Solo Overland Travel And Transit

South America : Africa : Middle East : Asia 

Within the interior regions of Africa, South America and Asia, there's always some form of bush transport available. If there's a track that a set of wheels can drive on, then locals will definitely use it to their best advantage. Climbing on the back of trucks or squashed up in vans becomes a normal day occurrence in transit. It's the same with river or lake transport that has enough water to float a boat downstream - always packed over the limit, ready to sail. Some local transportation can be outright dangerous within Western eyes, but certainly not to locals that use it every day. There are times that the risk factor multiplies, but then if it's the only available transport, it could be a long wait until something else comes along. Highway carnage, accidents, breakdowns, blown out tyres and engine failures are all a part of the solo overland travel experience transiting on local transport - Hey, welcome to the real world of solo travel. 

Overland transit routes through continents usually never change, although today within many regions volatile skirmishes, terrorism, and banditry has created an array of  Red Zones. These regions may or may not be advisable routes to transit through, it will depend on timing, available transportation, and overall safety. This is solely up to the discretion of those choosing to risk transiting into these areas. Fresh information crossing through Red Zones is only by being close to these regions and finding the latest updates from locals who have first hand knowledge - not lonely planet or from some couch potato blogger on beach sipping Pina Coladas. For the latest updates on earthquakes, volcanic activity and weather conditions these 3 active links will keep you informed anywhere on the planet.

  Stuck on a Crossroad - Going it Alone - It's A Personal Choice

There's no way out but to use a long haul flight to reach Africa, South America or Asia from the South Pacific region. Jumping on internal flights within any continent is definitely out in the cold - unless it’s a full on war or Red Zone Region. Africa, South America and Asia all contain roads and tracks to reach from one point to another. Anything with wheels on it heading in my direction will do the job. At times it can take days on end to grab a lift within isolated regions on board worn out bush buses, trucks, thrashed out 4x4’s, or with nomadic desert sand taxis. Booked out seats, breakdowns and prevailing weather are normal issues slowing travel time down within the middle of nowhere.       

As a westerner, it's as though time's lost when the clock’s ticking waiting for a lift somewhere well of the grid in isolated regions, but then has it? Some of the most amazing experiences while transiting are all those periods twiddling the thumbs waiting for a ride. It's here at the crossroads en-route in the middle of nowhere, where locals gather chit chatting among themselves. It's the aromas of chai, the smell of coffee, the swirls of bush dust, the noise and intrusions, hungry mosquitoes and fly blown meat, women breast feeding, locals screaming at each other, with fully charged children asking endless questions without shyness. This is where one has no acceptations, only to enjoy chilling out with no escape from the company of locals. These are the moments that are never forgotten transiting through continents. One becomes accustomed to living out of the box well away from comfy tourist zones, which at times may feel hostile or unadaptable to some. You don’t have a choice anyway. All the above doesn't hit home until returning back to home base.             

There are many overland travel companies operating different package tours that transit up and down and across continents, but they're more of a party hangout with Westerners who prefer to travel amongst themselves, and only use main bitumen highway routes. Imagine the hassles between a group of say 20 foreigners for 3 months every day, 24/7. Personally, that would drive me right up the wall - like being in a jail cell. It's also the organized time schedules that are either way too short, or in directions that stick to tourist routes for anything constructive off the beaten track. Crossing entire continents on main road routes may sound good, but it’s the regions scattered in the middle of nowhere that are much more interesting. There are many foreigners who transit this way, and enjoy their 1st overland travel experience without the stress or paranoia of being independent. Some at later stages develop their own itinerary, and find out that it’s far more exciting to associate and interact with local atmosphere in their own time. This is what a major part of overland travel is all about - Interacting with total strangers through the continents without hesitation nor regret.
When travelling solo, many doors open where they wouldn't if it was a crowd. Time limits are endless in any direction freely chosen by choice. Seriously think about the multitude of possibilities going it alone.

African Overland Transit Routes

Depending on the travel direction chosen, overland transit routes usually never change unless volatile skirmishes or civil unrest occurs within a certain region. Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, DRC, Pakistan, Nigeria and Syria are examples of this and should be avoided (2019) unless fresh up to date information can be obtained and trusted allowing a calculated risk to transit through a particular Red Zone route. The most trusted factual information in transit mode, is by directly asking locals, or foreigners (if any) who are travelling in the opposite direction of what's up ahead - not some blogger jive that may have been valid 6 months ago, and definitely not from within any Lonely planet book that already contains outdated information. Fresh on the ground facts and data will ensure any intended transit route is calculated beforehand, which can then be bypassed if necessary to avoid dangerous road routes that are infested with bandit blockades, sabotage, mugging and extortion. Travelling through any Red Zone regions with conflict is entirely at your own risk without any support, backup or help from outside assistance i.e. Colombian-Venezuelan-Peruvian border drug cartel controlled territories, the entire central Sahara region including the Libyan coastline, Afghani-Pakistani tribal regions, including cross-border entries into neighbouring Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan, northern and eastern provinces of Nigeria, controlled territories of various Islamic militia groups through Niger-Chad, Mali, and DRC. Certain regions in India and the Phillipines also have different levels of risk.
Never think that being a Western foreigner nothing will happen to you if transiting through any of the above mentioned regions. Over the last few years quite a few foreigners have made wrong decisions, and calculations, and were either robbed, mugged, beaten, raped, killed or slowly tortured to death. On the bright side, there are also westerners who have completed solo travel journeys through volatile regions without having a single incident. A classic example was a German female I had briefly met en-route in central Africa who had travelled on her own accord from the Algerian coast to DRC without a single mishap. Some aren't that lucky, like one Australian female who landed in Buenos Aires, and was robbed of all her baggage at gun point down a side street on her first day in South America. Each transit journey has a different atmosphere from one day to the next that may give a free pass without the side-effects of any negativity en-route. Nothing can be taken for granted even if your gut instinct tells you so, it all depends on the luck of the draw on the day in whatever transport one is travelling in through the middle of nowhere, or where one is dropped-off, or where one decides to stay. 

Solo Overland Travel & Transit

"A guaranteed eye-opening experience deep into the real world we live in"

Are you sick and bored of looking at the same old orchestrated selfie snaps at tourist locations from the countless amounts of travel fluff-bloggers out there? Don't worry - you're not alone. Nothing is not what it really seems or sounds like in real-time reality browsing fluffy travel blog sites. How many times do you read comments like "fantastic", "so beautiful & amazing", "it's wonderful", "look at me in Rio", "ohh I love solo travel " ...
Travel bloggers writing and posting this fluff are worth a dime a dozen. They market themselves like fake news click bait. Normally, their faces are glued to laptops tweaking SEO's, and usually seen sitting in trendy cafes all day at beach and backpacker hangouts - you can spot them a mile off. I mean, how many times can you re-post the same fluff jargon on social media platforms over and over again? Yawn. 
Carving out your own itinerary, and planning your own transit routes through Africa, or across other continents is far more satisfying. You get a real feel of down to earth atmosphere amongst the locals themselves. Why follow the crowd like everyone else? Don't be afraid going it alone. Activate yourself, and hit the highway using local basic transport zig zagging up and down across entire continents. There's certainly no looking back. Real solo overland travel is a guaranteed eye-opening experience deep into the real world we live in. Take advantage of doing it now while it's still possible. 
Through the decades of full-on solo overland travel journeys-which still continues today, I've actually never seen, or met any travel fluff bloggers in the middle of nowhere, transiting in fly-blown vibrating bush-buses for days on end, filled with dust and dog fart aromas crossing through a continent...
Only a handful of solo travel bloggers from out of 1000's out there can pat themselves on the back. Below are a few links from various sources about travel fluff bloggers. Nomadic Lives   Life Lessons   The Polarizer    Journey Grit   Anxious Adventure    GombiBlog     Instagram    Fluff Selfie    Maple Searup   Moose Café

South American Overland Transit Routes

The transit routes above have all been completed. It takes more than a 12 month journey to cover the entire continent properly. Two years will certainly do it. Summer and winter seasons play a roll in this, it solely depends where one begins and ends. Returning to South America is usually on the cards for those who want to continue a road trip where they had left-off from any previous visit. Those who have already travelled and transited through the continent will recognise the above transit route directions. Any long-term journey route should be planned in advance, and changed where necessary en-route during transit if needed. For instance, the on-going Venezuelan situation has gone from bad to worse, causing millions of Venezuelan citizens to flee in to neighbouring countries. Not only has this situation caused more crime and despair in northern Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, it has also put a spanner in the works for those wanting to travel and transit overland through Venezuela from Brazil to Colombia without being targeted, robbed, or victimised. Until the dust settles in Venezuela, any travel through the country is entirely at your own risk with a 90% chance rate of being mugged, robbed, raped or car jacked. Jumping on a ship to the Antarctic from Ushuaia or Puerto Williams has become very trendy these days. The best option is to book on the smallest ship possible at the very beginning of the high season in November, or in the closing period around March. The image below was captured in a violent force 9 storm in the middle of the roaring 40's in full swing on board a Chilean naval vessel between Antarctica and Cape Horn - not for the faint hearted. 

Solo Overland Transit - South America

There's still plenty of isolated transit routes that are unspoilt off the beaten track throughout South America. The Georgetown to Belem transit route without seeing another foreigner for weeks is total bliss. Another route is from Bogota to Puerto Carreno that gets you across to Venezuela, which is a test even for the experienced overland traveller who can pass thru Venezuela without being corrupted, mugged or robbed (I've done this twice). A great transit route is through the Bolivian backdoor to Abuno, and then on to Puerto Velho to Manaus. Another is from Yacuiba in Bolivia through the Paraguayan savannah and paternal to Brazil. A favourite transit route that's been around for decades, is the journey from Ayacucho to San Francisco, crossing the Ucayali river to Quillabamba, Ollantaytambo, and onward to Cuzco. If you're game enough, the overland transit route heading north to Panama via Turbo on the Caribbean coast will be a self satisfying accomplishment. Let's also not forget the Puerto Asis slow boat river journey down the Putumayo to Leticia. All the routes mentioned are isolated and do have banditry holdups from time to time - good luck and enjoy.

There's no excuse! South American solo overland travel and transit routes from top to bottom of the continent are readily available in any direction imaginable. Having plenty of time on your hands is certainly required. A 12 month journey will pass in no time without realising how quick it went. There's nothing worse than having limited time schedules crammed packed into a 3 month stint for this continent - forget about it. Here's why with a quick breakdown of minimum time limits of each country: Colombia 2 months, Ecuador 1 month, Peru 3 months, Chile 2 months, Argentina 2 months, Paraguay 1 month, Bolivia 2 months, Brazil 3 months, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana 1 month, Venezuela 2 months. Transit journeys sticking to normal road routes through South America are easily accomplished if done in small steps.
This drastically changes in isolated regions, and becomes time consuming with available transport usually being basic. In isolated remote regions, delays and breakdowns do happen, including higher risk levels that multiply within areas in the Amazonian and Andean block. This includes certain areas of Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. From one day to the next, one can never know what could materialise. For example, Banditry is nothing new. For some, it's an easy lifestyle getting rich pickings for free. While most western foreigners are addicted social media junkies, Latino thieves and bandits are hooked and focused on robbing what's not theirs. Most locals will smile, as if everything looks blissful, but in reality this may not be the case just up the road which should be taken as good advice travelling through the entire continent. Western foreigners travelling through remote regions have no way around this. Locals will spread gossip of any western tourist in their turf faster than lightning. Getting robbed and mugged will depend if local bandits have just held-up a bus, or robbed enough takings the night before. If so, this usually gives a free pass to continue onwards without hinderance towards the next location. In Ecuador for example, foreign tourists are set-up, and robbed in broad daylight with most locals close-by watching it happen without stopping or helping. Foreigners are classified as loaded easy targets. 
This isn't fear porn - These are facts that happen on a daily basis through the continent. You hardly hear or read about robberies, muggings, raping or murder of foreigners in South America on fluffy solo travel blog-sites? The reasons are probably because this type of news has a negative impact to their sales pitch, and click bait royalties to hotels, airlines and other travel related links. 
Below is a quick list of updated warnings through South America for 2019
latest stats for Peru Oct 2018: Violent crime, including sexual assault, armed robbery, muggings and carjackings, occurs frequently in Peru, particularly in the cities of Lima, Cusco and Arequipa. Colombia 2019: Robbery of taxi passengers is a serious problem, express kidnapping, Hikers, including on trails in and around Bogotá, have been robbed at gunpoint. Small towns and rural areas of Colombia can be extremely dangerous due to the presence of terrorists and criminal elements, including armed gangs (referred to as "BACRIM" in Spanish). Violence associated with the BACRIM has spilled over into major cities. These groups are heavily involved in the drug trade, extortion, kidnapping and robbery. Brazil 2019: The rate of violent crime, including muggings, armed robbery, kidnappings and sexual assault, is high. Thieves are often armed. Tourists are targeted. Guyana 2019: Crime levels are high and violent crime is a problem, particularly in the capital Georgetown. Risks increase after dark, particularly if you're alone. Ecuador 2019: Violent crime, including assault and armed robbery, is common. Travellers have been injured resisting robbery. Venezuela 2019: Violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, drive-by shootings and carjackings, is common.
In South America there's a saying "The dead don't talk". There's also the sad case of grieving families who have to deal with loved ones that have vanished or are missing, like this Canadian dude last seen on the Santa Cruz Trek in Peru, a $500,000 USD reward is still in affect.

Foreigners Are Mugged & Robbed Everyday!

Since the 1980's Mugging and Robbing Tourists Throughout South America has Increased Mega-Fold 

These local street police in Peru aren't strapped and armed with guns just for fun! Sometimes you have to question why there's so many foreigners getting robbed in South America. One can read through all the many travel blog-sites on the same old gibberish of safety travel through the continent to no avail. Latino thieves have probably skimmed through many of these travel blog-sites having a good laugh, because they already know there's fresh plane loads of docile foreigners arriving into the continent everyday to mug and rob.
One out of many mistakes by foreigners in South America, is their own lack of judgment and instinct when out on the street after dark. Imagine being half intoxicated or stoned out of your brain leaving from a bar, beach party, or nightclub without even realising who may have been watching you. Experienced Latino night thieves don't work alone - they work in packs, with one or two surveilling their victims up-close for cash stashes, while others from the same group wait patiently outside for a cell phone call from their accomplices inside venues letting them know which victim to target. It's also very common for most foreigners to let their guard down thinking they're in a "safe zone" as though nothing will happen to them. This is certainly a no-brainer attitude that catches untold amounts of foreigners off-guard every week every year around the clock non-stop. Strolling alone along streets after dark without acknowledging what's up ahead will end-up badly for some. Being robbed, bashed, stabbed, or raped, and even murdered does happen within trendy areas where foreigners think it's totally safe without even knowing what maybe waiting outside in the dark.
Like the image snap above, wherever there's a police presence and overhead camera surveillance would normally be regarded as a "safe zone", but just one or two blocks in either direction with no security is a totally different story. There's a high percentage of tourist muggings, bashings, and victimisation throughout the continent that never reaches MSM news. Local government bodies prefer keeping negative assaults on foreigners as quiet as possible to keep their booming tourism industry vibrant. The amount of western foreigners that keep their mouths shut from aggravated muggings or rape is unknown, but with statistics of those that have been robbed, mugged  or raped is probably just as high. In saying this, there are plenty of foreigners who have travelled long-term through South America without being mugged, bashed or robbed.
Why are some lucky? It has a lot to do with timing, being at a particular location where someone was mugged and robbed moments before that allow others a free pass. Most important of all, it's about using and following one's inner instinct and judgment, and being aware of what's around them without taking anything for granted without being over paranoid.

