Nairobi-based journalist Abdirahman Khalif has turned his passion for travel into a compelling mission: telling stories about Africa’s beauty, culture, and people by bus, one country at a time.
Khalif began his journey with a simple trip to Kigali, Rwanda, in early 2020. At just 21 years old, the content creator was determined to continue using storytelling to change how Africans view their own continent.
“That moment, I thought, why shouldn’t I turn this into content?” he recalls. The trip marked the beginning of what has become a passion for exploring Africa by bus and sharing the experiences with others.
Khalif, who started working as a journalist in 2018, chose Kigali because he had heard positive stories about the city. After the strong response to his first travel video, he decided to explore neighbouring Tanzania next.
The journey from Nairobi to Arusha took about five hours. He left Nairobi around 4:00 p.m. and arrived in Arusha at approximately 9:30 p.m.
While he expected travel within East Africa to be straightforward, his first major lesson came at the Namanga border, where Tanzanian immigration officials asked for proof of accommodation and local contacts.
“I thought travelling within the East African region would be easier,” he shared. To avoid being turned back, he booked a hotel — though it proved more expensive than expected.
Despite occasional challenges, Khalif says travelling by bus across the region offers a unique and enriching experience. Modern buses on routes such as Kenya–Tanzania are comfortable and allow travellers to see landscapes and communities often missed when flying.
Abdirahman Khalif’s adventurous overland journeys aim to showcase Africa’s beauty, culture, and people through authentic storytelling.
For his audience, his goal is to challenge common perceptions and show that the continent is safe, beautiful, and worth exploring.
“I want people to see how beautiful our country and the rest of Africa is,” he says. He acknowledges that road travel can be physically demanding, especially overnight journeys, and advises getting enough rest before and after trips.
He stays motivated by appreciating the efforts of those who make these journeys possible.
“Whenever I can spend hours on the road, sometimes even making a return trip without getting tired, then I shouldn’t be complaining,” he adds.
Beyond the fatigue, the scenery, bus atmosphere, and excitement of new places make every trip worthwhile. One of his most memorable destinations has been Mombasa County. The stretch after Embu left a lasting impression with its rolling hills, green landscapes, and cool weather.
During that visit, he picked tea, toured a milk processing factory, and drank from a natural underground spring — experiences that enriched his storytelling.
Khalif notes that many African travel stories remain untold, particularly the incredible bus journeys passing through beautiful Kenyan towns and villages that rarely receive attention.
However, he believes Kenya’s road infrastructure needs urgent improvement to support tourism and movement. Many major highways remain single carriageways despite rising traffic, leading to long delays when accidents occur.
Advice for fellow travellers
For those planning bus adventures, Khalif recommends mental preparation for unexpected situations like traffic jams, mechanical issues, and border delays. Key essentials include a power bank, snacks, comfortable shoes, and important documents. He also advises researching destinations in advance and never accepting food or drinks from strangers.
Looking ahead
His travel content has opened new opportunities, including contacts with bus companies across Kenya and beyond. Khalif’s bigger ambition is to travel across Africa, documenting different modes of transport and experiences while highlighting the need for easier movement between countries.
“The major challenge is crossing borders due to visa requirements and immigration procedures,” he says. He believes African nations should make it simpler for citizens to travel freely, strengthening connections between people, cultures, and economies.
