I’m always up for a good challenge and I wanted to shake up my traveling experience a bit to make it a little more interesting. Finding ways to shake up your travel experience is key to continuing to enjoy it as you explore new places. I like to push the limits on my travel experiences, not only on saving money but finding hole-in-the-wall places that your traditional tourist might not go to. I decided to challenge myself to visit southern Africa for three weeks with nothing but what I could fit in my backpack. On top of a good challenge, it’s always a way to save money especially not having to check a bag. Only carrying a backpack saves so many hassles that a traveler would face if you had a big suitcase you had to lug around

            First, I decided where I wanted to go and plan my route. What places did I want to visit and get the most bang for my buck? When thinking through my hopeful Africa experience, it came down to three things: animals, landscape, and Cape Town. Africa is known for its exotic wildlife so I knew that was going to be a must. Through various places throughout Africa, the landscape is beautiful so I had to choose wisely. Lastly, I have read and seen that Cape Town is one of the most beautiful places so I had to see it for myself.

Choosing my route

Africa is such a large continent with so many different countries, so to keep it affordable I knew that reducing travel time and flights was going to be the best way to go. Cape town was on my to-do list so Southern Africa it is. I landed on visiting three countries: Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. In Kenya, I would be able to experience the animals with relatively low expenses, in Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls, one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world, and in South Africa to experience the beachside city of Cape Town. All the countries are relatively close together and fit all the must-haves for my experience. I’ll break down how I packed for this three-week experience along with some of my highlights from each country.

Packing Essentials

• Large, but not too big, backpack.
  • My choice is LL Bean Waxed Canvas Continental Rucksack.
  • This bag is big enough to carry all of the clothes you will need, has many pockets to store all of your extras, and is small enough to carry with you day to day without breaking your back.

• Dri-fit!, Dri-fit!, Dri-fit!
• Moisture-wicking clothes are essential when trying to limit the number of clothes you are packing. These clothes can be worn multiple times, are good for any occasion, and are easily cleaned. I recommend having a few t-shirts and a few pairs of moisture-wicking underwear.
• Voltage converter travel adapter. A must-have when leaving the country to ensure you don’t fry any of your devices. There are various types of converters based on your destination so be sure to get the right one.
• Travel-size laundry detergent. Key to traveling with minimal clothing and staying fresh. Laundry can be done in a sink with one of these single-use packets.

Extra packing Tips

• One pair of shoes. Shoes are bulky and take up so much room in a bag, choose a shoe that fits all occasions.
• Minimalist mindset. Choose clothing that you can wear for any occasion whether you are hiking or visiting a museum.
• If you won’t use it every day, don’t bring it. Every inch of your pack is important, bring it if you need it.

I’m always open to feedback! If you have any other packing tips or ideas, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Here are some of the highlights from my trip to Southern Africa by country:

Kenya

Zimbabwe

            When I think of Africa, I think of open plains and animals all around, but that is not what I got when I land in Harare. Harare is a beautiful city with so much to experience. I wasn’t there to experience city life, I wanted to see the famous Victoria Falls. There is a bus that can take you there for only $30. I decided to split that up and make a stop at Hwange National Park and check out the wildlife in Zimbabwe. With an admission of only $15, I couldn’t pass it up. Now on to the main reason I chose Zimbabwe as a stop in Africa, Victoria Falls. I happily paid the $30 admission fee to see one of the natural wonders of the world. It was worth every cent. Since these destinations are a backpacker’s dream, there are many locations where you can stay for less than $30 per night, some as low as $12. 

South Africa

I have always heard how beautiful Cape Town was so that is why I put in on my required places to visit while I was here. Since it is a specific destination, I wanted to make sure I got to see the whole city. Taking a ride on the Hop-On Hop-Off Red Bus was the best think I could do. This bus takes you past over 20 sightseeing attractions and you can, like the name implies, hop off and get on the next one when it comes around. For the price of around $15 I could beat it as a great way to see the city.

Two things that I had to see were the beach. This was obligatory because how could you be at the most southern point of Africa and not go see the ocean. By the way, if you watch Shark week, I think it’s mainly shot here. This area off the coast is home to some of the largest great whites sharks. No swimming for me. I go for a hike instead.

What a way to end my trip to Southern Africa. Not only was I able to see some of the most incredible sights on the planet, I was Abe to do it all with just a backpack. Got a travel challenge that you’d like for me to try? Comment on my page and Subscribe to my blog to see where I’m going next while I travel Green.