South Africa to UK
 

Hi everyone, we are looking at riding from Sth Africa to London possibly in 19.
Any advice at all but mostly on camping safety and accomodation cost and such would be appreciated , cheers Phil

A little more information please Phil as in east or west route, as far as the east route is concerned the only places I freecamped was in the desert in Sudan and Egypt but braver souls than me have probably done more. There are proper campsites along the way which I used and in the odd village after asking permission from locals who seemed happy and intreagued at my presence. That was a few years ago so I am not sure about hotels costs now but they were more expensive than similar places in Asia.

Thanks Mark, we haven't yet decided which way to go yet, interested in comments and advice on this as well. East or west it seems there are some risky places in both. I've checked for tours doing this trip and there are some going both ways so I guess either are doable. Thanks again for taking the time to answer. Early days for us but we'll get there , Cheers

Camping in the bush in Africa is quite an experience. Except for Namibia with its vast empty spaces, you can stop anywhere in middle and southern Africa and it won't take 10 minutes before somebody pitches up, watching you :( Nothing serious, but you'll never be alone. Understandable - it's their country and you're passing through.
What always works is to camp near a village after asking the village chief for his permission. Everybody respects his decision, so you'll be safe. The African people are usually friendly, but always inquisitive. I thought that to be the biggest difference to the Aboriginees in OZ. They seem to prefer to stay for themselves.

Re. camping, these are generalisations but...
South Africa - proper campsites are plentiful and excellent, better than wild camping which is difficult and carries risks.
Rest of Southern Africa - wild camping, especially in Namibia, is great, there are also proper campsites like in South Africa.
East Africa/Ethiopia/north Egypt - cheap hotels/guesthouses (cheaper than camping in Southern Africa) are usually more practical (if less appealing) since countries are much more highly populated so wild camping spots are much harder to find.
Sudan/south Egypt - wild camping in the desert is wonderful and easy and should not be missed, just like in Namibia.
Central Africa - the easiest and safest is to ask head of village to camp nearby, you will be ensured safety, although also the intrigue of inquisitive locals.
Angola - as central Africa. Wild camping is sometimes possible but in many places is too risky due to landmines.
West Africa - wild camping is possible but often will be spotted by locals, never had any trouble though. Cheap guesthouses are often more practical, as in East Africa
Sahel/Sahara region - wild camping is easy.
Morocco - wild camping in places is easy, otherwise cheap guesthouses.

For proper campsites in Southern Africa and budget guesthouses elsewhere, budget on around $10 per tent/room (sometimes it's as low as $5 for really basic, equally you can pay a LOT more if you want more luxury, also depends on exchange rates).