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Comoros🇰🇲 | citiesMitsamiouliPale-sand beaches, sacred cove, northern tip, fishing landing | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Mitsamiouli
👍 Recommendedcity ranked #4
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Mitsamiouli has the best beach sand on Grande Comore, and you can reach it in under an hour from the airport at Hahaya. The town sits on the northern tip of Grande Comore, in the Comoros, where the volcanic island flattens into coconut palms and pale coves. Mornings smell of woodsmoke and frying mkatra foutra bread, the call to prayer drifts over tin roofs, and by noon the heat presses down until the sea becomes the only sensible plan. The beaches at Trou du Prophète and Galawa are worth your time. The town center is not: a few shops, a market, and little to see. Nights are quiet, with few restaurants and almost no nightlife. Power cuts and patchy transport are part of the deal. Beach lovers, slow travelers and anyone happy to swim, read and talk to locals will like it most. Anyone who needs hostels, nightlife or a packed sightseeing list will be bored fast.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Comoros Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #4 city in ComorosWhat makes this city worth visiting

Mitsamiouli is where backpackers come when they want to stop moving. On an island where most of the pull is the volcano and the capital, this is the place with the sea: Trou du Prophète and the long sand beaches around the northern tip are the reason to be here, and they are good enough that a few days disappear easily. It also works as a calm base for the northern coast, with fishing villages and lava coastline within a short ride. Expect small guesthouses and beachfront hotels rather than a hostel scene, so you will mostly meet other travelers by chance, over a plate of grilled fish or on the sand. Evenings are early and quiet, which suits recovery days between harder stretches like the Mount Karthala hike. Onward travel runs by shared taxi along the coast road, and it is slow but simple. … read more 👉
Mitsamiouli is where backpackers come when they want to stop moving. On an island where most of the pull is the volcano and the capital, this is the place with the sea: Trou du Prophète and the long sand beaches around the northern tip are the reason to be here, and they are good enough that a few days disappear easily. It also works as a calm base for the northern coast, with fishing villages and lava coastline within a short ride. Expect small guesthouses and beachfront hotels rather than a hostel scene, so you will mostly meet other travelers by chance, over a plate of grilled fish or on the sand. Evenings are early and quiet, which suits recovery days between harder stretches like the Mount Karthala hike. Onward travel runs by shared taxi along the coast road, and it is slow but simple. Treat it as a three-to-four-night beach stop on a Comoros loop, not a place for ticking off sights.

💡 HighlightsMust-see experiences and standout moments

  1. Trou du Prophète: A sheltered, clear-water cove with a small cave at the edge, long treated as a sacred spot locally. Swim and snorkel here. Go in the morning when the water is calmest. Free to enter, 1 to 2 hours.
  2. Galawa Beach: A pale-sand beach with palm shade and clear shallows beside a resort. Best early or late afternoon, outside the midday glare. Free on the public stretch, 2 to 3 hours or a full lazy day.
  3. Mitsamiouli Old Town and Friday Mosque: Narrow lanes, coral-stone houses and carved doors around the main mosque. Visit in the morning and dress modestly. Free, about 1 hour.
  4. Mitsamiouli Market: Piles of cassava, bananas, breadfruit, spices and fresh tuna. Mornings are liveliest. Bring small change, spend €2 to 5 on snacks, allow 45 minutes.
  5. Fishing Landing at the Harbor: Outrigger canoes
… read more 👉
  1. Trou du Prophète: A sheltered, clear-water cove with a small cave at the edge, long treated as a sacred spot locally. Swim and snorkel here. Go in the morning when the water is calmest. Free to enter, 1 to 2 hours.
  2. Galawa Beach: A pale-sand beach with palm shade and clear shallows beside a resort. Best early or late afternoon, outside the midday glare. Free on the public stretch, 2 to 3 hours or a full lazy day.
  3. Mitsamiouli Old Town and Friday Mosque: Narrow lanes, coral-stone houses and carved doors around the main mosque. Visit in the morning and dress modestly. Free, about 1 hour.
  4. Mitsamiouli Market: Piles of cassava, bananas, breadfruit, spices and fresh tuna. Mornings are liveliest. Bring small change, spend €2 to 5 on snacks, allow 45 minutes.
  5. Fishing Landing at the Harbor: Outrigger canoes come in with the catch in the early morning and late afternoon. Watching costs nothing, and buying fish is cheap. Allow 30 to 60 minutes.
  6. Northern Lava Coastline: Black volcanic rock meets turquoise sea just beyond the beaches, good for a walk and photos. Go in the cooler late afternoon. Free, 1 to 2 hours.
The full list fits comfortably into two relaxed days, or one busy one. Day trips from here include the Mount Karthala crater, the Itsandra beaches and Moroni’s old medina and Friday Mosque.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsHow different areas shape the experience

