An African taxi isn't like the ones you get in the states. First of all, the American taxi drivers won't appreciate you trying to barter your way to a lower price. A common practice in Africa, but frowned upon in places such as New York.
Then there is the issue of space. You could be enjoying a nice ride with just two or three of your friends. In that case, space isn't a problem. But it's not that uncommon for there to be three people in front and four in the back! Or even five! After all, what's the purpose of laps? And if you have an open trunk, then hey! Why not throw a couple people back there? So far, I believe the record has been ten in a five seater taxi!
Once you've gotten everyone in, the price negotiated, then you're ready to go! And don't bother with the seat belts. If they actually do have them, then there is a good chance that they don't have buckles.
As the car begins to pull out, you begin to have an idea of what you just got yourself into. Truck? Truck? Oh, don't worry. If you go fast enough, I'm sure you can get into a lane before we get HIT!
With congested traffic, zimmy-johns (motorcycle taxis. Twice the craziness, half the protection.), and random people running across the lanes, it is quite a skill to drive. Lanes are just suggested guidelines and it's not uncommon for the taxi to dash across an opposite lane, or no lane at all, simply to get ahead of the car in front.
I have found that it is best not to look out the front window at all. If you do, then you will notice little details, such as the person running right in front of you, the motorcycle just a little to close, or the large semi-truck barreling straight towards you. It's better to just look out the side window at the people on the sidewalks, the buildings, the beaches, the very large and deep ditches that you are much to close too. Things such as that.
But I will say that despite the craziness of an Africa Taxi, they seem pretty tame once you've taken a zimmy-john!