Forget Luxury Comfort - Basic Transport Does The Job! 

Solo overland travel and transit using any available transport through a continent can't be matched. A few examples of real-time experiences in transit are the smell of sweaty armpit odours, vomit on the floor, wasted food scraps glued on seats, locals picking their noses flicking the contents near you, the sounds of deep farts with wicked aromas, constant loud snoring, blaring music at full volume, used as a pillow, cell phones constantly blaring, stale chewing gum stuck to your clothes, dog breath vapour, packed and squashed in like sardines, deep throat coughing and spitting in any direction, bush-bus aisles jam-packed with mountains of luggage, smokey engine fumes knocking you out, spilt fluids flowing under your seat, irritating blowflies, mosquitos and insects trapped on board, random drug control baggage checks, drivers fighting with passengers, uncontrollable baby screams and the smell of loaded diapers, goats, pigs and sheep crowding your space, random groping, toxic smelly feet in your face, baggage soaked in engine oil below deck, rattling clattering jammed windows, extreme hi-speed, holding out for load dumps and pee breaks, hi-altitude sickness, unbearable heat, the bitterly freezing cold, clouds of endless dust in your mouth, down your throat, and up your nose, non-stop vibrations, bad accidents, long breakdowns, highway bandit hold-ups, robbery, diarrhoea pressure on a non-stop moving bus, free sharing of ticks, fleas, and bed bugs from other passengers.

Through the decades I've done some heavy milage transiting up, down and across continents. You name it, I've probably done it, and repeated overland journeys through the same regions several times. Transiting on top of trains, plowing through the Tibetan plateau on the back of trucks and snow bogged buses, crammed in on local cargo ships, hitching rides on the back of packed out trucks, and using my own motorbikes and vehicles and any other basic transport to get through a continent. I've met some really inspiring travellers en-route during transit mode - they know who they are. I hope others that browse through this site will get a touch of inspiration to do the same, and continue their solo travels like myself for years to come.

Asia Overland Transit Routes

There's a multitude of different transit routes through the Asian continent in all directions. Completing the entire Asian rim depends on timing. For example, if one were to start from Indonesia in October, this will allow a 7 month window to reach the Chinese/Pakistan border when it reopens each spring. Completing an entire overland transit journey through Asia will take 12 months or more. It also depends how much time is spent in each country, especially with all the endless amount of detours off the beaten track that's available. The above map designates the transit direction which is more than enough to work out places of interest en route. Solo transiting through Tibet is virtually impossible today without a pre-booked guide, a driver, including a pile of paperwork bureaucracy and permits - good luck with that! A six month Indian visa is still obtainable in Laos, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka if it's a first visit with no record of a used visa. The new Pakistani online eVisa makes things easier to enter Pakistan by air. This will eventually filter out to land border crossings in the near future. The Consulate in Chengdu has issued tourist visas to non-Chinese nationals for a while. A bus ticket to the Chinese/Pakistani border will be denied unless a valid Pakistani visa has been issued. It's also advisable to apply for an Indian visa just before entering the country, an Indian visa begins its countdown the day it's issued. The Indian Embassy within Islamabad's security zone do issue visas. This occurrence of restricting visas for certain nationalities happens occasionally depending on each country's security measures with neighbouring countries. As a last resort passports can also be couriered to any country of origin to receive visas. The turn around time usually takes 2 -3 weeks. It's advisable to request a dual or multiple entry visa for China if crossing back and forth from Mongolia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Laos, or Hong Kong.
The usual overland transit gateways from Europe to Asia are through Pakistan to India, Kazakhstan to Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan to China (these 2 border crossings may or may not be open to foreign nationals). Avoiding Middle East chaos is through Urumqi at the border crossings from Kazakhstan or Russia This has been a favourite route by cyclists for decades. If a Pakistani visa has been issued in Southern Asia, the Myanmar-Indian-Pakistani overland route is a straight forward transit route to reach Jordan via Iran and iraq. The easiest overland route of them all is by train. The Trans Siberian railway connects a ferryboat from Vladivostok to Japan. There are also ferryboat connections to South Korea and China. 

​Cash In Transit - Bring Your Own Stash! 

"The first to greet you at any land border crossing are local money changers"

Cash Has Been Around For 4000 Years - It's Still Very Alive And Active Through The Continents! 

A cash money supply is always recommended in the middle of nowhere - ATM's are non-existent or days away when one is needed. Latinos, Africans, and Asians all through their respective continents use and handle cash every day. Indian ATM's for example, will only allow a 10,000 rupee withdrawal limit if using any off-shore cash card - with a horrendous rip-off surcharge each time the card is fed in to an ATM. Cash US dollars on the other hand will avoid rip-off ATM surcharges, and will also give a much better rate of exchange. In general, this applies throughout all the continents. When transiting across land borders the exchanging of local currency from one country to the next  is never an issue - with minimal loss of exchange rate. The first to greet you at any land border crossing are money changers - haggling for the highest rate is normal procedure. Don't leave home without a surplus load of cash dollars. It's still legal to carry up to $10,000 dollars in cash without having to declare it. Carrying a copy of the original purchase transaction of cash is recommended to verify to border authorities who may ask proof of where the cash stash originated from.

$USD - It's Still Got Plenty of Gas Left In The Tank!

​Tajikistan, Mali, Iran, Russia, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Congo, India, Angola, Sudan, Guyana, Argentina 

Venezuela, South Africa, Iraq, Nigeria, CAR, Nepal, Pakistan, Chad, Niger, Brazil, Nicaragua, Cuba, Somalia 

Sth Sudan, Libya, Ecuador, Cameroon, Mauritania, Ivory  Coast, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, El Salvador, Guiana   

US Dollars Are Still Going Strong In 2019 - It's The Preferred Currency Of Exchange For Local Cash!  

Whether you like or dislike using US dollars, it's still remains the most versatile paper currency to have in transit. One can try using Bit-coin, but it won't get you far in the middle of Africa, or the Middle East paying for transportation, food and accommodation. The Euro is another option, but 100 USD notes speak for themselves, and will give the best exchange rates without even going to a local bank. Until the USD totally crashes - which many journalists have been predicting since the mid 1970's, it still remains the best currency to have as a cash stash for any overland travel and transit journey through the continents. Just don't advertise or expose a bundle of cash dollars to anyone - especially to other foreigners running on empty who can be your worst enemy if they're broke in the middle of the Amazon or stuck on a beach in Goa. Walking around after dark with a pile of cash is another no-brainer and should be avoided at all costs. Foreign travellers getting robbed will only happen because they allowed themselves for it to happen by their own stupid mistakes they had made the day before, or during an outing within an environment that is classified as a safe zone - no where today is safe no matter the country or region. The only difference between Red zones and Safe zones are the type and level of criminal and terror activity within them.    

Taking Close-Up Tribal Portraits

The days of capturing freebie close-up tribal portrait images in various regions within safe zones through Africa and Asia are becoming more and more difficult each year. The increased influx of expanded tourism into tribal territory - even off the beaten track has a presence of fee charges from certain tribal groups, and individuals for close-up portrait captures. Only a few years ago, this was unheard of, but today tribal zones have become invaded by every man and his dog from across the planet who constantly pay ridiculous amounts of cash using their smart phones for close-up snaps. Paying a small sum for close-up snaps can't be avoided in southern Ethiopia which has been in effect for more than 2 decades. Kenya, Mali, and Namibia are trailing close behind. If you're not prepared to pay a little, don't go to these regions. Escaping to distant tribal communities well away from heavy  touristic tribal zones still have the freedom to freely photograph without issues. 

Crossing Borders - Red Zone Regions 

Afghanistan-Iran- Pakistan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Tajikastan

Overland transit into or out of Afghanistan can be done through 6 countries bordering around the country. The direct land crossing into China through the Wakhjir pass is known as a grey ghost border smuggling route for all types of illicit contraband. Applying for a Chinese visa maybe denied if the visa itinerary shows the overland route is entering via Xinjiang State. The Chinese government has clamped down on their own Muslim population sending an estimated million plus Uighurs to "Internment camps".  In general, visa issues for neighbouring countries bordering Afghanistan have open time validations. The duration length will depend on nationality, and where, and who is issuing the visa. An Afghani visa extension is permitted only once, over staying in the country is expensive @$10 per day. 
Red Zone regions throughout Afghanistan and bordering countries are alive and well. Most foreigners are lucky enough to transit through Afghanistan along secure routes without issues whatsoever. All Red Zone regions are not called Red Zones for nothing. They all share common values - Radical Islamic extremists, pro radical extremists, sympathisers supporting radical extremists, imported extremists, heroin cultivation, smuggling trade routes, arms smuggling and contraband goods. Normally, locals in these regions are more than friendly enough with lots of happy chit chat. The danger arises when any of the above 3 groups may decide to do an unexpected  hotel call to your room during the middle of the night. Kidnapping happens, getting tortured and shot in the head also happens. News of any foreigner arriving and staying in any town within a Red Zone region spreads like wildfire. If a Western Muslim convert and speak Afghani you get a free pass, but if an Atheist, or a Christian , or of other faith beliefs as an Afghani or a foriegner, you're putting your life on the line - Is a risk worth dying for? that's what most foreigners completely forget when thinking nothing will happen to them - read the above sentence a few times to let it sink in! 
The usual European overland transit route to Asia is through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan to China, and onward to the Irkeshtam pass on the Karakoram highway. In saying this, in 2018, a group of 4 cyclists from the Holland, Switzerland and the USA were deliberately mowed down and stabbed to death in Tajikistan by radical islamists. The now deceased American couple had been on the road for over a year cycling through "safe zones" in Africa. They were mistaken and totally misjudged that evil was only a make believe concept with both ending up in body-bags-Jay Austin had quoted the following "Evil is a make-believe concept we’ve invented to deal with the complexities of fellow humans holding values and beliefs and perspectives different than our own is a make-believe concept" Other westerners travelling off-shore thinking like this should remain within safe tourist zones. Don't expect others to have the same "free thinking" values as you do!
Crossing Pakistan to India is through the Wagah border via Lahore to Amritsar. Entering Afghanistan from Iran is simple if an Afghani visa has been issued, the route from Mashed to the Taybad-Islam Qala border is the normal route used by foreigners. Avoiding Afghanistan completely is through the Mirjaveh-Taftan border into Pakistan. This is a Red Zone border region. Depending on how volatile the Baluchistan province is on the week of arrival, a military/police escort through to Quetta is normal procedure.
​Taken Hostage-Kabul, 3 foreigners killed, Ambushed Tourists, Held captive for 5 years, Herat German killed, List of foreign Hostages, Afghan News News

So you've just arrived in Egypt from a gruelling solo overland journey from Cape-town, and now plan to continue onwards to Nepal overland through the Middle East. There's a choice of 3 different routes that will work without having to grab a flight. Applying for onward visas through the Middle East maybe difficult for some nationalities, but usually with the correct itinerary and dress mode visiting Embassies, and the luck of friendly visa official staff, most visas do get issued. Having a passport half filled with freshly used visas from all over Africa also makes a positive impression. A Saudi tourist visa can be obtained by pre-booking a ticket to any international sport event held in the country. Normally, a single entry 30 day E-visa is issued, giving enough duration time to get through the Kingdom - without even attending the event.        
The quickest route if the appropriate visas are granted, is directly through Saudi. A ferryboat from Suez to Duba connects both countries. Hitching lifts through Saudi isn't difficult. When reaching either Doha, Dubai or Muscat, it gives various ferryboat connections to Iran and Pakistan. If arriving in Bandar Abbas, the lower border crossing from Iran into Pakistan (Mand-Pishin/Gabd-Rimdan) by-passes the Red Zone route further north at the Mirjaveh/Taftan border. Applying for a fresh Indian visa in Islamabad usually takes 3-5 days. An India visa begins its countdown the day its issued. The choice of transiting through Iraq from Saudi into Iran is another option if a Saudi visa has the stretch time to do so.
Route 2 is through the Sinai to Jordan (Nuweiba to Aqaba). Picking up an Iraqi visa in Cairo is recommended without relying on the consulate, or embassy in Jordan. The Amman-Baghdad border crossing was reopened in February 2019. Crossing over to Iran can easily be done from the many Iraqi-Kurdish border crossings in the north of the country, or at Basrah in the south. From Iran, the choice of transiting through Afghanistan to Pakistan and on to India is an option, it will depend on the latest situations in Afghanistan.
Route 3 is the longest route, including the amount of time it may take to jump on a cargo ship to Cyprus from Alexandria or Port Said sea ports. From Cyprus, another crossing through the Med to Rhodes or directly to Turkey can also be time consuming, but it is possible. From Turkey, travelling through both Iraq and Iran or directly entering Iran from Turkey at the Bazagan crossing is a personal choice. From Iran the same route through Afghanistan or Pakistan applies (Herat-Kabul-Peshawar-Islamabad) or (Zahaden-Taftan-Quetta-Multan-Lahore-Wahga/Attari-Amritsar)
​Transiting through Middle East Red Zone regions is at your own risk. Northern Sinai has Al-Qaida/Daesh terror cells, Syria contains Daesh/Al-Qaida /Hezbollah/ proxy terror cells, Afghanistan has a mix of Taliban/Daesh/Al-Qaida terror cells. 

Photo Gear - Don't Leave Home Without It!

Point & Shoot, Mirrorless, DSLR - So many choices to choose from - There's no Excuse!

What some good advice? Purchase a proper camera and use your smart phone camera for social media snaps - or selfies if you have that addiction. Have you seen a cell phone image in photoshop enlarged @30o% - Horrible and time wasting with no sharpness or depth to render an image to a poster size canvas. Most cameras today have the options to capture images in either jpeg, tiff and raw - which smart phone cameras don't. Shooting in jpeg/raw is the way to go, and has been since digital was invented. A smart phone camera is useless in wildlife parks, and even more useless to capture fast moving subjects at any given distance - including low light captures without using a flash. Sony, Canon, Fuji and Nikon all have good photo-gear with a broad range of cameras to fit anyones budget. Make the right choice  - and you won't regret it!     

Solo Overland Transit - Where To Start?  

