Tour d'Afrique
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is the Tour d'Afrique?
Can I speak with someone in my area that has done the Tour?
The Tour d'Afrique bicycle race/expedition is an endurance event unlike any other. Held each year since 2003 the Tour offers an adventure of a lifetime to anyone who is in good physical condition and willing to push beyond their comfort zone. The Tour d’Afrique takes four months to cover the 11,800 km from Cairo to Cape Town on two wheels. The most important characteristics required are the will power and the guts to dare to cross Africa by bike.
Is it a Race or an Expedition?
Tour d'Afrique is both a competitive cycling race attracting talented athletes, and an expedition for individuals whose intention is to traverse Africa at a more comfortable pace. Whatever your aim, we like to think of it simply as a personal challenge. All of us challenge ourselves in different ways. Some measure themselves against others, some against their personal best, some want to do something that has never been done before, and some want to make the world a better place for future generations. We believe there is room for all of you in this event.
How do you define an Expedition?
We run pioneering cycling Tours in areas that often do not have the infrastructure and standard of living that you are probably accustomed to. Furthermore, many of these areas do not adhere to the same safety standards as western countries. The Tours often travel across lands where there may be political or economic instability and there may be some risks involved. Do not join one of our Tours unless you are prepared to accept these risks.
Who organizes the Tour d'Afrique?
Our five permanent staff members are avid cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, humanitarians, and adventurers. We have created a series of transcontinental and shorter cycling tours on “roads less travelled” that offer unique challenges and experiences to biking enthusiasts and fellow explorers from around the world.
What countries does the Tour pass through?- Egypt
- Sudan
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Malawi
- Zambia
- Botswana
- Namibia
- South Africa
Many of our former riders are more than happy to answer questions and share their experiences. Contact our office and we will attempt to put you in touch with one of our alumni riders.
Tell me about the Race
For info on our trans-Africa Race please see http://www.tourdafrique.com/races/tourdafrique
What are the costs?
How much does it cost?
Do I need visas?
Please refer to the In Depth page for details on pricing, including the full tour and sectional entry fees.
What other expenses will I have before and during the Tour?- Flight
- Bicycle, spare parts, gear & accessories
- Equipment including tent, camping mattress and sleeping bag
- Vaccinations
- Personal electronics, medical supplies, and any other personal needs
- Visas
- Food on rest days plus dinner on nights before rest days
- Upgrades to hotels along the route (optional)
- Souvenirs (optional)
- Gratuities for field staff (optional)
Yes, visas for all of the ten countries we pass through are required by most nationalities. Visas for the Sudan and Ethiopia must be obtained in advance from those countries’ embassies and our office staff will assist you with this process. For the other 8 countries, 30 day tourist/entry visas are typically issued at the border crossing for a cash fee in US$, including at Cairo airport in Egypt. However there are exceptions, including for Swiss, Israeli, and Eastern European passport holders, and we have had riders forced to travel back to a capital city to obtain a visa. Therefore it is crucial that you research the specific requirements of the different countries for your nationality. This is best done by contacting the embassies and/or consulates nearest to your home for the countries in question. Much of this information is available at embassy websites. A good general source for information on visa requirements around the world is http://projectvisa.com.
What does my entry fee include?- Tour organization, management and staff. Tour staff typically include Tour Directors, drivers, chef, nurse, mechanic, and others as needed
- One night hotel accommodation in Cairo and Cape Town
- Camping along the route
- Meals on riding days
- Energy bars, energy drink
- Vehicle support to carry baggage and sick/injured riders
How are the riders daily needs met?
Do you supply maps of the daily route?
No, the Tour d'Afrique Race/Expedition is a “self-guided tour with support”. Directions for each day are provided on a white board during the previous evening’s rider meeting and can be reviewed by riders at breakfast and lunch. Otherwise riders are expected to be independent and responsible for their own well being. The Tour is set up to provide reasonable support and safety. This includes flagging tape at crucial turns, a midday check point and the retrieval of all riders still on the road one hour before darkness.
What is the typical day like?
