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20 Jun 2010
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Charlie,
it's a bit of 'each to their own', so if your "cup of tea" is riding along a nice road at a sensible pace on a sunny day then you'll never really understand the motivation for heading into these places.
In any case imo the risk of injury from a fall is magnitudes higher than the risk presented by the people or politics you encounter along the way. So if you love to ride in challenging terrain then I don’t really see much difference in where you choose to do that (within limits of course).
For me, the bigger the obstacles, the better the memory. I cant remember what i ate for breakfast, but will take my memories from that ride in the congo to the grave and beyond. hope to get back there one day  )
Quote:
Originally Posted by m37charlie
Don't get me wrong - I greatly admire those who do things like this and the crossing from Niger to Algeria (in the Sahara section).
But these adventures in the face of terrain adversity; and much worse and more important, man-made obstacles do seem more like adventurous masochistic exercises than a "vacation".
Wandering around Australia or Outer Mongolia seems like more my "cup of tea"; the human obstacles in travelling in parts of Africa just seem tremendous these days.
Charlie
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20 Jun 2010
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yes they do, although at the time we didnt know what it was. I think that when travelling from Lubombashi you technically dont need one for the reasons you give, but the local authorities dont know that, so will ask you anyway. we got around it, but sometimes had to pay a small bribe.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scholle
we are thinking of taking the same route in the other direction.
Does the police and DMG still ask for ordre de mission or other permits to travel to that area?
It's usually easier if you are heading for the capital because you can always argue that the capital is the only place to apply for a permit. Not sure waht it's like when you leave Kinshasa...
Any ideas?
Thanks Scholle
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20 Jun 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dean74
Charlie,
it's a bit of 'each to their own', so if your "cup of tea" is riding along a nice road at a sensible pace on a sunny day then you'll never really understand the motivation for heading into these places.
In any case imo the risk of injury from a fall is magnitudes higher than the risk presented by the people or politics you encounter along the way. So if you love to ride in challenging terrain then I don’t really see much difference in where you choose to do that (within limits of course).
For me, the bigger the obstacles, the better the memory. I cant remember what i ate for breakfast, but will take my memories from that ride in the congo to the grave and beyond. hope to get back there one day )
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Oh I understand the motivation, I have it myself. I would really really like to see the Tibesti in Chad for instance. Some people think I was crazy for going to the Caprivi Strip in 1993 though the war with Angola had been over for several years. I just think I may never get to the Tibesti in my own vehicle at the rate things are going in the Sahara/Sahel. And it's not the bad roads that concern me; they are in a way a blessing.
The analogy with a bad fall in a bike for a 4x4 is a bad mechanical problem. IMHO the human hassle factor for countries like Chad (and from what I read Congo also) exceeds the road hazard factor. Though maybe more for a 4x4 than a bike. And since Kalashnikovs are frequently encountered in the former hazard(in Chad and maybe at least in eastern Congo), that tends to slow one down a bit.
The encounter with the "Smiling Assassin" is instructive at least to me!
Though I won't disagree at all that customs officials and cops the world over can always be a huge hassle, including especially the USA.
Charlie
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8 Jul 2010
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full of detail  makes a good read
2 questions you may be well placed to answer
1 is Angola more feasible for North-South in a 4wd? I seem to think that Angola ends up costing a pretty penny as a result of visa fees, high priced accomodation, etc; are the roads better than DRC?
2 Is there an East-West / West-East feasible way of crossing DRC? roads similar condition I suppose - even worse in the North-East; that's providing there's an open border / unrestricted travel area in North-Eastern / Eastern DRC
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21 Oct 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dean74
h I have heard stories of someone taking 2 months to cross it in a 4wd, which doesn’t surprise me.
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http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...kinshasa-53285
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21 Oct 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkieB
1 is Angola more feasible for North-South in a 4wd?
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Yes
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I seem to think that Angola ends up costing a pretty penny as a result of visa fees, high priced accomodation, etc; are the roads better than DRC?
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Diesel in the interior of DRC is > 2€/liter and of inferior quality. You will not spent anything else as there is nothing to buy. It will cost you dear in damages to the car. I think it is impossible to cross DRC(Lubum-Kin) without damaging your car. Crossing from Kinshasa to Matadi is no problem at all (perfect asphalt road)
Diesel in Angola was 0,1€/liter last time I was there. Food & lodging is cheap and good. Roads are definately better.
You need more paperwork for DRC then for Angola.
Quote:
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2 Is there an East-West / West-East feasible way of crossing DRC? roads similar condition I suppose - even worse in the North-East; that's providing there's an open border / unrestricted travel area in North-Eastern / Eastern DRC
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Yes, you can drive from the CAR to Ugunda. The ferry at the CAR border no longer exists, you have to put the on a canoe to get past. Shorter road, probably equally difficult. Keep a very close eye on what is happening in North-east Congo (Goma/Kisangani) as it can get dirty very quickly.
Or boat from Kinshasa to Kisangani
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23 Jul 2011
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I have just come upon this site. we are planning a 4x4 trip from Lubumbashi to Kinshasa ~ 2nd week of October 2011.
we are looking for any information on the route, contacts along the way, and a travelling companion (for mutual support!!).
Jef ex Lubumbashi, could you please make contact??
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23 Jul 2011
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I've just completed this trip, on bike. It's pretty hard work, slow-going. The first half, Lubumbashi - Kananga is mostly very bad gravel. The 2nd half, Kananga - Kinshasa is mostly deep sand.
Most of the traffic - apart from bicycles - is 6x6 trucks with very high clearance. I've crossed only a handful of 4x4, mostly ONGs like MSF.
I haven't paid attention to the passability with 4x4, I'd expect that there would many places that would require careful reconnoissance to find a suitable way. Maybe use of shovels and axes to fix some parts.
But that was during the dry season! in the wet, you an expect a different planet, and much, much more work! So by all means go for it and post here to tell us how it went 
My own RR is on advrider. I'll send my tracks to T4A for inclusion in the next version. I could PM them also if you're interested.
Laurent
PS: I've had absolutely no issue with corruption dealing with the officials, unlike what most people think; it's all a matter of attitude I guess, the overwhelming majority of Congolese are very friendly and helpful
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23 Jul 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lbendel
unlike what most people think; it's all a matter of attitude I guess, the overwhelming majority of Congolese are very friendly and helpful
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+1 I have to agree here. I did find that many people asked me for money etc but if you say no then that's the end of it and then they are like your best friend!
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26 Jul 2011
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Thanks for this. I have read the trip report, very informative.
I have T4A. It would be great to get the track & waypoints soon to help in planning.
We have an Angola visa, so will go there 1st. Then drive into DRC via Kolwazi.
good news on the officials - very different to some other reports.
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30 Aug 2011
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Every time I come back to HU there seems to be some interesting info again about DRC
I think the most important thing about the corrupt officials is indeed what Laurent says: it's your attitude that counts... they will try, but if you know that your papers and documents are all in order, and just remain polite, smiling, with a bit of humour but firm, you should not have a lot of problems. The most important is that you don't let them lose face, and even saying something like "next time I'll buy you a coffee" can be sufficient to pass through without problems. If it starts to become problematic, try to get some bystanders involved - they will usually support the visitor, as long as you stay polite, friendly - and again, if you know that everything is in order...
Anyways, everybody passing through Lubumbashi, or having to go through the indeed quite interesting border post of Kasumbalese, let me know - but I unfortunately don't regularly check the HU mail enough, so you might need some patience... but it might be worth to rest a few days at our pool after all the Congolese dust
Safe travels...
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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.
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Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
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"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
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"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
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Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
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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.
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.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
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Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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