"Landing at either end of a continent to begin an overland transit journey is the way to go"   

Beginning your own solo overland travel and transit journey through a continent usually has limited options where to start if the entire continent is the itinerary. Landing into the middle of a continent like in Lima, Lagos, or Nairobi will only add complications to fully complete crossing through the rest of the continent in one direction. Doubling and back tracking through countries that have already been completed will only add extra cost and waiting time for new visas, including thousands of transit kilometres and accommodation costs. It makes sense to begin any long term overland transit journey at the edge of a continent, and continuing either up, down, or across a continent en-route. The following countries are typical overland travel and transit start points in either direction: Turkey to Hong Kong, Morocco or Cairo to South Africa, Chile to Mexico, Colombia to Argentina, Singapore to Turkey

Overland Transit - Your Own Vehicle 

Are you considering to purchase your own vehicle for extensive long-term road trips through a country or a continent? It's a great way to be self reliant without depending on public transport in certain countries. Buying a car is the easy part, but how reliable is it? Do the tires have good tread and are they the same brand? Has the speedo been wound back to look as if the vehicle has done less milage? Is the engine oil jet black as if it hasn't been changed for years? Are there oil drops on the road where the cars parked? Does the engine start-up immediately sounding smooth, or does it take lots of cranking? Do all the gauges function showing oil pressure, temperature, and voltage? Does the engine blow a lot of smoke from the rear exhaust?, Does the clutch slip when in gear?, Does the rear diff make a whining noise?, Do the brakes work immediately, or are they spongy and unresponsive?, Does the engine ping and lacks power when testing it up a step hill climb?. Depending if a vehicle is 2wd, 4wd, diesel, petrol, automatic, or manual, the above reference check will almost be the same. Safety comes first, your life depends on it. Reliability is a close second if you don't want to be stuck with a broken down wreck in the middle of nowhere, including your baggage and valuables. Don't buy a vehicle because you like the colour, or the fancy sound system installed in it. Reselling a used vehicle and getting back most of your investment will depend on the overall condition for any interested buyer. 

VW Kombis are nothing new in South America, Brazil has been manufacturing them for decades, so there's still plenty of good used classic Kombis that can be purchased through the continent. Apart from the usual spares, the above engine parts are also essentials for emergency breakdowns that may happen in the middle of nowhere. The Kombi engine shown above was running fine half way through the continent until it blew an engine seal and needed a replacement seal. It involved a 250 kilometre tow, and the engine removed to repair the issue. I was fortunate enough to have spotted the warning oil light blink on, and act immediately to shut down the engine which saved it from a total seizure. ​
​Purchasing a rust bucket of bolts should be avoided for two reasons, the cost and amount of repairs and breakdowns that eventuate en-route, and the resale value of the vehicle. After clocking up 30,000kms through South America most vehicles if not looked after will drop in their resale value. Pawning a vehicle off to other interested foreigners is the best option to get some cash back. 

Bullets & Ammo Shells - Check Your Travel Baggage! 

Here are a few links verifying foreigners who were caught carrying live ammo or spent cartridges in their baggage on departure or arriving at airports.  

Solo Travel and Transit - Onward Visas, Overland Routes, Red Zones

Grabbing a flight into any continent of choice is the easiest task to do, but continuing on any epic overland transit journey through continents crossing land borders over into neighbouring countries must be planned well in advance. This will ensure visa formalities for neighbouring countries aren't an issue when applying. Depending on nationality, visa requests are sometimes hindered on the cover of your passport, which can involve extra paperwork, including the rare request to purchase a flight ticket out of certain countries before a visa is issued. In general, Consulates are much easier to deal with rather than Embassies unless you arrive in a suit and holding a briefcase. Usually pre-booking with a bus or train service that cross international borders is more than sufficient, rather than purchasing an onward air ticket, which usually flies direct to a country's capital. This beats the purpose of overland travel. South Africa, Ethiopia, India, North Sudan, Pakistan, China, Iran, Russia, and Nigeria all have different levels of entry formalities which may or may not be requested at a particular Consulate, or when entering at certain land border crossings. Some land border crossings are easier to pass through than others without being corrupted by officials.
​An example is the Rwanda/DRC border crossing to Goma which has had a bad reputation for years from a DRC officials siphoning and extracting cash from solo travellers that pass through. Some have paid $200USD or more depending on nationality - even though they had a valid Congo visa. I found travelling a little further south to the next DRC border crossing located in Burundi by-passes corruption fee payouts.
​Argentinean highway police and some land border immigration officials go out of their way to extract cash from foreigners driving private vehicles. I've  had the opportunity on many occasions to experience this issue when crossing Argentina driving a Brazilian registered VW Kombi. Making sure a pile of cigarettes and fresh avocados were visibly noticed on the dash and seat gave me free passage without paying a peso. The main Argentinian/Chile border crossing after leaving Mendoza was also an issue with one corrupt customs official who wanted $300USD to pass. I was determined not to pay corruption cash and instead waited for 12 hours on the border until a new shift of border officials began work who allowed me to drive onwards into Chile freely.                 
Major overland continental transit routes still remain on the same bitumen and bush track highways as they always have for decades. The only changes worth mentioning here are the existing or newer short-cut transit routes that may head directly into red zone regions containing elements of insurgency, highway banditry, and local upheavals. Most red zones are well known by locals who reside on the edge of them. This is where the latest fresh information can be collected and trusted for a particular overland route. The chances of meeting other foreign nationals that have just come through a Red Zone region that one is about to transit through is rare, but does happen occasionally. Taking calculated risks are better than transiting blind through any Red Zone.
The following overland transit routes are considered extreme and do contain various levels of danger: Sudan to Mali via Chad and Niger. Sudan to Gabon via Central African Republic and DRC. Algeria to Nigeria via Mali or Niger. Iran to Lebanon via Iraq and Syria. Djibouti to Kenya via Somalia. Egypt to Tunisia via Libya. Turkey to Jordan via Syria, Iran to India via Afghanistan. Pakistan to Kazakhstan via Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Egypt to Tunisia via Libya, Angola to Sudan via DRC, Nigeria to Sudan via Cameroon and Central Africa Republic.

Big Cities - Street Photography 

One thing large cities don't lack are the endless flows of local buses passing through central metropolitan areas. Normally, all city buses have their own routes to commuter passengers daily back and forth transiting in their specified directions. One thing I had learnt decades ago, was to Jump on board any bus and travel on it until the last stop. The interaction levels of meeting different locals en-route are usually more than rewarding. The unknown final destination on the out skirts of large cities will usually have something of interest to photograph. Street portraits, vendors, and open markets are a few to mention. By dissecting different bus routes, one can easily cover the compass dial from north to south, and east to west over a week. Returning each time using the same bus route gets you back to the city centre where foreigners often stay. By doing this, it gives the opportunity of capturing many street images and close-up portraits from every corner of a city. With words of caution, there are certain risks involved if you're not street wise, or have zero interaction levels. The outer edges of big cities have limited police or security, so you're virtually on your own. The majority of my own visits to the edge of cities are normally welcomed, with positive reaction levels amongst locals. There have been occasions when I've returned to the same region of certain cities, because of it's unique isolated atmosphere that's impossible to find within city centres. Make shift machine workshops, auto garages, dusty roadside tea shacks, scrap yards with endless possibilities of capturing street portraits are easily found on the outskirts of big cities. Arriving back to home base in metropolitan regions of cities becomes somewhat stagnate compared to what is experienced on the outskirts of towns and cities.

Capturing random street images like the one above are much easier to take by placing a tripod somewhere along a busy urban street and using the full 360 degree circle on a tripod to capture subjects passing-by. This keeps constant focus on any subject, and guarantees tack shark images. This image was taken from 30 metres distance in amongst locals waiting for a bus. This applies mainly for heavy lenses that are 3+ kg which become heavier as the day drags on. Moving from one location to another using this technique has worked for me resulting with 100's of random street images that would have been impossible to capture.         

Overland Street Photography - Close-up Portraits 

Close-up random street photography has never changed, if anything, it has become a lot easier with all the different types of camera options available. Using the latest equipment is one thing, but to grab close-up snaps of someone can quickly backfire if the wrong approach is made. Depending on the subject of choice, the repercussions can cause all sorts of problems. The deletion of images, threatening behaviour, police involvement, or even a smashed camera are issues that do happen. Zero interaction is the root cause. Some of these occurrences may fester in your own country, so imagine the consequences in countries with strict religious laws through the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The breakdown to photograph a stranger is relatively simple with four main steps. The Atmosphere of where an image is about to be taken, the communication and dialogue between the subject and who they're with, and the amount and level of interaction time with the subject. Going ahead without using these steps is not only rude, but it makes it even more difficult for others to photograph the same person in the future if it ever arises. Understanding normal common sense to recognise if a subject doesn't want to be photographed is by their actions. Images taken of subjects from a distance using a zoom or tele-lens is usually never an issue. But to capture someone close-up with a lens less than a metre in distance will need the above basic steps to capture rewarding street portraits.

Street Photography Middle East - Red Zone Regions

The Middle East is like the wild west with an over-supply of arsenal and weapons. In saying that, depending were one is situated in the Middle East, it can actually be safer walking down the street than in Chicago, Rio or Johannesburg. Mild Mid-East countries like Jordan and the UAE are "tourist" heavy without the need of worrying about car bombs, and IED's exploding to bits by militia groups. Random street photography in these countries is generally friendly without issues. Interaction with permission to photograph is like anywhere else for close-up street portraits. Normally, foreign male and female visitors will have different advantages of photographing locals. Males can easily take street snaps of men, while females have the opportunity to photograph women in privacy or secluded places prohibited to men.
In other Mid-East countries, random street photography in rural regions will depend on the real-time atmosphere and whatever interaction levels that are available. Getting out on the street without photo-gear for the first day or two to feel the vibe is recommended. Spending time in any street chai hang-out full of locals will draw plenty of attention to feel how the atmosphere is. This is when one can test their interaction levels with locals. Speaking some Arabic will go a long way in remote areas. After walking through a few blocks of any town, the decision to go out with a camera can then be determined. Arabs will usually ask your nationality, and at times your religious beliefs. American nationals should avoid saying where they come from. For instance, foreigners having dialogue amongst locals in Jalalabad, Kabala, Aleppo, or El Arish will spread at supersonic speeds through town. Some of the best areas for street photography in Baghdad, Damascus, Kabul, and Cairo are on the out skirts of these cities. 
Is it a risk to walk around alone in these zones? Yes and no, dress mode and interaction levels play an important roll. For foreign nationals, anywhere and everywhere can become a risk in volatile countries. It will depend on your own judgment, the ability of communicating in Arabic, and personal interaction level to capture close-up portraits of locals. It's also very normal from other locals close-by who watch what you're doing, and may warn you not to photograph certain subjects. ​

Street Photography - Interacting 

Is it your first solo overland travel & transit journey through a continent? Can you handle interacting with total strangers outside your comfy zone? How good is your interaction levels? these are only a few of many important questions you need to ask your self to understand the importance of interaction. Having low self esteem and interaction levels won't go far, you can forget about capturing close-up street portraits almost anyway. Imagine being within an open market area somewhere in the Congo, or down a narrow street laneway in India, or in an isolated village in Afghanistan, and spot a subject you really want to capture close-up as possible, but haven't a clue or know the first step of interacting. Don't worry, you're not alone, I've seen many foreigners through the decades who have stumbled on this important issue. Interacting is actually easier than what it seems, just a quick smile at a subject can go along way. Holding your posture and looking directly at your subject shows you're open to dialogue. Taking interest of what a subject is doing is automatic. Pointing a camera at any subject too early may cause rebuke, or irritation, it's all about timing, the way one moves, sits, the vibe and whole atmosphere, and how one expresses themselves to capture some great random street portraits.

Solo Travel - Street Portraits

Have you ever end-up getting disappointing street portraits? I used too, because of the lack of putting some effort into actually capturing the shot. Through time and motion, one begins to understand how important it is to use dialogue and interaction with the subject. If you're tall and the subject is small, getting down below eye level with a lens will usually give the correct angle of the subject. Capturing the subject in front of an open doorway will also make any street portrait stand out. Depending on what finished result one is trying to accomplish, moving the subject either back or forward a foot step will increase or decrease the amount of desired ambient light required. This simple technique requires no flash. Good positive interaction skills and using reasonable quality photo-gear will give anyone random street portraits they can be satisfied with.        

Solo Travel Overland Africa - Interacting  

Reaching somewhere into the the heartland of Africa can be a mission in itself, but it's worth whatever it takes to get there. Interacting with isolated tribal groups will depend on your own personal skills. Shyness isn't an option, being introverted won't work either. Depending on the location, tribal groups are very responsive towards individual westerners who make an effort to interact amongst them. A positive vibe usually happens immediately with children who generally have a steroid mix of unmatched adrenaline. In general, most isolated tribal groups have the freedom of being semi naked, or even completely naked, they don't adhere or follow western values of controlled dress mode or political correctness jargon. Untamed Africa still exists off the beaten tourist trails through the continent. If you're looking for more than lying on a beach in Zanzibar, or sick and tired of the usual touristy hangouts, the option of heading into the middle of nowhere awaits for those who want to feel and experience the real Africa.

Solo Overland Travel - An Image For An Image

Decades ago I gave images of the Dalai Lama for an image capture of Tibetans through Tibet. Since then on most overland journeys no matter which continent it is the odd request from locals to have an image that was taken of them arises. This was difficult in the roll-film days, but in the digital age an image is easily sent via bluetooth in an instant. There are those residing within tribal territories or within isolated regions who don't use cell phones, and only have a postal address. Grabbing details and sending an A4 size laminated portrait at a later date is always appreciated. The Fujifilm instax mini camera is the perfect solution for on the spot colour prints on the go if there's space enough in baggage - a great interaction tool in certain regions.

Overland Travel & Transit - FIRST AID Kit

Travelling with a mini first aid kit is something that many don't really worry about carrying until the moment it's needed. When over-landing through the continents there will be times when a first aid kit comes in handy. Transport accidents, hiking fatalities, beach, ocean, desert and savannah cuts, including infectious bites are a part of a long list of hazards that can eventuate from one minute to the next. Here's a quick list of what I usually carry for emergency purposes - A tick extractor, band aids, plaster tape, eye drops, neosporin powder and ointment, antiseptic cream, portable water purifier, alloy wrap sheet, vitamins, tiger balm, tweezers, mini scissors, and a sharp knife.
​Many wonder if local water supplies seen readily available through the continents is safe to drink. In most case Yes it is, if locals are guzzling it down, then you can too. Actually, some local water is far safer to drink than what's contained in plastic bottled water labeled with fancy logos. For instance, I've been drinking local water supplies through Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East for over 4 decades without issues. It's a good way to strengthen and beef up weak immune systems - don't be afraid to try. 

