Cairo to Cape Town

Prima Nocte

I plan to do this journey sometime in my lifetime. Has anyone any idea the logistics required to complete this journey, size of bike, duration of journey, accommodation etc.?

Thanks in advance

WestWicklow1

Get your bike well in advance of travelling. A small (650 or 800) GS or similar will be best.

Check our http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ which will give you a lot more help and advice than you'll get here.

Prima Nocte

how long should it take? 30 DAYS OR SO?

WestWicklow1

Thirty days sounds very, very rushed. If I was doing something like that I'd take at least three months.

HU have a meeting here next year....

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/meetings/Ireland2013.php

Prima Nocte

cool, have you experience in long distance motorcycling? i'd imagine it would be quite cheap to live in africa for three months?

spankmaster2000

Just throwing it out there, out of curiosity more than anything else; but why not start at home, rather than Cairo?
(I'm assuming you're in Ireland at the moment!)

Prima Nocte

dublin to cape town does make more sense. it was the route i had in mind

Fr Dougal

I would imagine it would be a great trip but a lot of planning required.

What bike do you currently ride? Have you any experience of long distance riding? Would you be going on your own or with friends? One or two up?

Never ridden in Africa, fardest I have done in a single trip is Dublin to south of Spain. Africa is on my bucket list though.

I believe that you would need visas to pass through some African countries and you may also need to pay a carnet when you enter some countries. Also, in some areas it may be difficult to get petrol, some even sell it in bottles on the side of the road but I would be wary of the quality, may be watered down.

You would also need to check out what vaccinations you would need in advance.

Consider security, both for yourself and for the bike. Some of the countries may be going through political unrest so you need to consider your personal safety.
Also security for the bike, what have you in mind for accomodation?
Ylan your health and wellbeing. Health Insurance, bring some medications, a camelpak for hydration and so on.
Regarding the bike, think about whether you want to be able to work on it and do repairs en route, either yourself or in back stret garages. The more sophisticated the bike, the more restricted you are on options for repairs.
When you plan the route, investigate road conditions, this should dictate tyre type.

Sorry mate, I know I have more questions than answers, but there are so many things you need to factor in, that is half the fun, doing the planning bit.

Keep us posted on how the planning goes

CJhaughey

If you haven't got it already get Chris Scotts Adventure Motorcycling handbook it covers pretty much everything you will need to know about this kind of travel.
He's been at it a long time and there is significant knowledge in that book.

Fr Dougal

CJhaughey wrote: »

If you haven't got it already get Chris Scotts Adventure Motorcycling handbook it covers pretty much everything you will need to know about this kind of travel.
He's been at it a long time and there is significant knowledge in that book.

:cool: Nice one, that's one for the christmas stocking.

Lots of good info on this link too
http://www.flamesonmytank.co.za/touring.htm

cantdecide

I'll go with you, OP. I've done some hardcore third world touring at this stage and my sister travelled Cairo to Cape Town overland. Let me know when to meet you at the ferry!

WestWicklow1

Prima Nocte wrote: »

cool, have you experience in long distance motorcycling? i'd imagine it would be quite cheap to live in africa for three months?

I've ridden all over Europe and North America, nothing too hardcore.

I've ridden quite a bit in Morocco and once down as far as Mali.

You're getting some great advice from other posters. Try to find someone who has already done something similar and befriend him/her and talk, talk, talk and plan, plan, plan.

Give yourself lots of time and don't rush either the planning or the trip!!

Faith+1

You should watch "Long Way Down" OP. It will give you a rough idea of what to expect.

Prima Nocte

cantdecide wrote: »

I'll go with you, OP. I've done some hardcore third world touring at this stage and my sister travelled Cairo to Cape Town overland. Let me know when to meet you at the ferry!

great when do you wanna go?

cantdecide

Prima Nocte wrote: »

great when do you wanna go?

errrr... let me think. What time is it now?:D