Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, Rock Formations on the Lagune Route, Bolivia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
Rock Formations on the
Lagune Route, Bolivia



Like Tree3Likes
  • 3 Post By Chris Scott

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Apr 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 6
Preferred Motorcycle route from Europe to Africa?

I am open to almost anything. I'm American if that helps.

What is the latest thinking regarding routes, ferries, etc? Any resources would be greatly appreciated!
__________________
Montana, USA
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Apr 2022
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2022
Posts: 50
Where in Africa do you want to go?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Apr 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 6
Quote:
Originally Posted by upanddown.voyage View Post
Where in Africa do you want to go?
Cape Town
__________________
Montana, USA
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Apr 2022
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2022
Posts: 50
Ah ! I just know that there is war in Ethiopia which makes the eastern route difficult. Not sure if anyone had recently passed down the west coast? At least now there are ferries to Morocco again.

Cheers,
Benjamin
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Apr 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 6
Oh man, I'm not sure about the west route. Hadn't thought of that. If I figure its safe, then why not, but was planning on figuring out a way to get thru Ethiopia.

And to clarify, I'm most concerned about how to get from mainland Europe to Egypt or Israel.
__________________
Montana, USA

Last edited by Jerk; 14 Apr 2022 at 01:12.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Apr 2022
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2022
Posts: 50
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerk View Post
And to clarify, I'm most concerned about how to get from mainland Europe to Egypt or Israel.
The easiest route at the moment would probably be Turkey - Iran - Iraq - Saudi/Jordan - Egypt. Since you are travelling with a USA passport this route is more difficult for you. But you could try Turkey - Iraq - Saudi/Jordan - Egypt if you manage the Iraq visa. I am not sure how Syrian visas are for USA passport holders as there are not many people from western countries that have passed through but alternatively you could try Turkey - Lebanon - Syria - Jordan - Egypt.

Cheers,
Benjamin
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Apr 2022
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,894
Trans Africa from Europe boils down to east or west side, as it's been for years.
The HU sub Sahara forum will clarify exactly what the issue is in Ethiopia.
Nail that down before you consider the east side or you may be stuck in Sudan.

Benjamin's route suggestions seem a bit convoluted, but with the right passport (not UK, US, Can, Is) to visit Iran is well worth it.
Iraq too I hear but I know of only one regionally experienced overlander who has successfully crossed the full length of Iraq from the Iran in the south to Turkey (not just nipped in to Iraqi Kurdistan).
The only way out of Iraq is to Iran, then ferry to UAE (though there is talk of KSA to Iq direct).

By far the simplest must be the freight ferry from Greece to Israel (you must fly; see my recent reply in sub Sahara forum or AMH p318).
From Is to Jordan then ferry to Sinai (assuming the direct Is-Eg border at Taba is not usable).

There is also a ferry from Tk to Lebanon from where you need to organise a Syria transit for Jordan. See this. More complicated.

Wrt KSA: I know RTW-er Nick Sanders is currently in Dubai trying to overland KSA to Jordan for Israel, etc (he is heading back to UK).
I am not sure I know of anyone who's done this in any direction yet.
From KSA there are Red Sea ferries to Sudan and Egypt. This had been done but you need to decide on how to get around Ethiopia, if needed.
I suppose you could fly a moto Khartoum to Uganda or Kenya.

West side is same as it's been for a couple of years: ferry to Morocco (again), over Sahara (all sealed) then staying near the coast with extra borders, or winging it from Bamako to Abidjan (fewer visas).
Next hurdle is a Nigerian visa (maybe not for US?), then which way into Cameroon.
From there established route via Gabon or direct to Congo-Brazza, DRC (visa issues?) for Angola (visas less hard than they were, last I heard).

I think west side, the visa dance is a bigger issue/outright arseache than safety provided you don't get drunk in the wrong places, but it's certainly more feral than east side.

Of course the easiest option is to fly to RSA, buy a moto and roam as far north as you can/like (usually Kenya/Uganda).
But it's not a hard-won trans-Af transit ;-)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Apr 2022
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Norfolk, UK
Posts: 89
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
.
Next hurdle is a Nigerian visa (maybe not for US?), then which way into Cameroon.
I visited Nigeria in 2020 (yes, interesting time to visit!) and, with a UK passport, it was much easier to get a visa than I expected.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 15 Apr 2022
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,894
Don't know if you were travelling overland but the requirement from your home country not adjacent country is/was the issue; ie: not expiring before you get there.
Same with a couple of other west side visas last time I looked onto it – DRC being one.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Apr 2022
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Norfolk, UK
Posts: 89
Indeed, I flew in and the visa was arranged in London.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

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
A detailed Guide on buying a motorcycle in Colombia mak SOUTH AMERICA 52 25 Sep 2024 21:57
Foreigner buying a motorcycle in Europe kiwiwannafly Trip Paperwork 11 16 Oct 2019 07:41
Africa - Best and Worst Awards rupertu Ride Tales 7 20 Jul 2016 09:53
Air shipping costs from West Africa to Europe? bbevan sub-Saharan Africa 0 29 Jul 2015 07:10
London to Cape Town, November 2012 Tfoy97603 Travellers Seeking Travellers 56 4 Sep 2012 16:51

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 01:02.