Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Bicycles > Overland Bicycle Travel
Female Cyclist Safety Cairo to Cape Town Female Cyclist Safety Cairo to Cape Town
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Overland Bicycle Travel Overlanding questions for two wheels, no motor!
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



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By DougieB

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Oct 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 6
Female Cyclist Safety Cairo to Cape Town
Just looking for a bit of experience or knowledge with regards to a female cyclist going through East Africa (Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa).

We will be travelling as a pair, boyfriend and girlfriend from December 28th.

I would be more than happy to travel with a male companion but am becoming increasingly worried going with my girlfriend. I am very aware of the other risks, I have cycle toured extensively but never through Africa and never with a woman. Looking for advice or insight specifically for woman + these counties in 2015.

Are the risks of rape significant? We have been hearing that Africa has become increasingly unsafe in recent years and whilst male cyclists may well overcome these risks, white women are a obvious target. Any experience on these areas in recent years would be be really helpful.

James.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Oct 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 19
I cycled in West Africa with my partner 2 years ago with no problems at all. We only went as far as Gambia but never felt threatened.

Sent from my GT-S5830 using Tapatalk 2
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Oct 2015
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesfrome View Post
Just looking for a bit of experience or knowledge with regards to a female cyclist going through East Africa (Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa).

We will be travelling as a pair, boyfriend and girlfriend from December 28th.

I would be more than happy to travel with a male companion but am becoming increasingly worried going with my girlfriend. I am very aware of the other risks, I have cycle toured extensively but never through Africa and never with a woman. Looking for advice or insight specifically for woman + these counties in 2015.

Are the risks of rape significant? We have been hearing that Africa has become increasingly unsafe in recent years and whilst male cyclists may well overcome these risks, white women are a obvious target. Any experience on these areas in recent years would be be really helpful.

James.
Forgive me for this, but... What's the problem here? Your girlfriend is worried or you as a male 'protector' of a girlfriend is worried? Really, you're asking about 'rape' for what reason? Your questions/worries don't sound altogether about your girlfriends well being. Though I understand that, I understand the irrational protector instinct (but understand it is irrational, she is her own person).

My understanding of rape is that it's common everywhere; men and women are raped across the world. The statement 'white women are a (sic) obvious target' betrays a not very nice flip of the argument (that non-white men are obviously doing the raping). Just think about that.

My experience of travelling Africa with a girlfriend is that I didn't concern myself with her well being overmuch. No more than any companion (male or female, white or not). Overwhelmingly people were ok, and mostly people were good fun.

You learn on the road how to deal with people, as I'm sure your extensive touring has proven. The only real difference with Africa is that it tends to be bloody hot, so you need to carry more water...
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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cape Town to Cairo and beyond starting Oct/Nov 2015 Ride Far Travellers Seeking Travellers 32 12 Oct 2015 19:23
Cairo to Cape Town Film PaulD The HUBB PUB 1 8 Jun 2015 06:08
2014 trip Cape Town to Cairo and then? Duncan Mac 4 Wheels Travel Reports 2 13 Nov 2013 05:39
Cape Town r1100rs Ride Tales 1 28 Jan 2013 11:50
cape town to cairo... fuccenrider Trip Transport 2 19 Mar 2012 23:44

 
 

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. 11-14
  • 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 07:51.

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