Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 May 2006
Wheelie's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
Budget: Cape Town - Nairobi

What should our budget be along the following:
  • Fuel (estimated costs per liter for the entire route)
  • Facilitation payments for corrupt officials or service clerks (estimated per day/week and/or kilometer travelled, countries crossed, or the likes)
  • Living expenses (all living expenses per day, on average for entire route)
  • Third party insurance, etc, (per country)
  • Borders (rough estimates for how much money we should set aside per border)
  • Other
I was thinking: all including, two people, riding two motorcycles 6000 km each, through 5 countries, crossing four borders, travelling 3-5 weeks in total, that the total budget should ammount to US $ 5.000 - 8.000 for the both of us. This does not offcourse include any pre trip expenses or shipment of neither the bikes or us in/out of Africa. We will also be using a carnet. What do you think?

All comments are greatly appreciated

Thanks to all of you who have been so kind to aid me so far (too many to name), and thanks again for this aditional piece of support.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Jun 2006
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,123
Hi Wheelie:

I can only comment on expenses in South Africa and Kenya.

South Africa is not too expensive, certainly less than your daily budget for travel in Norway would be. Kenya, on the other hand, can be darned expensive, especially if you want to stay in any of the game parks or at a 3 star or better hotel in Nairobi. Mombassa is considerably cheaper than Nairobi.

When I stay in Nairobi (for work, not pleasure), I budget about 30% more per day than I budget for staying in Zurich, Switzerland.

I don't know what standards you want to maintain for food and lodging. Obviously, this will have a huge effect on your budget. But, when you are in urban areas, you tend to wind up being forced to stay in the better places, just to ensure security of your luggage and motorcycle.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Jun 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Golden, CO USA...on the road since Sept 2005
Posts: 343
Wow, Pan, I'm surprised to hear about some of those prices! I plan to be in some of those areas in the next 2 months. I'm not carrying camping gear. I know this is a tough question, but what kind of cash are we talking for a nights lodging in a Kenyan game park? Just a rough average for July/August. Thanks!
__________________
"And I think to myself, what a wonderful world..." L.B. Armstrong. www.davesgreatescape.net
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readme...e&id=661274218
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Jun 2006
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,123
Hook:

Well, you had better be sitting down when you read this...

Keep in mind that most all of the Kenyan Game Parks cater to visitors from Europe, North America, and the more affluent Asian countries. I'm going to guess that the average rate per night is about USD $150 and up. Here's a link you can explore: http://www.governorscamp.com/ Note that when these lodges speak about 'tented camping', the truth is that you are actually in a very luxurious bungalow with a tent roof over it. The last time I stayed at one of these 'tented camps', the tent was larger than a suite at the Hilton, and had a king size bed and a Jacuzzi in it...

There may be national parks or other facilities on the perephery of these game areas that cater to less affluent visitors. I somehow don't think that camping out in a game park would be a very good idea, lest the lions or hyenas decide that you would make a nice midnight snack for them.

Be aware also that the Kenyan govenment knows that 99% of the visitors to game parks are wealthy foreigners ripe for the plucking, so, they set entry fees for the government run game preserves accordingly. It costs about USD $25 to get into the game park on the edge of Nairobi. The majority of Kenyans earn less than $1 a day.

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Jun 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: melbourne, VIC, Australia
Posts: 19
i was using Nairobi as a base last nov/dec for travels staying at 5* (Hotel Boulavade), budget hotel (can't remember exact name but think it was comfort inn, opposite internet on the corner of a main street) and hostel/campsite (NPS campsite on the out skirts of the city). out of them all my fav was the campsite, only costing $6 US a night to camp, a few more $ for a room. very friendly and felt safe and there was always someone to chat to. only bad point was the disco tech down the road was very loud. u can drive ur motorbike in the site. the budget hotel got a twin room for $40 US a night, not bad but no where to park bike, right in town but wouldn't go round the streets by urself at night. 5* what a waste of money(think it was bout $80 US single), not needed at all i only went there for 1 night because it was included in a tour i did.

good luck, i stayed in some awesome hostels/campsites in kenya and uganda, a lot better than budget hotels.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jun 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Golden, CO USA...on the road since Sept 2005
Posts: 343
Michael and Jade, thanks for the info. I'm surprised to hear some of those numbers! I'll have to look in to things more closely as I prepare to leave South America. I can hopefully minimize time in the more expensive areas and take my time where the cost is more reasonable. Michael, thanks for the link, it's a great start. I haven't dropped $150usd for a hotel on my trip- as of yet...
__________________
"And I think to myself, what a wonderful world..." L.B. Armstrong. www.davesgreatescape.net
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readme...e&id=661274218

Last edited by hook; 15 Jun 2006 at 16:32.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Jun 2006
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,123
Well, as Jade has pointed out, Nairobi (and many parts of Kenya, for that matter) has quite a wide range of accomodation - you can pay $10 a night, or easily pay $200+ a night.

