 2Likes
 |
|
2 Jun 2012
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cairo
Posts: 187
|
|
|
Cairo to Nairobi and back in 3 weeks - possible?
Hi all
Looking to ride alone (or drive with the whole clan if my wife gets her way) from Cairo to Nairobi and back. We need to do it in three weeks. Is this possible? I (we) would go at the best time of year in relation to weather/relig holidays etc, and have appropriate bike (1200 Multistrada) or car (5.7 hemi Jeep) for the trip. Really don't want to fly unless necessary. Any thoughts would be welcome. (Or anyone who would like to join me/us.)
Cheers, Brett
|
2 Jun 2012
|
|
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
|
|
Hi,
I dont think it would be fun to ride all the way from Cairo to Nairobi in three weeks. Ride there and back in the same time is not possible. The Sudan Farry takes time and to organize the visa stuff as well.
Entering Egypt and Sudan are also one of the moast expensive and difficult countrys (you need arabien numberplates, register at the police etc) of africa to enter so i would recomend you to just ride around Kenya for a bit. There are nice coasts and animal parks to visit.
Transafrika - Motorbike travel tour through africa part 1
Enjoy it, Tobi
|
2 Jun 2012
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cairo
Posts: 187
|
|
|
I should have said I live in Egypt, with Egypt plates on my vehicles, and the admin stuff I can arrange in my own good time. I'm really asking about the condition of the roads etc. I'm more of a look-at-something-as-I-scream-past-it sort of guy than a sightseer. I know it would be far easier and cheaper to fly but I just like riding (far and fast).
|
2 Jun 2012
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
|
|
|
Roads no problem, apart from Ethiopia is slow going (up, down, people and animals all over the roads, 200km a day is good going sometimes) and the northern part of Kenya is unsealed whichever way you go.
But the Aswan/WH ferry is not reliable at all at the moment, and getting a return visa for Sudan +could+ cause problems, so you should try to get a multiple entry before leaving Egypt etc.
Honestly though, don't bother, you will be driving most hours of the day for most your days, including through Ethiopia which is quite an annoying country to drive in, and I can't see if being much fun for anybody especially kids.
Just go to Sudan for 3 weeks, really nice people and plenty to do, or just fly to Nairobi and hire a car or something.
Africa needs less tourists in a hurry imho ;-p And you would always be in a hurry....
|
2 Jun 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
|
|
|
Hi Brett,
As you know, it's about 5,000 km to Nairobi so depending how long you want to drive each day you could make it there and back, but it would be a long slog taking into account traffic, border crossings, ferry, etc.
Roads are good, pretty much paved the whole way now that the Wadi Halfa to Dongola portion has been improved with the only unpaved rough portion part as yak points out being northern kenya. Not an issue if you are driving but if you are on your bike then it's a slow ride over a rocky route with deep depressions.
One thing to keep in mind though is that there aren't that many options to vary your route significantly on the way back so the return trip wouldn't likely be as much fun as it would be ground that you have already covered.
One option that you might want to consider would be to look into the possibility of doing a one way. In a perfect world you could find another overlander wanting to do the trip in reverse. Details like rego and carnet for the borders would have to be worked out, but a three week one way trip would be a great adventure. If you felt you had some extra days, there are a few classic places like the game parks that you could visit. Happy planning.
|
2 Jun 2012
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cairo
Posts: 187
|
|
|
Thanks all. Very useful stuff. After your collective advice I'm thinking a one-way trip and get the beast shipped back (or beg a few more weeks leave). I've heard there's a reasonable Mombasa-Suez option, but I'll check that more. Thanks again you lot!
cheers
Brett
|
2 Jun 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
|
|
|
Sounds like a good plan. One other thing, you have a lot more first hand experience than us with Egypt but with all the horror stories about clearing Egyptian customs at sea ports, you may want to look into Mombassa to see if that is more straightforward. If it is, shipping down and then picking it up there might be an option to consider.