Mitsamiouli is small enough to cover on foot in an afternoon, so the real choice is where to put your hours. The town itself is compact; the good stuff is the coast north and south of it.
  • Town Center and Market: A few dusty streets around the main road, with the mosque, small shops and a morning market smelling of fried fish, cassava leaves and ripe jackfruit. Worth an hour in the early morning, before the heat. Skip it after midday, when it is shuttered and sleepy. Fully walkable.
  • Trou du Prophète Waterfront: A black volcanic rock cove on the edge of town, with a natural pool where locals swim and fishing boats rest on the sand. Surf thumps against the lava, and the stone burns your feet by noon. Come at sunrise or late afternoon. A short walk from the center.
  • Galawa Beach Strip (Nord): Pale
… read more 👉
Mitsamiouli is small enough to cover on foot in an afternoon, so the real choice is where to put your hours. The town itself is compact; the good stuff is the coast north and south of it.
  • Town Center and Market: A few dusty streets around the main road, with the mosque, small shops and a morning market smelling of fried fish, cassava leaves and ripe jackfruit. Worth an hour in the early morning, before the heat. Skip it after midday, when it is shuttered and sleepy. Fully walkable.
  • Trou du Prophète Waterfront: A black volcanic rock cove on the edge of town, with a natural pool where locals swim and fishing boats rest on the sand. Surf thumps against the lava, and the stone burns your feet by noon. Come at sunrise or late afternoon. A short walk from the center.
  • Galawa Beach Strip (Nord): Pale sand, clear water and coconut palms, the best reason to be here. Evenings are quiet, with a couple of beach bars and almost no nightlife. Plan on a short taxi ride or a 30 to 45 minute walk from the center.
  • Villages to the South and East: Fishing hamlets and fields of ylang-ylang and cloves along the coastal road, with the air sweet where distilling is under way. Rewarding for a slow bike or taxi ride, but there is little to see beyond daily life.

