African bicycle odyssey and travel tips

Chris Pederson and Danny Stitt are about to begin a bicycle tour of Africa. They will be taking the eastern route from Kampala through Tanzania and Mozambique. Their final destination will be Cape Town, South Africa, arriving in April of 2009. Their pace will be a “leisurely” 60 to 70 miles per day, with 2 days of rest after 5 days of riding.

Wish I could share a couple of days with them.

See a map and read about the journey in their own words

Scott’s travel tips for planning a bicycle tour of Africa

Chris and Danny asked me for some advice on cycling Africa. Here’s what I had to say. I must have been feeling verbose. I also wrote this because I often get asked the same questions, and I hope it is of use to someone else planning to ride across Africa.

I don’t think I know all the questions to ask, so do you have any general advice?

My first piece of advice: Expect the unexpected.

Things change fast in Africa, so I can’t really give you much advice except ask the locals where to go, and tap into the tourist grapevine when you get there. Your path will probably become obvious.

I also know this will be an adventure of a lifetime.

It will only be the adventure of a lifetime up to this point in your life. Don’t tell yourself it will be the Golden Moment, or you’ll be setting yourself up for a big disappointment when your trip ends. Meaning, you will think there is nothing worthwhile left to do.

How did you plan where to go?

I would map out a rough route through Africa. Nothing too rigid as it will change. But the things you want to avoid are political upheavals, epidemics and bad weather. So, check out the current updates on these situations. Again, just listen to the locals. If a few people start telling you the same thing, I’d listen to them.

Should I bring GPS?

Update 2025: The following advice seems outdated now, but this was before cell phones. As for a GPS, why bother? It will cost you money, weight, and is a target for thieves. You will know roughly where you are according to your maps, and if you can’t read a map, a GPS isn’t going to help you find food or water.

What were the dangers you encountered?

Thieves, political upset, weather, animals, food poisoning, malaria, AIDs, injury, etc. The list is endless, and if you think of it too much, you’ll never do anything.

Is this a trip that, if planned correctly, we can make it to Cape Town safely?

Yes, of course. I did it. It is challenging, but if you are smart, don’t act like an arrogant American, and follow your instincts, you’ll be fine.

If you were to do this trip again, what would you do differently?

Good question. Not take myself so seriously. Go slower. Meet more people. Take more photographs. Take more notes. Send more email updates. Travel more by the seat of my pants. Go with the flow, so to speak. Encourage people I meet to live their dreams. Live in a local village for a few weeks to a month. And maybe most important, eat and drink more regularly to prevent long-term damage. I recommend carrying lemons for your water.

What type of pedals?

I prefer clips, which greatly enhance efficiency. But get bicycling shoes that are also made for walking.

Did you get your visas in neighboring countries in Africa or ahead of time in the States?

I got my visas as I traveled, except for the first one. And, as I mentioned, you will want to reroute if necessary.

In Africa, were you on your own?

I was on my own. I had very few problems, but Africa is one of the harder places to travel.

Which company did you ship your bike with? 

I’ve always brought my bike with me on the airlines. Some airlines don’t even require that you box your bike.

What kind of bike should I get? I was thinking of just picking up a Surly Long Haul Trucker and trailer. But maybe I’ll need an off-road bike

If you go off-road and you almost certainly will, you’ll want a bike with the option of putting on some fat tires. Also, I highly recommend downhill mountain bike rims with at least 36 spokes.

Never used a trailer, but think it would be problematic on rutty, sandy, dirt roads.

Do I need special clothes? I do like padded bike shorts, but feel they may not be appropriate.

I do like bike shorts, though I wear a pair of loose “modesty” shorts over them. The reason I wear them is because they reduce the friction on your thighs and bottom. Also, to be frank, the tight shorts keep my boys tucked up there, out of harm’s way and good and warm. Other than that, unless you are actually in a race, there is little reason to wear tight clothes. As far as padding, that’s true, but you’re far better off with a Brooks Saddle than anything else I’ve ever discovered. The all-leather seat molds itself to your particular anatomy. Centered is one way of putting it.

Did you carry a weapon?

I did carry a machete, thinking I would need it for bush camping. Practically, it won’t be much use as a weapon. But it might make you feel better and make people think twice.

The best advice, generally speaking, if you aren’t acting afraid and don’t threaten people, they won’t threaten you. If they do, act like a bigger, crazier animal than they are, then back off. Give them a way out. Don’t corner them. And they’ll almost always back down.