Introduction: fight for the dream and adjust the plan

This journey was not meant to be the last on my African roadtrip. Initially, I planned to drive a round trip from Nairobi to Cape Town and back. The plan was to drive up the Eastern African coast along Mozambique and Zanzibar. But as my car made more and more problems, I was running out of time and trust in the car. Getting back to Nairobi slowly shifted out of reach for me. Nevertheless, I wanted to explore the entire southern tip of Africa with all of its countries. With quite some struggle and a lot of conviction, I started my last big trip of the year 2016.

Western Cape: from the desserts back into civilisation

From Namibia in the North, I entered the territory of South Africa. Already at the border, I felt a difference: greener and more fertile land. On the long drive towards Cape Town, the landscape transformed even more dramatically. From the rocky high plateau in the North, suddenly a golden valley opens up. Most of the Western Cape is highly fertile and an agricultural dream. No wonder, settlers from different origins fought after this territory. From picturesque green vineyards, over amazingly golden cornfields to the blue ocean, this land is truly majestic. Its centre is Cape Town, where everything started any my journey took a twist. After 15,000 kilometres, I abandoned my car and continued in a rented substitution.

Eastern Cape: from the ocean into the mountains

Along the Indian Ocean, I drove eastwards through South Africa. The Garden Route, what many people call the most scenic route in the World, I crossed in just one day. I have missed many of its natural spectacles, but had a glimpse of it at the Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge. There I picked up two German travellers with the same idea for the very rest of my journey. Together we sacrificed the impressive Wild Coast and famous Drakensberg mountains for other highlights. Instead, we drove into mountainous Lesotho and then to an amazing dance festival outside of Johannesburg. From there we crossed the Kruger National Park and continued into Swaziland.

Lesotho: a hidden kingdom high in the mountains

I did not have time, but I wanted to see this country. In only 24 hours, I acquired a fairly comprehensive and lasting impression. The country feels utterly different than South Africa and gives an impression in pre-colonial times. The mountainous landscape itself is stunning and the people simple but happy. Because if its altitude, the clouds were seemingly hovering right above the ground and the stars could nearly be grabbed. Camping with a horde of motorcycle freaks (Roof of Africa), horseback riding and hunting for dinosaur footpaths, completed my extraordinary experience. The mountain kingdom offers many highlights.

Head over to not so known attractions in Lesotho and plan your amazing trip ahead! 

Swaziland: visiting Africa’s last absolute monarchy

Finally, I made it to the country that nearly sounds like my home (Switzerland)! This was very exciting for me, especially as most citizens knew my own country. They all knew, when I sad “I’m not from Swaziland, but from …”. Africa’s only absolute monarchy is a true green Garden of Eden. On my route through the small country, I passed mountain peaks, green valleys and a blue dam. People were extremely friendly and decent, living a simple life and worshipping their tribal heritage. In comparison to the rest of Africa, the ruling monarch is widely supported because he unites one single tribe. At a cultural event, I joined the youth in their fight against the aids epidemic and violence. Swaziland is a truly unique country with its own charm.

Mozambique: fading colours of a crumbling regime

My very last stop on the black continent brought me to Maputo. This was the first country I visited, without English as a national language. And clearly, things were running differently. The remains of its Portuguese influence and the communistic regime where clearly visible. It still feels like a strictly controlled military state. In the city centre, I passed my multiple districts that were sealed and guarded by checkpoints. Overall, the capital is fairly run down, colours slowly fading away. Nevertheless, I met some nice people and also had a great party night. After being splashed by a car and dripping wet, I enjoyed one of the best fish in my life. With mixed feelings and a temperature of 40 degrees, I boarded the aeroplane back to Europe.

Summary: not quite as planned, but a grand finale

In the end, I successfully made my way to Mozambique. Even though I did not make it back to Nairobi, I visited all the African countries I wanted to. It was a temporary struggle with many drawbacks, but I safely and happily made it. Replacing my own with a rented car was hurtful but necessary. This was the only way for me to drive all the way from the Atlantic coast back to the Indian Ocean. This last trip once more confirmed that Africa is a great place to travel. The vast landscapes offer endless beautify and people are unbelievably friendly. It is a pity, that Europe shows so little interest in and empathy with the Southern hemisphere. So many treasures and hidden gems are ready to be explored.

Thanks to all the great spirits who made my time in Africa a time to remember!