Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > 4 wheel Overland Travel
Distance UK to Cape Town Distance UK to Cape Town
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
4 wheel Overland Travel NON-technical 4 wheel forum, for subjects specific to TRAVEL with 4 (or more!) wheeled vehicles. e.g. Driving Techniques, Shipping etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Warrington UK
Posts: 703
Distance UK to Cape Town
Hello fellow overlanders,
Can anyone please put a figure on the distance from U.K. to C.T.
Assuming one sticks pretty much to the standard route, with not to much deviation to towns and villages that are not on the route.

I gave tried to use Google maps, but it says there is no route possible. ?

Perhaps I will have to break it up into separate segments?

Also is there a short route, or is the East coast of Africa a similar distance to the West coast of Africa.

Graham
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ripley, Derbyshire
Posts: 373
Think Long Way Down stated it was 15,000+ miles on their new trip but I can't remember for sure.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: a place far far away
Posts: 42
IF you have Google Earth and a fast connection, I believe you can zoom in and out and measure the routes seen on the Tracks4Africa layer.
__________________
Zikomo Safari Camp
Camp Maikaelelo
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Just to update Juddadredd's reply, Long Way Down say in the book they covered 14,600 miles but that was from John O'Groats. They recorded the distance from there to London as 896 miles so take off whatever portion of that applies to wherever you're starting from.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 158
distance
I think we did 40000km's + but we went through europe first. Also the distance will pend on the amount of sight seeing u do. And it ads up very quickly! very!

So take extra dollars for fuel.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 198
We have estimated our trip at 25000km, for our budget, but will probably be more!
__________________
Cheers Dan
gettinglostagain.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Warrington UK
Posts: 703
thank you to all who replied, on the answers given, I estimate the rough distance from the Manchester area UK down to Cape Town will be around 14200miles.

We are now considering when to leave, and mid 2009 looks good.

Quite which route we take is no where near being confirmed.

We would like the East coast of Africa, which would take in Egypt, then we would like the west coast also, to take in Luanda, and South West Africa,.

Opinions please, good, bad, indifferent !!??
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 198
Before you decide on a date for leaving I would look at the climate in each country you plan on travelling thru.

Some become impassable at certain times of the year, i.e. when wet.
__________________
Cheers Dan
gettinglostagain.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Cairo
Posts: 304
Carnet
Before you decide which side to take have a look at what deposit you need for a carnet valid for Egypt as opposed to the west side.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: coventry uk
Posts: 150
uk captown
its a good point that mark makes about the cost of a carnet and dont forget the cost of visas..but both routes are totaly possible (even without a back up of 4 vehicles and a office full of staff in the uk)..

first get your vehicle and keep asking questions!!!

good luck

jeff

Gone wandering
__________________
jeff watts
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by luangwablondes View Post
IF you have Google Earth and a fast connection, I believe you can zoom in and out and measure the routes seen on the Tracks4Africa layer.

Way off topic, but how do you get that layer on basic Google Earth? - I'm a newbie to Google E, you can tell!

Thanks,
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 3 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: a place far far away
Posts: 42
On the left you have 3 sections. Search, Places and Layers. Open Layers up.
Open Featured Content.
Find Tracks4Africa and check that box or if it is too busy for you, open that section up and check T4A Roads.

Tracks4Africa is evolving with GE, and you should see more information in the future appearing on this layer. The Zambia downloads I have on my site, I suspect a few of those will be a part someday. luangwablondes | A guide for the overseas self drive, self sufficient, vehicle dependent visitor in Africa
Plus many I have yet to put up.
__________________
Zikomo Safari Camp
Camp Maikaelelo
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 5 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 158
mail
i have a weather planner. send me ur email and i will send it to u. have some other useful odds too if u want them.

egypt! make sure the carnet is in your name and the car papers too. no match no entry.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 19 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Warrington UK
Posts: 703
Hello Surfer.

I have now got a 2005 Land Cruiser.

I don't have any fixed plans yet, it is still being debated and talked about.

As time going down would be at a premium, I am starting to look at the East coast.

I had planed to sell the LC in CPT, as we are SA residents, however, we may just drive back on the other coast to what we came down on, if that makes sense?

How long would it take to drive down, the shortest route, not stopping to fanny about, as this would be done in plenty on the return..



graham
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 20 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
A real thumbsuck would be 20000km for the westerley route with a 20% variation for not being a crow.
__________________
Enzo
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

« 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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Argentina Or Chile To Cape Town thecanoeguy Trip Transport 6 12 Jul 2007 18:05
Morocco to Cape Town john-f60 Route Planning 0 15 Jan 2007 14:45
London - Cape town: How Much? edorr Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 5 25 Dec 2006 18:16
Touring around Cape Town and the Cape Winelands chris.mick Route Planning 3 20 May 2002 18:36
Airfreight: Cape Town to Buenos Aires Stephan Solon Trip Transport 0 11 Nov 2000 06:11

 
 

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

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. 11-15
  • 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 22:17.

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