African Trip September 2003
 

Greetings to all,

I am planning currently an African trip, starting in Europe, going to Morocco, then more or less straight to Senegal, from there on via Mali to Ivory Coast (depending off course on political situation), Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroun, Gabon, Congo-Brazaville (where I spent last year about 4 months for work, including a 4WD trip, great experience!!), up to Angola.

I want to leave in September 2003, and plan to travel till end December 2003. For the moment I intend to go with a BMW F650.

Looking for a travel partner, either for the full journey or only a part, so anyone with more or less the same plans is very welcome. Off course tips, tricks, experiences etc are very welcome...

Route details off course can be changed, the plan is still very rough so very adaptable as well...

Jef

Hi Jef,

I am South African and been living in London for the past 6 years and decided to ride to SA in October 2003, might be delayed due to funds but trying to stick to around that date. I love riding bikes but have never done anything like this before and to be honest can't wait. I am looking at a very similar route for North / West Africa, but still need to fully look into that. From your message you seem to want to do the trip in around 3 months, I however plan to take my time and just see how long it takes, I'm guessing 6 - 9 months. Anyway if you are delayed at all and want to meet along the way give us a shout.

Regards
Mark

Hi Mark,

september still is the plan, however have to look how that works out for my job... so changes are still possible ;-)

Regarding the time I would like to take, again this is flexible, but I would like to get at least in Congo by the end of my trip and I will only have about 3-4 months available... so options are less there...

If things match regarding our departure date I think it would be great to drive together... let's stay in touch...

Jef

Hi Jef,

If things all go well, we could meet for the trip through West Africa, feel free to email me anytime..crookm@ebrd.com

Catch ya later.
Mark

Hi Jef

I am planning for a trip to West Africa beginning of september. To Mauritania then east to Mali and Timbuktu, then south to Ghana and then west and north through Ivory, Guinea, Senegal back home.

Kind regards
Skonte




[This message has been edited by Skonte (edited 06 March 2003).]

Hi Skonte,

wud be nice to team up for the ride - seems I am not only one ;-)

What bike are you riding?

Let's keep in touch...

Jef

hi all, I am on walkabout at mo ,spent the last couple of days riding through south wales,at bristol at moheading to the dartmorr forest for a belt on the dirt.
I will be back in london on tuesday so hows next weekend sound for a catch up beer and chat about the trip, I am planning to go down the western side...but more planning awaits...
gotta go talk soon.
my bike is waiting....
cheers gazza



------------------
Ride hard,ride safe- Ride on...with no regrets of life passed by.

I too will be travelling from London to Maroc and Mauretania, then Mali and Niger (Timbuktu of course, Skonte!) I was also hoping to return via Tamanrasset and Tozeur/Tunis, but this now looks impossible. The Sudan / Chad / Egypt route looks promising, but I don't want a carnet - who can afford that! http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif

We should all meet for a "virtual" beer to discuss plans. I'm a poor student and will be riding a motorcycle (either an XT600 3AJ or an XR650L). I have clearance from College to leave London in September 2003. I want to be away for about 3 months.

I'll keep an eye on this thread, although feel free to drop me an e-mail for more details of my plans.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hi Jef and POB,

I will be driving a offroad modified Yamaha XJ900S Diversion and start from Sweden approx monday 8 septembre 9:00 am?!
It will take a couple or three days to reach Gibraltar.
I'm flexible when coming to Africa, but Sahara is a must and rain forest is a bonus, but it depends on the weather situation (rain...).


See ya!
Skonte

Skonte,

PLEASE email me pics of your bike! I'd love to see how you did that...

Address in profile ^ - will talk to you more.

Photos not yet available, design is still in my head, but did buy a second hand 900 Diversion yesterday!
Plan is as follows;
- No fairing or clocks, instead cross-style handle bar and front fender, bicycle computer as speedo, enduro lamp and hand protection etc.
- Offroad tubeless tyres with rear 130/80 backwards on front 17" and 150/80 on rear 17", street tyres through Europe though.
- Ohlins fork kit (and increased travel?), Ohlins rear damper with increased travel and Ohlins steering damper.
- Large fuel tank (45 litre) already done from another second hand fuel tank (scrap).
- Single seat, with spare tyres lying on back plate, "top box" inside tyres with lockable alu cover and matched tarpaulin on top.
- Alu boxes on both sides.
- Engine protection and mud guard.
- Every part on the bike will be examined (service, need, weight, function, failure, spare...)