⌛️ 1 daySeeing the highlights in 24 hours

The day works best on foot along the beach road, with a shared taxi (taxi-brousse) for the one longer hop and a long, shaded lunch break when the midday heat peaks.
7:00 AM: Mitsamiouli Beach
Start early on the pale sand at Trou du Prophète, just north of town, while the water is calm and the fishermen are still pulling in their outrigger canoes. Swim or snorkel in the clear shallows, then walk back along the shore toward town. Entry is free, and the cooler air makes this the best hour to be here.
8:30 AM: Breakfast in town
Find a small eatery near the main road for fried dough (mandazi) or bread with sweet tea. Prices are low, and the owners are usually glad to chat. Pay in cash, since cards are rarely accepted.
9:30 AM: Old town and the Friday mosque quarter
Walk inland through the narrow lanes … read more 👉
The day works best on foot along the beach road, with a shared taxi (taxi-brousse) for the one longer hop and a long, shaded lunch break when the midday heat peaks.
7:00 AM: Mitsamiouli Beach
Start early on the pale sand at Trou du Prophète, just north of town, while the water is calm and the fishermen are still pulling in their outrigger canoes. Swim or snorkel in the clear shallows, then walk back along the shore toward town. Entry is free, and the cooler air makes this the best hour to be here.
8:30 AM: Breakfast in town
Find a small eatery near the main road for fried dough (mandazi) or bread with sweet tea. Prices are low, and the owners are usually glad to chat. Pay in cash, since cards are rarely accepted.
9:30 AM: Old town and the Friday mosque quarter
Walk inland through the narrow lanes of the old quarter, where coral-stone walls, carved wooden doors and the smell of cloves and woodsmoke set the scene. Dress modestly, cover your shoulders and knees, and greet people with a friendly “Djambo”. Ask before photographing anyone.
11:00 AM: Fishing landing and market
Head back toward the shore to watch the catch come in and see vendors sell tuna, octopus and breadfruit. This is the real working side of Mitsamiouli and rarely appears on the standard tourist circuit. Buy a few bananas or fresh coconut for the walk.
12:30 PM: Long lunch and rest
Take a break in the shade through the hottest hours. Grilled fish with rice and coconut milk is the safe order. Linger, read, or nap before the afternoon.
3:00 PM: Coastal drive to the lava coast
Flag a shared taxi or hire a driver for a short ride along the northern coast to see black volcanic rock meeting turquoise water. Agree the fare before you get in. Stop where the road meets the shore and walk the dark rocks carefully in sturdy sandals.
5:30 PM: Sunset on the shore
Return to the beach as the light softens and local kids play football on the sand. Finish with grilled skewers and a cold drink as the call to prayer drifts across the rooftops.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit Mitsamiouli, with sunshine and calm seas for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Dry Season (May to October): Days reach 25 to 29°C (77 to 84°F), nights drop to about 19 to 22°C (66 to 72°F), rain is rare and the breeze is comfortable. Daylight lasts about 11 to 12 hours. July and August bring humpback whales offshore and Comorian diaspora visitors, so flights and rooms tighten and prices rise.
  • Wet Season (November to April): Hot and humid at 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F), with heavy downpours, muddy tracks and occasional cyclone risk, mostly January to March. Visibility underwater drops, but rooms are cheaper and the beaches nearly empty.
  • Shoulder Months (May, June, October, November): Fewer people, good weather and the lowest prices of the dry stretch.
… read more 👉
The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit Mitsamiouli, with sunshine and calm seas for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Dry Season (May to October): Days reach 25 to 29°C (77 to 84°F), nights drop to about 19 to 22°C (66 to 72°F), rain is rare and the breeze is comfortable. Daylight lasts about 11 to 12 hours. July and August bring humpback whales offshore and Comorian diaspora visitors, so flights and rooms tighten and prices rise.
  • Wet Season (November to April): Hot and humid at 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F), with heavy downpours, muddy tracks and occasional cyclone risk, mostly January to March. Visibility underwater drops, but rooms are cheaper and the beaches nearly empty.
  • Shoulder Months (May, June, October, November): Fewer people, good weather and the lowest prices of the dry stretch. October is when the first rains may arrive.
  • Ramadan: Daytime food options shrink and many places close until evening. Evenings are lively, though.
Book flights early for July and August, and aim for June or September for the best balance.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: highly recommended for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

