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)

Backpacking Through Africa 4 – Cairo

 I met Mike in the afternoon as he rushed toward customs. He was also headed to Nairobi but decided to make the most of the eleven-hour layover. He’d pay over ten dollars for a one-day visa, but he thought it was worth it. He had the address of an Egyptian student he’d met in the Netherlands, who had promised to show him around the city by car.

By evening, he wasn’t so sure it had been the best decision.

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)

Backpacking Through Africa 3 – Free Luxury Hotel

 I took the risk anyway. We had a layover in Cairo and had to wait from 2 PM until 1 AM. But for those eleven hours, they gave me a free, luxurious room in a five-star hotel just 200 meters from the terminal. 

I’ll never forget the cushioned loungers under palm trees around the hotel pool or the incredible feast they served us that evening. 

So much for Unreliable. 

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued) 

Backpacking Through Africa, 2. EgyptAir, is unreliable and dangerous

 
There was no internet back then. I had flown to Cairo from Athens, where I spent two days going from one travel agency to another, searching for the cheapest flight to Africa. The most affordable option was with EgyptAir, but the agent warned me against it, saying the airline was unreliable and dangerous—their planes were bad, the staff strange and hostile, and sandstorms in Cairo often forced long, foodless waits at the airport.

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)

Backpacking Through Africa 1 – From Athens via Cairo

"Ha! Nairobi! Africa; I'm here!" Mike exclaimed, suddenly overcome with euphoria on the bus, nearly jumping with excitement as we approached the center of Kenya’s capital. Allison and I laughed. Back in Cairo, he had already mentioned at least ten times that this was his first trip to Africa.

Janin Klemenčič (to be continued)