Overland Road Trip - South America

"A classic VW Kombi will get you through the entire continent" 

Are you planning a long term overland road trip through South America? Purchasing a classic VW Kombi van in Brazil is one out of many alternatives. I've crossed the continent several times with Kombis that were originally purchased in Brazil. These old road floaters can still be found in reasonable condition throughout the continent. Depending on the rules and regulations of each country for foreigners to purchase and resell a vehicle, I personally found Brazil to be the easiest country to buy a VW. The cost and exchange rate plays an important roll that determines where a vehicle can be bought cheap enough. Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia all have different tax levels, so it really depends on the timing of the exchange rate, and the asking price where a vehicle can be purchased at a reasonable cost. There's more info further down this page. The images shown was a 2nd hand Kombi In transit mode crossing the Andes, and within the southern desert region in Peru. The gasoline VW was purchased in Puerto Alegre on the Brazilian coast for $900USD. It gave no issues throughout its entire road trip throughout South America. Parts are still available for these models in most Latin countries. The converted diesel version VW Kombis are also reliable machines, but are more expensive to purchase. Here's one from many Brazilian links directly to purchase VW Kombis although most viewed on this site are newer models (2000-2014) in the range of $2500-$6000USD. Time and patience is required to purchase a vehicle, don't buy something just because you like the colour. In Brazil, I've purchased classic Kombis in Curitiba and Porto Alegre without issues. A full maintenance checkover is recommended to ensure the running gear is in tip-top condition before any long duration transit journey. A Brazilian gasoline powered vehicle will also need to have the ignition timing advanced for neighbouring countries because of higher octane gasoline. One can still be lucky enough to find a good classic Kombi that can be purchased cheaper from a private sale.

​Walking Till The Sweat Flows - Africans Do It All The Time!  

"Fitness comes automatically in transit mode - Walking village to village is a good start"

Need a non-serious work-out? Feeling lethargic? Want to lose fat tissue? Walking at your own pace all day does the trick. Africans are known for their long distant walkathons, including Asians, and Latinos. Many locals through the continents are super-fit, because of having to walk for days on end due to the lack of transportation. Walking workouts in rural regions is not only healthy; it also gets you from village to village without knowing who you will meet next. One can stop for a quick break, guzzle some water, chit-chat with locals, capture some close-up portrait snaps, and drop as much sweat as you wish. A 10 kilometre walk through any city does the same job, although this will depend on pollution levels. I do this often,  most of the time to keep fit. Carrying a camera grabbing street snaps along the way can clock-up plenty of kilometres without even realising it. Most will be surprised how much weight shedding will eventuate by just walking and sweating it out everyday. 

Solo Overland Travel & Transit - It Becomes Addictive! 

"Kiss goodbye comfy zones & soft lounge suites in transit mode off bitumen highways" 

Overland transit means what it says, screaming will do you no good when in the thick of it. Comfy zones are non-existent transiting through any remote region off the beaten track. Bush buses, trucks, 4x4's including boat transport all have their limitations. Major breakdowns happen, gearboxes explode, engines blow-up, and diffs fall apart. There's always something up ahead that dramatises over-land transiting that gives the addiction of doing it. Climbing on board anything that's moving in the travel direction is normal procedure with little choice of anything passing through for days on end. If you're game and want real adventure - don't even think twice to do it!  Solo overland travel crossing through continents using any available transport has no equal. Breakdowns, border closures, expired visas and highway banditry are part and parcel transiting through some isolated regions. No one can predict what's up ahead, anything can happen, and maybe nothing will happen at all.

Solo Travel Basic Transport - Africa-Asia-South America

Forget about tour companies and travel blogger packaged deals if you're looking for real adventure crossing continents! Most cater for the tourism bubble market only along main transit routes. Going it alone transiting overland using basic transport to cross through countries will give you the best experience with minimal cost. Think about it - on most transit journeys you'll end up being the only foreigner on board. The interaction level becomes easier, and locals will usually go out of their way to help or assist if required. Using rough as guts bush-buses becomes routine with each individual journey being different to the last. Don't think bush-buses are slow, some drivers will have their foot hard down on the gas pedal all day non-stop screaming the engine at peak revs without mercy - like flying a jet without wings.
Some of the most amazing overland transit journeys are on board loud fuming rattling bush-buses falling apart. Photo-gear and other fragile items will also fall apart if they're not packed down properly. A camera falling on the floor on a vibrating bush-bus doing 90 kph along a winding corrugated pot-filled dirt road will test it's reliability - many cameras no matter the brand fail on the 1st drop, choose wisely.

​Dust In Transit Mode - Get Used To It

"It doesn't matter what continent one transits through - The Vibration & Dust Will Be Waiting For You" 

There's no escape from dust, dirt or grime in transit mode off the bitumen tarmac. Collecting a thick layer of dust is a part of any travel transit journey through isolated regions. Grinding dust in your teeth, and having your nose and eyes caked up with dust becomes very normal on dirt roads. The only important issue to worry about is to have photo-gear, electronic items, including laptops sealed and packed down. If not, the bouncing, corrugation, and vibration, including endless clouds of dust will destroy equipment. It doesn't matter what continent one transits through - the vibration, dust and grime is a part of the overland transit journey. Hitching lifts in tribal zones will depend how much available transport there is. Normally, locals will pack themselves bundled up together on the back of anything available travelling in their direction. Reaching isolated tribal villages off the beaten track well away from touristic areas within tribal zones takes patience. Locals in tribal zones normally rely on trucks and pickups to return to villages 50-100 kilometres from main centre supply hubs. Talking with drivers just before they depart into the wilderness will normally yield positive results. Journeys are raw and rough in tribal regions, roads are dirt tracks full of bull dust, corrugation and endless pot holes. Protecting sensitive gear is estuarial.  Getting back from isolated villages can be time consuming and will depend on what passes by, if there's room, and if drivers wants to stop.

High Pass Overland Transit  

"Unpredictable extreme weather abnormalities can happen at a moments notice anywhere at anytime"   

Heavy rains, flash flooding, avalanches and rock fall are normal occurrences during winter and monsoon season. Abnormal freak weather can cause havoc on high pass mountain dirt roads in Nepal, Peru, India, Bolivia, Ethiopia and Pakistan. Many high altitude bush track highways are usually closed during the winter months in Pakistan and India due to heavy snow drifts giving zero visibility with limited access to transit through these regions. Peru, Bolivia, and Ethiopia are known for erratic weather carnage along cliff top bush track highways with major slippage and rock avalanches. Blocked high pass transit routes can be closed for days or even weeks in these countries. India and Pakistan have issues with flash flooding during monsoon cycles every year within highland regions affecting roads following along the edge of valley gorges which have collapsed in seconds. Buses going over the edge into swollen rivers does happen. You certainly don't want to be transiting through any high pass bush track highways during heavy rain fall - It's a risk that has killed many locals and foreigners. Always check the weather conditions before departing - Your life depends on it. 

Wet Season Solo Travel - Mud, Bog & Breakdowns 

"Overland bus transit short cuts can easily turn into long cuts at a moments notice" 

Where the bitumen ceases the reality of real overland travel and transit begins. The Amazonian wet season shows no mercy when continuous outbursts of tropical rain washes out bush track highways making it impossible for transport to pass through. Most dirt highways within the interior of the Amazon basin become clogged and bogged like an endless mud pit. Screaming will do you no good at all during the middle of any bush track journey thinking it was a quick short-cut transit route. During the wet season within the Brazilian Amazon many bush track highways end up becoming long-cuts with some tracks wiped out due to slips and severe flooding. Experienced bus operators won't risk getting stuck in the middle of nowhere - for days, but there are drivers who do gamble to get through and become totally stuck in mud. Various breakdowns also occur and are normally with issues like broken axles, an electrical fault, a blown engine, or a transmission failure. Some buses do end up down ravines or over the sides of cliffs due to driver error. A positive note is the exercise one gets lugging personal transit baggage from one bus to another through the middle of a bog pit where buses can't pass. I've had this experience happen many times with buses, trucks,  trains and even on boats. 

Dugouts - Not Great When They Sink With Baggage

Taking risks cruising up or down swollen rivers in a dugout can cost you your baggage - And Your Life!

A warning to those who want to solo transit up or down rivers in a dugout with all their travel baggage. One should check the condition of any dugout before renting, purchasing and cruising off down river loaded with everything they own. Old dugouts do collect water and slowly submerge like a sub. The image shown was dugout that was bone dry one day, and half submerged the following day. Any venture on rivers in a dugout on a smooth flowing current is fine, but only those who have had some experience will master a dugout when encountering rapids-which can flip a dugout on its side in seconds. If you value your life, and travel baggage (photo-gear included), then take this a precautionary measure. Some foreigners haven't been so lucky, and had lost everything they owned from a dugout flipping on its side.

Robbed & Mugged In Transit - Nothing New Here!

"When You Think You're Safe - That's When You'll Get Robbed - No Place Is Safe After Dark"

The amount of foreigners I've met in transit mode over the years who have been mugged, robbed, raped and bashed is beyond belief. Many lose their baggage because of simple mistakes. Some have been robbed because of using unsafe accommodation, or not keeping an eye on baggage when in cafes, bars or during transit itself. Never think, or underestimate thieves and robbers are all the same! For example, in Central and South America they're not! Thieves, muggers, and bandits use their own different techniques, with some working only in daylight hours, while others rob and mug through the night. Daylight thieves have their own areas and turf - so in most cases they're already watching without you even knowing about it, and will strike at an appropriate time that always suits them. Repeat the last sentence again and again till it sinks in. 
Highway bandits are the worst, they show no mercy and hold-up buses robbing the entire contents of buses which sometimes includes a strip-down of passengers down to their underwear for hidden cash stashes in money belts, clothing and shoes. Using street instinct, and learning the ropes of transit survival without getting robbed or loosing travel gear is a must do. If you don't bother to learn the tricks or use the basic skills of street awarenesses within any environment, especially in South America you will eventually be mugged and robbed with no one to blame apart from yourself. 

You can read all you want from "fluffy travel blog-sites" who write about the same jargon on solo overland travel safety, but they're only skimming the surface of premeditated robbery, rape and assault without getting into any in-depth detail of the root causes. There are reasons behind this, one is the global billion dollar tourism industry itself.
If any country already has a viscous crime and rape rate i.e. South Africa, Venezuela, India etc, then don't expect local thieves, muggers and rapists to stop in their tracks to give foreigner visitors a free pass! They won't - they will continue as they have always done without remorse.
​Foreign tourists are easy targets, and spotted two blocks away by their western dress wear, and expensive looking boots and daypacks. Some shady hotels with light fingered staff are also in for the take, and are known for relieving items from rooms. Also, many bars, and music joints are magnet hubs for thieves and would be rapists where they can freely congregate, watch, analyse and target their next victim without the person acknowledging until it happens - usually always after dark. So, it doesn't matter about how many surface level warnings you may read from trendy travel blog-sites. 
Safety is all about the country you're visiting by the percentage level in each country for an assault, a rape, a mugging, or murder to happen. Countries that already contain high crime and rape statistics will automatically have a higher risk factor.
The tourism industry, airlines, hotels, and internet giants like Google would rather place negative tourism news feeds hidden well away from any of their search engines. By keeping a positive vibe of the travel tourism industry, most travel bloggers give false impressions that everything is OK, and nothing will happen to you. Travel bloggers need to keep their sponsors, and affiliates happy with positive clic bait -Yes? Being aware and alert within unfamiliar surroundings can easily be forgotten when everyones partying hard out, intoxicated, or stoned off their faces to even think of being mugged, bashed, robbed or raped. This is when most foreigners become victims. Safety is your own responsibility, the tourism industry, and all the fancy hotel advertising online won't be there to help you when a negative situation arises, if ignored - you only have yourself to blame. 

After Dark - Nowhere is Safe

The text in this image sounds raw for some - Yes? It has to be, because it's even rare in 2019 among MSM and fluffy travel blog sites of any detail how many foreigners who were robbed , mugged, bashed or raped happening each week non-stop around the clock off-shore. Anyone after dark no matter where they are can become an instant victim without acknowledging why it personally happened to them until it's too late. Remaining vigilant sounds good, but isn't enough. Being aware and using your own inner instinct acknowledging the boundaries of safety around you is a necessity and shouldn't be taken lightly. Many western foreigners become completely hypnotised, and either don't worry or forget where they are within different surroundings where they normally reside in. North American citizens may feel safe in their own country with the right to bear arms, but forget about that little side-arm pistol as protection when leaving the USA - you're on your own just like everyone else. Countless criminals, thieves, bandits and rapists are alive and well throughout the planet, and work around the clock within their own zones picking-off their victims as they choose - Foreign tourists are easy targets because most of them after 1 month off-shore forget how easy it is to become a victim.

Solo Travel Safety - Everyday is Different!

Forget about fear mongering or over exaggerated hype. Getting assaulted, robbed, mugged or raped happens, and usually occurs without warning when most least expect it to happen. There are many out there who know exactly what I'm talking about and probably remain silent due to embarrassment or the shock that something did happen to them. In the real world anyone can become a target and end up as a victim. Foreigners who are easily mugged, robbed, or raped because of being on cloud 9, or having zero awareness levels allow the vicious cycle of victimisation to flow on to other foreigners who also become targets within the same region. Learning self-defence, carrying some form of protection is a personal choice. Using basic instinct and awareness will get most through an entire continent without  harm or any loss of baggage. Just because you may come from the Bronx, Chicago or reside within no go zones in Europe doesn't mean jack shit in other neighbour hoods elsewhere. Every region through the planet is different using their own street rules, tactics, and tricks. Westerners who come from safe protected lifestyles are more vulnerable to become a victim in the real world.

Foreigners within the Amazon or in certain regions in Africa and Asia suffer excruciating pain from scorpion, snake and spider bites every year. Using a stun gun on yourself can save a whole lot of pain from these poisonous critters by using hi-voltage electrical current. Inflicting one second zapps with a hand held stun gun immediately on a fresh venomous snake, scorpion or spider bite will decrease heart beat and swelling within minutes, and probably end up saving your life if in the middle of nowhere in wilderness regions. Holding the stun gun directly over the bite zapping 4-6 times across bites rotating the contact points around the bite is sufficient enough. Walking through Amazonian jungle on your own without a guide increases the risk factor of being bitten by coral snakes. Using a strong enough stick to hit jungle brush and branches in front of you will make camouflage tree snakes move out of the way.     

In Transit - Do You Watch Your Stuff? - Many Don't

The chances of loosing items from inside daypacks, or having a daypack suddenly disappearing altogether can happen during any overland transit journey through the continents. How do I know this?  By all my extensive overland travel and transit journeys over 4 decades from the amount of foreigners who have had their daypacks pilfered or stolen when dozing-off, or from those who had left their daypacks unattended while taking a quick pee-break on a bus or on a train. Buses with slide open windows are one of the fastest ways to loose daypacks, which are quickly thrown directly out the window during chaotic mid-night bus pick-ups at terminals en-route. This can happen on night buses in the highlands of Peru, bush buses thru Africa, or on trains thru Asia. It takes under 3 seconds to remove an unguarded daypack out of any open bus window. Deluxe buses may feel safer with sealed windows, but on countless occasions the pilfering of daypack contents does happen without the owner knowing about until it's too late. Keeping daypacks from being razor bladed will depend where daypacks are placed, and positioned during night transit. Never think everyone on a bus is honest just because you're a foreigner. Local bus thieves know very well foreign tourists are easy targets, and will take what's not theirs in a second.

