Hichhiking is one incredible way of going from point A to B having good adventures. You save money and you get to know local people. I showed my thumbs many times in Africa including the countries Swaziland, South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi.
My first experience was in Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland. From my hostel to the city there was quite a big walk so motivated by a german guy we tried. We were traveling in 3, an American called Jawara, the German, Leenart and I. Quickly we got a ride from a simpatetic school teacher. We had a great chat and he even invited us to visit the school.
Second time we were together with 3 danish girls and we got a spot in the back of the car.
We enjoyed so much to hichhike that when leaving the hostel we also ask for rides and were lucky again.
In the next week we even hichhikked from Durban to Drakensberg together with one oveland tour truck.
Two weeks after in the city of Drakensberg in South Africa I was still traveling with the german guy and we wanted to go to Lesotho using the same strategy. In two hours of wait we got a 5 kilometers lift to a road crossing. In this place we waited more one hour and got a 50 kilometers rude to the city where the bus station was. Considering it was already late we decided not to risk and catched a local bus to Lesotho.
In the city of Malealea in Lesotho there were two girls leaving the hostel heading to the capital, Maseru. We asked with humble and got a lift in their super small car full-packed with luggage.
The most confortable ride I got was from Maseru to Johannesburg, South Africa’s capital. I got the lift trough my couchsurfing host. Her friends were going back from a marriage and offer me a spot in the car. After meeting the couple, a polish girl and a South Africam guy, we went to the car. I got a big surprise when I saw a sportive Mercedez AMG 6.3 liters, so far the most confortable car I’ve ever been inside.
The trip was pleasant and quick. With and average speed of 175km/h we made it in 5 hours. In the gas station the guy wanted to pay my lunch and I refused. I even told him, If I was you I would sell this car and travel for 10 years non-stop.
In Malawi my experiences were great. I was traveling with 4 israeli girls and 1 spanish. We could only get rides in big cars.
The first time we hiched from the hostel in Mauzu to the city center. The driver was very nice and did not took us further because he needed to go to work.
In Nkhata Bay we got a lift to the entrance of the city with a guy that has Balotelli as a nickname.
After waiting a bit we hit the jackpot. A six hours free ride crossing half of the country to out next destination, Senga Bay.
I got a picture with the driver, the big heart of Malawi.
From Senga Bay to Cape Maclear we were not lucky to catch a free ride, but we got a 4 hour trip in a truck for 1000 kwacha each, that equals 2,25 USD. We stayed all of us in the truck driver bed, behind a curtain. In a police check he needed to give a birbe because carrying us was ilegal.
My last hichhike in Africa I was traveling by myself and got a car in the city of Lilongwe to Malawi Capital. When they stopped the car they wanted 1000 kwacha, a very low amount for the distance, but after telling my travel story they made it a free trip.