Will send some photos as progress...

Happy days!

We should meet for a real beer instead of a virtual beer ;-) and off course Antwerp is more or less in the middle of London and Sweden ;-)

But indeed we should (virtually) get together to discuss our plans together, to see how we could arrange some things together... msn or yahoo a suggestion?

Talk to you later,

Jef

A good friend and I rode from Nigeria to Ireland in July-August 2002 via Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Senegal, Mauritania, Morocco, Spain and France. It took 7 1/2 weeks of reasonably hard riding. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions or, if they are of general interest post them here and let me know that there is a question waiting.
Cheers,
Brian

Hi Brian ,
Just wondering what the political situation is like in Nigeria,i am planning a trip london-capetown in october, still a long way off but...
Hi Jef, also wondering about riding through congo,how did you find it when you worked there,while brazaville is a long way away from DRC Is there a safe-ish route across DRC to Uganda-Kenya in december-ish, it looks like hard going.
Trying to organise a planning meeting if any of you guys are in the area-referance
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000399.html
cheers GAZZA..
------------------
Ride hard,ride safe- Ride on...with no regrets of life passed by.

[This message has been edited by Galloping Gazza (edited 24 April 2003).]

Jef!
Hello. My name is Tyler and I've been roughly planning a trip through Africa on a bike for some time now. I've been away from home for over a year now (cali) and am currently working in Dublin to supplement this Africa trip. I'm thinking about leaving in Septemberish, but I'm flexible.
I've been riding bikes (street and motocross) now for about 4 years, but haven't been on one since I left home. Anyway, keen to know more about your trip.

Thanks

Tyler

[This message has been edited by tyler (edited 06 May 2003).]

hiya, off to Moroc for a month at the start of Sept, would be good to ride thru Spain and down thru to southern Moroc with a few other bikes before we leave each other. I'll keep checking these posts. cheers.

Hi,

I too am going to go exploring Morrocco for the month of September travelling from Turkey during August(solo). Got to do the Atlas - main reason I'm going!. If anyone wants a riding partner or to meet up on the way, drop me a line!
Cheers,
Steve

Hi Steve,
Myself and a mate are planning a trip from London to Capetown leaving in october, I might see you on the track. What are you riding??, i am on a White KTM 640,
Cheers Gazza...

------------------
Ride hard,ride safe- Ride on...with no regrets of life passed by.

Folks,

After a lonely 2 month ride round Spain/Portugal this last few months - my notions of leaving for Africa (potential longer periods by yourself) (London to Cape town) from Sept/Oct have been dented and so am in need of a beer in London to revive the dream with a few other people who are also planning such a trip/find definite potential travel companions through dodgier parts at least. I ride a Ktm adventurer 2002....anyone about/leaving around this time to ride & drink with?

Cheers
Ben

Quite a bunch of you out there planning to leave for West Afrika in September.

We leave here on September 21st to travel around in West Afrika for 7 months with a LR Discovery. The first leg should be something like Spain, Morocco, Mauritania (somebody fancies the ride to Choum and further to Atar?), Mali, ... . Not really fixed. Depending on the pace and preferences at the time.

I guess we'll meet on the road so once in while isn't it? Maybe in Antwerp before...

Rob

Good day to you all again,

I have been a while away from here due to a bit unforeseen circumstances but back now - but I'm glad to see the number of reactions of people wanting to do something similar.

I also see that some people have sent me an e-mail, what I will do is make a sort of overview of people planning to do the same and send you all an e-mail, because I lose a lil bit the oversight (hey, I'm just a simple guy, don't make things to complicated for me ;-)) - Skonte has done already a bit the same thing by e-mail (tnx Skonte and you can get a reply soon!)

So, who is all about to do the same thing (and please correct things when I'm wrong - and forgive me that I start with myself on top):

1. Jef Imans (Antwerp, Belgium)
BMW F650
Tour: up to Angola via West-Africa
Planning to leave begin september (but might leave already begin august with first some extra touring in Europe)

2. Mark aka MJC (London, UK)
unknown bike
Up to South Africa via West-Africa
Planning to leave begin october

3. Ronnie Skarner aka Skonte (Sweden)
Yamaha XJ900S Diversion
Mauritania - Timbuktu - Ivory - Senegal
Planning to leave beginnig of september

