Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tour d'Afrique?
The Tour d'Afrique bicycle race/expedition is an event unlike anything else in the world. It is suitable for anyone who is adventurous, in good physical condition, and willing to push beyond his or her comfort zone. The most important characteristics required is the will power, and the guts, to dare to cross the continent on a 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 who would like to cross Africa at a more comfortable pace. Whatever your own 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 contribute to the world, to make a better place for the next generation. 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 may be used to. Furthermore, many of these areas do not adhere to the same safety standards that many of us are accustomed to. The Tours often travel through areas 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.
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. Generally you will be able to get into shape while biking. Contact our office for training tips.
Do you supply maps of the daily route?
No, the Tour d'Afrique Race/Expedition is a ‘self-guided tour with support'. Directions will be given each morning, but the riders are expected to be independent and responsible for their own well being. The Tour is set up in a way that provides reasonable support and safety. This includes a midday check point and the retrieval of all riders one hour before darkness.
Who is the Race aimed at?
This event is aimed at individuals who want to challenge themselves, to test their abilities and endurance. But it is also for those who want to contribute and make a little difference in our world. The format thus fits both the accomplished endurance athlete and regular folks with adventurous spirit and excellent physical condition that have the ability to persevere and who have done some long distance biking. But be forewarned: this race is a genuine physical and mental challenge. This is not an event within a controlled environment; it is an expedition; participants will not only test their physical and mental stamina, but their ability to overcome the unexpected surprises that inevitably awaits us. The organizers have created the framework and support systems, which will sustain the race, but the ultimate responsibility for this endeavor lies with you.
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 and loaded your water bottles ready for the start signal. Soon enough the bikers break into several groups. The first group is the serious racers aiming at winning the stage. The second group less interested in winning but very serious in keeping their EFI (Every Fabulous Inch) status. The last group is the Back Pack, riders who will 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 to go.
About half way 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 a sandwich, energy bar 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 will be awaiting you. 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) and get ready for dinner and the next day. Of course - depending on how fast you cycle - you will have plenty of opportunities to explore the campsite surrounding; the town or village nearby, the lake, the mountain and so on.
How is the Race Designed?
The race is 96 stages long with varying degrees of difficulties, terrain and length. The race is also broken into nine sections and participants can also race only a section. Due to the nature of this event the five worse results are not counted in the final standing in order to allow for days of sickness or other mishaps. The overall winner for both male and females are individuals with fastest accumulated times.
Who organizes the Tour d'Afrique?
We are avid cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, humanitarians, and adventurers. We are involved in creating the tours, also Orient Express Bicycle Tour and Silk Route Bicycle Tour, because we think there is nothing else like them in the world right now, and we are very proud of the unique tours we produce.
What countries does the Tour pass through?
- Egypt
- Sudan
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Malawi
- Zambia
- Botswana
- Namibia
- South Africa
How much does it cost?
Please refer to the "About the Tour" page of this website for full details on pricing.
What other expenses will I likely have before and during the Tour?
- Flight
- Equipment
- Vaccinations
- Visas
- Upgrades to hotels along the route (optional)
- Souvenirs (optional)
- Food on rest days
- Gratuities for field staff (optional)
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. If we feel that, while en route, a certain area or country has become unstable we will change the route at short notice.
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 and it is important to respect the local culture and people and observe the 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 visas?
Yes, many of the ten countries we pass through will require you to either purchase a visa at the border, or have one prior to arrival at the border. Please check with the nearest consulate or embassy for your country for specific requirements.
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 may also consider getting trip cancellation insurance as well, in the event that you have to leave the tour unexpectedly. Further information on insurance can be found in the registration kit.
What kind of bike should I bring?
There is no one style of bike that is perfectly suited to the Tour d'Afrique, but there are many that do the job well. The key is to have something that is versatile and comfortable. A mountain bike is best, though many have done the Tour on hybrids, and some on cyclocross bikes. Frames should either be aluminum or steel. Carbon may not be durable enough, and not repairable if broken. Aluminum is light, stiff and fast. A steel frame will be heavier but more comfortable because it is inherently more flexible.
How do I transport my bicycle to the starting point and back home after the tour?
You can generally take your bike along on international flights at no extra cost, as it is considered one of the two pieces of luggage allowed on economy class tickets. Most bike stores will be able to help you package your bike in a cardboard box for the flight.
We generally recycle the boxes of the other participants who are joining 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.
What about the relay teams - how does it work?
The relay teams are corporate or club teams that each member will ride a section of the trip. The team can be composed of as little as three or as many as seven members and will have to exchange the symbolic "baton" in the cities mentioned above for sectional riders.
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.
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, and a snack. 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 will be at times in organized campgrounds, but often will be a bush camp alongside the route. These bush camps will likely not have any facilities for washing, and so water will be carefully rationed to riders on these days. The campgrounds will typically be on the outskirts of cities on our route. On rest days we are often camped in or near larger cities where water, tourist attractions and shops are more readily available.
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 night coming into a rest day. Likewise, no food is served on the rest days – riders are expected to find their own food in local shops and markets.
For those with dietary restrictions you need not be concerned. We take all this into consideration when preparing your meals. You may go to sleep exhausted, but never hungry.
What about health?
Undoubtedly health is a major concern on an expedition of such length. You will need to check with your doctor or at a local travel medical clinic to determine what vaccinations they recommend for travel in the countries along our route. The most likely problems we will encounter will be sunburn, saddle sores, blisters, and diarrhea. Additional health information will be available in the Registration and Information Kit sent to registered riders.
Will I have time to enjoy some of the exotic places along the route?
Absolutely! The tour has been designed to allow free days in some of the most fascinating spots in the world. And since the average biking day will be five to seven hours, there will still be plenty of time to explore the local environment.
Can I speak with someone in my area that has done the Tour?
Many of our former riders are more than happy to answer your questions and share their adventures with others. Contact our office and we will attempt to put you in touch with one of these riders.