Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > TRAVEL Hints and Tips
Am I getting myself in to trouble? Am I getting myself in to trouble?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
TRAVEL Hints and Tips Post your TIPS to travellers - all the interesting little tidbits you learned on the road about packing, where to get stuff, and how to cope with problems. Please make sure the subject describes the tip clearly!
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 44
Question Am I getting myself in to trouble?
I was wondering if anyone has any advice from experience in traveling through Africa.
I'm a videographer planning to fulfill a long awaited dream and travel Africa on a bike. West Africa that is. Moroc down to SA. I've also had a dream of filming in Africa and it seems as though I'm going to combine the two in Sept.
My worries are that I'm carrying video equipment worth over $5k. The camera is not a big shoulder held camera but it's expensive. I'm assuming that my insurance will cover the package if stolen, my question is my personal safety. Am I adding to the risk of being robbed forcefully?
I feel as though I wouldn't hesitate to go through east Africa but west and central seems less predictable.
I know it's a dumb question, but I just wanted to hear some thoughts from people who have traveled Africa on a motorcycle.
David
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2
no your not!

just be with yourself....
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 44
Thanks for the word of confidence.
I'm becoming braver about it as the days pass and the set off date nears.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
golden rule
Anybody who's travels through Africa, bike or car, is carrying a fortune in hardware according local standards. I was travelling in a car with a prof. photografer with 2 camera's and a bunch of lenses, plus 2 laptops, plus video equipment and a couple of thousands in cash! We did the suggested route down the west coast and returned back to Europe via the east coast. The east is not perse safer than the west side. We had no trouble on either side. There is one golden rule though ; NEVER DRIVE AFTER SUNSET ! Make sure you get to your days destination well before it gets dark. One big advantage on a bike is that you are much more agile than a car. You maybe able to turn around swiftly at a suspicios situation. By car that is not so easy. When you are filming during daylight in villages or cities, nobody wil bother you. Just use your common sense and don't go into quiet area's and narrow allees alone! I filmed with a small 3CCD camera for a year and had not a single incident related to theft or robbery.

Don't worry but stay alert!

Cheers,
Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 44
Looks like you had a wonderful adventure Noel. You make it seem easy.
I wish I could read more of the text but my dutch is non existent. Wonderful pictures though. I really want to take a very similar route but I'll see what my inexperienced bottom will endure.
My initial idea of a video tripod was not really inconspicuous on a motorbike but I decided to go with smaller, lighter less eye catching equipment.
Thanks, and best of luck with the video.
David
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Estonia
Posts: 351
You can make your camera to look less desirable if you cover brand names etc by tape. You can make it to look older and cheaper.

Overall I think it all comes down to people and how you look and act. You can look less rich if you don't have brand name clothes, "rolex"-like watches (even cheap copy), jewellery etc. Be a simple guy, then there are less reasons to be jealous about your stuff. I think that works everywhere, not only in Africa. Keep low profile.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by assafdv View Post
Thanks for the word of confidence.
I'm becoming braver about it as the days pass and the set off date nears.

That's great that you feel better! Ajah!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
low profile good or bad?
Its true about the low profile. But a low profile is not necessarily better. We crossed the stretch Cameroon / Namibia with 2 different bikers (not at the same time); one was on an old shabby looking Yamaha TT600, with a surfboard on the back! (not really low profile!) and the other one on a brand new shiny orange KTM 640. The reactions to the bikers were very different. The Yamaha triggered amazement, laughter and waving hands. The KTM triggered silent distant admiration!

Our car was not really low profile too with all the stickering. It looked like a semi rally car. My experience is that the ' tourist ' profile is not bad. Esspecially with police we learned that its best to immediately disclose that you are a tourist and not some NGO f....r. We got thumbs up when we said to be tourist and on one occasion in Angola a police officer salluted us officially when we said to be tourist. Amazing!! They seem to like the fact that tourist have an interest in their country. Not everyone is after your money! We only had some negative experiences with corrupt officials in Cameroon and that was the exception, not the standard. But now I am wandering of topic, or am i?

cheers,

Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 44
Red face
"The KTM triggered silent distant admiration"
You just prophesied a bleak and lonely future for me. I’m riding a terribly orange 640.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
Ktm
The KTM guy made it from the UK to Johannesburg without any breakdowns !!
Superb bike! Maybe camouflage it a bit with sheep skins and stuff!

Cheers,

Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 12 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 44
Good idea with the sheep skin. I think it will be easier to do it in Morocco so I'll wait and do it there.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 14 Sep 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: kuala lumpur
Posts: 212
Thats the spirit!
Thats the spirit
hmm....
camouflage it with a sheep skin,
why not a zebra or maybe a leopard instead
predator instead of prey
__________________
Ride
Safe,
Sober,
& Save!
"man without beard is like porridge without salt": Ned Kelly
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Real trouble marius North Africa 4 22 Aug 2007 23:45
Trouble with electronics? Eriks West and South Asia 5 13 Aug 2005 17:21
Help -Ethiopian Customs Trouble... jim sub-Saharan Africa 11 27 Jul 2004 15:44
Engine Trouble jrm Yamaha Tech 7 10 Feb 2004 20:42
My africa twin gives me a lot of trouble... cornepol Which Bike? 5 16 Jul 2003 18:50

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 19:18.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top