4. Gazza aka Galloping Gazza
KTM 640
London-Capetown
Planning to leave beginning of october

5. Lewis Miller (?) aka POB/London
XT600 3AJ or an XR650L
Maroc - Mauretania - Timbuktu - Niger
Planning to leave beginning of october

6. Brian Greaney (Lagos, Nigeria)
Has done similar trip already - so very handy for practical information ;-)

7. Tyler (Dublin?)
no bike yet (?)
Trip to Africa (flexible)
Planning begin september but flexible

8. Patchlewis (London, UK)
unknown bike
Morrocco and back
Planning to leave begin september for 1 month

9. Steve aka StevieG (Oxford, UK)
unknown bike
Morrocco coming from Turkey via Atlas
August in Turkey, Morrocco in Septmeber (?)

10. Ben aka benbo (London, UK)
Ktm adventurer 2002
London - Capetown
Not sure about planning...?

11. Robbert (Gent, Belgium) - yes! finally another Belgian guy!!
Landrover Discovery
West-Africa for 7 months (flexible?)
Planning to leave September 21st (the only one with a pretty fixed date it seems ;-))


So as you can see, quite a list with not always same plans but at least same intrests. I will send this mail as well to the ones that have somehow made their email known, if you prefer not to receive any further e-mails around the subject, just let me (and the others) know...

Talk to you later, folks

Jef

Someone I forgot to mention but who sent me an -email:

Steve Harland
unknown bike
Morrocco for one month
Planning begin of september

The list keeps getting longer ;-)

Jef

Forget the last message - stupid me - Steve is StevieG

Boy boy, things ARE getting already to complicated for me ;-)

Jef

Gazza,

regarding your question re Congo-Brazaville, I personnaly found it a very nice country with very friendly people, also during our trip through the jungle we, apart fro ma few exceptions, only met nice people and even the officials weren't too bad.

Congo (ex-Zaire) for the moment is another story, fro mwhat I hear for the moment I would DEFINITELY stay out of it, but this probably nothing new; Te regions of Kinshasa are relaively safe but once you go furter east or north I would consider it a no-go...

Congo-Brazaville however is nice and still relatively pure (i.e. tourists ar evirtually unknown); you still see sometimes a bit the remains of the war that went on over there, but it does not give any problems, and white people are in general treated with a lot of hospitality.

Good luck anyway, and if you need specific info about Congo-Brazaville (especially Pointe Noire) just let me know.

Jef

Hi Jef (& everyone else),

Yeah I like confusing people with that one!!

There are a few more of us talking about an African trip on this forum:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/001057.html

However I think we're mosting talking Morocco. We're meeting up at the HU reunion coming up 28/29 June, so if anyone wants to come along and talk over plans?...

PS I ride a Dommie by the way.
Cheers, Steve

hi jif
so i will do france egypt via eastern europe,then to turkey,so if you want to ride in europe or meet me some where,i will start to go from france around 10 august,then i will go to italy,austria,hungary,romania,and so on,
hope we can meet some where,

Hi folks,

My planned trip will be; leaving Sweden 8 sept heading directly south to Marocco(Atlas)-Mauritania(Nema)-Mali(Timbuktu)-Burkina-Ghana(coast)-Ivory(coast)-Guinea(forrest)-Senegal-Gambia?-Mauritania(Adrar)-Marocco(Atlas) and back home on an offroad-modified Yam XJ900S Diversion end of november.
Visas for Mauritania, Mali and Burkina received, applying for Ghana this week.

Cheers
Skonte

plans are getting more and more detailed for everybody...

Who of you will be at the get-together in UK end of June? I'll be there, so would be nice to meet up over there...

Following Skonte's message: who of you does apply for visas before departure and who tries to get them locally? And who of you uses a Carnet de Passage?

Jef

I though of getting most of the visas on the road. I'm not sure about an Algerian visa for the return trip. It seems that there are only Transit visas availble right now.

Mauritania needs a close watch since the events this weekend, but I guess it will be ok in a few weeks (fingers crossed).

Chao

Jef,

There isn't a lot of choice on the carnet for much of Africa - most African countries REQUIRE it - and you can't get in without it.

We'll be talking about it at the HU UK Meeting if you have any questions.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Thanks Grant,

figured it already for the carnet, but not sure yet for the visa... getting them in advance might be easier, but you have to take them with you and the timeframe may be too long, on the other hand I'm afraid of loosing too much time getting them on the road...

Anyway, I'll happily discuss this over a few beers newt weekend..

BTW, who's all coming of this 'African Group'?