Solo Female Travellers - In Transit 

"Never take things for granted after dark, if you do, this is when something will likely happen to you!"

The majority of foreign solo female travellers who have already been raped, mugged and murdered have happened either in isolated areas or anywhere after dark. Just because you may have walked a certain route a few times strolling along a beach back to a bungalow, or down a quiet laneway returning to a hotel after dark at the same location doesn't mean it's safe - It's Not! This is a grave mistake, an illusion that causes foreign solo females to become victims. Feeling free and letting your guard down thinking nothing will happen is when something happens! 
The amount of online reports of foreign female victims who have been raped, mugged, and murdered through the last two decades shows no decrease. For instance, a woman is murdered in Argentina every thirty hours, and every six hours in Brazil. So what are the chances, or risk factor of foreign females becoming victims wandering around after dark in these countries? - Think about that for a second.

There is no clear global data of the scale of violence against female solo travellers!

Most countries do not comprehensively track violence against female travellers. There are more chances and greater risk for solo female travellers to be victimised after dark. As a warning with good advice from a very experienced solo overland traveller myself - Never Take Risks to walk to, or from any isolated area after dark unless you're accompanied with companions. It's not the amount of risks that you may have gotten away with during the past, but rather a moment lurking somewhere into the future that may eventuate and happen - because of letting your guard down thinking that nothing will ever happen to you.
At the time of posting this (Dec 2018), two Scandinavian woman in Morocco were raped and murdered within a well-known hiking region in the Atlas mountains. In India, a British woman on her 10th year visiting Goa  in India was raped and robbed while she was walking towards a beach at 4am in the morning. In New Zealand, a solo British female backpacker had hooked up with a local on Tinder, and was raped, murdered and buried the same evening. Geo tagging your location with any snaps or selfies posted online should be avoided. This also includes solo female travel bloggers
It doesn't matter which region in the world one is, solo female travellers are more vulnerable of being targeted and becoming a victim after the sun sets. There's no quick-fix remedy to heal a person who has been gang raped and mugged, no matter how tough they represent themselves through social Media platforms. There are ways to keep such scenarios from happening after dark. Don't walk or stroll off alone somewhere at night thinking it's safe. Try to plan evenings with other foreigners, or at least be within surroundings which have a presence of local activity in lit up areas after dark. Never accept free drinks, food, fruit, or sweets from friendly strangers no matter how good it looks. If intoxicated, or stoned-off your head parting hard-out somewhere in public, get someone to accompany you back to the hotel. It's your own personal responsibility to keep safe as possible travelling and transiting as a solo female - this includes couples!
South Africa has an estimated 500,000 rape cases every year, It's estimated that 40% of South African woman will be raped in their lifetime.
Central and South America has only 8 percent of the world's population. Colombia, Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela account for a quarter of all the murders on the planet. 17 of 20 countries with the highest murder rate globally are from Latin countries. South Africa, India and Costa Rica are also plagued with random foreign rape -robbery-murder assaults. American Female raped and badly injured in Krabi Island 
Below are a just a handful of links of brutal crimes of foreign and local females who thought they were safe within a "Safe Environment", but suffered the consequences of victimisation with many ending in death. 
The global amount of solo western foreign females who've been raped and have keep silent about it is unknown.      

Every year New Rapists, Muggers and Murderers are out there somewhere!

AUSTRALIA: German & Finish females gang raped and robbed  PERU: Israeli solo female raped and murdered
BOLIVIA: Russian solo female gang raped  KENYA: British solo female gang raped and murdered  
SENEGAL: Spanish females raped and robbed  COSTA RICA: Mexican solo female raped and murdered  
SOUTH AFRICA: German female gang raped and robbed  COSTA RICA: Spanish female raped and murdered  
ARGENTINA: French females - raped and murdered  INDIA: Danish solo female gang raped and robbed  
SOUTH AFRICA: South African female gang raped and murdered  MEXICO: German female - raped and murdered  
INDIA: Irish solo female - gang raped and murdered BALI: Australian solo female raped and robbed  
TURKEY: Japanese female raped and murdered  NEPAL: Belgian solo female beheaded  
MOZAMBIQUE: Australian solo female raped and murdered  INDIA: South Korean female drug raped
AUSTRALIA: Israeli solo female raped & murdered  SOUTH AFRICA: British female gang raped  
AUSTRALIA: British female beaten and raped  PAPUA NEW GUINEA: American female butchered and gang raped  
TURKEY: Italian female raped and murdered  PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Philippine female brutally gang raped 
​SOUTH AFRICA: Norwegian female gang raped and robbed  MALAYSIA: American female multi gang raped and robbed  
INDIA: Swiss female brutal gang rape  SRI LANKA: Russian female gang raped​​
THAILAND: Scottish female gang raped  ECUADOR: Argentinian female raped, robbed & murdered
THAILAND: Thai female drugged, gang raped and murdered   COSTA RICA: American female gang raped
THAILAND: British female gang raped and robbed  SOUTH AFRICA: Dutch & German females raped and robbed
MOROCCO: female gang raped on a bus  NAMIBIA: German solo female raped and robbed
DUBAI: British female gang raped   New Zealand German solo female raped  New Zealand Dutch female brutally raped   
IRAN: French female gang raped and robbed   INDIA:  Latvian female drugged, raped and beheaded   
PHILLIPINES: British female - raped   AMAZON: British female - tortured, gang raped and murdered  
TURKEY: American female Bludgeoned to death   INDIA: Australian female gang raped and murdered   
SOUTH AFRICA: 2 Swedish females knifepoint raped   BRAZIL: Lithuania female robbed and raped 

The above links are a drop in the bucket compared to many links that have already slowly vanish off the internet. The obvious reasons for this is the "Bad Publicity" it creates within the entire global travel industry of individual countries and blissful destinations where rape and murder of western foreigners have happened. One only needs to Google any country to see what images are shown on the first page. This also applies to Travel Bloggers, the commercial Airline and hotel industry. Today, negative information that doesn't fit the narrative of safe zone travel off-shore is placed on the back burner or classified as "one-off events ". 

Solo Female Travel - Red Zones

Iraq has endless cemeteries full of innocent victims  - Don't forget to visit a few!

A Facebook image of a western female holding a hand written sign IRAQ "Girls love travel" (image location not confirmed if it is real or fake)
HITCHHIKING IRAQ
"I just wanted to share there is love and warmth everywhere in the world. You just need the wisdom and courage to reach out and grasp it. Open your minds and hearts! We are the people that are showing that the world in which solo females can travel to its far corners. Happy 2019. Let's hit the road".
Solo female travellers advertising themselves online as vivid travellers with a selfie snap taken within Red Zone regions may look appealing to many, but this promotes a dangerous climate for anyone who may think they are capable of travelling through Red Zone areas as if nothing will happen to them. A word of advice - Any country having internal conflicts, warfare, or random suicide attacks is out right dangerous for all western foreigners - male or female. Western females who wish to travel within volatile regions through the Middle East and Africa are doing so at their own risk. Don't think "Love & Warmth" is something you're going to expect if taken hostage during transit in the middle of nowhere. Remember this post if it happens to you!

Solo Overland Travel - Dangerous Red Zone Regions

So, you've just arrived at a crossroad deciding if it's worth the risk to travel through a Red Zone or to deviate around it. You've just met another foreign westerner who just recently travelled through the intended Red Zone region who had no issues. You're excited, and feeling lucky, the sense of danger becomes unapparent, because nothing had happened to another fellow traveller. This is how deceiving it can become just because someone else had passed through a Red Zone, which means nothing will happen to you as well. Wrong!  Entering into any Red Zone region is like Russian Roulette, it also depends on the type of gang, or militia insurgency and what their rule books follow.  
Edith Blais, a Canadian female traveller with her boyfriend have been missing in West Africa since December 15th 2018, the couple were reportedly kidnapped and taken to Mali. The possibilities of the couple being tortured, beaten, sodomized, raped and killed are high. The couple transited overland through Morocco, Mauritania and Mali before arriving in Burkina Faso, and were continuing to Togo - They never arrived. Meanwhile in the same region, another Canadian national was also abducted in Burkina Faso and later found murdered. The saying by solo female travellers "there are no dangerous countries, just dangerous people" is completely the wrong advice to give to others who lack judgement, instinct, and the sense of danger. The risk factor multiples and increases greatly within countries lacking security, or having no security whatsoever. You have to ask yourself why hotel and backpacker establishments within dangerous regions have front entry camera visual auto-lock security systems, razor wire, night security, and 24 hour internal camera surveillance, is it for decoration only? If you lock your door wherever it maybe there's a reason for doing so - right? 

Be Careful Who You Hook-Up With - It May Not Be What You Expected!

Befriending someone online off-shore via Facebook, Tinder, or thru Dating sites with someone you have never met in person may give totally false impressions of who that person actually is of their real intentions. Recently (Jan 2019) a 30 year old Australian woman, a practising lawyer was seduced by a Pakistani national named Sajjad, who was also a lawyer. She had flown to Pakistan to hook up with Sajjad to form a cool relationship. Both had been Facebook friends for a few years, but had never met in real life. The 30-year-old Australian was abused, humiliated, beaten and raped repeatedly by Sajjad, and starved for days. She was even forced to lie on her back with her legs open to “air out” her vagina. He also smashed her head against a bathroom sink because she missed a bit of shampoo. The Australian High Commission in Pakistan ignored her urgent request for help, (which isn't the first time this has happened to an Australian citizen abroad), and probably because the situation was classified as an internal civil matter.
An Egyptian tourist rapes 3 women in Australia hooked up with them on OKCupid and Plenty of Fish.
Be careful of other foreigners off-shore who may go into a frenzy and stab you to death Queensland  Australia.
Be careful of jealous younger lovers off-shore - an American female was stabbed to death from her Latin lover Costa Rica  
The lure of foreign females thru dating sites by Latinos in South America to smuggle narcotics in their baggage without them acknowledging it has been active for a few decades. A middle aged Kiwi woman was caught in Argentina carrying a 5KG stash of cocaine in a suitcase at the airport. This was before she even had the chance to meet her online lover who was based in the UK - how stupid can anyone get? 
​In short, it's said that love is blind, it has caught many foreigners off-guard, allowing their latin lovers to pack their baggage before departure. The occurrence of foreign western females falling victim as drug mules still continues toady. The baited lure and promise of having a lavishing lifestyle offered by drug lords may sound good, but greed will always win in the end - It's your own responsibility to check  and pack your own baggage before any departure!
Don't cry rape with a married man in Dubai, a 24-year-old Norwegian woman who had reported her rape to police in Dubai found herself charged with engaging in extramarital sex, alcohol consumption and perjury, she was sentenced to 16 months in jail. The incident was just the latest in a long line of cases involving women who have claimed to have been the victims of rape and then have suffered prosecution themselves.

Solo Male Travellers - In Transit

If there's one thing that repeats itself time and time again non-stop, it's certainly the amount of foreign western males travelling solo through continents who are robbed silently while fast asleep by strangers they themselves self invited into their hotel rooms. No joke, through the decades of the many long-term solo overland travel journeys through South America, Africa and Asia, I've reached the conclusion that the last idiot hasn't been born yet.
There have been many instances where I've met foreign males who were robbed of all their personal possessions, because of the urge of some fast overnight casual sex. Some have lost laptops, expensive watches, smart phones, gold, cash, credit cards, daypacks, camera-gear, including entire backpacks that have vanished out the door under the hours of darkness from hotel rooms. How embarrassing is that? 
This quick post are to all those males out there, who become sexually motivated with local females picked up in bars, or out on the street - You only have yourselves to blame and no-one else if an event like this occurs. I could write a book on this particular subject with endless amounts of recorded data on foreign males who have been fleeced and robbed of valuables and baggage in Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, Guyana, Costa Rica, Mexico, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, including other countries. 
I know what some may be thinking ...has something like this happened to me? No-not once, because I don't place myself into this type of situation avoiding it to happen. There are western foreigners out there from both sexes who do the exact opposite without even realising they've already become a victim through their own sexual pleasure with strangers.    
​Maybe, just maybe some might learn from their mistakes, and refrain from their personal sexual desires and lusts when they've been robbed of everything silently fast asleep. 

Overland Transit - Bush Track Highways

Soon, there will be no more original bush track highway routes thru Africa and South America if the Chinese get their way. The Far East belt & road initiative has already destroyed many great dirt track highways replacing them with bitumen tarmac. Don't worry, there's still some dusty potholed filled transit highway tracks the Chinese haven't touched as yet. Bush track highways usually keep regions isolated far away from plastic tourism. In most cases, many Chinese belt & road projects have run countries completely broke placing them into an endless burden of debt. A major part and enjoyment of any long-term overland travel are the dirt track highways cutting thru uninhibited jungle terrain or along high altitude passes. Others out there will probably agree that most will hardly remember a 2-4 day transit journey on bitumen, but will never forget any rough rugged bush track transit through the middle of nowhere.

Driving Through Red Zones

From one day to the next driving your own vehicle through volatile regions in certain countries is like Russian Roulette. We're not talking about the usual road trips through national wildlife parks, or over-crowded coastal tourist hot-spots here. It's about getting through along highways within the middle of nowhere unscathed without loss of life and baggage. Many foreigners aren't too concerned about the risk factors that may lay waiting up-ahead. Safety and weather conditions play a roll, but only skim the surface. The freedom of driving your own vehicle on an open dirt track highway without seeing another westerner is bliss. The elements of surprise of a sudden makeshift road block, or hold-up doesn't mean a thing until it actually happens. The loss of baggage, cash, photo-gear, and your vehicle has no meaning until you've already become a victim of it. This is what one has too question before endeavouring down an isolated dirt track road route within volatile regions thinking nothing will happen. How lucky do you feel? How much do you value your life? Is it worth that new You Tube clip you want to complete? or increasing followers with an updated selfie snap on social media accounts? Is it worth the risk to end-up in a body bag? Think before driving into Red Zones, I've personally driven through volatile regions numerous times and made it through, but everyday's different, who knows what the dice may bring for others deciding to do the same.

Solo Travel - Red Zones 

"Transiting Through Any Red Zone Is At Your Own Risk Even If Permission Is Granted Allowing Passage" 

Nothing much has changed through the decades regarding Red Zones. They may move from one region to another, or disappear, but new Red Zones surface caused by upheaval and chaos between rival groups, political instability, including religious and tribal clashes. Asia, Africa, and the Middle East all have their fair share of different Red Zone conflicts. Those who overland transit through continents will have to research levels of safety before passing through any Red Zone region. Keeping informed in advance before transiting through a Red Zone will only help to a certain degree. It won't stop live fire at a moving bush bus, or anything else on wheels that's deemed as target practise. I've had the experience of being shot at after dark on a moving bus with projectiles just missing my head by a few centimetres. Red zones are what they mean - locals getting killed inside red zones happen everyday, so don't think being a foreign visitor travelling through any Red Zone will save your skin - It won't! 
​Travelling through Red Zones, or through any unstable region is entirely at your own risk. Even if permits and permission has been granted! One can be lucky enough to pass through Red Zone regions without any issues or problems at all, but then maybe not - It's a risk that can take you on a flight home in a body bag from 1 second to the next.