The best budget base is Mitsamiouli itself or the Galawa Beach strip just north, and neither has a hostel scene. Expect small guesthouses and simple bungalows rather than dorms, usually about €15 to 35 a night for a private room with fan or air-conditioning. Book ahead from July to August.
Staying in the center keeps you close to the market, shared taxis and cheap local meals. It is noisier, with the early call to prayer, roosters and traffic from about 5 a.m., but you can walk everywhere and feel safe in the evening. Rooms near the main road are cheapest.
Galawa Beach is quieter, with the sea at … read more 👉
The best budget base is Mitsamiouli itself or the Galawa Beach strip just north, and neither has a hostel scene. Expect small guesthouses and simple bungalows rather than dorms, usually about €15 to 35 a night for a private room with fan or air-conditioning. Book ahead from July to August.
Staying in the center keeps you close to the market, shared taxis and cheap local meals. It is noisier, with the early call to prayer, roosters and traffic from about 5 a.m., but you can walk everywhere and feel safe in the evening. Rooms near the main road are cheapest.
Galawa Beach is quieter, with the sea at your door, and you will fall asleep to waves. The tradeoff is isolation: after dark there are few taxis, few places to eat and no street lighting worth the name. Arrange dinner at your lodging and organize rides back in advance. Power cuts and cold showers are normal, so bring a headlamp.
For most backpackers, the center suits one or two nights for logistics, then the beach for the rest. Both areas have patchy Wi-Fi, and cash in euros helps for payment.


Best quality hotels in Comoros

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Mitsamiouli

Walking is the easiest way to get around Mitsamiouli, because the center is a few streets across and the sea is always close. Beyond town, shared taxis and hired cars fill the gaps. Roads are paved along the main coast but potholed, and public transport has no timetable: vehicles leave when they fill up.
  • Walking: Free and the best use of your time in town. Go early, when the air is cool and the market smells of fish and fresh bread, and avoid midday on black lava rock.
  • Shared Taxis (taxi-brousse): Battered minibuses and cars run the main road to Moroni and nearby villages, about €1 to 3 per ride. They leave once full, usually from early morning until late afternoon, and rides are cramped and loud. Cheap and fun, but plan on waiting.
  • Private Taxi: A short hop to Galawa Beach costs about €2 to
… read more 👉
Walking is the easiest way to get around Mitsamiouli, because the center is a few streets across and the sea is always close. Beyond town, shared taxis and hired cars fill the gaps. Roads are paved along the main coast but potholed, and public transport has no timetable: vehicles leave when they fill up.
  • Walking: Free and the best use of your time in town. Go early, when the air is cool and the market smells of fish and fresh bread, and avoid midday on black lava rock.
  • Shared Taxis (taxi-brousse): Battered minibuses and cars run the main road to Moroni and nearby villages, about €1 to 3 per ride. They leave once full, usually from early morning until late afternoon, and rides are cramped and loud. Cheap and fun, but plan on waiting.
  • Private Taxi: A short hop to Galawa Beach costs about €2 to 5, and a negotiated half-day around the north tip about €25 to 40. Agree the price before you get in. Worth it for the airport run, since Prince Said Ibrahim Airport is about 30 to 40 minutes south.
  • Motorbike Taxi and Bicycle: Motorbikes are scarce here and cycling is hot work, but flat coastal stretches are pleasant. Expect to pay around €2 to 5 for a short ride, if you find one. Not worth the effort on steep inland roads.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Travel costs and budget guide for Mitsamiouli

Expect to spend about €32 to 64 a day as a backpacker in Mitsamiouli, with €54 a day a realistic high-season total. Cash in euros is useful, and cards are rarely accepted.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm Accommodation (High Season)€15 to 25No true dorms exist, so this is a basic private room with fan in July and August.
Dorm Accommodation (Off-Season)€10 to 18Rooms are easier to negotiate from November to April.
Meals€8 to 15Market and roadside grills run €2 to 4 a plate, seafood dinners cost more.
Local Transport€3 to 8Shared taxis cost €1 to 3 a ride, private hops about €2 to 5.
City Transport PassNot availableThere is no pass, so pay per ride in cash.
Basic Activities and Entry Fees€3 to 10Beaches and the town are free, guided visits and snorkeling cost extra.
Miscellaneous€3 to 6Water,
… read more 👉
Expect to spend about €32 to 64 a day as a backpacker in Mitsamiouli, with €54 a day a realistic high-season total. Cash in euros is useful, and cards are rarely accepted.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm Accommodation (High Season)€15 to 25No true dorms exist, so this is a basic private room with fan in July and August.
Dorm Accommodation (Off-Season)€10 to 18Rooms are easier to negotiate from November to April.
Meals€8 to 15Market and roadside grills run €2 to 4 a plate, seafood dinners cost more.
Local Transport€3 to 8Shared taxis cost €1 to 3 a ride, private hops about €2 to 5.
City Transport PassNot availableThere is no pass, so pay per ride in cash.
Basic Activities and Entry Fees€3 to 10Beaches and the town are free, guided visits and snorkeling cost extra.
Miscellaneous€3 to 6Water, SIM data and snacks.
Total Daily Budget€32 to 64About €54 using the high-season room rate.
Save money by eating at the morning market and sharing taxis rather than hiring private cars.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsEasy escapes and nearby places

