Can this be done?
 

I would like to do a ride from the UK to Arusha in Tanzania in 2008 using the ride to riase funds for a charity that works with local orphanages in Arusha.
How practical is it to ride down through Africa to Arusha? What would be the suggested route by you folks? Down through Italy, boat to Egypt and then down through Sudan? I'm new to this long distance game and so am looking for guidance to let me plan and have everything in place - thus the 2008 timescale! Simon

Sorry, no good advice on the route but I can tell you that Arusha is my least favourite place in Tanzania (which is otherwise not bad at all). Just make sure you don't leave your bike or stuff for 2 seconds in that particular town.

I have to agree with the above. I wouldn't want to spend too much time there.
But It's all doable although you are missing out some of the more spectacular stuff in the middle east... and I don't mean the Artillery. Be prepared for customs hassle in Egypt and fun on the Wadi Halfa ferry. The road is still closed Egypt-Sudan. Sudan should be fine but don't go too far east.

Cheers

George

Thanks for the feedback
 

Thanks for the advice. I clearly need to find out a bit more about why this particular charity has chosen to work with the orphanage in Arusha!!! It is a charity founded by a business associate of mine and I was looking to support his efforts. Meeting up with him on Sunday so will find out more. Having got that I will put another post up for a bit more of your thoughts on which route etc as I am new to the game of long distance biking outside of the UK. Initial thoughts were to use the BMW F650GS Dakar as a tool. What do you think?
Simon

If you look in the which bike section you'll see that you could spend a lifetime on the choice of bike. I think that your suggestion would be right up there though. XT 600s are the other most popular choice but while they are better off road the BMW is a lot better on road (even gravel road) if you're on the bike all day. Having riden a big BMW boxer recently I'd only consider that if it was all road or easy dirt / gravel road. Just my thoughts.