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.

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.

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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...