SOLO - Overland Travel & Transit Maps

South America  -  Africa  -  Asia  -  Middle East

All my overland transit maps are directional routes through countries with connecting land border crossings. Overland transit routes throughout the planet have never changed from their original origins dating back centuries ago. Transit routes and border crossings into or through sensitive tribal zones i.e. NWF Pakistan, Sahel, Magreb, Darfur region, southern Somalia, north eastern DRC etc is at your own risk. Travelling on transit routes into countries with high levels of conflict containing Islamic militia insurgency is also at your own risk. Ensure valid entry stamps have correct validity before heading off into the wilderness. Having no official entry stamp will give all types of issues you don't want to experience i.e. random highway control checks, accommodation passport checks, random police and military spot checks - I've seen this happen on many occasions with western nationals who had crossed land borders without receiving entry stamps. If certain isolated border crossings are closed, find another official entry point to enter. In volatile countries, borders do close, borders reopen, and borders can become permanently shut. Collecting fresh up to date information before travelling through hot spot regions is necessary to know what's up ahead to calculate the risk factor involved. Avoid trusting old outdated information from travel guide books, or from small talk dribble online. Militants, militia groups, rebels, fanatics and road bandits are always on the move expanding across countries moving into new territories. Taking risks travelling into militant controlled regions should be avoided unless you're wanting to experience how it feels to be brutalised without mercy - take this as positive advice.      

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Overland Transit - Amazon Basin

The most difficult decision transiting through the Amazon region is which direction to begin and end any comprehensive journey. There's certainly no way of completing all the following transit routes in one hit, unless one has plenty of time on their hands reaching different start locations. There's five main transit river routes, including other optional river passage ways criss-crossing through the basin. From Colombia, grabbing a slow boat from Puerto Asis to Letica down the Putumayo will give options to continue up or down the Amazon through to Pucallpa or Belem.
From Ecuador, riverboat journeys usually start at Coca, this is a straight forward ferryboat route to Iquitos, with connections onward to Yurimaguas, Pucallpa, and further south to San Francisco.
Brazil has multiple up and down river ferry routes through the entire Amazon basin. Belem to Santarem, Itaituba, Jacareacanga, Manaus to Tabatinga, Manaus to Boa vista and Porto Velho, or up river to Cucui into Venezuela. Short ferry boat journeys to Maraba and Macapa are optional.
​One of the best, but most difficult routes worth mentioning begins along the Orinoco river from Ciudad Guayana-Venezuela to Manaus, taking approximately 6 weeks to complete. The southern gateway of Venezuela along the Colombian-Brazilian border is a notorious drug smuggling region - watch your stuff! 

Sinai Peninsula - Overland Transit Routes

The largest issue over-landing through continents today are the expansion of terror cell networks actively working through Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Many countries that were once easy to travel through have become haven filled with terror cells who regroup and reestablish themselves relocating in different regions. Sleeper terror cells have also established themselves in South America. Transiting through any Red Zone region is always a risk for western nationals. Direct confrontation will solely depend on the timing at any given location within a Red Zone for the chances of becoming a target or a victim to occur. For some, hanging out in Red Zone areas may sound cool, but every day in any Red Zone territory is different to the next with unexpected surprises.
​2019 terror cell updates: Al Qaeda-northern Africa, Boko Haram-north eastern Nigeria, Al Qaeda-DRC, Taliban controlled regions-Afghanistan, Al-Shabab-East Africa, Baloch Liberation Army-Pakistan, Al Qaeda-northern Sinai, Al Qaeda-Syria, Islamic State-Phillipines, Terror cell-southern Thailand, Islamic State-Sri Lanka

Overland border crossings can suddenly close at anytime due to militant insurgency. Some routes shown above can be difficult to cross, or forbidden to travel for western foreigners - even if visas were issued in advance. Bribing to pass through at border crossings in Red Zone regions should be avoided at all costs. The most volatile regions as of 2020 is through the entire Sahel, northern Nigeria, Cameroon, Libya, Somalia, and north east DRC. Transiting overland coast to coast through this part of Africa using basic transport requires energy, time and endurance. It's not a walk in the park - like Asia or South America.

In volatile red zones, international border posts shut and close without notice, they may permanently be closed for months or even years. Due to the ongoing Islamic cloud spreading through northern Africa, many overland routes and border crossings shown above may, or may not be open allowing transit for foreign nationals. Depending on each particular border post, it's up to the discretion of immigration officials granting entry. In the middle of nowhere, many border posts do use their own rule book. Cash bribe payments may be on offer, but this is entirely up to those who want to fork out bundles of cash to continue their journey.
Large amounts of territory surrounding the Sahel region is as volatile, or even worse than the inner Sahel districts. As usual, all onward visas should be in order. Transit routes shown above are at your own peril!        

