Nothing bizarre about these questions. Some of the best ones I've seen actually as they are both key points in finding the most interesting places in the world.

I cannot speak for Africa, but I would be surprised if it is much different than Central America and South America where I am traveling now. I ask other motorcycle travelers about interesting locations. I keep track of other travelers and share information back and forth as we come across it. I ask locals for a way to get where I am going that uses dirt roads (yes, this is frequently difficult when you don't speak the language, but it can be done). Use Google maps when you have internet access and take notes and take pictures of the screen with your camera. Use GPS maps, but many interesting roads will not be on there so don't rely on it too much. Get the best paper map you can find. Read online blogs of other travelers.

But most importantly, never miss an opportunity to ask the locals about interesting locations!

Paper maps. I always use the best one I can find. However, I did not bother to buy any before I left the USA and I do not regret that decision. It means I frequently do not have a good paper map and I am certain I've missed dirt roads because of it, but even the best paper maps give only a hint that a road might exist for many countries I've been to. I still find lots of interesting dirt roads.

Gasoline is all about preparation. I have a large tank to give me the maximum possible range. If I am headed in a direction where I know gas will be hard to find, I fill up at every possible opportunity until I'm within range of a city where I know gas can be found. But I have had to ask around and buy gas from helpful locals when I accidentally ran short. I really should carry a siphon to help out with this, but I've never gotten around to it.

I did not really plan out the trip or buy maps. But I prepared my bike and my gear as best I could to go wherever I want, then modified it while on the trip to make it better. Then I ask people along the way where the interesting places are and travel more or less at random. I've found this a fantastic way to travel.

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Traveling The World Since: 2011
Blog: The Seductive Life (General Travel)