What was meant to be a simple Johannesburg city break turned into an eight-day, multi-country adventure after a TikToker accidentally booked a tour spanning Southern Africa, and the internet can’t get enough of it.
When TikToker @ericlinguine touched down in Johannesburg expecting a classic city holiday, he arrived armed with little more than a suitcase and good intentions. Instead, he was greeted by fellow travellers sporting backpacks, sleeping bags and a very different itinerary. Cue realisation: this was not, in fact, a Joburg-only tour.
The now-viral mishap reveals that Eric had unknowingly booked an eight-day overland journey that would take him not only through South Africa, but also onward to Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, complete with long drives, patchy electricity, and very little room for wheeled luggage. His first order of business? A last-minute supermarket dash to stock up on essentials before trading city comforts for the open road.
Social media has embraced the saga for its perfect blend of chaos, comedy and unexpectedly breathtaking scenery. What began as a travel fail quickly evolved into a reminder of how wildly diverse and expansive travel in Southern Africa can be.
For Joburgers, the story is relatable and funny because Johannesburg is often underestimated by visitors, who often see it merely as a gateway to safaris or neighbouring countries, rather than a destination in its own right.
One can’t help but wonder what the TikToker might have experienced had his itinerary gone according to plan: a flat white and pastry at Father Coffee, sunset views from Northcliff Ridge, a night out in Braamfontein or Rosebank, or even a history-steeped wander through Constitution Hill and Soweto.
Still, Joburg remains the city where the adventure began, supplies were secured, and plans dramatically shifted.
As for Eric, his accidental overland expedition has earned him viral fame and a travel story far better than anything he originally planned. And for the rest of us? A gentle reminder to double-check your bookings, especially when “Johannesburg tour” might refer to Johannesburg and several countries beyond.
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