A typical riding day will begin at 7:30 AM. By then, you will have packed your tent and gear, had your breakfast, filled your water bottles, and readied your bike. As the day unfolds the riders will typically coalesce into several groups. The first group is the serious racers aiming at winning the stage. The second group will be less interested in winning but very serious in keeping their EFI (Every Fucking Inch) status. The middle groups are the early birds and seasoned riders who maintain a decent pace and complete each day’s cycling in good time. The last group is the Back Pack, riders who do not wish to miss any adventure offered on the day, be it a good falafel stand, an enticing aroma of Ethiopian coffee or simply one cold beer for the last 15 km. Just past or around the half way point each day (biking days vary from 60km on rough country road to 200km on paved roads with wind in your back) the lunch truck will be awaiting your arrival with sandwiches, fruit and drinks and some words of encouragement. After a brief lunch or not so brief for the Back Pack, you are on your way to the campsite where a warm soup awaits. After the soup and if you are lucky a cold coke, it is time to put up your tent, clean up (assuming there is water), do some basic bike maintenance, and get ready for dinner and the next day. Depending on how fast you cycle, you will have plenty of opportunity to explore the town or village nearby the campsite, the lake, the mountain and so on.
What about baggage?
Our support vehicles will carry everything that you don't need for the day. While riding, you only have to carry some basic tools, a spare tube, water, a snack, and some optional stuff, depending on your interests, such as camera, binoculars and a map. Everything else we take for you. We ask that you use some common sense and consideration for the other participants when deciding what to bring on the Tour as space is quite limited on the support vehicles. Additional packing information will be available in the Registration and Information Kit sent to registered riders.
Where do we sleep?
On the Tour d'Afrique we will be sleeping in a combination of campgrounds and bush camps. Camping is mostly in organized campgrounds, but on about 1/3 of the nights it will simply be a bush camp alongside the route. These bush camps often do not have any facilities for washing, and water, other than drinking water, may be carefully rationed, especially in desert areas. The campgrounds will typically be on the outskirts of towns and cities along our route. On rest days we are often camped in or near larger cities where water, tourist attractions and shops are readily available. Should you choose, there are many opportunities en route to upgrade your accommodation, to a small basic hotel or better, at your own cost.
What will we eat?
On biking days there are four meals a day. You will start with a breakfast of porridge, bread, jams, honey, fresh fruit when available, etc. Just past the halfway mark of most cycling days, there will be a lunch awaiting you with a sandwich, energy bars, energy drinks, and water. When you arrive to camp there will be warm soup, bread and other snacks. Supper is a hearty, nutritious meal usually pasta or rice based. No supper is served on the evening before a rest day, or on rest days – when riders are expected to find their own food in local shops, markets, and restaurants. For those with dietary restrictions, any such restrictions should be declared when you send your rider information forms. We take all this into consideration when preparing your meals. You may go to sleep exhausted, but never hungry.
Health and safety
Is it safe to travel by bicycle through all these countries?
We think so. We constantly monitor the current political climate in the countries the tour will be passing through. We also conduct scouting missions to get first hand insight into situations in these countries. We then make educated assessments of relative safety, and make adjustments if necessary - before or during the tour. While on tour if we determine that a certain area or country has become unstable we will change the route at short notice. In an extreme case we may choose to fly over a country – as happened with Kenya in 2008 due to the post-election violence. Based on our combined international experience we are confident that there will be no serious safety issues, but as with all travel to unfamiliar territory the possibility of danger exists. In order to reduce risks it is important to always respect the local culture and people and to observe the local law. Your greatest hazard is, in fact, the motorized vehicles, as it is for cyclists everywhere, so appropriate safety/visibility gear is essential.
Do I need travel medical insurance?
Yes, travel medical insurance is required, and we will need copies of these documents before the start of the tour. No one will be allowed on the Tour without proof of travel medical insurance. This will ensure smooth processing in case of emergency. You should also obtain trip cancellation insurance, in the event that you have to leave the tour unexpectedly, or a portion of the tour has to be cancelled due to reasons beyond Tour d'Afrique's control, as this will enable you to recoup the costs of any changes to or additional air tickets.
What about health?
