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sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 30 Jun 2007
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Pretty Broad Question
Hey Yall

I just got back from an 8 month epic all over South America, and although it will be several years time, am starting to think about my next big trip. My question(or questions probably) is basically how difficult is it to do a large multiple month trip all over Africa. My idea is to start in Egypt perhaps, then head west, then south, and after a very long haul, end in Cape Town, South Africa. Now I know there are a million and one things I will need to know about various countries and borders etc etc etc. Thats not what I am asking for. What I basically want to know is how tough is it in Africa as a whole. How dangerous? How bad are the roads? How expensive ( or cheap is more likely) is it? I rode on some BAD roads in Bolivia, so i can handle myself, Im just trying to figure out if it is even feasible to do an epic trip all over Africa......

Anyone who has travelled across multiple countries in Africa who can give me a general overview about how it went, which countries are awesome, etc. That would be great. I can return the favor with info about South America if you are so inclined. Thanks guys, ride safe and smile wide.
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Old 1 Jul 2007
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Well, road-wise it should be no great problem if you can handle poorly maintained roads (sounds like you know what to expect from Bolivia), but so far as personal security, security of your property, and unbelievably idiotic border crossing rules go, it is another planet altogether.

I work in Africa, have done so for 20 years, have been just about everywhere, but I would not ever consider a multi-country or cross-continent tour on a motorcycle. On the other hand, many people have done exactly this and have enjoyed it.

Probably best for you to lurk in this forum for a while, read the past few years' worth of posts, and then you will have an idea of what awaits you.

Michael
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  #3  
Old 1 Jul 2007
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don't stress it - just do it! its a wonderful continent. there are so many wonderful people to meet and so many great places to go. I've spent about a year biking around and every day was my favourite day. of course, I hated some of the hassles at the time, but I've no regrets and want to go again.

as the geology, geography, climate, resources and politics vary so widely across mama africa's bosom, so do the roads, risks etc.

I haven't been to south america so I can't calibrate this for you except to say africa defied my expectations and, sat in london, I can hardly believe some of the scrapes I got in and out of.

no, its not easy, but its worth the effort. at a rough guess, I got by on 30US a day incl fuel, visas etc. I chose to ride an XR650L on two trips and an XR650R on the last. they're uncomfortable, but awesome off road so I chose a rough route
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Old 6 Jul 2007
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I spent 15 months riding in South America, and 11 here in Africa so far. I have been in the south working my way north (S.Africa, Lesotho, Moz, Swazi, Namibia, Bots, Zambia, Malawi) and SO FAR, there has not been any issues that were any crazier than South America. I expect that to change as I get into Tanz,Kenya,Uganda,Ethiopia,Djbouti - but from other travelers coming the other way are saying -nothing too nuts.

Cheers.
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Old 6 Jul 2007
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Traveling through any part of Africa of Africa(even Mauritania) will leave you with an amazing experience...F the negativity you may hear and get ready to be baptized by the Dark Continent in its many unique ways...
Check out pics from my website if it helps you...
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  #6  
Old 6 Jul 2007
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Thanks Guys
From the sounds of it, a multi country tour in Africa is just what I figured it would be....... An AMAZING experience with plenty of minor road bumps, but nothing a little patience won't solve. I just wanted to hear it from the horses mouth of some people who actually have done it. It'll be a while before I get out there though. And seeing as how my South America trip ended with 40 stitches in my right ankle after an over the handlebars accident ( all a week before I was flying home after 27,000 K's) I probably can benefit from a few years off before I head to the real deal. Thanks again guys, ride safe, ill see yall on the road someday.
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