Africa N to S

[yoni]

We are planning to do Africa N to S (Capetown). 3 bikes (BMWGS80, SUPER TENERE', KAWA650) and 1(maybe 2) 4x4 LR Discovery (We think of towing a small trailer for luggage and as a bike carrier, in case).we have 6-7 weeks for the route. starting 1 july 2001.
We are asking:
1)Considering the time we have, which route is better. the western -starting Maroc. or the eastern starting Kenya (we can't enter Alg. nor we can Sudan... we'r from Israel)?
2)Is the season right?
3)Is it a good idea to tow? do we need any special "carnet" or other permit to enter with a towed trailer?
4) Do parks let you enter with bikes on the trailer?
5)We intend to camp most of the time, are there any special problems in certain african countries?
6)How much money to carry? is it wise to carry cash?
7)The LRs are Diesel, is there a poblem fueling them?

thanks
Yoni


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[Chris Scott]

Hi Yoni,
1) Considering the time you have, starting in - Kenya is best. From West Africa there are too many impondeables and/or Moslem countries.

2)Is the season right?
- For Kenya - not sure. I guess that would be the end of the southern winter which should be OK (also roads are much better from Kenya southwards... a huge factor).

3)Is it a good idea to tow? do we need any special "carnet" or other permit to enter with a towed trailer?
- For off-road and esp desert, definately not, but in southern Africa it should be OK but avoid it if you can. Trailer carnet - dont know.

4) Do parks let you enter with bikes on the trailer?
- Oh you mean a bike-carrying trailer... I suppose they could.

5)We intend to camp most of the time, are there any special problems in certain african countries?
- Wildlife

6)How much money to carry? is it wise to carry cash?
- For me cash is always best, but I avoid crowded places.

7)The LRs are Diesel, is there a problem fueling them?
Diesel is everywhere where there are trucks and people - and cheaper too.

Chris S

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Author of the Adventure
Motorcycling Handbook. New edition January 2001 ($19.95/GBP12.99)
http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com