Africa central Route options...

[zeroland]

Just a few thoughts and comments on the changing routes in Africa.

A few decades ago the primary route was from West Africa, across Central Africa and into East Africa. That route closed however the unique aspect of overland travel is that overlanders will find a way across a continent (you can read more on those lost routes here.

Over the last two years, more overlanders have been venturing back to Central Africa - first were Frederik & Josephine, along with a few reports of motorbikes tackling a similar route.

Very recently (Dec 2010) a cyclist did the reverse route with a help of the train. Read more about Take on Africa

Adding to this route, there have been some questions raised about the old West, Central to East Africa route.

The next five years are going to be pretty exciting as the adventurous overlanders start to open up those lost routes and leave the crowded East Africa route for the quick trips.

From the archives: Under African Skies:


Comments and thoughts welcome...

[oryxexpeditions]

You can add Miki's trip through Congo to F&J's. Miki (posted on the Toy LC forum) suggested that F&J inadvertently took a wrong turn somewhere on the track which led them into a more difficult and dangerous area. This comment would be worth looking into more for anyone traveling that way.

Nice thread topic, BTW!

David

[DiploStrat]

I know many of the Central Africa roads fairly well. Much has changed, and for the worse, since the good old days of the late '60's through the '90's. Things are not likely to get better anytime soon.

So I would just add one huge caution: In 1993 ("Under African Skies") the challenges were simply those of the road. Today, much of central Africa is in very violent conflict. And some of the challenges, such as the Lord's Resistance Army, range over large areas and move from country to country. On a larger scale, keep your eye on the Sudan referendum as this has the capacity to change many things.

Frederik and Josephine were simply very lucky. Read their account closely, they had some huge expenses getting in parts, etc.

West and Central Africa should not be underestimated, either geographically or politically. Neither is easy like South or East Africa; they are worlds apart.

Travel safely!

[Langebaan Sunset]

Hi folks

Great thread - just uploaded our route data & film on our recent trip through West & Central Africa.



There have been some DRC / Angolan visa issues since we came through earlier this year. The route we took through DRC was amazing and we had no issues at all. Congo was great and in approx 2 years they will have put tarmac down from Gabon East into Congo.

West & central Africa still remains a highlight of our trip! The mud in Cameroon is still orange and very sticky!!!

You can download the entire track and GPS data at our website.

Cheers

Nick