Backpacking Through Africa 8: Matatu

 Matatu is an African cross between a van, taxi, and city bus. It runs on a certain route, but the "conductor" jumps out all the way to collect passengers. The concept of when the vehicle is full is relative and varies worldwide. 

A matatu is full when three or four passengers sit on each of the double seats, five on triple seats; three stand bent over the seated, two hang on the doors. Where there is still space, children are squeezed in. At that time, there were about twenty-five of us in a van registered for eight people.

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)

Backpacking Through Africa 7:

 
Allison heard that the best accommodation in Nairobi was "Mrs Roche's." Although it was a few kilometers outside the center, it was cheap and popular among backpackers. So, in the center, we looked for a matatu going to that part of town, and the driver immediately knew what it was about.

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)

Backpacking Through Africa 6:

 
Nairobi

Taxi drivers at Nairobi airport insisted we must ride with them because city buses were far too dangerous and we would surely be robbed. Still, we took the risk anyway.

The bus fare was more than twenty times cheaper, and there were no robbers in sight. Allison, who flew in from London, joined us already in the waiting room at Cairo airport. It was obvious to all three of us that we were neither businessmen nor tourists. Backpackers quickly find each other worldwide.

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)

Backpacking Through Africa 5:

 First, he wasted nearly two hours on visa payments, failed phone calls, and customs formalities. Then, in impossible traffic, he struggled for more than three hours by bus to the city. 

He got lost several times before finding the right address, but the friend was not home. In the end, he could only turn around and go back. When he heard about my luxurious hotel, he turned a little green.

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)