Mitsamiouli sits at the north end of Grande Comore, so most day trips are by shared taxi or hired car and all return the same day.
Moroni and the Old Medina: The capital is 35 to 45 kilometers south, a 1 to 1.5 hour ride. Spend the morning in the Old Friday Mosque district, spice stalls and the harbor, then eat cheaply on the seafront. Budget about €8 to 15 including taxis. Go before noon, since the market fades by early afternoon, and avoid arriving on Friday midday during prayers.
👉 Explore Moroni
Mount Karthala: One of the world's largest active volcanoes is a serious effort. Most hikers sleep at the mountain, but strong walkers can try a long day with a guide, which costs about €30 to 60 with transport. Start before dawn, bring layers and rain protection, and expect cloud after 10 a.m. Dry … read more 👉
Mitsamiouli sits at the north end of Grande Comore, so most day trips are by shared taxi or hired car and all return the same day.
Moroni and the Old Medina: The capital is 35 to 45 kilometers south, a 1 to 1.5 hour ride. Spend the morning in the Old Friday Mosque district, spice stalls and the harbor, then eat cheaply on the seafront. Budget about €8 to 15 including taxis. Go before noon, since the market fades by early afternoon, and avoid arriving on Friday midday during prayers.
👉 Explore Moroni
Mount Karthala: One of the world's largest active volcanoes is a serious effort. Most hikers sleep at the mountain, but strong walkers can try a long day with a guide, which costs about €30 to 60 with transport. Start before dawn, bring layers and rain protection, and expect cloud after 10 a.m. Dry season is best. First-timers often underestimate the altitude and turn back late.
👉 Explore Mount Karthala
Lac Salé and Mitsamiouli's Crater Coast: The salt lake sits in a crater near Mitsamiouli and takes only 30 to 45 minutes to reach by taxi for about €5 to 10 round trip. The water glints green, and the black rim path is easy. Visit in the morning, when light is soft, and wear sturdy shoes.

Chomoni Beach and Itsandra: Along the south road, black-sand and white-sand coves make an easy swim day, about 1 hour away for €5 to 12 total. Best in the dry season, and bring your own food and water.

