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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Oct 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 13
Safest way to get from North Africa to the South by public transport?

Hello everyone,

I am a white British male lone traveler age 25 who would like to fly into North Africa and travel down at least half way down the continent using public transport. I am distinctively white, I say this just to make it clear that I will stand out as a western foreigner. I have experience of travelling in third world countries but have not been anywhere really dangerous and am not a "thrill seeker" looking for dangerous situations.

I would like advice as to the safest way to travel by land from North Africa to some of the safer countries in the middle (either Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon on the west or Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda or the east).

Is it true that Mali, Sudan and Chad are currently no-go areas? Also, is it the case that the Southern borders of Algeria are all closed? Is it safe to travel by public transport down through Western Sahara and through Mauritania, or is there a safe route from Egypt to Ethiopia through Sudan? Also would any of these countries trigger visa difficulties.

I cannot afford to hire any sort of guard or guide, I am a fluent English speaker and speak good European French but often struggle to converse in French with French speaking Africans.

Any advice or suggestions gratefully appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 89
Quote:
Originally Posted by Essien View Post
Hello everyone,

I am a white British male lone traveler age 25 who would like to fly into North Africa and travel down at least half way down the continent using public transport. I am distinctively white, I say this just to make it clear that I will stand out as a western foreigner. I have experience of travelling in third world countries but have not been anywhere really dangerous and am not a "thrill seeker" looking for dangerous situations.

I would like advice as to the safest way to travel by land from North Africa to some of the safer countries in the middle (either Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon on the west or Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda or the east).

Is it true that Mali, Sudan and Chad are currently no-go areas? Also, is it the case that the Southern borders of Algeria are all closed? Is it safe to travel by public transport down through Western Sahara and through Mauritania, or is there a safe route from Egypt to Ethiopia through Sudan? Also would any of these countries trigger visa difficulties.

I cannot afford to hire any sort of guard or guide, I am a fluent English speaker and speak good European French but often struggle to converse in French with French speaking Africans.

Any advice or suggestions gratefully appreciated.

Erm...ahem. Why not do it on a motorbike?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Oct 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 13
I dont really ride motorbikes...... sorry, when I discovered this forum I did not see it predominantly catered for bikers. However, someone may still know about public transport options?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 89
Quote:
Originally Posted by Essien View Post
I dont really ride motorbikes...... sorry, when I discovered this forum I did not see it predominantly catered for bikers. However, someone may still know about public transport options?

No probs. You have my permission to post. Good luck.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Nov 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
Fly

Plane !!!
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Nov 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by Essien View Post
Hello everyone,

I am a white British male lone traveler age 25 who would like to fly into North Africa and travel down at least half way down the continent using public transport. I am distinctively white, I say this just to make it clear that I will stand out as a western foreigner. I have experience of travelling in third world countries but have not been anywhere really dangerous and am not a "thrill seeker" looking for dangerous situations.

I would like advice as to the safest way to travel by land from North Africa to some of the safer countries in the middle (either Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon on the west or Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda or the east).

Is it true that Mali, Sudan and Chad are currently no-go areas? Also, is it the case that the Southern borders of Algeria are all closed? Is it safe to travel by public transport down through Western Sahara and through Mauritania, or is there a safe route from Egypt to Ethiopia through Sudan? Also would any of these countries trigger visa difficulties.

I cannot afford to hire any sort of guard or guide, I am a fluent English speaker and speak good European French but often struggle to converse in French with French speaking Africans.

Any advice or suggestions gratefully appreciated.
don`t listen to the above Forget bikes etc; you have picked the best way to travel, on foot public transport or hitch hiking WELL DONE !!!!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Nov 2012
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Quote:
Originally Posted by Essien View Post
I dont really ride motorbikes...... sorry, when I discovered this forum I did not see it predominantly catered for bikers. However, someone may still know about public transport options?

And stay with the forum, during or after your trip I am sure you will have some interesting stuff to post that the majority of us will enjoy, good luck
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
I am not sure there is a "safest" way to do this trip, you will often be using public transport and places like bus stations, train stations and taxi ranks tend to attract people on the lookout for an opportunity to exploit so you will have to be on your guard. But it will be an exciting adventure and you will have great opportunity to meet local people and yes being white you will stand out but this will attract the interest of many friendly people with good not just bad intentions, you will have to learn to tell the difference.

I have no experience of West Africa but travelling down East Africa will be as safe as it is going to get with a lot of English spoken, Sudan which you mention will be one of the safest and friendliest places en route. If you fly to Egypt I believe there is a train to Aswan, a ferry once a week to Wadi Halfa and a train from there to Khartoum, I am not sure after that but it is a start.

You can get worldwide train information including Africa here.

The Man in Seat Sixty-One - the train travel guide...

And a similar journey is discribed in this book which is a good read.

PaulTheroux.com {} NonFiction {} Dark Star Safari
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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
Africa - Best and Worst Awards rupertu Ride Tales 7 20 Jul 2016 10:53
Togo from south to north - Benin from north to sud rinocard sub-Saharan Africa 3 14 Dec 2012 06:57
Maps, South Africa, north of Jo'Burg... jljones sub-Saharan Africa 4 17 Oct 2012 11:22
North Cape to Cape Agulhas (South Africa) McCrankpin Overland Bicycle Travel 0 9 Aug 2012 22:54
Kenya to South Africa: teaming up with another rider to get around import issues. davidsuk sub-Saharan Africa 11 9 Aug 2012 16:26

 
 

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.

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. 11-14
  • 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 20:38.