

Eli suggests that for someone visiting Africa for the first time, South Africa makes an ideal starting point. He elaborates: "Cape Town and the Garden Route offer a balanced blend of Western and African influences which can help acclimate you gradually. This way, you ease into the continent through areas with accessible cultural experiences prior to exploring more distant and distinct locales."

Had I not traveled to Cape Town half a decade earlier, navigating the remainder of the continent might have been far more challenging. Additionally, it serves as an excellent hub for connecting with fellow travelers, allowing you to seek their guidance or potentially join forces with them during your journey.

Although Africa may not be a popular destination on the typical backpacking trail, this could offer some surprising advantages. According to Eli, "When I visited, there were few backpackers exploring the continent. This meant that occasionally, you might shell out $10 (£7.88) for a shared dorm at a hostel but end up having the entire room, and sometimes even the complete facility, all to yourself."

Eli mentioned that certain luxurious accommodations priced at several hundred dollars per night also provide campsite options for much less money. He would occasionally opt for staying in a hotel or an apartment when he felt like taking a break following an adventurous day, yet mostly his lodging expense remained around $20 (£15.76) or below each evening.

What advice might Eli offer to someone hesitant about visiting Africa?

He states: "It's beneficial to experience some hesitation and worry before setting off. This isn’t an ordinary place to visit, so expect obstacles along the way. Traveling through Africa with just a backpack isn’t suited for everybody; however, if seeking excitement, very few regions worldwide provide experiences akin to those found in Africa."

The majority of travelers I've encountered share this sentiment. While not simple, it proves to be an incredibly enriching adventure—possibly the most satisfying journey I’ve embarked upon. Should you desire numerous tales and enduring recollections from your travels, Africa offers them plentifully. This continent presents a travel experience distinct from all others I have known.

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