West or East Coast Route
 

Wow, new here and planning my African portion of my trip and I must admit Africa seems to be the hardest country to figure out. Is there a most travelled route? Do more go up the east , west or middle. Seems like there are so many choices. I would like to end up in Morocco, but also would like to get to Egypt to see the pyramids. From what i read seems saftey and border issues change by the day/country.

The classic, and most common route would be the east coast.

The reasons for this are many, but along with the usual countries that people are most aware of (eg. Egypt, Kenya), many are surprised to discover places like Sudan and Ethiopia that they may not have known much about but find to be destinations in their own right.

The west is enjoyable as well, though due to a host of reasons it is less travelled, a bit more rough and tumble, and in general less developed. Visas can also be more of a pain to organize.

In general, I would suggest that you can't go wrong with the east coast route for first time visitors to Africa. If you want more adventure, you can always do the west coast route on the way back or for your next trip.

Have a good ride.

West or East side Africa
 

Thanks Mountain man, that does help. East side it is simple as that lol. I will have enough adventure as it is and if visas are a little easier on that side great. I need to know which side and what countries so I can arrange visas, but mostly my Carnet in advance.

Like MountianMan said most do the East Coast, there seems to be more sights to see than the west. The West Coast route is tougher but not impossible! In time some of these classic routes will be gone to Chinese tar and they are hard at work.

It all depends what you’re after and what you’re riding! You’ll need patients for the west (bureaucracy and various officials) and you really need to plan your visa’s to pick them up on route. Angola was the problem going down through, simple to get only in Nigeria but just 5days to cross, not sure about going north? Most people ride south on the west side. Reckon you’ll find more information here on people going south but if you got the will I’m sure you can do it and don’t let tall stories put you off!! You’ll also have to consider the rain seasons more for crossing places like the Congo, you’ll have two routes to choose from and don’t be put off by the Ninja’s.

Egypt is the killer for the Carnet, 800%!! Most other are 200-400% And Morocco is cooooooool!

I kept a blog when I went down through, if you fancy a read about the west side check out www.travbuddy.com/mrduck

For Africa: If it’s broken fix it, if you can’t fix it get a new one, if you can’t get a new one live with it, if you can’t live with it change your life!

Hi Duck - good to hear you are still around mate!!

As for the question - don't write off the West too quickly. We did it last year (where we met Duck) - out first big trip & simply LOVED it. Ok we were in a LR, so some different issues, but not really... I would highly recommend doing the West while it remains 'relatively' adventurous. Have a look at our blog with info on obtaining visas/carnet etc

Taniya

Recommend getting a copy of this:

Chris Scott ~ Overlanders Handbook

Will give you a good account of each route and loads of info that would take your hours to piece together on here etc

West or East side Africa
 

Thanks all for the info will check it all out. 800% carnet, are they trying to stop visitors (crazy). From what I read about Carnets too is that you are charged at the highest rate across the board. ouch! What the hell only money can't take it with you lol

West or East side Africa
 

Thanks all for the info will check it all out. 800% carnet, are they trying to stop visitors (crazy). From what I read about Carnets too is that you are charged at the highest rate across the board. ouch! What the hell only money can't take it with you lol

Hiya Taniya! I’m still around but back at work and just logged onto the Hubb for the first time in ages, seems i'm not the only one missing the adventures! My bike is in storage :(

Like Taniya said don’t go righting off the West!!! The adventures are still there... You get fewer hassles riding a bike than a 4x4 I reckon but you won’t have cold beers beer camping up for the night!!!

The most notorious routes that made me most nervous and have doubts mainly after reading what others said or was told, the Manfi route into Cameroon form Nigeria and via Dolisie in the Congo, these are the days I daydream about that puts a smile on my face… Bollocks to all the horror stories people like to embellish, these were Happy Days!! :mchappy:


Pack a good smile and a firm hand shake!!