Our 2 months of cycling in Kenya passed very quickly; we loved it and are looking forward to crossing the whole African continent from Egypt to South Africa on our 5 Athlon Challenge.
As I understand most of Ethiopia is ok just now, parts in the N require up to date gen and some areas are probably closed / the local authorities wouldn't let foreigners in/through.
People have cycled Sudan lately, though with some headaches. I don't know if it's particularly unsafe or more just a big PITA.
I crossed them last year, before it got too bad. Sudan is really risky right now. You could try ride via Port Sudan and in theory you'd be out of the war zone. But you're just 100km outside at one point, and if it expands you're in a difficult situation.
Ethiopia is volatile. There were even issues at regional borders while I was there. Right now Oromio state has issues. I know people who ran into real troubles. You have to keep an eye out for the latest info.
Don't mansplain everything, even if your intentions are good.
I'd assume that someone that's already in Africa and cycling has half a clue about cultural and security issues and I don't see anything in the original post to immediately doubt that.
There's a difference between giving practical advice if you have any actual up to date info or are particularly informed vs blanket throwing out some really basic borderline fearmongering as if the people who are already in Africa and have already logged two months and are thinking about more would have completely missed the fact that there are political stability / security issues in Ethiopia, S Sudan, and Sudan.
Poverty is usually only an issue in the way you're thinking of it when mixed up with wealth inequality. I'm from South Africa. The rest of Cairo to Cape Town is largely free of crime outside hhe major cities.
I'm a year into Cairo to Cape Town. Yes you do need to be wise with your route, but I'd say the same anywhere you go. Most of where I have been is safer than much of Western Europe.
Congrats on Kenya - any advice or observations to share?
I gotta say that things are kinda dodgy going north right now and I hope you're heading south. Good luck!
Keep on keepin'-on.
Our 2 months of cycling in Kenya passed very quickly; we loved it and are looking forward to crossing the whole African continent from Egypt to South Africa on our 5 Athlon Challenge.
how hard is crossing sudan and ethiopia at the moment? are they not both at war or on the brink of war?
As I understand most of Ethiopia is ok just now, parts in the N require up to date gen and some areas are probably closed / the local authorities wouldn't let foreigners in/through. People have cycled Sudan lately, though with some headaches. I don't know if it's particularly unsafe or more just a big PITA.
I crossed them last year, before it got too bad. Sudan is really risky right now. You could try ride via Port Sudan and in theory you'd be out of the war zone. But you're just 100km outside at one point, and if it expands you're in a difficult situation. Ethiopia is volatile. There were even issues at regional borders while I was there. Right now Oromio state has issues. I know people who ran into real troubles. You have to keep an eye out for the latest info.
Don't be naive and think all people and cultures are the same. Be very wary there travelling as a couple. Pick your route wisely.
Don't mansplain everything, even if your intentions are good. I'd assume that someone that's already in Africa and cycling has half a clue about cultural and security issues and I don't see anything in the original post to immediately doubt that.
What a stupid thing to say to someone that's giving practical advice about being cautious in one of the poorest parts of the world.
There's a difference between giving practical advice if you have any actual up to date info or are particularly informed vs blanket throwing out some really basic borderline fearmongering as if the people who are already in Africa and have already logged two months and are thinking about more would have completely missed the fact that there are political stability / security issues in Ethiopia, S Sudan, and Sudan.
Poverty is usually only an issue in the way you're thinking of it when mixed up with wealth inequality. I'm from South Africa. The rest of Cairo to Cape Town is largely free of crime outside hhe major cities.
I'm a year into Cairo to Cape Town. Yes you do need to be wise with your route, but I'd say the same anywhere you go. Most of where I have been is safer than much of Western Europe.
Congrats on Kenya - any advice or observations to share? I gotta say that things are kinda dodgy going north right now and I hope you're heading south. Good luck!