Africa trip

[Glenn McDonald]

I,m planning a solo trip from South Africa via:Mozambique, Tanzania,Kenya,Uganda,Burundi,Zambia,Btswana etc.Can I expect fuel availability problems? This trip will happen in June 2006,what sort of weather to expect? Transport will be KTM 640.Can anyone shed some light or opinions on this trip.Many Thanks Glenn

[Sime66]

No fuel probs in Uganda, Tan, Ken in July/Aug 2005.
Weather hot but not killer, occasional rain in upland bits of Kenya.

Simon

[Matt Roach]

No need to carry spare fuel for a 640 Adventure on this route, unless you plan on going really really far off the beaten track.

There is no border crossing between Uganda & Burundi, so you will have to go via Tanzania or Rwanda. The main road between Rwanda & Burundi can sometimes apparently be dangerous due to rebel activity in the north of Burundi, but I had absolutely no problems about six months ago. At least you will have plenty of South Africans to drink with in Bujumbura (Burundi) as there is a big SA UN presence there.

[Glenn McDonald]

Many thanks guys

[strikingviking]

I'm heading north from Cape Town this week. Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda-----? Is CAR and DRC safe to cross to Chad and Mali in order to reach Morocco? I'm told Sudan is closed.
Thanks
Glen

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Around the World on Two Wheels www.strikingviking.net

[Atwoke]

Hi Glenn, and Glen,

I lived for 2 years in Uganda and can only recommend to visit this most beautiful of african countries.

BUT:

Unfortunately, we clever Europeans have decided that we want to procecute Joseph Koni and his boys from the LRA for 'Crimes agains Humanity'. So, after years of calming down and people leaving the LRA (the ugandan government offert an amnesty!) the situation has some what changed and over the last couple of weeks a Westerner was killed in the southern parts of Murchison Falls NP. The LRA did not operate in this area for about 4 years! Increased LRA activity has been reported all over northern Uganda.

So, at the moment I would NOT recommend to travel to northern parts of the country (Gulu, Lira, West Nile, towards the border of Sudan).

Furthermore, 2006 is election year. The strongest opposition candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye, has been arrested and put on trial for treason and rape. It seems to me that M7 is hellbound to stay in power and prepared to use similar tactics as Mugabe (he did say he liked Mugabes policies!). I would expect unrest, coming closer to election time and possibly even afterwards.

This might just be demonstrations or similar, but I have seen both the police and the army shooting live rounds into a crowd that demonstrated for multi party elections ( which are the ones coming up).

Summary?

Great Country, must go and visit, but make sure you are not in the way of a crowd when they run for cover.

try these links for information:

www.newvision.co.ug (state run newspaper)
www.monitor.co.ug (independent newspaper, had the offices raided and closed for two weeks after they reported that the LRA had shot down an army helicopter....)

If you decide to go, stay in touch, you could check on some friends for me?

Stay safe

Jens

[uganduro]

The election is in March, his trip starts in June, in South Africa. Therefore, the election problems should be over by the time he reaches Uganda?

Rebel activity is inherent for North Uganda, it´s always better to inform yourself very well, before you visit the area.



[This message has been edited by uganduro (edited 04 January 2006).]

[Atwoke]

You are absolutely right, Uganduro. I missed the dates!

So, definetly a must go!

[bm]

glenn, hi
i'm also from durban and just finished cape to cairo.
if you need any more info, let me know. i'm happy to meet up and share my info.
cheers
bruce

[bm]

glenn, hi
i'm also from durban and have just finished a solo cape to cairo.
if you need any more info for your trip, please just shout. i'm happy to meet up and share my experiences.
cheers
bruce

[PaulRob]

Hi Glenn,
I'll be in the area same time (well, East Africa) but heading south. Going the cross into N Moz from Tanzania. Also keen (depending on time) to see Ethiopia. I begin in Kenya May 14, then just meandering, route flexible. May see you along the way, or if you fancy meeting up somewhere drop me a line. Don't think there are too many independent bikers in E Africa.

Paul