 |
|
27 Jul 2008
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Yongin, South Korea
Posts: 327
|
|
Avoiding Angola
Since it seems that getting an Angola visa is a real problem, what is the best way to get around it to Namibia? Fly across from somewhere north, go through DRC, or possibly get a coastal schooner? While I am not sure why Angola is persistent in denying visas to tourists, it is their country and so they can make whatever rules they want that they believe keeps trouble away, I am not prepared to spend two or three weeks sitting around waiting for a visa application to be processed only to be denied. By the time we get there things might have changed, but knowing there are alternatives allows planning that keeps the head banging stress away.
thanks, joe
|
27 Jul 2008
|
 |
Which way??
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: In a Tent
Posts: 185
|
|
|
Angola
Hi Joe!
Angola is a really nice country and you shouldn't miss it!
You know the option of the 5 day Transit Visa from Matadi without waiting at the Border?
We did Angola last year in 6,5 day's (it is a shame i know... you can spend weeks in this country!!! But we had a date with a friend in Windhoek) We met some other travellers on the Transit visa. They overstayed the Visa for 4 day's and it wasn't a problem at the Border.
Greetings from Perth werner+claudia
|
27 Jul 2008
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Yongin, South Korea
Posts: 327
|
|
THANKS! No I didn't know about the transit visa. It wasn't mentioned on the visa web site nor could I see anything about it on the HUBB search. Just a lot of problems. We can cross Angola in two days. Not much to see and we want to get to Namibia in time for the festival there and then to SA for arrival of the penguins.
|
27 Jul 2008
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Yongin, South Korea
Posts: 327
|
|
|
BTW, what other African countries have transit visas? As I said, I didn't see any mention of transit visas on the web site called "Project Visa" but if we can get transit visas for Togo, Benin and Nigeria that would be great.
|
27 Jul 2008
|
|
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Limoux, France
Posts: 352
|
|
|
For Togo & Benin just pick up a VTE (Visa Touristique d'Entente) which covers 5 countries (Burkina, Cote d'Ivoire & Niger) you should get it from one of the abovementioned countries from an embassy in W.Africa (Benin embassy in Dubai also issues them)
Kira
|
27 Jul 2008
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Yongin, South Korea
Posts: 327
|
|
|
thanks Kira, that sounds like an easy way to get through those countries.
joe
|
28 Jul 2008
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
|
|
|
in 2 Days?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hindu1936
We can cross Angola in two days.
|
Don't count too much on that. Crossing Angola in 5 days is push. And it's beautifull! And as soon as you emerge out on the otherside, you're in a different Africa. You'll miss the other Africa.
|
28 Jul 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
|
|
Joe, you might want to take a read of Lois Pryce's new book, Red Tape and White Knuckles.
Amazon.co.uk: Red Tape and White Knuckles: One Woman's Motorcycle Adventure Through Africa: Lois Pryce: Books
She covers going thru Angola with considerable detail - particularly road conditions ... and riding flat out, sunrise to sunset and later, manages to make it across the country with 10 mins to spare on her 5 day visa.
I dont know of anyone who has done that 1200 miles in much less than 5 days, even though everyone is just gunning it for the southern border to make it before the visa expires.
(she got her visa in Matadi as well)
|
28 Jul 2008
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Yongin, South Korea
Posts: 327
|
|
|
Well, I guess if we have to push hard for five days to get across, we will because I won't wait around two weeks hoping for a visa only to be denied and have wasted two weeks. Everything I have read indicates that whatever Angola offers can be found in other countries whose visas are more easily obtained. Even if it is a beautiful and unique country it is not worth waiting three weeks as one of the other posters did and were then denied. If I can't run at 40 miles an hour for 14 hours a day, then I will fly across it. I have ridden many times from daylight to dark, the most recent time was last summer when we rode 900 miles in 13 hours. Would have done better, but stopped to take pictures, eat a leisurely lunch and then stopped again for an early dinner at our next to last gas stop. Yes, it was freeway riding, but When time is pushing, 5 days is a lot of miles even at 30 miles an hour.
