Africa route for end of 2008
 

We are trying to plan a rough route for our trip next year and I appreciate that things may well be very different by Nov/Dec 08 but...

Does anyone know if you can get through from Chad to Sudan (we are going to be coming from the Niger area) ... I've been told the border is closed but can anyone confirm that it is impossible to cross legally. Also, can anyone recommend an alternative route crossing in the north.

Our other option is to head south through the Congo, DRC etc... has anyone done this recently and would like to share their experiences?

Many thanks
Kate

route through Africa
 

Kate,

I asked the same question over two and a half years ago. There are still many threads on the subject available if you look for them. Bottom line is; do you want to go through an area where there is a 'war' going on? Things didn't change much the last two years in Darfur. Some people even called me rude and insensitive for even considering to go through Darfur on our "holiday" trip! Anyway, it lead to my descision to go down the West Coast and I was pretty nervous about it. And you know what, it was exciting and fun. People are as in other places in Africa. Police was friendly and helpfull (with the exception of Cameroon) and we had no problems with corruption (again with the exception of Cameroon) and in hind sight it was one of the best legs!!! When you get to Namibia, your sense of satifaction is enormous and you know you have achieved something special. Particularly if you go through in the rainy season, like we did! I would not hesitate if I were you, go West!

Cheers,

Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl

CAR to Southern Sudan
 

Hello Kate,

I read somewhere that someone had recently crossed from Central Africa Republic, CAR, by bike through Southern Sudan and into Uganda, but I couldn't find further details.
So doing a bit of research myself on Google Earth there seems to be a half decent route between these countries at the very south-eastern most extreme of CAR. But the region is very volatile. Recently a young French medic was Killed in CAR near Cameroun. The rebels say they mistook her convoy for the military. There have been ambushes also in Southern Sudan but the situation seems to be improving and soon bikers could be regular visitors there. Already Tracks for Africa have began charting it on Google Earth. A permit/visa needs to be obtained prior from Southern Sudan representives in Kampala or Nairobi. Not sure if they have presence in West Africa or CAR.

The Chad/Darfur(western Sudan) frontier will remain a no-no for a long time. The hostilties have spread into the north eastern part of CAR But I think travel between Kartouwn and Juba/Southern Sudan will become very feasible. I'll hopefully be in this region around the end of 08, its the dry season and I want to stay away from those streams they call roads at any other time of year.