Overland transiting through Red Zones today is no more complicated than it was back in the 1980's and 90's. The chances of being taken hostage still remains valid in remote regions in Somalia, Congo (DRC), Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Yemen, Tajikistan, Mexico, Syria, Philippines, Chad, Algeria, Venezuela, Mali, Colombia, and Pakistan. The political tension and unrest of the countries mentioned still have volatile outbreaks of insurgency with different militia groups who use their own rule of law within swabs of territory they control. Entering into any of these Red Zone regions is entirely at your own risk, and could lead to injury by crossfire, attacks, or taken hostage, raped or persecuted for having different religious beliefs. For instance, back in the late 80's and early 90's  there were zero foreign tourists in Colombia, but the beaches in Venezuela were over crowded and packed with foreign tourists sipping on Pina Coladas, while the civil war was raging in Colombian between the government, drug lords, ELN and FARC. My first overland journey through Colombia was in 1989, at the height of political unrest. It was a time of  brutal traffic light assignations, and random control checks on city streets and highways. I had witnessed and also felt the largest bomb explosion in Colombian history implode outside the DAS building (department of security) killing and injuring hundreds of civilians. After dark in Medellin, I had lost count of how many bodies lay strewn on the streets by assassination hits from rival drug cartels. Corpses weren't removed until daybreak.
Today, Venezuela is on the reverse side of what Colombia used to be like- now also suffering from zero tourism and on the brink of full-on civl war. As mentioned, the political climate of any country in turmoil will have a long history record of locals and foreigners who have been kidnapped for ransom, taken hostage, beaten, raped or murdered. Any Red Zone region should be verified with locals for the latest safety level (if there is one) before passing through them. Even if a Red Zone region sounds safe to visit or transit through, it's still not safe for foreigners if the territory uses its own rule of law. Red Zone regions can expand, shrink, disappear, or reform with the same or even worse insurgency it previously contained. Just because you may have heard of a solo traveller passing through a Red Zone a week before will not guarantee a safe passage. Militias, terrorists, and bandits move around through their own turf, believe me, you don't want to be caught and taken hostage unless it's a gruesome death wish you're looking for. Knowing verses in the Quran may save your skin within Red Zone regions controlled by Islamic rebels, but that's something that can't be guaranteed. 
This also applies to foreign western cyclists who become easy targets within regions that aren't even classified as Red Zones. (NYT 2018)

So, you really want to feel the vibe of transiting through a Red Zone region? The direct Algerian overland transit route through the Sahara to Abuja-Nigeria will give you that choice hands down-if you're game enough to take whatever risks may occur along the way. The law of the jungle can never be tamed, so don't expect any mercy if incidents occur en-route. The further one continues along this route beyond the Algerian border will encounter high risks of being taken hostage, car-jacked, mugged, robbed, or raped. Travelling in the other direction from Abuja towards the Med has the same risk factor. If one speaks Arabic, or has converted to Islam, and can cite Koranic versers, the chances of getting through are higher without incident. Foreigners of Christian heritage caught by Islamic militia groups within Red Zones maybe forced to convert to Islam, or suffer whatever severe punishment each militia group uses. Westerners transiting through Red Zones will have no choice but to follow the local rule of law and authority by whoever is in control of the region - Repeat the last sentence a few times to let it sink in!  
The increased upsurge of Red Zone regions scattered through Africa and the Mid-East has quadrupled since the first Arab spring uprising in 2011. Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, CAR, and Nigeria have become hot spots of Islamic militia insurgency. The overspill of attacks, plundering, hostage taking, looting and killing across into neighbouring countries is a weekly occurrence. Westerners are easily targeted by their apparel, skin colour and lack of communicating in local language. Today, getting through any major Red Zone region unscathed will depend on militia activity en-route on any particular day. Sudden road block checks, and how well one can blend in and interact with random interrogation will determine a free-pass. Foreigners who are dragged out of vechiles will only have themselves to blame and suffer what ever consequences that lay waiting ahead. Accommodation en-route is one of the weak links of being taken hostage if passports are required, thus revealing the nationality of the person. Some hotel staff can be affiliated with local insurgent groups and will sell out a western foreigner at the drop of a pin for cash handouts and protection.          
Below, a snap taken decades ago within a Red Zone region where tribal law is the only law. Visiting, travelling and transiting through any Red Zone region is at your own risk, even if official permit clearances are issued to enter through them. No responsibility, help, or assistance from Embassies will be available within any Red Zone region out of the jurisdiction of countries that don't fully control their own Red Zone territories.

Solo Overland Travel - UFO & ORBS

You just never know when something will make your hair stand on end. UFO and Orb sightings have become more frequent over the last decade. This snap was taken with a good point and shoot during a moonless night in the middle of nowhere within the Sahara desert. No, it wasn't a helicopter, or anything with a combustible engine, because it was dead calm, and totally silent. Some may assume it was lens flare, but then what was the moving subject? These Orbs, the 2 of them produced their own bright metallic colours, and moved using their own energy source following each other across a cloudless night sky. There were no other airborne craft within a 360 degree eye vision circumference. You could be lucky enough to spot your own Orbs next time you're out in the wilderness. Having a camera close-by (not a smart phone) will probably capture an image like the above or even better.

Need A Culture Fix? - The Indian Rush Will Do It 100% 

If you're looking for unmatched uncontrollable street adrenaline, India will certainly get you pumped-up and started! The Indian rush is as real as it gets, and will wear out most foreign visitors within a very short time period. Busy bustling market areas outside most train stations in large cities during peak periods will give anyone the feel of how vibrant India is. Going to India? - The Indian overland page maybe worth looking at.

​Backpacks In Transit - Which One? 

"When a backpack fails it's guaranteed to happen in the middle of nowhere - Choose Wisely!" 

Is your backpack about to fall apart? Did it come with a full warranty replacement no matter what happens to it? Cactus N.Z. guarantees their Patrol Backpack for 5 years. The Patrol pack shown above - In the Okavango Delta was already three years old. The same pack had done the hard yards up and down, and across South America, and since this snap, it's completed an overland transit journey from Cape-Town to Amman, and back to Cape-Town. The pack is now being used through the Asian continent. No rips, no tears, no stitching issues, and no harness issues - That's what I call a tough reliable backpack. Reliability of any product design comes first - not the colour of it. Transit Baggage page

 In Transit - Grabbing Quick Snaps

"Don't think twice grabbing snaps in transit mode - It's a part of the overland journey" 

It doesn't matter what continent one transits through, the image snaps en-route are mind-blowing. Taking random captures is a part of any overland journey. Don't be hesitant to photograph the weird, unbelievable, or unusual humorous scenes. In most cases, capturing something in motion amounts to 3 seconds, and then lost forever. The 1st second when you see it, the 2nd second when it's captured, the 3rd second …It's gone. 

Hitchhiking Through Continents​ ​

The three most important things when hitchhiking - The Driver, Speed & Safety

Hitching lifts transiting through countries, and across entire continents can be done, but with caution. There are times when free lifts comes in handy. It's not about saving cash, rather the possibility to get to some some isolated region on any particular day. Hitching is a normal occurrence seen in the western world, but remains relatively invisible, or subdued elsewhere. Through the decades, I've hitched lifts with locals within South America, the Middle East, Asia, and regions throughout Africa without to much hassle. Two most important things with hitching is the driver, and other occupants, and safety. Safety has a dual meaning, which applies to the driver's heavy foot on the gas pedal, and the safety of transit baggage. It's difficult to assume from those who stop to pick hikers, if any pre-meditated plan is to rob baggage, or rape. Sadly, this does happen somewhere every week around the clock through the continents.
One of the best hitchhiking places to grab lifts - which applies to any country,  are at gas stations, usually at the last fuel stop out of any town or city in the direction of transit. This allows enough time to chat with drivers, including the drop-off point, and also allows enough time to analyse the driver, and other passengers. Using ones basic instinct usually acknowledges if a ride is safe or not. One can still be lucky to hitch rides on board T.I.R. trucks from Turkey in to Iran, Iraq, and Saudi - which I've done a few times. Hitching lifts has always worked for me from the last gas station out of town. Cars and trucks all need to fill-up their tanks somewhere. As for foreign solo western females who intend to hitch - it would be safer to grab rides with a couple with children, or with female drivers. The image above was a successful hitch-lift through the desert from a friendly Saudi.   Saudi ezilon map

I've personally hitched lifts through the Mid-East each time I pass thru the region. Hitching lifts in the Middle East is no different than anywhere else around the planet. As always, one of the best places to grab lifts is at the last gas filling station out of town in the direction of transit. Being cautious and aware of  who offer lifts is 1st priority. Baggage and photo-gear can easily be stolen if a driver decides to take-off leaving you stranded at a pit-stop en-route. Taking the number plate (cell phone snap) is always recommended. Single foreign western females should avoid hitching lifts with male drivers if they can't understand or speak Arabic, Farsi, or Urdu. Hitching lifts into Red Zone regions is at your own risk. In most cases transiting directly through a Red Zone on board a local empty truck will pass through "certain" regions without being held-up, attacked and robbed, but then one just doesn't know what's up ahead in waiting. Hitching in Afghanistan and Syria should still be avoided. Grabbing lifts in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Saudi, Iraq and Iran is normally straight forward. Hitching in tribal zones along the Afghan border in Pakistan should be avoided. Pakistani police and military checkpoints are many, and won't allow foreigners to travel independently on their own. A dual passport will be required if Israeli stamps have been plastered in passports. Getting through Saudi will depend how long the validity of the issued visa is. Don't overstay in any Middle Eastern country unless you enjoy interrogations and lot's of screaming by officials. Onward visas for neighbouring countries should already be issued in advance.

Hitchhiking - Through the Middle of Nowhere

The last gas station out of any town in the direction of transit is the best place to grab a lift - Try it

If you can tolerate endless bump and grind, random pitstops and breakdowns, hitching rides on board local trucks across Africa is always an option well worth considering. African truck drivers are more than happy to offer foreign visitors lifts if they have an empty passenger seat. Some truck drivers I've hitched with are total speed freaks, while others have the usual breakdowns with overheating, loose loads, punctures and drive dead slow antique trucks. If you're not in a rush and have plenty of time on your hands, hitching lifts on trucks is one alternative to transit cross Africa instead of using local bus-buses. Covering the costs for food stops en-route for drivers is always appreciated, it also gives the opportunity to easily hook-up with the same truck drivers if returning along the same route at later dates. Finding loading depots with plenty of trucks is relatively easy, they're normally situated on the outskirts of towns and cities. It's also the area where most African truck drivers fill up their tanks with diesel before heading off across country. Hitchhiking thru Africa is at your own risk, including whatever baggage one drags along with them. I've had more than my fair share of hitching lifts throughout the continent without issues. In saying that, it will depend on the region, location, and trusting the driver for safety. Africa has triple more Red Zone regions than the Middle East. It's the luck of the draw to get through without loss or injury. In Africa, everyday is different to the next when travelling off the beaten track through the middle of nowhere, thus making it one of my favourite continents to hitch lifts.

Solo Travel-Hitchhiking Asia

Transport costs transiting through Asia is still relatively cheap, but there are times when hitching lifts can't be avoided. Reaching certain isolated regions within the Himalayas can only be done on board anything available on the day. Packed out trucks full of locals is a normal occurrence in these areas. Hitching rides on the back of trucks will come with the normal fee. In remote regions, hitching with private vehicles can be pre-arranged the day before if youre lucky enough to meet someone having spare space. The usual places to grab lifts like in Africa, South America and Middle East are at gas fill stations, border entry/exit control points, crossroads and truck stops. Holding a hand written sign out along highways is the last preferable choice.

  In Transit - The SUDAN

"Transiting can be extreme, if there's no other means of transport - don't miss it and enjoy the ride"

Anything with wheels on it that's moving in your direction of transit shouldn't be missed. It could be days away before anything else comes along. If locals jump on the back of trucks, then jump on board too! Goats, sheep, cattle, and even the odd camel maybe in your face for a day or two, but hey - It's Africa. Don't expect royalty as foreigner, locals will always grab the best places to sit to avoid the least vibration and dust.   sudan ezilon map

Because of the on-going changing situations in south Sudan, fresh up to date information from locals on the ground will confirm the level of safety to transit through from Kosti to Juba. This region as of Feb 2019 is still a Red Zone. The Darfour region is sensitive, and permits with onward visas crossing into Chad, or the C.A.Republic must be in order. The North Sudanese military, police and government administration are pretty straight forward towards foreigners, but don't push your luck. The Darfour region is still sensitive, any photography in Sudan still requires a permit.

The options of choosing your overland destination route from Sudan are many. Crossing over to Chad through to Nigeria can be done if visas have been granted and Red Zones are at a minimal. Travelling to South Sudan via Kosti, Malakal to Juba by slow boat, or by train (on the rooftop) from Babanusa to Wau and on to Juba is a great journey. There's an overland route to Gabon through the Central African Republic, via Cameroon, or the Republic of Congo, this route is riddled with Red Zones. Getting to Egypt from Wadi Halfa port is either by ferry boat or by bus via Abu Simbel to Aswan.
​The Eritrea border crossing is just beyond Kasala. Getting too Ethiopia is a straight forward transit route from Khartoum to the Gallabat/Metema border crossing.

  In Transit - COLOMBIA

   "One gets spoilt in transit with Colombians in isolated regions"

"Salsa screaming, loose pigs on board with 10 conversations all at once… Awesome"

Colombia's rough and rugged terrain within the interior of the Silva has an expansive network of bush-buses, trucks, and boats to transit anywhere through jungle tracks in the direction towards the Brazilian or Venezuelan frontier. Off bitumen highways, one encounters how Colombians are accustomed to loading transport with almost everything and anything bundled up together. The Colombians are more alive and up tempo than their Latino neighbours. Colombian internal transit trips are proof of that. There's nothing that beats having 10 conversations at the same time, with the aisles full of loose pigs and chickens, and with cumbia or salsa screaming in the background. Don't leave Colombia without experiencing rural jungle transit transport.  Colombia ezilon map

Grinding slowly along isolated dirt tracks on top of Colombian bush-buses is hard to beat - Try it! ​

Main transit routes through Colombia are easy to drive on in your own vehicle, but anything off into the Amazon or towards Panama is dangerous, and at your own risk if breakdowns occur, or if held up by banditry groups. The situation in Venezuela hasn't made it any better, with millions of Venezuelans seeking refuge across the borders into Colombia, Brazil, and Peru. The crisis has upped the surge of criminal activity in Colombia, with organised crime groups from Venezuela specialising in kidnapping, extortion, mugging and robbing. Don't listen to all the fluffy jargon from "travel bloggers" painting a rosy picture for Colombia. Fluff travel bloggers are usually found drinking Pina Coladas on the Colombian Caribbean coast near a beach well away from the real cycle of crime and violence in the countr. Getting the latest information from locals within mountainous areas of the country where rebel held groups (FLN, FARC) are established will determine the safety levels, and cautionary measures that maybe required. Rebel and splinter groups, and affiliates are always on the move, you don't want to bump into these people in an isolated area. 

