African Ride Recommendations
 

I've never been to the continent but when I go -- I wanna do it by bike.

Any recommendations?

Somalia is a must see.

Yeah, but Chad is bad!

How about Tanzania and Zambia?

I'm going touring in Kenya next month. A relatively short circuit around the Rift Valley and Eastern Highlands. I had my childhood in Kenya and keep in touch with some mates I was at school with, but haven't been for 9 years and haven't cycled regularly in Kenya since I was 11. I acknowledge my personal bias in favour of East Africa, but it is the region I know something about. Happy to share my experience with anyone interested. I may also be looking for companion(s) to join me on a later more extensive trip.

that sounds really interesting. What bike would you use? Is it mixed surface riding or mostly paved?

Wow, that sounds cool! How long will you be gone for?

Forthcoming trip
 

I'm only going for three weeks, as that's all I have a "pink slip" for from She Who Must Be Obeyed. It will be mainly paved roads, as this is very much the densely populated part of Kenya, but they will be in variable condition. Lots of big changes in altitude. Staying in hotels. The bike I'm taking is an Airnimal Rhino: front and rear suspension, Rohloff rear hub, small wheels and a folding frame so it fits into a case one can take on an aeroplane. Details on their website, which can easily be found by searching for "Airnimal".
I'm also considering a longer, self-sufficient tour of East and/or Southern Africa in the next year or two, and wondering about whether to go alone or find someone to go with. That will be on a different bike more suited to carrying luggage.

Wow, that's exciting. I only wish I had the chance to take time off to do that.. or the funds! Be sure to post pics!

Feel free to pass through Tanzania if you can,Good view and perfect adventures.

Ahh good suggestion!

There are one or two that do organized bike tours of Africa.

This is one of them, and I know someone who did the entire Cairo to Capetown tour last year. However, they market it in sections, so you don;t have to commit that much time.

Having lived in South Africa for 5 years I'd say it's a must do. Lots of varied terrain from flat coastal to mountainous roads.
Road bike? not a problem RSA has pretty good roads. Offroad? the Drakesnburg and Cape seem to be made for it.
One caveat though, Africa generally isn't the safest place in the world. I'd suggest you not tour alone, and if you can go with
an organized group take that option.
Personally I'd stay away from northern Africa seems much to unstable to me (but then I've not been so take that with a grain
of salt).
Most of the major cities in South Africa have good bike shops so getting parts for repairs (and you will need them) shouldn't be
too difficult. Outside the major cities finding parts can be problematic.

Marty

Yes, that's one thing to keep in mind, how dangerous certain parts can be.

Hello - If you are interested in going to Africa, consider joining me and an awesome group in Zambia this summer!

The tour goes from June20-July9, and travels from the capital (Lusaka) to Victoria Falls, one of the 7 wonders of the natural world. It travels about 325 miles over 7 days.

About 20 or so will be on the trip and we use mountain bikes to get to some rural areas. (We are working with a touring company there, so our bikes are provided) We will be camping for a majority of the trip. The wildlife and scenery is amazing.

Also, the group we ride with also does some fundraising before the ride for some nonprofits in Zambia - World Bicycle Relief, Grassroot Soccer (they organize soccer tournaments for kids and do HIV education and testing), and Zambian Health and Education Trust (work on infectious disease with high-risk populations). Areally unique part of the ride is you actually visit the organizations along the way.

If you are interested, please send me an email -- beth@chooda.org and I will send you more information. Registration will be closed March 1.

I am doing a ride in Zambia this summer - goes from Lusaka (the capitol) to Victoria Falls, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. About 20 of us go on the ride - and we raise money for some organizations along the way. The dates this year are June29-July9. We still have some spots open, so if you are interested please email me at beth at chooda dot org. I will give you a lot more information!

I've been to Tanzania a few times; always had a good time.
I just came back last month, was hoping I could bring a bike.
But waited too long to pack my bike and gear, had to leave it.

how about malawi? having lived there all my life - great place to ride imo