And not to add any more destinations onto your trip, but if you do go in/out of Mombasa, you should really consider heading straight across to Arusha in Tanzania. Same approximate latitude as Mombassa so not a huge detour. The payoff is great views of Kili and you can easily squeeze in a visit to Ngorogoro Crater from Arusha for some wildlife viewing, certainly a highlight for the kids if you drag them along.
|
3 Jun 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: F
Posts: 856
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by roamingyak.org
Roads no problem, apart from Ethiopia is slow going (up, down, people and animals all over the roads, 200km a day is good going sometimes) and the northern part of Kenya is unsealed whichever way you go.
But the Aswan/WH ferry is not reliable at all at the moment, and getting a return visa for Sudan +could+ cause problems, so you should try to get a multiple entry before leaving Egypt etc.
Honestly though, don't bother, you will be driving most hours of the day for most your days, including through Ethiopia which is quite an annoying country to drive in, and I can't see if being much fun for anybody especially kids.
Just go to Sudan for 3 weeks, really nice people and plenty to do, or just fly to Nairobi and hire a car or something.
Africa needs less tourists in a hurry imho ;-p And you would always be in a hurry....
|
About Sudan visa with 2 entries, do you mean there is some problem to get it in Europe before leaving?
RR.
|
3 Jun 2012
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cairo
Posts: 187
|
|
|
Both great ideas Mountain man. Thanks for that.
cheers Brett
|
3 Jun 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 239
|
|
|
Unlikely...and no fun
Hi,
Absolutely agree that it would be unlikely to manage it there and back in that time frame. Absolutely everything would have to work perfectly, including the vehicle, but more problematic and unreliable is the Lake Nasser ferry and Aswan customs on return.
Even getting the permission to take an Egyptian car out of the country can be a little painful. Of course it may be different if you have fancy green plates.
If you want even half a chance at seeing only the highlights en route, then one way is the option.
We managed the Nairobi-Cairo leg in our summer school holidays, about 6 weeks, and it felt like a rush.
|
5 Jun 2012
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cairo
Posts: 187
|
|
Thanks JT and everyone else.
JT is there a group of 4WD types in Cairo that go for drives occasionally that you know of? I don't mean anything as formal or organised as the Jeep club. Something a bit more relaxed and that involves  .
cheers
Brett
|
8 Jun 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Alexandria
Posts: 426
|
|
|
3 weeks ,hmmm!!
Hi Brett
well lets say you will start from Cairo and you can mange to do it in one day to Aswan ,then you have to e there any Friday or Saturday really early ,
then paper work for the ferry and customs police traffic and then you car ot bike will be on the barge by Sunday ,you start to sail on Monday ,arrive and start from Halfa if you are lucky Wednesday afternoon,
so its almost 6 or even 7 days
and the same back !!
and then to drive 5000 km ,
best thing is just fly to Kenya hire a car go around ,and then fly back
of just go to Sudan ,very kind people and many places to go specially the virgin red sea shore
hopefully the road will be open soon then you can do it in 3 weeks
my last trip from South Africa to Egypt on motorbike solo ,took 6 months ,i was planning to do it in 3 months but then i decided to enjoy it to the max i can .
and it was the best trip i ever had in my life
regarding 4x4 activities ,there is lots of 4wheelers they go for weekends or even longer trips
you can mail me as i always like to be on the move
i do live in Alexandria
|
8 Jun 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 239
|
|
Heh brett. Well yes, in fact your description sounds remarkably like us. Add good food, and motor bikes to the mix. Probably done for the summer, but might pop out one day early to pick up jerry cans from an earlier bikes only trip. Get in touch or get down to maadi for a . Where are you?
|
8 Jun 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: F
Posts: 856
|
|
|
Hi Omar,
" many places to go specially the virgin red sea shore"
Is it more beautiful than the Egyptian sea shore (on the other side of the border, not on Aqaba gulf), or almost the same?
RR.
|
8 Jun 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 239
|
|
Jesus. I hadn't realised the site automatically did the funky icons. Clever.
|
|
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.
Linear Mode