|
28 Jul 2008
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Yongin, South Korea
Posts: 327
|
|
|
Ah yes, Colebatch--but key point in your reply was that you don't know of many who have made it in much less than five days. BUT they did make it less than five days. A lot of it depends on the individual's ability to absorb discomfort and his or her determination. Some riders can't ride for more than 400 miles a day and believe they have accomplished a bunch while there are hundreds of others who have covered 1000 miles in 24 hours and believe they have done something special. Figure if you ride for 16 hours and average 25 miles an hour for 12 of those hours you will arrive with at least one day left on the visa. Riding 16 hours is a cakewalk. If Daylight begins at 5 am and ends at 9, that's your 16 hours. Subtract gas time and a 10 minute break when you get gas with one 30 minute break for lunch and are on the bike for 12 hours. There must be some parts of the road that you can roll for 10 or 15 minutes at 50mph and that brings the average up a little.
|
28 Jul 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
|
|
|
Angola roads
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hindu1936
If I can't run at 40 miles an hour for 14 hours a day, then I will fly across it. I have ridden many times from daylight to dark, the most recent time was last summer when we rode 900 miles in 13 hours.
|
Obviously you haven't been there yet... count on 10 hours driving a day making 100 miles MAX in the southern half of Angola, unless the Chinese have advanced so far that the situation has improved. That's is 4x4. On bike you could do a bit more but 1 mistake and your f#$@ed!! Potholes the size of swimming pools.
But its still worth going there because of the people, the absence of a tourist industry, its all very authentic!
Also, if you skip it, you haven't made a full overland trip!
Cheers,
Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
|
29 Jul 2008
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Yongin, South Korea
Posts: 327
|
|
|
Wow, for such authenticity I just guess flying over it or riding through the DRC sounds better all the time. I guess I could hang around for two or three weeks for the privilege of riding through a country that offers nothing except landmines and treacherous roads, but there are better things to do. Ten miles an hour maximum just doesn't carry the thunderous appeal needed to entice me into doing the ride.
|
29 Jul 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Golden, CO USA...on the road since Sept 2005
Posts: 343
|
|
|
Hindu, I hope you get through Angola. I spent some 2 weeks in Windhoek trying to get a visa but failed. I had the help of an Angolan friend but still didn't get it. With summer on the way to the eastern Sahara, I felt compelled to continue up the eastern route rather than continuing to wait. I have met quite a few people from Angola and can say this- they are fun! I rarely make generalizations like that, but it is true. I am starting down the western route in September with no set timetable. I plan to spend a couple weeks chilling on a beach while waiting for an Angolan visa. By that point on the ride I believe I'll be ready for a nice break- and my little bike will be needing some care! I believe Angola will be worth the effort- I'll let you know after I visit! Be steady, Hook.
|
29 Jul 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
|
|
|
:-D
Starts to get funny.
4 days is probably feasible on a bike. I did it in 5 days in a Landrover in 2004. Lots of driving! But I'm sure you can drive more if you want. And in 2004, there where at least a few 100km's around Luanda with about the best tar you can find in Africa. I'd guess there's more tar these days. Before and after that, there're stretches with about the worst roads in Africa.
Get the transit visa and give it a shot. It will be easier then getting the permits etc to ride trough DRC to Zambia.
Oh, ... and there are things to see in Angola you won't find anywhere else... .
Ask for a 10 day transit visa (because your bike isn't very fast with all the lugage, or anything else that sounds acceptable). You might be lucky and get the time.
Let us know how it all works out!
All the best,
Rob
|
29 Jul 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
|
|
|
discomfort
Hindu,
Apparently you're not interested in all aspects of travelling through Africa, but just interested in getting to your end destination, probably Cape Town. With that mentality it will be hard to put up with all the other hassle you'll encounter along the way and it will be hard to enjoy travelling in Africa. Why not stay home all together and don't even bother with all the hassle, including the discomfort of waiting a few days and bad roads. By the way, we had to wait 3 days for the Angola Visa (double entry, 30 days!)
cheers,
Noel
|
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
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
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...
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™ 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!
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Avoiding Angola
Linear Mode
