Travel Plans

Many of you have said that they might like to join me on my travels after my civil service. That is why I am posting my travel plans, so you can see on which part of the trip you would like to join me and you can see about the dates. Please contact me (s_e@gmx.ch) if you already know on which part you would like to join and then we can start planning. Personal note: I prefer traveling with someone, so I’m very happy if I have some company from time to time :)

First I will take the mini-bus from Lilongwe to Dar Es Salaam (a 22 hour bus ride…). In Dar Es Salaam I will buy a car and get some of the visas for the countries I will want to visit. Then the adventure can begin…

(The quotes are taken from my guide)

On the first part of the journey, Raphie will join me (presumably Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia). The exact dates that I put there can change of course.

Here is an extremely brief description of the countries I want to visit, so you get a quick overview of what to expect in the respective countries.

Tanzania (29.01.-09.02. and 29.03.-05.04.): Safaris, views of mount Kilimanjaro (on the way back I will probably want to climb it, so if anybody would like to join me on that adventure you are most welcome), Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam.

Burundi (10.-11.02): Very small, Bujumbura and sandy beach at Lake Tanganyika.

Rwanda (13.-15.02.): National Parks, Memorials and museums about the genocide.

Uganda (16.-18.02.): Wildlife, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Nile River, wildlife watching cruise.

Kenya (20.-23.02.): “Kenya is the Africa you always dreamed of: a land of vast savannah, immense herds of wildlife, and peoples with proud traditions…” Masai Mara national reserve.

Ethiopia (24.02.-01.03.): “Ethiopia is truly a world apart. Here there are over two millennia worth of ancient treasures scattered about…”

Somaliland (03.-06.03.): “While Puntland and Somalia have been sliding towards the abyss and are absolute no-go zones for all Westerners, the self-proclaimed Republic of Somalia has risen like phoenix from the ashes by restoring law and order within its boundaries […] Potential destination for adventurous travelers.” Rock paintings, deserted beaches, stunning landscapes. In many official websites you will find warnings about going to Somaliland, but it is generally very safe. You do have to be smart and a bit more careful than in other parts of Africa, but judging from the information I acquired it is generally very safe.

Djibouti (08.-11.03.): “What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in beauty, especially if you are a fan of geological oddities. Few countries in the world, with the possible exception of Iceland, offer such weird landscapes – think salt lakes, extinct volcanoes, sunken plains, […] basaltic plateaus and majestic canyons.” This is not a very cheap destination.

Eritrea (12.-16.03.): “Historically intriguing, culturally compelling and scenically magical, Eritrea is one of the most secretive countries in Africa. [I]t offers challenges and excitement aplenty, with a unique blend of natural and cultural highlights.” Eritrea is also called the North Korea of Africa. It has one of the most restrictive communist governments in the world, which is why those who can, flee the country in the direction of Europe. Some official sites say that it is not completely safe to travel in Eritrea, and you do have to be a bit extra careful, but judging from the information I acquired it is generally very safe.

Sudan (18.-26.03.): Getting a visa to go to Sudan can be quite a headache, so if you want to join me here it is best to start the process at least 6 weeks beforehand. I think it will be worth it though: “Sudanese hospitality remains second to none, and for most people, traveling through Sudan is such an eye-opening and rewarding experience that many come away saying that Sudan was their favorite country in Africa.” Pyramids of god-like kings, desert, the two Niles become one. “Whichever way you look at it, there’s just no denying that among Sudan’s sweeping hills of sand lie treasures he rest of the world are only just beginning to understand.” For Sudan as well you can find official sites that will tell you that it is not safe, but it generally is. However, you do have to check the latest news before you go.