Has anyone got across Africa experience?

[pentrich]

Hi there,

Well basically I am hoping that there are a few people on this forum who have tried to ride across Africa before. I am looking at doing it myself in the next three years but although I am an experienced rider, this is a completely new riding challenge. I have read several books related to across Africa riding.

I understand that it takes massive planning so this is why I aim at doing it in three years, money permitting. I will do it on a Africa Twin along with a mate probably on a KTM. I need to get some idea of the itinery one needs to pack like food, first aid, water, sleeping gear.

Anyone who knows what it is about please share your knowledge with me!

Thanx

Travis

[DaveS]

Does your experienced riding include riding the AT off-road?
If not get plenty of off-road green lane experience on the AT.
You can join us on the Wiltshire / Salisbury plain trips some time to brush up. :mrgeen:

[Maverick]

Hi there,

Well basically I am hoping that there are a few people on this forum who have tried to ride across Africa before. I am looking at doing it myself in the next three years but although I am an experienced rider, this is a completely new riding challenge. I have read several books related to across Africa riding.

I understand that it takes massive planning so this is why I aim at doing it in three years, money permitting. I will do it on a Africa Twin along with a mate probably on a KTM. I need to get some idea of the itinery one needs to pack like food, first aid, water, sleeping gear.

Anyone who knows what it is about please share your knowledge with me!

Thanx

Travis

Hi Travis,

I think there is a few guys on this forum who's been to Africa but not sure of any crossed it. Your best source of overlanding information is Horizons UnlimitedWhat you can't find on their website regarding serious travel is hardly worth knowing. One of my mates did it two years ago on his 100GS and the only planning he did was visas, bike prep and money.

Enjoy your trip preparation!

[Dee Duble Yuh]

I know a few have been to Morocco, but doubt any have gone anywhere more difficult. In addition to visas you might need carnets for some countries. These can be expensive. The Horizons Unlimited site is a good source of information - perhaps too much informaiton! Chris Scott and others have useful books - the Motorcycle Adventure Handbook is interesting.

[pentrich]

Thanks for the info everyone,

I will check this Horizons Unlimited site later today. The main thing I think in the planning is to avoid hostile areas as there are a few along the way. I know the Dakar Rally bends around a few dangerous areas now after past events. I am actually from South Africa so the Southern leg from mid Africa down is known to me so that makes it a bit easier, but the North West leg is tricky.

To answer the question about the AT off-road, I have never owned one but have traveled extensively off-road on a variety of large KTMs and have been doing competitive Motocross and Enduros in South Africa for some time. I do however need to practice on an AT as they apparently weigh a bit more than your average KTM.

Thanks again for the replies

Trav