Hitchhiking in Africa
Essential Tips for Hitchhiking on the African Continent
Africa is probably the safest continent for hitchhiking – South Africa excluded. Everyone does it, as public transport hardly exists. However drivers do expect payment.
1: Be patient! Be prepared to camp out on the side of the road, as a lift could only arrive in a few days time.
2: Be prepared to help out in any emergency - a range of mechanical problems, flat tyres, leaking roofs - or be prepared to camp out again, along with new friends.
3: Be prepared to help dig vehicles out of a sand bank or mud. Usually more time is spent discussing the problem than solving it. Luckily, if you are a female it is perfectly acceptable to sit on the side of the road and shout comments. A good sense of humor is required when in this situation.
4: Foreigners are often charged triple, so it is best to just hand over the fee that you see other passengers paying, rather than asking the price.
5: Many rides end up being on open trucks, so have a jacket, rain gear and sunblock ready.
6: Make sure you are holding on tight. Due to potholes vehicles tend to sway around at great speeds. However, most times you are packed in so tightly it is not a problem.
7: You do not need to take food and drink. Vehicles stop at every shop and village, no matter how small. This is because the drivers are hoping to pick up more passengers in the hope of making more money, and it has the added advantage for you to buy supplies and stretch your legs.
8: Never assume that the vehicle is full. An extra person can always be fitted in.
9: Enjoy the ride. Everyone else is just as uncomfortable, tired and hungry as you are, so smile and enjoy it. Sing songs (unfortunately Michael Jackson ones are sure winners!), learn some more local dialect, share jokes - it is the best way to get to know the people. Be aware that what looks like a short distance on a map can easily take a whole days driving.
10: Lastly - be patient! Just when you thought you were gathering speed, you'll stop again - a flat tyre; a friendly chat to someone who just evolved out of the bush; a small roadside stall selling '7 UP' and deep fried dough; or a pig who didn't make it across the road and can now be taken home for dinner - there is always a reason to stop. And there is always room to squeeze in just one more person!
