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sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 18 May 2010
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Ethiopia>Kenya>Rwanda>Burundi>Tan...
Hi All

I am a newb here. I was introduced by a mate who has done the Plymouth- Bamako and is planning his Cape to Cape.

I plan to go Ethiopia>Kenya>Rwanda>Burundi>Tan and on to SA, but on a cycle.

Anyway, my main questions concern cycling in Burundi and Rwanda. I have a friend working in Rwanda for VSO and have asked them their advise, but they haven't been out and about much. Have any of you seen people cycling out there? I'll be with my wife-to-be. Just us. Any thoughts on this undertaking greatly appreciated.

In terms of gear, having read some of your bike threads I reckon a mountain bike with sus may be required!

Cheers

David

PS Sorry for cross posting but I am guessing a lot of people who ride don't check out the threads for the pedal pushers too much!
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  #2  
Old 21 May 2010
ydv ydv is offline
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Hi, I have biked few years ago through Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and bits of DRC (Bukavu and Goma). I do not see a reason to have a mountain bike over there, especially in Rwanda and Burundi, where are very good surfaced roads. I had trekking bike with me, lightly loaded (1 small bag at the back wheel). Suspension I would recommend anyway, on every road, especially if you have alu frame.

Good luck!
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Janusz
www.yahodeville.com
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  #3  
Old 21 May 2010
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Hi there,

regarding the Rwanda part... I was there in 2004 (plane & bus Africa trip) & where I went the roads were the best I saw in Africa... I think someone told me the Japanese or Chinese had invested heavily in just building them... but that could be wrong.

Rwanda & Ethiopia were my favorite countries I visited. Enjoy!
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  #4  
Old 22 May 2010
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Hi

Thank you both for replying.

I think the bike choice is very personal. I'm not expecting to go off road much but while the roads in Rwanda are excellent, once I head south of Tanzania/cut through more central Africa, the roads will deteriorate from what I hear. It's more of a practical thing though - I have a good mountain bike that I can adapt. I like the way this guy approached it: How To Build The Perfect Expedition Bike (Part 1) | Ride Earth - Tom's World Bicycle Travel Blog

I'd like to find out more about your trip ydv - do you have a record? If not, are you ok for me to PM you/just ask more questions on here?

Thanks again!

David
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