Lessons Learned (work in progress)
- Research as much as possible in advance! ... climates, roads, topography, routes.
- Don't rush or you will miss the good stuff! On bad roads 400km is enough per week.
- Start at sunset and you will have a relaxed, stress free day. In the heat, it will allow you time for afternoon breaks.
- Don't spend too long in the one region/subcontinent as you will get bored.
- Google Maps is no replacement for paper maps (e.g. Michelin Maps). Best to use the two together.
- Don't rely on local knowledge but do use it! Many times locals shockingly don't know what's around the corner but its good to verify what you know with them.
- Some equipment is essential while others is not. You don't need the most amazing bike but water bag/ water filter, good quality tent.
- Use good quality equipment. Cheap weekend warrier equipment is not designed for continuos daily use.
- ................tbc
Costs
Bike, Camping, Clothes etc ~ €2,500
Vaccinations, Medication ~ €750
Electronics ~ €500
In black Africa 15 euros a day was more than enough to budget, assuming you were camping the majority of the time. This excludes visas (€100 per country) and any other extraordinary costs. Some days you were only spending 2 euros whereas other days in the big cities you could spend 30.
