Backpacking 54 countries in Africa: The fascinating story of Solo Traveller Boipelo Tladinyane Hlubi

In today’s episode, Boipelo Tladinyane Hlubi a solo traveler and author of a travel memoir titled: “A safari back to self – Backpacking 54 countries in Africa” narrates her fascinating travels in Africa having literally covered the entire continent with public transport.

Having travelled to 4 continents across the world, it is her solo travels across 54 African countries that has captured her heart the most. She is left with only one country (not due to lack of trying from her side) to complete setting foot in the whole continent. She shares her story as a contribution to reclaiming the African narrative in hope that this brings a certain understanding amongst Africans and pride that compels us to do better for one another and see the need to build for the benefit of each and every one of us.

Besides an African map clearly outlining the routes she took from one country to the next, her self-published book vividly depicts minute by minute details of her authentic journey across Africa, crossing land borders and using public transport. You get an insider’s account as she navigates between cultures, religions, languages, currencies, issues and delights across the rest of Africa. From attending weddings, funerals, throwing kiddies parties, night clubs, getting hospitalized, sleeping on rooftops, at the beach, on the roadside among strangers, at the police station, starring in her own movie of jumping on and off moving vehicles, surviving deportation, endless immigration processes - to being fed and warmly welcomed into homes of people who felt the need to protect her regardless of having never met her before.

Boipelo is an alumna of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) with a N-Dip in Engineering Computer Systems and a B-Tech degree in Knowledge Management.