Other half just got bitten by the bug. Fancies an African Adventure!! Help!

BigAlMacMac

BigAlMacMac

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While I love travel, and my bike I am not convinced I am ready to take on Africa!

I can see there are some companies that do expeditions through Africa but I am not convinced that's my cup of tea although the benefits will be huge too.

We would be traveling with "her indoors" on the back.

Would welcome any advice/recommendations on expedition companies and experiences.

(I have done about 3000 miles with pillion, all on tarmac, though I used to be an novice Enduro rider so have a fair bit of small bike offroad experience, neither of us mind "rough" camping) Though she hates snakes ;-)

All help welcome
 
Morocco and Adventure Bike Warehouse

why not consider Morocco as a first trip and taster - Adventure Bike Warehouse run by Skygod on here do excellent trips! Support vehicle too so her indoors can take a seat when she wants! They will also take your bike out for you if time of work is limited....
 
I'd agree with going for Morocco as a first exoerience, then head south as and when you're ready.



If you choose wisely with regards to crossing point, timing and local destinations within Morocco, it won't be any more scary than visiting any European country.
The mystique and mental challenges are far bigger, but the reality is far simpler........In fact, if you cross into Cueta, you're still technically in Spain and you could easily see that ferry crossing as no more than that from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight.

From Cueta, there is a relatively simple and VERY well documented crossing into Morocco itself, then within hours, you could be in Chefchaouen, which is less foreign than many European cities I could think of......easy going, welcoming, multi-cultural (IE no need for veils or being able to speak in anything more exotic than English with a little French thrown in) and a very easy introduction to Africa and Morocco.

It's also a really nice place that you could happily spend a long weekend in, testing the waters, eating anything from Pizzas and other standard Euro foods to proper Moroccan cuisine.

Hotels there range from the lower end of decent Euro style blandness to Euro friendly touristy Moroccan , right the way through to genuinely Moroccan local run places, with prices to match.

From Chefchaouen, you are also only a day's ride from Fez for an experience that again you can vary from Euro friendly to FULL ON Moroccan, or if you're feeling comfortable (which I'm sure you would) you could use it for a drop off down to the High Atlas via Marrakech or down into the desert by heading towards and past Midelt.

Don't be phased by the idea itself......it's a lot easier than you might imagine and as long as you use a little common sense (EG not doing a tour of the arse end of Casablanca, a place that even as an experienced Moroccan traveller I wouldn't willingly go to again) then you will absolutely love it, and more than that, you'll find it a very safe and friendly place for both you and your missus :beerjug:
 
Heck of a long way from Sterling, you'll need four days each way just to southern Spain and back, then another couple of days each way to get to somewhere like Marrakech.

If you have 18-21 days it's worthwhile. If you have less, I would suggest you look at flying into Marrakech and hiring a bike locally.
 
bigalmac said:
Thanks for your advice. Will look at flying to Malaga and perhaps shipping the bike.

And a bit later something bigger. This Cairo to Capetown Expedition looks interesting, any views out there?

http://www.compassexpeditions.com/tour/search-result-southern-africa/
Click to expand...

I suspect that once you've dipped your toes in, you'll look at tours like that and know that you can do it at a quarter of the price, have more fun, be totally flexible in where and when you go and will have the confidence to just do it :)
 
Tim Cullis said:
Heck of a long way from Sterling, you'll need four days each way just to southern Spain and back, then another couple of days each way to get to somewhere like Marrakech.

If you have 18-21 days it's worthwhile. If you have less, I would suggest you look at flying into Marrakech and hiring a bike locally.
Click to expand...

Hi Tim,

What is the best crowd to hire from?

Bin
 
(Thanks for your advice. Will look at flying to Malaga and perhaps shipping the bike.)
Take a look at flybikefly.
 
An African adventure you say! My name is Barunka Nkomo...please, get her to call me! :thumb
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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