Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
safety and current political climate safety and current political climate
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Feb 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Boulder, CO, USA
Posts: 23
safety and current political climate
Four of us (three americans and a brit, all based in the US) are planning a 4WD based London-capetown trip starting in October of 2003.

Does anyone have a feel for the possible effect of the current US/Iraq situation on this trip? Will it make border crossings more difficult? What if the US does start dropping bombs?

Does anyone know of any americans who have done such a trip recently?

I realize that these are difficult questions to answer, but if anyone has any insights or advice, they would be much appreciated!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Feb 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
As an Egyptian I can tell you that almost all of resentment and anger in the region is geared toward the US and UK political leaders and not the citizens. Surprisingly even the simplest man in the Egyptian streets understands this. You’ll find him angrily accusing Bush of being an Israeli agent while watching the news, then turn around with a big smile to greet an American tourist and probably try to sell him something . During all the previous engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan tourists and travelers where roaming freely around the country. Having said that you have to exercise caution and be sensitive. Also check with your embassy along your way as they issue warning and recommendation about traveling in different countries. Don’t engage in political discussion and if drawn into one simply take out side. Other than that I wouldn’t worry.

------------------
A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Feb 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
I agree completely with AB, be aware, but still go!

In the incredibly unlikely event that there is still military action going on at the end of the year, you might have a poorer (or even non-existant) civilian GPS signal as you get towards eastern Africa. This would probably be the most serious 'problem' you might encounter...

Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Feb 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
Agree with the others, think you will be fine. When we went trans africa during afghan conflict, saw quite a few cars with bin laden pictures hanging from the centre mirror - a different take on the fluffy dice. Heard one or two comments but seemed to be said for effect to see if they could get a reaction, not because they were pashionate or even interested about it. As an American, don't know how easy it is to get a Sudanese visa as I heard a few American passengers on different overland trucks were getting flown over. However the Sudanese people were by far the most hospitable along the whole of the trip. Think its probably perceived risk rather than actual. Can probably get visa as Sudan has been going to some lengths to work with the Americans but might be worth checking to start with as other than going through the Congo, it limits the options somewhat if you can't get through.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Feb 2003
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
I've been thinking about this one, as I should be off to Algeria in March (maybe April), probably just as things are underway in Iraq.

My thinking is that while in a democracy we do have some responsibilty for the behaviour of our leaders (as we've put them there) a lot of countries where we expect we might have a problem are less- or un-democratic, and therefore the average man on the street would not naturally assume that leaders' and citizens' views are in keeping - does that make any sense?

Or am I being optimistic and pushing my luck?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Feb 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
Well, it makes sense but I think it comes down more to the fact that 1) the people down here are very friendly, generous and tolerant (something that doesn’t rely well in the news which only covers corrupt leaders and extreme fundamentalists) and 2) you as a foreigner are regarded as a source of income. You buy stuff, hire taxis, stay in hotels and so on and these are thing everyday Arab will benefit from first hand and will do his best to keep it alive and well. And 3) we are sick of the way we are portrayed in the news and we’ll go out of our way to change that image.

------------------
A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Feb 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Boulder, CO, USA
Posts: 23
Thanks for all your replies. This is sort of what I suspected, but sitting here in the US it's hard know what's really going on sometimes.

Witt
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Feb 2003
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
Yes, I am not at all surprised at A.B.'s comments about the friendliness of the people "on the ground" (and also that travellers are a source of income!)
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:49.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top