Originally Posted by Peter Phoenix (Post 389772)

First I thought I need a safe route for two middle aged travellers to follow preferably a route that has plenty of fellow travellers on it

Originally Posted by Peter Phoenix (Post 389772)

Border crossings, I am aware that bribes seem to operate but is there a way of safely getting through the crossings, what papers are needed to get by?

Originally Posted by Peter Phoenix (Post 389772)

Insurance for bike and passangers?

Originally Posted by Peter Phoenix (Post 389772)

Places to sleep, is it safe to camp if so where, is there a list of rooms or hotels people have used

Originally Posted by Peter Phoenix (Post 389772)

Money, what is the best way of accessing it and what is best to carry

Originally Posted by p4jk (Post 389797)

Hi, since you are on pension I believe you have time to read and search :) The Africa Overland Network The Africa Overland Network this is a good place to start.
Have never done the trip, but on this page you can find tons of informations about people who did it.

with kindest regards,

Originally Posted by McCrankpin (Post 389854)

Hi,
You don't say whether it's east or west side of Africa you're aiming at.
The link at the bottom is for a pensioner on a little 250 (with daughter and son-in-law) going down the east side.

Just to comment a little on some of your list, all applicable to the east side:



Down the east side it's all pretty safe (very safe in my opinion).
Anywhere that's dangerous, or needs special permission, there'll be police checks to keep you away from those places.
Generally you'll meet a traveller or two almost every day or at least a few times per week. You'll meet lots in the main stopping places in the capital cities.

Universally, the police you meet will be charged with keeping tourists safe. (In my experience).




There's no danger at border crossings and hardly any corruption. 'Extra payments' will be needed for Egypt, entry and exit. Use a known fixer. Elsewhere, steer clear of people 'offering to help/guide' and you'll find all you need, which is 'Immigration' and 'Customs' - that's all. (Except see below)
Take care changing money if not using the 'bank' (usually in a little caravan).
Most importantly - for everyone you meet at borders, and police checks, petrol stations and hotels, and on the road (specially children in Ethiopia) - get your right glove off as quickly as you can and stick your hand right out for a handshake! (And "How are you?") That seals the bond and you'll be looked after. In some places, (Ethiopia again) you may have as many as 30 hands to shake!

The entry to Egypt is generally the most notorious border on this route. Unfairly I think. It's entertaining and takes a long time. And you need to pay for things. But nothing to be wary of.
The best account I've read of it is here:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-14#post371949

".....worth paying an entrance fee to see this spectacle."
Biking Marco is younger than us pensioners but his Ride Tale from Africa is well worth reading.




I assume you mean 3rd party traffic insurance. Anything more (health etc) you need to arrange before starting.
There are 3 possibilities:
1. You'll be required to buy it at immigration or customs. Or,
2. If not, ask. There may be a little hut or window where you can buy it. Or,
3. It may be unavailable, in which case ask at the next big town. It may not be required.




You'll find all this by browsing these forums. We wild camped in Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya.
There are lots of campsites. In our experience it's hard to find anywhere dangerous to stay, except occasionally in the cities.





ATMs are pretty well everywhere, except Sudan, and Rwanda if you're going there. (All this is 2 years ago).
Take $US cash for countries without ATMs and for when they don't work.

Africa is a cash country, everyone carries it for whatever they need to buy. You'll see people exchanging it for goods in the streets all the time. Such a society couldn't function if there's constant danger of being robbed. So just take sensible care. In towns and cities, keep away from quiet dark alleys, keep to the places where everybody else is.

Have a good trip - enjoy the help and hospitality you'll receive.

Plan on being delayed frequently through often being invited for tea/lunch/breakfast etc etc.

Originally Posted by kpredator (Post 389933)

hello
tracks4africa download or card for your gps.check out 4x4 community sa.
south african 4x4 overland site alot of good info there.
good luck
kevin