Undoubtedly health is a major concern on an expedition of such length, and our tour staff includes at least 1 nurse or doctor to deal with client health issues as they arise. You will need to check with your doctor or a local travel medical clinic, well in advance of your tour, to determine what vaccinations and any other medications you will need for travel in the countries along our route. The most likely problems we will encounter will be sunburn, saddle sores, scrapes cuts and blisters, and diarrhea. A good personal health and sanitation routine, including regular hand washing, is key to avoiding bugs in general as well as more serious illnesses such as malaria and dysentery. There is a large section on personal health in the Registration and Information Kit sent to registered riders.
Preparing to ride
What kind of training should I undertake?
You should be in good physical shape and have the ability to consistently bike more than 100km per day. Read more about training here. A recommended detailed training schedule is provided to Registered Riders.
What kind of bike should I bring?
There is no one style of bike that is perfectly suited to our Expeditions, but there are several that do the job well. A traditional road bike is not ideal as each tour includes some lengthy and tough off road sections. Nor is a full suspension mountain bike which will be both relatively slow and energy consuming on pavement.
Here are the three principal options, each of which will do the job well. Choose the one that suits you best:
Mountain Bike with Front Suspension – A hard tail mountain bike is the most versatile and popular choice, as it provides suspension for the off roads, relative comfort, and with a thinner set of tires a decent ride on paved roads. The drawback is that with smaller diameter tires and front suspension, it will be a little slower, a little heavier, and a little less efficient than other bikes on pavement. Having locking front suspension is key, as you can “lock out” on the smooth roads and “lock in” on the rougher roads.
Cyclocross bike - This bike is also very popular among our clients, as it combines the ruggedness of a mountain bike, with the speed and design of a road bike. With slick tires these bikes are fast on the good roads. While they do accommodate wider off road tires, riders will be seriously challenged on the rougher off-road sections. Cyclecross bikes are recommended for relatively fit and strong people who can handle the abuse of the rough roads while benefitting from the increased performance on the good roads.
Hybrid bike -This bike has the same wheel size as a Cyclocross bike, but with straight handlebars instead of road style drop bars. Hybrids often also have front suspension and suspension in the seatpost. Hybrids are designed more for comfort and leisure rather than performance.
We always preach to riders that simplicity and durability are best because the availability of replacement parts is greatly limited in most of the countries on our tours, and our mechanics will not have some of the tools or skills to work with complex or unusual assemblies. A steel frame is preferred (if not steel than aluminum is the best choice), with simple components, simple suspension, and no hydraulics.
How do I transport my bicycle to the starting point and back home after the tour?Here are the three principal options, each of which will do the job well. Choose the one that suits you best:
Mountain Bike with Front Suspension – A hard tail mountain bike is the most versatile and popular choice, as it provides suspension for the off roads, relative comfort, and with a thinner set of tires a decent ride on paved roads. The drawback is that with smaller diameter tires and front suspension, it will be a little slower, a little heavier, and a little less efficient than other bikes on pavement. Having locking front suspension is key, as you can “lock out” on the smooth roads and “lock in” on the rougher roads.
Cyclocross bike - This bike is also very popular among our clients, as it combines the ruggedness of a mountain bike, with the speed and design of a road bike. With slick tires these bikes are fast on the good roads. While they do accommodate wider off road tires, riders will be seriously challenged on the rougher off-road sections. Cyclecross bikes are recommended for relatively fit and strong people who can handle the abuse of the rough roads while benefitting from the increased performance on the good roads.
Hybrid bike -This bike has the same wheel size as a Cyclocross bike, but with straight handlebars instead of road style drop bars. Hybrids often also have front suspension and suspension in the seatpost. Hybrids are designed more for comfort and leisure rather than performance.
We always preach to riders that simplicity and durability are best because the availability of replacement parts is greatly limited in most of the countries on our tours, and our mechanics will not have some of the tools or skills to work with complex or unusual assemblies. A steel frame is preferred (if not steel than aluminum is the best choice), with simple components, simple suspension, and no hydraulics.
