Houston to Africa: Buckle Up, Buttercup, It's Gonna Be a Long Ride (Unless You Like Really Fast Planes)
So, you're thinking about trading in your Stetson for a safari hat and ditching the kolaches for some delicious jerk chicken? Excellent choice! Africa awaits with its stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and enough culture to fill a lifetime. But before you can sip cocktails on a Zanzibar beach, there's one hurdle to leap: the flight.
How Long? It Depends on Where in Africa You're Headed (and How Much Wiggle Room You Have in Your Schedule)
Africa is a big place, even bigger than Texas (sorry, Texas). Flying from Houston to, say, Casablanca, Morocco is a different ball game than jetting off to Cape Town, South Africa. Here's a whistle-stop tour of flight times, depending on your final destination:
- North Africa (Casablanca, Cairo): Buckle up for a journey of around 18-25 hours with one or two stops. Think of it as a chance to catch up on all those movies you haven't seen yet (or finally finish that epic novel).
- East Africa (Nairobi, Addis Ababa): This one clocks in at roughly 20-30 hours with layovers. Maybe bring a good book about explorers - it'll get you in the mood for your adventure!
- South Africa (Johannesburg, Cape Town): This is the long haul, folks - 20-35 hours isn't uncommon. Here's where those noise-canceling headphones and a hefty supply of in-flight entertainment become your best friends.
Pro Tip: Don't forget, these are just estimates. Flights can vary depending on the airline, connections, and even the wind speed on the day.
So, What Can You Do to Survive (and Maybe Even Enjoy) This Epic Journey?
Here are a few survival tips from a seasoned Houston-to-Africa traveler (me):
- Pack light, but pack smart: You'll be carrying this stuff around airports and potentially on game drives, so ditch the kitchen sink. But comfy clothes, a good camera, and some essentials are non-negotiable.
- Embrace the layovers: Stuck in Paris for a few hours? See it as a bonus European vacation! Just be sure to check your visa requirements beforehand.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Airplane air is dehydrating, so down plenty of water and ditch the sugary drinks.
- Get your wiggle on: Sitting for hours isn't good for anyone. Stand up and stretch whenever you can, and maybe even do some airplane aisle yoga (at your own risk!).
- Download some entertainment: Movies, audiobooks, podcasts - whatever floats your boat. Because trust me, after watching the same in-flight movie for the third time, you'll be begging for something new.
Bonus Tip: If you're lucky enough to snag a seat with a good view, keep your eyes peeled for the breathtaking landscapes of the Sahara Desert or the vast expanse of the African savanna. It's a pretty epic way to start your adventure!
So, there you have it. Flying to Africa from Houston might be a marathon, not a sprint, but with a little planning and the right attitude, it can be the start of an unforgettable adventure. Just remember, the reward at the end (spotting a lion, relaxing on a pristine beach) is totally worth the journey.