When it's a boiler, isolated Colombian jungle waterfalls well away from tourist areas are perfect spots to cool off. 

COLOMBIAN Rebel Territory  

Colombia may sound safe with all the heavy tourism that has engulfed the country over the last 2 decades, but in reality it's a slow loosing battle within the many red zones scattered through the country since Venezuela fell apart caused by raw  Socialism. As the saying goes "things have a habit of repeating themselves over and over again".
Foreigners moving in circles in the usual places don't have to much to worry about, but entering into isolated active rebel controlled smuggling areas directly connected to Venezuela and Ecuador are pushing the limit with dire consequences to those who assume they think they're in a safe zone! Entering regional areas controlled or inhabited by the FARC or ELN, or affiliates to these groups from neighbouring countries is at your own risk. You never know what may eventuate - Is it worth ending up in a body bag just because you need that selfie snap to blog about on social media taken in a red zone?

Solo Overland Africa - What Are You Waiting For! 

Using any transport no matter what it is or what it looks like will usually get you through the heart of Africa in one piece. Most of the time one has no choice but to use what's available on the day within totally isolated regions - Good Luck 

Internal overland transit through the interior of Africa is an epic adventure on bull dust dirt roads without a bitumen tarmac in sight. Bouncing around all day in rattling vibrating transport becomes normal, road track bull dust bellowing in through open jammed windows is a free bonus. After 2 or 3 days in transit in sweaty blistering heat covered in dust and grime with the smell of stale odours from yourself and local passengers, one will reflect back at the journey and say Yeah-Let's do it again!

A large part of any solo overland transit journey through African terrain are on rugged bush buses - It's one of the easiest ways to meet, interact, and chit-chat with locals. What would you prefer? to be on an organised tourist overland bus with other foreigners? or to be on your own and experience how locals travel and interact with one another?  I know what i would choose hands down without even thinking about it in less than a second!  

Taking quick snaps of locals during transit is easier than you think, a little interaction goes a long way. 

Overland Transit - Thailand To India

Overland Transit from Thailand to India - Do it, it's a blast all the way to the Tamu border!

The overland transit journey in to Myanmar onward to India begins from the Mae Sot - Myawaddy border, which is alive and active every day. A new highway from the Myanmar border is already operating. A full length visa/eVisa is required to continue in to Myanmar. If the old road track is still open and operating, take that route instead if you want to enjoy the transit views on the back of a truck or a van over the Dawna mountains. Grabbing a lift is simple - just ask any van or truck driver in Myawaddy township. The old dirt road is an alternating one way route due to the narrow gauge of the road.
​Myanmar ezilon map

2019 Update: The landmark Land Border Crossing Agreement between India and Myanmar was signed on May 11, 2018. This has been brought into effect with the simultaneous opening of international entry-exit checkpoints at the Tamu-Moreh and the Rihkhawdar-Zowkhawtar border.
Myanmar overland border crossings with issued eVisas are the following: Tamu land border checkpoint, Rihkhawdar land border checkpoint​, 
Kawthaung land border checkpoint, Tachileik land border checkpoint, Myawaddy land border checkpoint.
Trying to get an Indian visa in Yangon is like being in a zoo! The Indian embassy in Yangon will only allow so many applications per day.
Six month triple entry Indian visa are issued at the Indian Consulate in Kandy - Sri Lanka, or in Chittagong - Bangladesh (6 and 12 month triple entry visas have been issued to a few lucky foreigners at the Indian Consulate in Chittagong)

In Transit - MYANMAR

Getting around Myanmar transiting on luxury buses up and down, and across certain routes of the country has flourished in the last few years. There are still plenty of  local bush buses in service that run off the tarmac on rough dusty dirt roads within the interior where permits are usually required to visit or transit through certain regions. Local roadside checks monitor every public bus moving throughout the country. Applying for permits to visit remote sensitive areas is virtually impossible, especially anywhere along the Bangladesh border, or where mineral mines are located. Panning for gold in the rivers, and fossicking around digging up the ground looking for emeralds or sapphires is prohibited  - even for locals with immediate deportation for foreigners who are caught. This includes the use of any metal detectors. Myanmar is well known for it's excessive gold, jade and mineral deposits scattered just below the surface. The majority of random street sellers offering precious stones like rubies or sapphires are usually flawless fake flame fusion glass. Myanmar also has a reputation after dark with enough venomous snakes slithering around to sink a ship.

Travelling with some photo-gear when over landing from country to country is certainly recommended with Myanmar right up there. Taking random street portraits is enjoyable and plentiful throughout all of Myanmar. The interaction levels with Burmese locals is simple and friendly. The image below was taken on a previous visit back in the 80's showing a local Burmese couple extracting gold from a river using a manual sluice wash box system. Gold panning in Myanmar has been officially "banned" since the 90's, but it still continues in remote regions. The untold amount of gold shops set up across the border in Mae So-Thailand aren't there for no reason. Gold smuggling from Myanmar to India  is also rampant, including tonnes of Jade smuggled into China. One can be lucky enough to kick the dirt in Myanmar and find emeralds, rubies and gold - no wonder metal detectors are banned.

 In Transit - The Tibetan Plateau

 "Solo Overland Transit into Tibet Hitchhiking on the back of an open truck in the middle of winter - Insane!"

The Chinese road crossing to Nepal from Tibet was completely upgraded to a new tar sealed highway in 2017. Is still worth going to Tibet? Yes and no! Solo overland travel has been prohibited inside Tibet for years. If one can arrange a small group together from the many choices of different operators based in Katmandu for the right price then don't hesitate to go. The ultimate time and season to travel to Tibet is actually in mid-winter for the timing of Tibetan New Year. This is when Tibetan pilgrims flock to Lhasa for celebrations and festivities. In January the new Himalayan high pass highway may or may not be open due to heavy snow drift. One has to be lucky to pre-arrange an overland journey that's timed for Tibetan New Year in Lhasa. The historical original high pass dirt track highway shown above is no longer in use. If travelling from Nepal to Tibet during winter, choose your travel companions wisely - screaming or arguing about any issues won't help at all when half way through the transit journey. Altitude sickness, food issues, extreme cold, and small dislikes with other foreigners are some of the short-term travel problems that do arise in transit. China ezilon map  I went solo into Tibet for 3 months, so I didn't have that problem - Happy Travels.

Going to Tibet today is actually like visiting an open prison with restrictions of where and what one can do as soon as one crosses into Tibet. I was fortunate enough to hitchhike, and travel and transit freely throughout Tibet before it became a prison camp with heavy restrictions. There's nothing worse than travelling and transiting through a portion of a country that has a systematic order of restrictions in certain regions. There's actually more Tibetans that dwell within the mountainous regions in Nepal and India with no restrictions or permits required to visit hill stations which are full of Tibetans. This is an alternative that should be considered before splashing out a pile of cash on a fully controlled 10+ day excursion. Tibet does hold its own status for what it was, but travelling freely through Tibet without restrictions is a bygone era written into the history books. The image below was taken during Tibetan new year in Lhasa, well before Tibet was recycled and reformed with millions of Han Chinese from neighbouring provinces.

Off-Road Transit - Own Or Rent An MC 

Getting around at your own pace off bitumen highways is simple - Use an Off-Road MC

Arriving to most isolated regions through any of the continents can be a mission in itself, but to get further where transport is unavailable - what then? The hiring of an off-road dirt bike to continue off the beaten track into extreme areas is the way to go. An off-road trail bike will take you anywhere that vehicles struggle to do. Hiring or renting an MC is usually a straight forward procedure for those that are legal having the appropriate MC license including enough experience to ride one. Choosing the right machine is another issue, it must be able to handle rough terrain and be robust enough with plenty of height to cross through streams and rivers. It should also have plenty of power, and most important of all - it must be reliable. Any breakdowns in the middle of nowhere will be frustrating.
​A valid motorcycle license will be needed for most rental companies for accidents, and personal insurance cover if  injuries occur. If you don't have an MC license, try to find another fellow traveller that has one who may be interested to double up and also share the rental costs.  

A reliable old classic TT600 that was rented for 1 month off-road transit around Guatemala 

A Honda 250cc that was rented for 3 months transit around northern Thailand  

A Chinese "wing bling" piece of rubbish rented in Vietnam.

A Royal Enfield 350cc bullet - the ultimate cruising machine to transit throughout India for 6 months

Transiting overland with your own off-road motorcycle is no different today than 4 decades ago. Purchasing a 2nd hand bike is relatively simple in your own country of origin. Getting Insurance, and other necessary documents (Carnet de Passages en Douane) is very straight forward, and required for various countries through most continents. A tough reliable off-road machine that can handle extreme hardcore conditions is of uttermost importance for any long-term continental overland transit road trip. A selection of spare parts (chain, tubes, ignition, plugs, bulbs) is also recommended - Carnet de Passages information 
​Below, I'm one of those old school overland travel fanatics still kicking up dust somewhere on the planet. Everything you see online today has already been done well before the selfie addicted cell phone snappers were born. Nothing has changed, transit road routes still remain in the same place as they always have been, hustle and bustle is in your face if you're looking for it, and interaction levels with total strangers still works the same way. A rare snap of my XT 600Z Tenere at Masada, Dead Sea-Israel that originated its journey from Australia during the mid 80's. The majority of my older original overland travel and transit images through Asia, Africa and the Mid East vanished in a box in the 90's.

My 1st MC was an old worn out 1973 Triumph Daytona twin at the age of 17, it was completely pulled down and rebuilt and totally restored. One thing I had learned quickly in my teenage years was to complete whatever plan, design, project from start to finish no-matter how difficult it was before moving on to something else. Being a self-taught Maori at an early age, it was either to go with the flow following the crowd using drugs everyday, drinking till you drop, or hanging out with local gangs.
What ever intellect I had back then was enough self-esteem to go my own way, do my own thing and follow my inner instinct. Life's what you make it, and who one associates themselves with for the better or worse.

  MC Off Shore - Don't End Up In A Bodybag 

Motorbike accidents happen everyday. Victims suffering Spinal and head injuries caused by motorcycle accidents can be seen filled in hospital wards around the planet. Foreigners off-shore within countries that have slack rules and regulations allowing permission to rent, hire or purchase motorbikes without MC licences place their lives on the line. The amount of foreigners involved in MC accidents through Asia is above the roof. Africa and South America tie in at second place. Knowing how to ride and handle a large MC comes with rider experience in chaotic traffic and riding on open narrow roads and dirt track highways with blind bends. Wet tarmac asphalt and oil slick roads will drop an MC on its side quicker than lightning by inexperienced riders. On coming traffic on highways without centre safety barriers in Indonesia, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, South Africa, Colombia, Brazil, Peru and the Central African Republic share common road values - the smaller the vehicle the lesser influence it has on the road, which puts motorbike riders to either move out of the way avoiding an accident of suffer whatever fate materialises. Riding scooters , mopeds and motorbikes under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the fastest ways to end-up in a bodybag.
​The above image was captured on a crossroad intersection.
Israeli male Bolivia : Israeli male India : Israeli female India : Israeli male India : German male Thailand French female Thailand : UK male Thailand : Australian male Bali : Canadian female Thailand : 2 U.S. males Peru : Swedish male Thailand : Australian female Bali : Irish male Thailand : Danish male Thailand

In Transit - The AMAZON

Running Late? The fastest riverboat transit transport in South America will get you there on time!

Transiting on a Brazilian fast boat up or down the Amazon river is a total adrenaline rush for junkies - who like flying on water. An inboard supercharged engine with the throttle pushed on full power for 10 hours will make anyone want a second journey. The ultimate seat is right at the rear of this water rocket - where this image was taken - give it a go...you'll be Hooked if speed and the roar of jet propulsion thrust is your thing. An Amazonian fast boat describes what it is - SUPER FAST! It will get you from Belem to Manaus via Santarem, or from Tabatinga (Leticia) to Manaus on time.

In Transit - Belem-Santarem-Tabatinga

Chilling in a hammock watching dolphins swim by, and enjoying sunset vistas are a small part of the Amazonian  transit - Awesome & Mind blowing!

Brazil's Amazonian ferryboat transport is unbelievably the best water service provider for any isolated region globally. The connections to river villages and ports are like main highways on water. The port authorities are strict and conscientious, limiting passenger numbers and cargo to each vessel before sailing. You don't hear of many Amazonian passenger ferries sinking or colliding like in Indonesia, or the Philippines. Slow boats from Belem via Santarem to Manaus, and onward to Tabatinga takes a total of 6 days of slow river transit. Sailing down river towards the mouth of the Amazon to Belem only takes half the time.
​This is the only means of reliable transport through the Amazonian estuaries, although there are local jungle bush-buses running on dirt roads tracks connecting to rural villages. During the wet season, most road tracks  turn into mud bogs. Banditry is also alive and well through this region within any isolated areas connecting to villages  - one just needs to ask locals about mugging and banditry. 

Brazil's landmass is impossible to complete in one rotation. Lots of time and energy is necessary, including planning well ahead for seasonal weather changes and festivities. Border crossings into Brazil are straight forward and very organised. Transiting through Brazil driving your own vehicle is recommended for long-term travel. Entering into Venezuela from the La Guadalupe crossing is at your own risk. 

The most essential item on board any Amazonian slow boat is to have a good quality hammock to chill out on. Grabbing a space early before departure is ensured by tying a hammock in place, and guarantees a position. The roof top deck is by far the place to be for the all the awesome views. Securing a hammock must be done early or you'll end up downstairs in a cramped environment - Good luck!

In Transit - Egypt & Sinai 

Looking for some space to hangout? The Egyptian Desert is a great place to start.

Transiting through the Egyptian desert is certainly off the beaten track instead of up and down the Nile. Transit transport can be time consuming at certain stops - but what's the rush? The transit journey from Siwa oasis situated 50 kms from the Libyan border through to Asyut on the Nile crosses the Western, and Great White Deserts. The transit journey passes through the desert townships of El Harra, Farafar, Al Qasr, Balat, Baris, Dhaklha, and El Kharga. I had hitchhiked a part of the way, and also used any available transport from one town to the next. The above snap was taken at the very end of the desert journey heading towards Asyut from El Kharga. The below snap was during transit between Dhaklha and El Kharga   Egyptian ezilon map

Egypt is simple travel, no issues or hassles like neighbouring countries. Getting around using basic transport including hitchhiking in remote regions is relatedly straight forward. I've managed to hitch lifts in different regions of the country with positive results during 3 different visits. The only dislike I will mention here are the rip-off menus within tourist areas at double the price written in english. Most food street stalls and eateries will usually display the cost of food in arabic and english. Knowing how to speak and read some Arabic will keep you getting ripped off.

