Getting Around Africa

How transport works in practice

Transport in Africa is best planned as a series of regional hubs connected by a mix of domestic flights and overland legs.

The key is reliability: assume schedules can shift, build buffers, and avoid tight same-day connections when you can.

• Use domestic flights for long distances where road travel is slow.
• Use buses/shared taxis for short-to-medium hops where frequency is higher.
• Plan arrival daylight when possible.

Choosing the right mode

Your best option depends on distance, road conditions, and how time-sensitive your itinerary is.

For safaris and national parks, official transfers or reputable operators often reduce friction (permits, gate times, vehicle requirements).

• Flights: fastest, but baggage rules and delays are common.
• Buses: cheap, but slower and variable comfort.
• Trains: limited networks, good on specific corridors.
• Self-drive: powerful in Namibia and South Africa, less ideal where signage/fuel access is inconsistent.

Real-world planning checklist

Before committing to an itinerary, pressure-test the transport days. Ask: how do I get from A to B, and what happens if it slips by 3–6 hours?

• Confirm airport and city names (some destinations have similarly named airports).
• Keep copies of tickets offline.
• Budget for baggage fees on small aircraft.
• Carry small cash for stations and taxis.
• Use a SIM/eSIM early so maps and ride-hailing work.