Most airlines now charge a set oversize or sports equipment fee for bike boxes ($ or Euros 100-200 is typical) which you will be lucky to avoid and should anticipate paying upon check-in with the airline. Most bike stores will be able to help you package your bike in a cardboard bike box for the flight. This involves removing the pedals, turning the handlebars sideways, deflating the tires, and ensuring the key parts of the bike (ie the drive train) are well protected by foam tubing or clothing inside the box. Make sure the box is well taped and labeled. We generally recycle the boxes of participants who join the tour along the way. Otherwise, we will help you locate one at a local bicycle store or elsewhere at the end of the Tour. Please note no bicycle hard cases are allowed on Tour.
What kind of tires are best for the tour?
You should have two sets of puncture resistant tires in very good or better condition, a narrower set for road days and a wider set with more traction for off road days. The most popular brand is: Schwalbe Marathon Plus
How can I make my bike more comfortable and practical for the Tour?- For bikes that do not have any suspension, the purchase and installation of a Cane Creek Thudbuster seat post will save your butt on the roughest days.
- Make sure you have a good seat that is comfortable for you. You might have to try out different styles of seats on longer rides in order to gauge which is best for you.
- There are lots of ways to carry your limited gear for the day (tools, spare tube(s), camera etc) on your bike including handlebar bags, rear rack bags, etc. One of the best products on the market is the Arkel Tailrider bag.
- If your drive train has more than 1000 km on it, make sure you have it replaced, including the rear cassette, derailleurs, chain, and front chain rings, prior to the tour.
- Lists of the recommended spare parts and pre Tour services that your bike should have are provided to registered clients in our Rider Updates.
Sectional riders
What about the relay teams - how does it work?
Relay teams are corporate or club teams wherein each member rides a section of the trip. The team can be composed of as little as three or as many as eight members who will exchange a symbolic "baton" in the towns and cities that mark the end of one stage and the beginning of the next.
I want to ride the whole tour, but I have time constraints. Can I pay the full entry fee, but split the tour over two or three years, riding a section or two per year?
Yes, absolutely. This way, you have the satisfaction of doing the entire Tour d'Afrique, but in manageable sections each year.
How will I know where to meet the group?
Our office staff in Toronto or Cape Town will give you the details of where the group is staying close to your date of departure. We will also advise you on how to get from the airport to the campsite.
How can I know which section is right for me?
Our website is full of great information on each section, including dates, terrain, highlights, and ratings for difficulty, comfort, and exotic-ness. This should give you a good sense of what the different tour sections entail. If you are unsure of which section or sections to choose, please contact our staff who will gladly give you their recommendations.
Tourism
Will I have time to enjoy some of the exotic places along the route?
What are some hidden gems – places we go that are off the tourist trail?
Does Tour d’Afrique highlight historical and socio-cultural aspects along the route, or is the focus only on cycling?
Absolutely! The tour has been designed to enable riders to explore some of the most fascinating places in the world on their rest days. And since the average biking day will be five to seven hours, there will often be plenty of time to explore the local environment on riding days as well.
What are some of the touristic highlights of the tour?- The Tour starts at the Pyramids of Giza, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing
- Luxor, Egypt, the site of Karnak Temple, and the Valleys of the Kings and Queens
- King Fasilides 17th century castle in Gondar, Ethiopia, a World Heritage Site
- 3 rest days at Arusha, Tanzania enable riders to take a safari to Ngorogoro Crater and the Serengeti
- Lake Malawi in the Rift Valley, source for many of the world’s aquarium fish
- Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River at the Zambia/Zimbabwe border
- The Okavango delta near Maun, Botswana
- Namibia’s inland Dune Sea and Fish River Canyon -Table Mountain overlooking beautiful Cape Town, South Africa
- The desert oasis town of Dongola, Sudan
- Ethiopian Orthodox Church Monasteries on the islands of Lake Tana, near Bahir Dar
- Nechisar National Park and Lakes Abaya and Chamo near Arba Minch, Ethiopia
- The remote market town of Marsabit, Kenya, set on top of an ancient volcano
- The verdant landscapes of central Tanzania and the Masai Steppe
- An evening’s cruise on the Chobe river past herds of elephants and other wildlife, at Kasane, Botswana
Yes, soon after entry into each country, a presentation is given during an evening rider meeting. This includes orientation into the country’s history, geography, economy, demographics, culture and cuisine, the route we will be following, health and safety issues for the country in question, as well as a basic lesson in the local language.
