Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 May 2010
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London
Posts: 404
Motorbikes on the Lake Tanganyika ferry, Kigoma to Mpulungu?

Hi all,
Am presently in Nairobi contemplating my onward route south.

Does anyone know for sure whether this ferry carries motorbikes?
Or, does anyone have recent 2-wheel experience of the Kasulu-Mpanda-Mbala road to the east of the lake?

Many thanks
Ken
__________________
TTR250 - London to Cape Town
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Dec 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 2
Hi Ken,
did you ever do this trip? Was it possible to take the motorbike on the ferry? Would be nice to hear your experience because we are currently thinking to take this ferry.
Cheers Kai and Meike
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Dec 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London
Posts: 404
Quote:
Originally Posted by KB One View Post
Hi Ken,
did you ever do this trip? Was it possible to take the motorbike on the ferry? Would be nice to hear your experience because we are currently thinking to take this ferry.
Cheers Kai and Meike
Hi,
That was a while ago now, 2010. So here's what I found out back then.
On the way to Kigoma (actually still in SW Uganda) I learned from various travellers that the ferry takes motorbikes and if conditions are right, cars as well.
But the ferry stop-offs going south to the southern end of the lake aren't all at normal harbours. In some places the ferry stops at anchor a way off the coast and little boats take passengers to and fro. I couldn't find out if vehicles could be carried in the 'little boats' although it seemed that small unloaded motorbikes could probably be manhandled ok.
Although an account I read somewhere described getting personal luggage on and off the little boats was "quite a chore."

The destination I was interested in was Mpulungu, and there's no harbour there. The ferry anchors off of the coast.

There's a proper harbour at Kasanga but I was told there's no road (dirt or otherwise) out of it.

So I abandoned the idea and just went to Kigoma for a visit (dirt road from Nyakanazi which was OK). And I found that Kigoma was a very nice place to visit, and Ujiji as well (Livingstone memorial). I stayed there almost a week I think. Very friendly like the rest of Tanzania. Easy to find a place to stay right on the lake.

Then I returned to Nyakanazi and the road east towards Dodoma.

I met someone who took a 4X4 northwards along the Kasulu-Mpanda-Mbala road that runs parallel with the eastern shore of the lake and about 70km from it. For a few months of the year buses run along it. But there are a few long stretches with no supply places along the way from what I could find out. So being on my own I passed on that possibility.

Hope that's useful.
Cheers
Ken
__________________
TTR250 - London to Cape Town
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Feb 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Germany
Posts: 39
At least some years ago there was a proper harbour in Mpulungu and I doubt that this has changed as it is the main harbour where all the dried fish is unloaded.
Carrying the motorbike was easy, it is just moved on board by hand. You will find plenty of workers being eager to help you (and expect a lot of bargaining).
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
Has anyone been on a ferry on Lake Malawi houbie Trip Transport 0 5 Mar 2010 15:23
Lake Nasser ferry prices Mr W 4 wheel Overland Travel 2 20 Jul 2005 04:30
Uganda to Lake Tanganyika? oerg sub-Saharan Africa 4 12 Mar 2005 13:45
Lake Nasser Ferry/ Nile Navigation Co. Dwayne Dibbley North Africa 8 23 Jul 2003 17:23
Ferry accross lake nasser TvG North Africa 2 5 Jun 2002 22:48

 
 

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.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

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

 
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!

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 09:15.