Lessons Learned from a Month Traveling in Africa

Practical insights on pacing, logistics, culture, and connection from extended travel across Africa.

Spending a month traveling through Africa was deeply rewarding—and also clarifying, especially when it comes to planning longer, more complex trips. Long journeys have a way of revealing not just what you love, but how you actually travel best once the novelty wears off. Even as experienced, worldly travelers, we learned (and relearned) a great deal along the way.

Before diving in, one important note: these are broad generalities, shaped by what we personally experienced over the past month. Africa is not one place, one culture, or one rhythm. These observations reflect patterns we noticed while moving through several regions—and they’re offered as guidance, not absolutes.

These are the things I was reminded of—or would do differently next time—and the considerations I now weave into how I plan longer, more complex journeys for myself and clients.

1. Build in More Time to Transition

Culture shock is real. And so is what I’ve come to think of as bush shock—something I’ll be sharing more about in a Substack essay later this month (under Flying with the Skylark).

Moving between cities, remote safari areas, islands, and vastly different cultural environments requires more than just travel time on a map. Africa is a huge continent, and each country—and often each region—operates on its own rhythm. Every transition asks for mental and physical adjustment. Even with experience, shifts in pace, sound, isolation, and daily routine can be disorienting, especially when moves are rushed.

Africa doesn’t reward hurrying. As the Swahili phrase goes, pole, pole—slowly, slowly. The places we enjoyed most were those where we gave ourselves time to arrive, settle in, and recalibrate before moving on. That breathing room made everything feel more grounded, more present, and far less exhausting.

2. Fewer Commutes, More Hotel Changes

This was a big one for us.

In Zambia and parts of South Africa, we intentionally moved between hotels/lodges rather than commuting long distances each day. It meant more frequent unpacking and repacking, but it dramatically reduced drive times—and the difference was noticeable. Shorter transfers meant more energy, more flexibility, and a better overall experience.

In Zanzibar, we did the opposite. We stayed in one place and commuted to activities, and for us, that was a mistake. The drives were longer than expected, the roads weren’t always pleasant, and the time lost quickly added up.

There’s always a balance between unpacking and repacking versus sitting in a car. In some destinations, we prefer to stay put and drive. On this trip, however, we found ourselves preferring to unpack more often to avoid long, tiring drives—especially in regions with unpredictable road conditions. Less time in transit meant more time actually in the place.

3. Smaller Airports Make a Big Difference

Large airports like Johannesburg and Nairobi are often unavoidable—but they can easily consume half a day once you factor in security, customs, baggage, and long queues.

When possible, staying closer to smaller regional airports made a noticeable difference. Transfers were simpler, lines were shorter, and the overall experience was far less draining.

That said, traveling within Africa often requires repositioning yourself to catch flights—sometimes because there may be only one per day on certain routes. Accounting for those realities is essential. Buffer days, smart routing, and realistic expectations can make the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one.

4. Bring the Stomach Medicine

Yes—really.

We’re careful travelers. We pay attention to food, water, and hygiene. And still, on long trips through remote areas, one of us inevitably gets sick. Sometimes it’s food, sometimes water, sometimes simply the strain of constant movement and changing environments.

Having prescription stomach medication from your doctor isn’t overkill—it’s common sense. When you’re far from pharmacies or reliable medical care, it can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and losing several days of your trip. On this trip, having that extra medication made all the difference.

5. Be Prepared for Something to Go Wrong

Africa is a mix of remarkable organization and genuine unpredictability.

Sometimes everything runs beautifully. Other times, plans shift without warning. Weather can prevent landing on an airstrip. An unexpected fee is charged upon arrival in Zanzibar. Luggage goes missing. Flights change—or disappear altogether.

The key is to plan meticulously and be mentally prepared to pivot. Flexibility isn’t a backup plan here; it’s part of the experience. Approached with the right mindset, these moments become manageable rather than stressful.

6. Learn Five Phrases of the Local Language

This made an enormous difference for us.

Even basic greetings immediately shifted how we were received. A simple “hello,” “thank you,” or “good evening” softened interactions, opened doors, and created moments of genuine connection.

It’s the difference between moving through a place as an observer and being welcomed into it, even briefly. People smiled more, conversations lasted longer, and exchanges felt more mutual. Small efforts went a surprisingly long way.

7. A Different Relationship with Time

Before this trip, I’d often heard the phrase “African time,” but the way it’s commonly used didn’t reflect what we experienced. What we encountered was punctuality—and then a different relationship with time once things began.

People were consistently on time—flights, pickups, meetings—and were quick to point it out if we weren’t. But once something began, there was a shared willingness to be present and to let time unfold without rushing. A work dinner in Cape Town might begin promptly at 6:30 pm and last five hours. Schedules mattered, but so did conversation and staying until things felt finished.

We were genuinely impressed by how consistently this worked. Time wasn’t treated as something to manage or compress, but as something to inhabit.

8. Prioritize Hotels and Camps with Space to Move

On this trip, we were reminded how different daily movement can look outside of major cities. Unlike in many European cities, there often aren’t many opportunities to walk freely in the city or the bush. Many safari camps and lodges are fenced due to wildlife, and guests are advised not to venture beyond those boundaries without a guide. In addition, safari days can include five or six hours in a vehicle over rough roads.

That kind of travel takes a toll on the body. We found that having access to a gym, a yoga space, or even a simple stretch area made a meaningful difference. A dedicated place to move and reset physically helped us feel better overall and recover more easily between long drives and early mornings. It’s a small consideration that can make a big difference on longer trips, especially when you’re out of your normal routine for weeks at a time.

9. Pack Lightly

Luggage gets handled a lot on trips like this—small planes, boats, vehicles, and multiple transfers. Packing lighter would have made everything easier, though it’s always a challenge when a single trip spans multiple climates. And honestly, I feel like we say this after returning from almost every trip.

What mattered most were a few reliable staples: neutral layers, comfortable shoes for game drives, sandals or flip-flops, sun protection, insect repellent, a rain layer, and a lightweight fleece or packable jacket. We also found it helpful to include one nice outfit for dinners in cities and one polished daytime outfit for longer or more refined lunches.

Laundry was almost always available, and that simplicity brought peace of mind. Fewer things made each transition easier—and made the trip itself feel lighter.

10. Don’t Be Shy About Making New Friends

One of the most consistent experiences throughout the month was how open and kind people were. Conversations came easily—often without expectation—and small interactions regularly turned into meaningful exchanges.

Being willing to engage, ask questions, and linger made a difference. Whether it was with guides, drivers, hotel staff, or people we met along the way, taking the time to talk often led to stories and insight that went far beyond logistics or recommendations.

These connections didn’t feel transactional. They felt human. And they were often the moments we remembered most—not because they were planned, but because we were open to them. We left with more than memories; we left with real friendships, exchanged numbers, and a growing list of people across the continent we now think of as friends.