Transiting through the Sinai peninsula is straight forward, buses and transport vans pass through this barren region everyday. Travelling and transiting along the southern costal route will encounter control checks for contraband goods including the usual militia security checks. Travelling at night or free camping between the Nekhel-Al Arish-Israeli border region should be avoided unless you want to meet unexpected Islamic militia proxies.       

Road Trip - Driving through South America

Driving your own vehicle through South America does have it's own dilemmas and limitations

The images shown are self-explanatory showing a comparison of different South American highway tarmacs. Some are smooth just like landing strips, while others are being slowly eaten away due to land erosion caused by natural climate conditions within arid regions. Highway erosion has taken its toll on many routes destroying road infrastructure within the Andean and Amazonian regions. Poor maintenance and cheap quick fixes have done nothing to rectify many highways that are at the very least - safe to drive on. Buses and trucks driven daily on unmaintained roads has also added constant stress, causing busy transit routes to become corrugated highways of pot holes which can't be avoided through the wet season. This is why owning and driving private transport through the Andean block does have safety downsides. One of them being the road conditions themselves, which causes on-coming traffic to deviate over rough patches into on-coming traffic. Many narrow gauge highways are also the common causes of accidents when on-coming buses and trucks hoard the highway without giving any leeway, unless it’s another large vehicle moving towards them in their face. During the daylight hours South American main transit routes are congested with traffic in both directions, but as soon as the sun sets, highways become ghost roads, apart from long haul night buses, and trucks that don't stop for anything. The countless amounts of past carnage caused by irresponsible drivers is easily witnessed on dangerous blind bends with multiple crosses plastered along the edge of roads.
Along mountainous bush track roads, multiple crosses are placed along the edge of roads from trucks, buses. vans, cars, and 4x4's that have ended-up over the side down ravines. Driving through the night on any rural highway (which I've crazily done a few times) is outright dangerous and not recommended. This is like playing Russian roulette with sudden disaster that can lead to death. Night driving with poor visibility from thick fog, or atrocious road conditions with oncoming trucks or buses after dark will frighten the life out of you. Locals at night normally drive in the middle of the road.
​If that doesn't scare you enough, a blocked mountain pass with rocks and branches suddenly appearing when driving around a bend within a remote region will - as you next discover, waiting bandits ready to rob everything you've got, including the clothes you're wearing. Luckily, this has never happened to me, but it has happened to other foreigners, including locals who took risks that could have been avoided. If you value your life, don't drive any vehicle at night through any isolated region in South America.

In Transit - VW Kombi - South America  

Transiting through South America in your own VW Kombi is a blast...A cheap hotel on wheels!

Brazilian petrol or diesel VW Kombis will get you through the continent. 

Besides the negative issues already mentioned, it’s overwhelmingly beneficial to use a private vehicle instead of public transport if the stay in South America is long-term. The first task is to find a good Kombi in Brazil. Kombi vans are originally manufactured in Brazil, so the chances of finding an old classic VW in good condition is easier than elsewhere through the continent. There's still plenty of classic Kombi vans running around throughout Brazil. Kombi VW vans  converted with diesel engines are the best option, but they do cost a lot more (double to triple the price). Don't even think of purchasing an alcohol version Kombi. Alcohol fuel is only used in Brazil. 
Driving around the continent in a VW Kombi is luxury, but they're also restricted to bitumen highways preventing any form of extreme road transit off the bitumen tarmac. Modified gear train and off-road wheels and tyres will be needed for rough bush tracks and desert terrain. Leaving vehicles in secure compounds throughout the continent is straight forward. This then allows some free movement to explore areas in “hard to get to” places by using other means of transport in rugged regions. With good maintenance - like changing oil, greasing the suspension and using heavy duty road tyres, most Kombis will remain reliable from Ushuaia to Cartagena and back to Brazil. The problem to complete an entire road trip with any private vehicle is within the Amazon region. The only way to zig-zag, and complete a full circle around South America is from Colombia through Venezuela to Brazil via Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Heading south from Boa Vista will involve loading the vehicle onto a barge at Manaus, and sailed half way down the Amazon to which beats the purpose of completing an entire South American road trip.
Alternatively, passing through Guyana, Surinam, and French Guiana to Brazil (in the dry season only) is the only other option. The issues now (2019) are the high corruption levels in Venezuela, lack of gasoline, and out of control corrupt tariffs at highway blockades that will break most bank accounts.
Until Venezuela returns to what was once a vibrant bustling hassle free country to travel and transit through, the chances to be corrupted, robbed, mugged, or raped driving through the country in either direction ( from Colombia or Brazil) is a guaranteed 90% risk factor to happen! 
The best aspect about owning and driving a classic VW Kombi are the spare parts that are still available throughout the continent if breakdowns should occur. I’ve crossed the continent a few times with different Kombi vans originating from Brazil. The ultimate benefit using a van is the option to stop and hang out at any given location for as long as one wants. Using the rear back section for a bed, and sharing the fuel costs with another fellow traveller who appreciates the comfort of transit is a bonus. Image: My 1st Kombi purchased in Curitiba that was receiving a replacement engine oil seal.  

As mentioned, there's nothing like owning your own set of wheels transiting throughout South America. Driving through South America is a total adrenaline fix everyday one gets on the road, but it's not for the faint hearted. Highways vary differently through each country with some maintained while others are neglected. Washed out dirt roads riddled with massive bog holes are very common within the Amazonian region. The same area is even difficult for 4x4's to get through if half the road is missing. Rules and regulations for speed limits are virtually non-existent outside major cities, which  locals do use to their advantage when driving as they wish. This is normally at high speed without calculating the risks involved for themselves and other drivers on highways. The amount of head-on accidents with on-coming vehicles, buses, and trucks through the continent is witnessed by the amount of debris and wrecks strewn on the side of highways, with Brazil, Venezuela and Peru being the worst.
As a foreigner driving through South America many times, here are a few important points to follow. Drive defensively with a quick reaction time to avoid an accident by calculating any on-coming traffic that looks erratic that may cause a collision. If stopping along a highway - park right off the road for traffic to pass freely without causing a vehicle to veer-off over into on-coming traffic. Don't play chicken, that may cause road rage, or think local Latino drivers will abide by safety rules, which are taken for granted in western countries. Refuse and don't pay corrupt police for non-existent infringements - even if it takes all day! This has been an on-going issue for decades with foreigners using vehicles from neighbouring countries. Argentinean highway police assume that foreigners driving their own vehicles are easy prey, and cash cows to suck from. Night driving anywhere throughout the continent is a no-brainer, and right out dangerous for accidents and highway banditry  - Don't even think about it!

In Transit - CHILE & ARGENTINA

Transiting through the southern parts of South America can't be easier - Rapido non-stop Transit

The Chilean transit map routes below will get you through the entire country at your own pace. I've lost count how many times I've passed through Chile, but it's at least 15 times or more. If you're a ski freak, a mountain climber, hiking fanatic, or wildlife lover, Chile will give you more than most can handle. The winter season in southern Patagonia is like a windblown freezer. Hitchhiking is relatively easy.      

Overland travel and transit grabbing luxury deluxe buses from any of the big cities in Argentina is fast and simple. Their bus network is more organised than many western countries when the Argentinian economy is working in a positive manner. Chile and Argentina both use modern fast buses on all their major road routes. It's luxury all the way from northern border regions to Patagonia in the south. These two Latin countries had set the example of fast comfortable long haul transit journeys decades ago, which their neighbours still envy. The highway infrastructure in both countries are normally upgraded and maintained consecutively. Jumping on a bus from Arica to Santiago takes approximately 27 hours to complete the 1666 kms, including meal stops. There's even a champagne breakfast offered on some Argentinian routes. 

Below are the main Argentinian road route directions to get through the country, including major border crossings into neighbouring countries. Each province has their own highway control checks. Driving your own vehicle without paying a bribe will depend how good your Spanish is, and whatever else you can offer without handing out cash bribes. You can be lucky on the day with uncorrupted control police letting you drive straight through - Good Luck           

Fatigue Syndrome in Transit - Night Driving 

Driver Fatigue is a weapon of death, and is the main cause of highway accidents from foreign visitors!

Renting and driving a vehicle after dark in countries that drive on the left side of the road is a No-Brainer. If you come from a country that drives on the right hand side of the road (USA, Canada & EU), then Don't Drive after dark if you have been driving all day. Driver Fatigue is a weapon of death, and is the main cause of highway accidents from foreign visitors who normally drive on the right side of the highway. This also refers to those that normally drive on the left side, and are in a country who drive on right hand side of the road. The cause of fatal head-on car accidents after dark by foreigners is related to fatigue syndrome. The auto-response to swerve across into oncoming traffic is when a driver thinks they're on the wrong side of the highway without acknowledging they're not. New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and India have all had fatal accidents caused by foreign visitors swerving across highways or driving on the wrong side of the road.  Long haul flight fatigue is also another cause for road accidents. It's also safer for those arriving on long-haul flights to avoid driving due to jet lag for the first day or two. Australia - German tourist killed    ​N.Z. - American tourist killed   N.Z. - Chinese tourist killed   N.Z. - Israeli tourist killed   N.Z. - Polish tourist hi-speed

Solo Travel Transit - Driving Through Continents

Through experience I've found that driving like how locals drive through individual countries is the best advice to pass-on to others deciding to hit the highways using their own vehicles through the continents. Blasting on a vehicles horn all day is normal procedure, and will warn truck drivers and locals on foot along the side of congested roads that a vehicle is approaching from behind. If a truck or bus decides to overtake extremely slow moving vehicles, it's also normal to follow directly after it without hesitation if there's clear enough vision up ahead to do so. Speed regulations don't exist in many countries, and if they did most local drivers don't follow speed limitations anyway.
​Aggressive defensive driving means what it says, act and drive accordingly within the boundaries of safety on any road without risking or causing an accident. Turkey and India are classic examples of crazy local driving habits, but as a foreigner don't expect to bend the rules into western road codes. Driving through the night in the countries mentioned in the above image should be avoided unless you're game enough to handle pitch black highways without reflective markers, wandering stock, locals driving on your side of the road with headlights switched-off, trucks and buses with high beam pointed in your face, including the odd banditry holdup in certain isolated regions.

Night Driving - Africa-Asia-South America-Middle East

The risk factor multiplies 100x driving at night through countries having zero rules or regulations outside urban cities. Colliding head-on with a cow won't only write-off the front end of a vehicle, the cost of the cow will be an added expense. Hitting and killing a local can result to payback or jail-time. Breakdowns after dark within rural isolated regions in South Africa, Nigeria, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Mali, Afghanistan, Turkey, including numerous other countries all have high risk levels of being robbed of everything including your footwear. Running directly into wild animals crossing roads is sometimes unavoidable due to low visibility, and the lack of highway reflectors and roadside markers. Swerving to avoid hitting an animal can result too ending up over the side of a cliff, down a ravine or head on hitting another vehicle. You maybe wondering how do I know all this? When I was younger and crazy enough to drive vehicles through the night in the above mentioned countries, one gets to witness and visualise first hand risks and dangers that suddenly appear without warning. Take some free advice - Don't drive after the sun sets, it's pushing the risk limit right to the edge!
This hyena had no chance of survival, it was mowed down during the night hit by a truck. As normal, locals just leave carcasses in the middle of the road without removing them. Eagles, vultures, and other meat eating carnivores also end up being mowed down from their hypnotised fetishes of devouring road-kill by not moving until its too late. This also makes it dangerous for other vehicles driving at night hitting carcasses and damaging their steering gear, or suddenly swerving to avoid hitting it, but then seriously injure someone walking or cycling in the dark on the side of the road.

Protests African Style - Spades And Pitchforks

"Keeping a safe distance from protests through the continents is recommended" 

Clashes and skirmishes are witnessed from time to time through most continents, but in Africa, protests can turn nasty at a moments notice with incitement and insults at those against them. Spades, sticks and pitchforks are the common tools used as weapons to bash and injure anyone in their path. Believe me, you don't want to be around when flying spades, rocks, and shovels are swinging from in all directions. Take some good advice, keep clear and well away from brewing protests that are about to explode into an all out battle without any remorse of who gets bashed, badly beaten or killed. I've witnessed these events close-up through Africa and other continents - not for the faint hearted! I didn't hang around after taking this quick snap, the other opposition group were approximately 500 metres down the road.   

Transit Vaccinations  - Yellow Fever 

Getting jabbed these days may fry your brain, but catching Yellow Fever will kill you! 

A 10 year yellow fever vaccination jab is highly recommended if transiting through any sub-tropical regions in South America and Africa. This particular virus is spread from infected female mosquitos. Major outbreaks do happen in Brazil. Outbreaks have also occurred within the Ecuadorian Amazon. Aedes aegypti are the same mosquito species which transmits Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses that are related to yellow fever. Outbreaks of yellow fever in Africa occur every year in Angola, D.R.C. and Kenya. In 2013, there were 127,000 severe infections and 45,000 deaths, with 90% of these occurring in Africa. If transiting southward to South Africa via Namibia or Botswana, an International vaccination certificate is required showing a valid yellow fever shot before continuing across the South African border.
The authorities in both countries are stringent, and do use appropriate random check points to ensure all visitors are Y.F. inoculated. Foreigners who aren't Y.F. inoculated will need to be vaccinated in Windhoek or Gaborone before reaching the southern border regions. Other vaccinations like Typhoid, Cholera, Hep A/B, and Meningococcal meningitis is at your own discretion with how much you want your brain fried and toasted.

Solo Overland Travel - Hepatitis A  

Catching Hepatitis A (HAV) is one disease you never want to experience. Over the years I've met fellow overland travellers who have caught HepA with dire follow on health consequences changing their lifestyles and eating habits because of not being inoculated. Hepatitis A is a disease infecting the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The infection is spread by eating contaminated food, raw shellfish or sewage-contaminated water.  It can also be spread through close person-to-person contact. Raw or semi-raw uncooked shellfish includes oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, crab, and lobster. It's difficult to ensure if shellfish and seafood has been frozen when caught before it's distributed to takeaways and restaurants within certain environments that lack cold storage ice protection. ​Hepatitis A is more common than cholera and typhoid among international travellers.

In Transit - Is your passport getting full?

 Don't rubber stamp your passport to the last blank page  - Replace it well in Advance!

The worse scenario to happen overlanding through any continent is to run out of space in a passport. Never leave it too late to replace a passport that's reaching the last six months of its validity, or if it's 95% full of used visas. Some countries don't have embassies, consulates, or missions abroad with nations who they don't trade with. It's important to plan well ahead in advance to replace a passport. Imagine being in a country, and requiring onward visas to neighbouring countries, and running out of pages, and having no embassy to replace a passport. The global agreement with any passport holder to gain entry in to any country is to have a minimum of two full blank pages, and at least six months validity before expiry. Asking immigration officers "politely" to enter entry and exit stamps on the visa itself, or on to a page with other entry and exit stamps will save page space. If you don't request this, then your passport will become full of entry and exit stamps on blank pages very quickly. Updating to a new ten year passport before any long-term overland transit and travel begins is far better off than a passport that's ready to expire. Image - an image of some of my own global overland travel and transit visas

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