Spain to South Africa May>September
 

Leaving Spain in 3 days on a KTM 1190 Adventure R for West Africa

Following the West Coast pretty much the whole way down. If anyone is around these areas let me know if you want to catch up for a beer or passage for a bit

bump on this, in Mali still heading South

Hi. Well done, I'm very jealous.

My fiance and I are considering something similar on bikes (LON > CPT), though probably via the East coast as I assume this is safer (we're still researching).
How have you found personal safety so far? I've been trying to keep an eye out for posts from people going up/down Africa, but they seem scarce.

Thanks

Hey mate, I'm in Togo at the moment. Haven't had a single problem the whole way. You obviously get the corrupt police occasionally who don't pose much of a problem if you've got all your paperwork in order. I wouldn't dismiss the West Coast just because of safety concerns, as far as I'm concerned you're just as safe here in West Africa these days as being in Orlando, Paris, Brussels etc. The safety is not a problem, everybody is really friendly, always laughing and smiling, giving big thumbs up when you ride past with a big smile on their face. It's just common sense, I wouldn't ride up into the North of Mali or North East Nigeria, as that's just asking for trouble. I'd say the East Coast is more traveled and discovered route, more options for camping etc, I would just forget the "safety" factor entirely and do whichever route has more to offer for you (scenery, attractions, experience).

Africa
 

We road down the East Coast from Egypt to South Africa & it's fantastic :thumbup1:(Overlanding for beginners really):scooter: if you haven't done any part of Africa than do this route, very easy:mchappy: with just enough bureaucracy to keep it interesting.:innocent: Don't miss the Omo Valley & Simien Mountains in Ethiopia, Gorilla's in Uganda also Zanzibar is great.:palm: This little film will give an insight to the East Coast,:smartass:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7lnlhFyMYg

Thanks
Paulbier