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 29 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: scotland
Posts: 13
Security for the Solo Biker in Africa

Hi all,

I'm planning on travelling through Africa, down the East Coast. Can't wait, but I've got a nagging worry about bike security. I guess I'm worried that the one thing (short of serious harm to myself) that could bring the trip to a crashing halt would be the bike being stolen. Also, it won't be as easy without someone to keep an eye on the bike (at borders etc) when paperwork etc is being sorted out. I've read the books, but I'd welcome any ideas or experiences anyone has.

I know bike crime is a big problem here (my Transalp was finally nicked in Aberdeen recently after repeated attempts), and the things you do here to stop theft probably apply equally out there.

That said, I'd like to open the floor to any and all suggestions, tips and ideas on how to avoid bike theft when solo touring. No suggestion too simple or obvious! Let the HUBB speak.

Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Aug 2008
BlackBeast's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ontario, CANADA
Posts: 313
My wife and I are also planning a trip. I have travelled down the East Coast in a jeep a few years ago and now want to do it on a bike.
The info that I have come across mentions that you have more chance of your bike being stolen at home than you are in a remote place in Africa. Reasoning being, that your bike if stolen is going to stand out and no local is going to get away with having a bike kitted out for world travel; hence less likely to be stolen. At borders though, there is a chance that items may be taken off your bike vs. the bike being stolen. Just keep things locked or pac-safe them. Again, I am sure other riders with more experience can give you their experiences.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Aug 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Don’t worry!! Most people don’t know how to drive (except in South Africa) so they are more interested in cars.
After more then 60kkm in 22 African countries I have never had an issue, 50kkm I drove with unlocked panniers.

When you come to a city/village stop for something cold to drink, chat with the owner and ask him to take care of the bike when you stroll around

Have a nice trip!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: scotland
Posts: 13
thanks for those, guys.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Gloucester uk
Posts: 17
In january/february this year I did 15,000kms down to Timbuktu with a pacsafe tank and tail bag and unlockable soft panniers.Nothing went missing.You will leave any serious danger of bike theft in Europe. Have fun. John.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 140
The bike itself is much more likely to be stolen in any European country than in any place in Africa I can think of. As someone pointed out, the local thief in Africa has likely no idea what so ever how to go about stealing a bike like that.

You luggage is more likely to be picked at. But at bordercrossings there are generaly so many people about, that the tempted thief will not risk anything because of too many witnesses. If you park your bike out of public view behind a house or something like that, you'll give the thief peace and quiet to do his work.

Parking at hotels/auberges/campsites is generaly safe. But ask the owner where you bike would be the safest. But don't tempt weak souls by leaving your luggage on it. Take everything into your room.

In my experience, you are much more likely to be stolen from by people in uniform by means of "gifts",bribes and fees. I did the western route and the only thing I lost on the trip was my selfinflating sleeping mat, somewhere in Nigeria. But this was due to my own stupidity of not tying it down properly. Not theft.

So to the Nigerian guy/gal who propably found it somewhere by the roadside, I say: Enjoy!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 31 Aug 2008
orrin's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Worcester Park
Posts: 174
Hey McThor

Hey I saw you on that muddy gabon?Congo road. You also lost your temper!
And thanks to Jason/Karen your innocence!
O
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 140
Hey now!

Quote:
Originally Posted by orrin View Post
Hey I saw you on that muddy gabon?Congo road. You also lost your temper!
And thanks to Jason/Karen your innocence!
O
Yelling mother*****, piece of *****, son of a ***** at the top of you lungs while kicking your bike and arms flailing wildly around you, is not losing ones temper. It's expressing your feelings in an adult and healthy manner.

I see Iceland didn't kill you. Welcome back . Drop me a mail some time how it went.

Torsten
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Sep 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Luanda
Posts: 6
Complacent

We got complacent at the Gabon/ Congo border, it was a quiet post and we went in to the customs office for a chat with the guy. Unfortunately his nephew helped himself to Dan's head torch and disc lock and a couple of other bits, he left Dans digital SLR camera though. They were in his tank bag, we always used to take the tank bags off if we went out of sight of the bikes, never had any problems anywhere else, we had soft panniers but I had a lockable metal top box to keep the documents in, not really sure if it was necessary but made us feel a bit safer. Good luck with your trip, it's probably been said but most people really are genuine and honest on the road.

Oh and we took pac safes with us and only ever used them in Europe, we never felt the need in Africa and they are pretty heavy too, so we probably wouldn't take them again.


Hi to Orrin and Torsten thanks again for Xmas.
Linz
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 1 Sep 2008
orrin's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Worcester Park
Posts: 174
Dan & Linz

Location : Luanda???
Enjoying the mozzies??
Trip started again?
orrin
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 1 Sep 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Luanda
Posts: 6
Luanda

No, we went home then Dan got a job out here, mozzies aren't too bad at the moment but they still eat me alive given the chance!.
Dan's got plans to take me away across Russia next, we just need to get some cash together first
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
Going Solo to Colombia, Nov. '08!!! Acropolis SOUTH AMERICA 3 23 Aug 2008 04:31
South Africa - BIKER friendly RESORT-LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA ogri the biker Sleep and Eat, sub-Sahara 0 9 Jul 2008 09:48
Solo to the Circle nugentch North America 7 2 Jul 2008 01:52
Hate to go solo..... DWright Travellers Seeking Travellers 20 7 Jan 2005 22:46
Sahara Solo Bevan North Africa 2 30 Jul 2002 13:58

 
 

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 19:09.