The key issue is not so much the comfort level of the facility, but the security level of the facility - not only for the moto you park outside, but for you in your room. That is what you have to look most critically at.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Jun 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Golden, CO USA...on the road since Sept 2005
Posts: 343
Very good point. Appreciate the info guys and/or gals!
__________________
"And I think to myself, what a wonderful world..." L.B. Armstrong. www.davesgreatescape.net
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readme...e&id=661274218
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Jun 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
We drove (ina 4x4 not a bike) from SA to Nairobi (and we've taken a Zimbabwean registered 4x4 into SA loads of times) without a Carnet as we used TIP's (Temporary Import Permits) at every border until we were forced to buy one at Namanga, Kenya.

The following report may give you some idea of the costs involved:


If you do have to buy a Carnet then you do not have to leave a deposit - you can purchase an insurance bond:

The following was for my 4Runner (prices in Kenyan shillings)

Local 3rd party Insurance: 5063

AA valuation: 8028 (your vehicle/bike needs to be valued before the value of the bond, usually 150% of vehicles value, is worked out)

AA Surety: 28928

AA Carnet: 30000

TOTAL: 72019

Join AA, get car valued, buy AA insurance guarantee, buy AA Carnet de Passage, sorted.

You'll need the COMESA yellow card insurance as well, it makes life easier, and is variable cost depending on the no. of countries visited.
__________________
Enzo

Last edited by Bundubasher; 11 Oct 2013 at 13:34.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Jun 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Oregon; Qroo, Mexico
Posts: 74
Question

hook, where are you shipping your bike from in South America, and to what point in Africa? How much $$ ?
__________________
Steven
www.twowheeledtraveller.com
Americas, '05-'06
RTW, poco a poco
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Jun 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Golden, CO USA...on the road since Sept 2005
Posts: 343
Sohrakoff, I'm shipping from Buenos Aires to Capetown. Basically comes down to $750usd by sea, takes around 17 days. By air it will cost around $1300. Air is nice because you don't need to crate the bike. A company called All Cargo will handle everything. There are other options/companies as well. I'll post details on the shipping page in a month or so when I'm in Capetown. By the way, air-freight from BA to Sydney runs around $2000. Javier of Dakar Motos got me that estimate. D.
__________________
"And I think to myself, what a wonderful world..." L.B. Armstrong. www.davesgreatescape.net
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readme...e&id=661274218

Last edited by hook; 16 Jun 2006 at 19:26.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 18 Jun 2006
jc's Avatar
jc jc is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Mandurah, Western Australia
Posts: 231
Thumbs up Cape to Nairobi

My wife and I on our 1150GS went that route in 2004. Kenian prices are similar to South Africa, Tanzania a little cheaper. Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe are a lot cheaper, exept the petrol price. We used less than R20 000, all inclusive. That is $2500 to $3000. We did not visit Game Parks, the main road in Tanzania goes through the Mukimi Park, where we saw lots of game. North Kenia to Wamba and Maralal has got a lot of game as well, without having to pay anything. Kenia has got the worst roads, but is extremely beutifull. We camped at Jungle Junction in Nairobi. Guys name is Chris, run the BMW shop in Nairobi. S01° 17.325’ E036° 45.614’ That's his location.

Hope this info helped
Johan
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 21 Jun 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: neuchatel, Switzerland
Posts: 23
Wink cheap travel

Hi there
in 2000 we travel for 18 month arround Africa in a Land Cruiser. Sleeping in a busch very offen, cooking our food with the market staff. Our travel cost for us all inclusive for 2 people in a car per month about 1200.- Euro (including visa, food, camping sometimes, insurrance, diesel, parts, fine etc...). Okay we didnt sleep in fancy hotel, not going very offen in bloody expensive park in Kenya but we had a beautiful, long and wild trip arround Africa.
Cheers
Olivier
__________________
Olivier
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
London to Cape Town - Charity Motorbike Ride mkirby Make a Difference 2 3 Oct 2006 12:58
Land Rover Cape Town Adventurisedotcom sub-Saharan Africa 1 4 May 2006 23:06
NAIROBI TO CAPE TOWN afric Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 1 Feb 2005 16:04
Touring around Cape Town and the Cape Winelands chris.mick Route Planning 3 20 May 2002 17:36
Airfreight: Cape Town to Buenos Aires Stephan Solon Trip Transport 0 11 Nov 2000 05:11

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:09.