Jef

sounds like you're in too big a hurry...

waiting for a visa gives you an opportunity to have a rest and check out the area, get to know the people a bit! http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif

Many visas will expire before you ever get there if you get them in advance.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Hi Jef, Thanks for your bit on congo. My planning is slowly coming together but unfortunately i have to go to work for 2 weeks on the 24th so i will miss the HU meeting. The visa thing is still a fluid issue, with dates and such.
It looks like we will depart at the end of October-ish at this stage.
Cheers Gazza


------------------
Ride hard,ride safe- Ride on...with no regrets of life passed by.

Hej

I'll not be coming to the travelers meeting due to the distance, but I would like to do sometime and somewhere maybe in Scandinavia? -Grant.

When I apply for visas, I ask for entry month instead of date and this have worked so far. This gives a more flexible planning and no need to visit capitals.
I also enclose a map with planned route with application.

Cheers
Skonte

[This message has been edited by Skonte (edited 23 June 2003).]

Hi Omar,

what are your plans exactly for your european trip in August?

For the moment I have no fixed plans yet for the Europe part, but I was thinking about about doing Eastern Europe as well, but not sure about the direction yet. Also I might be coming home end of august for a few days before taking off for Africa...

Talk to you soon, let me know your plans and we'll see how we can team up.

Cheers,

Jef

p.s. anyone else wanting to do a (part) of european trip ni August, feel free...

Skonte,

How would you like to host a meeting in Scandinavia next year? http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

See http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/meetings/ and look for "How to Host a Meeting" on the right.

We'd like to have more, and I'm sure there is enough demand, but someone has to start it. Once someone volunteers to host a meeting, there are usually plenty of others who will help out, and we will do all we can from here.

So who in Scandinavia is interested? Contact me via the "How to contact HU" link below or Skonte via the Email link above.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Skonte,

How would you like to host a meeting in Scandinavia next year?

Grant,

If there is enough people interested, I will arrange a meeting next year, end of august in southern Sweden to include Scandinavia, the Baltic and northern part of Poland and Germany.

Regards
Skonte

Hi Jef,

I will be heading up for the HU meeting, wasn't sure if I was going to make it but all looks good now. I will drop you a mail and sort something out.

Mark

Hi Guys!,

I was hoping to meet up with some of you either before or on the road round Europe/Eastern Europe/Turkey or Maroc this summer, but I'm sorry to say I had an accident in France last week and the bike is looking a bit written off!

If by some miracle I find the money to get it fixed or get another bike, I'd truly love to get back on the road and hopefully see some of you on the way, as it looks like similar routes are being planned to my intended one...

I'll keep you posted!

Cheers, Steve

my girlfriend gets more nervous every time i log onto this site!

can't do long trip to africa this year... but would love to meet up next year at skonte's gathering (if it happens).

good luck to all you guys visiting the dark continent! (would an off-roader be vital for such a trip?)

zenbiker

For all of you who've done west africa in the last few months or reckon they know...

ok, i know in theory i should have a carnet de passage, but i can't afford one (RAC-150% value of my van!)... i intend 3/4 months across Moroco- Maurit-Mali-Togo-Benin-Senegal and back.

From what i see lots make it without and are certain its not vital... but are there bribes all the time? If yes, do they tend to big? Others say don't try the trip without the carnet... i don't know what to believe.

Any or all your opinions very welcome.

Good luck to those of you heading off around Sept, might see yez around if they let me past borders.

Xav

------------------
Xav

Carnets seem to be necessary or at least very handy... probably you need same amount of cash avail when trying to pass without, and counting on bribery or all these crossings sees optimistic to me.

In Belgium I only have to pay 50% of value, but I need someone who puts himself liable for total sum when needed (is that the right english expression?)

Maybe worthwile to try and have your van registered in belgium?

Jef

Hey Guys, you've all gone quiet...

I guess you're out there somewhere? Probably skirting around Liberia by now?

I'm setting off from the UK and down the west side on my BMW GS (2 engines in 354 miles - I kid you not!) before the end of October.

What's the news and where are you?

great trip!

i travelled from switzerland to cape town via the west coast in 2001 - 2002

i have several good contacts in some of the more difficult countries.

you might want to check out the info on my website and feel free to write me an email any time,

cheers,

steven

www.contrast.cx

------------------
online diary and travel info from the road in africa:

www.contrast.cx/diary
www.contrast.cx/travel