It Africa getting worse?
 

Hey all.
I am planning a east coast trans Africa route. However whatching the problems in Sudan currently, they seem to be getting worse. I am aiming for October 07 to leave, I know there are a whole host of other problems in the east coast but Sudan concerns me the most. Safety naturaly comes first and riding in to what amounts to genocide can't be inteligent??? I know from my own experence in Africa is that on the ground it quite often is not as bad as it appears from Europe. I don't want to be one of those people who keep putting back dates and postponing leaving because of political reasons; as there i feel will always areas of Africa in upheaval and therefore will never be a perfect time to go? Thanks alot in advance
George Guille

George
I do not want to play down the atrocities occurring in western Sudan, but when I lived there in the mid-80s it was the south which was a no-go area due to the civil war with John Garang’s Sudan People's Liberation Army. Now, unfortunately, it’s Darfur. Meanwhile, life in the north and on the east coast goes on relatively normally.

Keep in mind that Sudan is the largest country in Africa, something like a thousand kilometers from Khartoum to the western border as the crow flies. This is a major reason why the government gets away with its persecution but it also means that the major cities (Khartoum & Port Sudan) are not usually affected by war - aside from economically.

You are right not to postpone your trip. Sudan is a brilliant country to visit. Bad things happen everywhere but you shouldn’t worry unnecessarily about your personal safety in Sudan (if you stay in the stable areas).

Stephan

I rode across Sudan the year before last. Darfur was bad then too, but not on the route you would take between Egypt and Ethiopia. In fact I'd say it was the most friendly placee I have ever been in my life. The south is open to travel now, but I don't have any info about that- could be dangerous. The only dangerous part of the East Africa route that most people take is North Kenya and you can go with a convoy if you are concerned (I didn't and it was fine).

Yes thats all reasuring!
 

It seems now I have just to comit to buying a new bike (ZXR's are crap off road trust me!) I am planning on bmw Dakar. I have loved your website its really good. Would you have taken a lighter bike in reflection?
Rgeards George Guille