EGYPT

IRAQ

Solo Overland Travel & Transit Middle East Map Routes 

ARGENTINA

BANGLADESH

BOLIVIA

Japan - Ferry Boat Connections 

From Russia, there is the option of reaching Japan with ferry sailings from Vladivostok. Heading in the other direction Vladivostok connects the trans-Siberian through to Moscow and on to Europe. Several ferry boats sail each week to Busan-South Korea from Shimonasaki port in Japan. There are also direct ferry boats to Shanghai from Osaka port. The Okinawa-Keelung Taiwan route no longer exists, but boats do sail every week from China to Taiwan. Ferry boats also connect Taiwan and the Philippines. Reaching Malaysia from the Philippines can be done from Bataraza, Palawan by fast cat ferry sailing to Kudat Port, Malaysia. I've travelled extensively through Japan on 3 different visits. Hitching, and purchasing a van are the best options getting through the country.

CHILE

COLOMBIA

AFRICA

ETHIOPIA

SAUDI

PAKISTAN

PERU

SOUTH AMERICA 

JORDAN - OVERLAND TRANSIT

CENTRAL AMERICA - OVERLAND TRANSIT

TIBET

BRAZIL

IRAN

Turkey - Overland Transit Routes

SUDAN

VENEZUELA

PATAGONIA PENINSULA 

Asia Overland Transit Routes

It doesn't matter which airport hub one arrives into Asia - you'll need plenty of time to complete the entire north and south east of Asia if transiting overland is completed without taking any internal flights. Over-landing from Europe to Japan has been around for decades, this also includes both transit routes through and above the Middle East into China and India. The new open border policy between India and Myanmar was officially opened in 2018. From Japan, ferry boats to South Korea sail every week, this also applies from southern Kyushu at Kagoshima port to Okinawa with connections to Taiwan and onto China. Ferry boats also shuttle back and forth between Taiwan and the Philippines. Reaching Malaysia from the Philippines  can be done from Bataraza, Palawan by fast cat ferry sailing to Kudat Port, Malaysia.
​Although there's no ferry shipping lines operating from Indonesia to Australia, there are cattle transport ships returning empty from Kupang to Darwin. The Lampung port in western Sumatra is another option for returning cattle ships to Darwin. Whether the captain is permitted to allow passage, including departure from Indonesian by port authorities is at their discretion. The chances of hitching a lift on private yachts is also possible from various Indonesian ports. You could be lucky enough with a passage to Australia within a week or two. A valid unexpired Australian tourist or working holiday visa is required.
With the Indian - Myanmar border officially open, it's now possible to transit overland in two directions from Singapore to Europe without flying. The ferryboat sailings from Sakaiminato port in Japan to Vladivostok in Russia connects to the trans-Siberian through to Moscow and on to Europe.

Crossing the Pacific Ocean from New Zealand to Panama is via Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands and French Polynesia. Grabbing individual lifts is sporadic through the summer season, and should be arranged well in advance. The Pacific is an ocean highway of yachts, cargo and container ships. Picking up lifts through the Islands is also possible, but don't expect any type of shuttle service - there are none. Passports should be in order, including onward visas in both directions across the Pacific. Those hitching lifts on private yachts from Panama to Australia or NZ will encounter severe drug searches from Papeete onwards. Cargo ships from Aussie to NZ and to USA are frequent - But not cheap!  CMA shipping offices worldwide      

Afghanistan - Overland Transit Routes

Overland transit into or out of Afghanistan can be done through 6 countries. Only main border crossings are mentioned allowing foreign passport holders to pass through. The direct land border crossing to China through the Wakhjir pass is classified as a grey border that exists only for locals. A Chinese visa maybe denied if the visa itinerary shows the overland route is entering via Xinjiang State. In general, visa issues for neighbouring countries around Afghanistan have limited time validations. The duration will depend on where, and who is issuing the visa. Red Zone regions through Afghanistan and neighbouring countries are alive and well. You can be lucky and pass through all these countries without issues, but Red zones regions have a habit of knowing where western foreigners are - local chit chat spreads like wildfire.
The classic overland route that has always been reliable is through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan to China, and then via the Irkeshtam pass on the Karakoram highway. Crossing Pakistan to India is only 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, one can transit to the Mirjaveh -Taftan border into Pakistan.

Red Zones - Africa

It wasn't that long ago when one could easily travel and transit through all these Red Zone regions that never existed. