I spent the last few months backpacking on my own around East and Southern Africa. While I’ve taken a few other trips this past year, this is a summary of the last two and a half months.

I visited the following countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa.

Top 5 of my backpacking trip:

  1. Mt. Kilimanjaro and safari, Tanzania (Kili posts)
  2. Tofo and whalesharks, Mozambique
  3. Purim with the Abayudaya Jews, Uganda
  4. Rafting at the source of the nile in Jinja, Uganda
  5. The Ilala down Lake Malawi, Malawi

Approximate number of hours I spent on buses: 178 hours or 7.4 days or 10680 minutes. I have a feeling this is largely underestimated because I only added up the long bus rides from one destination to the next but not when I just moved around a place. 

Favorite countries: Rwanda and Mozambique

Place I stayed the longest: Tofo, Mozambique

Longest bus ride: Nairobi to Kampala (~14 hours)

Most expensive activity: gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Worst hostel I stayed at: Doogles in Blantyre, Malawi

Best hostel I stayed at: Chimp-trekking lodge in Budongo, Uganda

Best beer: Kilimanjaro (500 ml) made in Tanzania

Only country with no international ATMs: Rwanda

Biggest avocados: Malawi

Country with least infrastructure: Mozambique

Best climate: Rwanda

Longest stretch I went without showering: 3 days

Most vicious mosquitos: Mozambique

Most unreliable guidebook: Lonely Planet

Safest capitol: Kigali, Rwanda

Most memorable meal: Macaroni and cheese (that I made)