🍲 FoodLocal Flavors for Backpackers

Food in Mitsamiouli is built on fresh fish, coconut and spice, with the northern coast's ylang-ylang and clove fields perfuming the air. Try langouste (spiny lobster) grilled over charcoal, usually €8 to 15 with rice, and poisson au lait de coco, where fish simmers in rich coconut milk. Mataba (cassava leaves cooked with coconut) and mkatra foutra, a sweet fried bread, appear at mornings stalls for under €1.
For casual eating, the morning market and roadside grills in the center give you grilled fish, boiled bananas and cassava for about €2 to 4. Beach bars near Galawa serve simple plates and cold drinks in the afternoon. Fresh coconut water, sold from the husk for under €1, is the best answer to the midday heat.
Alcohol is scarce, because this is a Muslim community, and usually found only in … read more 👉
Food in Mitsamiouli is built on fresh fish, coconut and spice, with the northern coast's ylang-ylang and clove fields perfuming the air. Try langouste (spiny lobster) grilled over charcoal, usually €8 to 15 with rice, and poisson au lait de coco, where fish simmers in rich coconut milk. Mataba (cassava leaves cooked with coconut) and mkatra foutra, a sweet fried bread, appear at mornings stalls for under €1.
For casual eating, the morning market and roadside grills in the center give you grilled fish, boiled bananas and cassava for about €2 to 4. Beach bars near Galawa serve simple plates and cold drinks in the afternoon. Fresh coconut water, sold from the husk for under €1, is the best answer to the midday heat.
Alcohol is scarce, because this is a Muslim community, and usually found only in a few beachfront hotels. Order tea with ginger or vanilla instead. During Ramadan, most food stalls open only after sunset, when the whole town eats together.

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

Mitsamiouli is a calm, low-crime town where the main issues are small and avoidable. Petty theft is rare but not absent, so keep phones and cash out of sight on the beach and never leave bags unattended while swimming. Solo travelers, including women, generally report friendly curiosity rather than trouble. Dress modestly in town, since this is a conservative Muslim community, and cover shoulders and knees away from the beach. After dark, streets are poorly lit and potholes and stray dogs are the bigger risk, so carry a headlamp and arrange taxis in advance for Galawa Beach. Currents off the coast can be strong and lava rock is sharp, so check conditions with locals before swimming and wear reef shoes. Prices are rarely posted, so agree taxi fares before riding; that avoids most disputes. … read more 👉
Mitsamiouli is a calm, low-crime town where the main issues are small and avoidable. Petty theft is rare but not absent, so keep phones and cash out of sight on the beach and never leave bags unattended while swimming. Solo travelers, including women, generally report friendly curiosity rather than trouble. Dress modestly in town, since this is a conservative Muslim community, and cover shoulders and knees away from the beach. After dark, streets are poorly lit and potholes and stray dogs are the bigger risk, so carry a headlamp and arrange taxis in advance for Galawa Beach. Currents off the coast can be strong and lava rock is sharp, so check conditions with locals before swimming and wear reef shoes. Prices are rarely posted, so agree taxi fares before riding; that avoids most disputes. Photograph people only after asking, and respect Friday prayers and Ramadan customs. Bring mosquito repellent, as malaria is present.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Two to three days is enough for Mitsamiouli, giving you time for the market, the Trou du Prophète cove and a full beach day at Galawa. Add a third day for a trip to Lac Salé or Moroni, about 1 to 1.5 hours south by shared taxi for €1 to 3. Hikers aiming for Mount Karthala should plan an extra day.
Yes, Mitsamiouli is generally safe for solo backpackers, with low violent crime and a friendly, conservative local community. Dress modestly, carry a headlamp for unlit streets at night, and arrange taxis in advance for Galawa Beach. Swim carefully, because currents and sharp lava rock cause more injuries than crime does.
Mitsamiouli is known for its white-sand Galawa Beach, the Trou du Prophète lava cove and nearby Lac Salé crater lake. The area is also a center for ylang-ylang and clove growing, and the north coast is a whale-watching area from July to August. It sits roughly 35 to 45 kilometers from Moroni.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Comoran cities near Mitsamiouli

Explore more nearby:

  • Moroni—Harbor medina, Karthala trailhead, Volo Volo market, corniche| 35 km away
  • Iconi—1819 cliff site, lava-stone citadel, black rock coves| 40 km away
  • Fomboni—Mohéli Marine Park gateway, turtle nights, ylang-ylang stills, ferry-paced port| 111 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Mitsamiouli suits travelers who like slow days, salt water and small-town manners, and it will bore anyone chasing nightlife. Bring cash, a headlamp for power cuts and patience for shared taxis. I would spend at least three nights, swim before the heat arrives and keep the afternoons empty.

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The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Comoros. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

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