London to Capetown - but what about Sudan?
 

This is my very first post to this site; and, to be honest, my very first motorcylce adventure. My partner has already been on 3 cross-country, overland adventures and we are planning going from London - Capetown next Spring (2010). I've been reading through this site and there is so much wisdom that I'm eager to have some feedback.

I have some hesitations about traveling through certain parts of this trip, specifically Sudan. Has anyone traveled through there recently? Are there any women on this site who have traveled - either on their own or with a partner - through this country and/or other northern/eastern African countries? I am really wanting to learn more to ease some of my anxiety about it all. We're considering going through the Middle East to Egypt and then through East Africa to Capetown. I suggested flying from Egypt to Kenya; but, as the riders on here know, that is not a possibility.

Any ideas?
Thanks,
Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth, myself and my partner travelled from Egypt to Ethiopia via Sudan last November. It was one of the highlights of our UK to CT adventure, and something I would love to repeat. The people we met were amongst the most hospitable and genuine we encountered and we never had any concerns for our safety. Sudan is so huge, and the bit that you need to get through is a long way from the troubled areas.

Happy travels!

Lucie

Thank you!
 

Lucie!
Your email brought tears to my eyes and after reading your blog I cannot even begin to express how excited I am! Is there a way I can contact you outside of this site (via your personal email?). I'd love to hear more.... thanks again so very much!
Eliz44

I've got to echo what Lucie says. Sudan was one of the highlights of our trip from Munich to Cape Town. The Sudanese were the most hospitable people I have ever met. I think Audrey got hassled less in Sudan than in other countries such as Egypt or Morocco.

Have a fantastic trip Elisabeth!

Hi Eliz, I've sent you a PM.

Lucie

Hi Elizabeth,

I was so glad to see your post and not least the replies that came in. This is my first post on this very (!) useful website. It seems like we are planning similar trips, and have had similar hesitations.
My partner and I are planning to go from Denmark to South Africa in Feb/March 2010 also through the Middle East. Apart from the trip itself we have a second purpose of doing some climbing on the way, and so we are traveling by car.

It would be great to do some exchange on thoughts on the route - do's / don'ts!

Sofie

London-Middle East-Cape Town
 

Hi,

We are also planning to do a similar route London-Middle East- Cape Town. Did any of you find good information on ferries from Jeddah to Port Sudan?

Cheers,

Marianna

UK to Cape Town
 

Hi Ladies.
All been well my partner Denise and myself will leave Yorkshire to Cape Town on 15 October.Denise will be doing the blogg so you can check it out as we go.we are going Syria Jordan Egypt and so on.
I am sure you will have a great trip and dont worry.
Take care Coxy coxmorganoverland.co.uk

Sudan
 

I rode around the whole world and that section of Sudan was definitely one of the highlights. You certainly don't have to worry about that, but you might have to worry about getting in. I see you are from NY and Americans can have a very difficult time getting a visa. I believe that riding in from Ethiopia it's impossible, so you will want to do some research.