🌍 Why Africa Is So Special
Africa is not one single travel experience. It includes Saharan countries, Indian Ocean islands, dense Central African forests, East African highlands, huge coastal cities, overland routes in Southern Africa, and some of the hardest logistics of the whole 195 journey.
For me, Africa was where the every-country project often felt the most intense and on-edge, but also the most rewarding. Few trips were simple and straightforward. Many involved complicated visas, long bus rides and security planning. And sometimes, corruption seemed to be omni-present. I often say Africa is not for beginners.
🗺️ All 54 Countries in Africa
These are the 54 UN member countries in Africa.
🧭 Africa Travel Guides
I have travelled to every country in Africa. These are the Africa country guides currently live on the 195 Blog, with personal stories, route notes, safety context, photos, and the parts of each trip that stayed with me most.
🇸🇩 Sudan
Port Sudan, Ramadan hospitality, Red Sea boat trips, difficult logistics, and one of my final countries.
🇸🇸 South Sudan
Juba, Acacia Village, White Nile markets, and the unforgettable Mundari cattle camps.
🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo
Bukavu, Kahuzi-Biega gorilla trekking, Lake Kivu ferries, Goma markets, and eastern Congo logistics.
🇩🇿 Algeria
Algiers, visa trouble, the Casbah, loubia, Tifinagh script, and a complicated online aftermath.
🇨🇻 Cape Verde
Boa Vista, Sal Rei, empty beaches, Deserto de Viana, kite surfing winds, and a failed Cachupa mission.
🇹🇬 Togo
Lomé, Akodessewa Fetish Market, motor taxis, Noble Veg, the Grand Marché, and the Ghana border.
🇬🇭 Ghana
Accra, the Togo border, emergency visa on arrival, Black Star Square, vegan jollof, and Osu Castle.
🇧🇫 Burkina Faso
Ouagadougou, circus friends, Thomas Sankara Memorial, Monument des Martyrs, tofu brochettes, and Lac de Loumbila.
🇧🇯 Benin
Cotonou, Dantokpa Market, Beninese food, Place de l'Amazone, Fidjrossè Beach, and an airplane on the beach.
🇳🇦 Namibia
Windhoek, German colonial history, overland travel, safety, desert road trip dreams, and northern Namibia.
🇿🇲 Zambia
Livingstone, Victoria Falls, Zambezi River hippos, Lusaka, and a legendary 33-hour bus ride.
Get Travel Insurance for Africa
Africa can involve long overland routes, remote national parks, changing security situations, and medical facilities that vary dramatically by country.
For Africa, I usually compare two different types of travel insurance: SafetyWing for longer, more flexible trips, and Heymondo for fixed-date holidays with clearer start and end dates.
SafetyWing
Best for backpackers, digital nomads, overland travelers, and longer routes across several African countries.
- Good for open-ended travel
- Useful if you do not know your exact return date
- Works well for multi-country routes
- Subscription-style coverage for long-term travelers
Heymondo
Best for fixed-date safaris, family trips, short holidays, and single-country itineraries where you want a policy built around one specific trip.
- Good for trips with fixed dates
- Useful when you want cancellation options
- Often strong for medical coverage limits
- Flexible add-ons depending on the trip
The simple rule: if you are traveling around Africa for weeks or months, check SafetyWing. If you are booking a specific Africa trip with set dates, check Heymondo.
✈️ Practical Notes for Africa Travel
Africa rewards patience more than almost any other region. Some countries are easy to visit independently, while others require guides, invitation letters, extra safety checks, or a very flexible attitude toward transport and timing.
- Check visa rules carefully, because they can vary wildly across the continent.
- Build extra time into overland routes, especially where roads or borders are difficult.
- Do not treat Africa as one destination; countries and regions feel completely different.
- Use trusted local contacts in places where security or permits are complicated.
- Bring patience, cash backups, and a willingness to change plans when transport does.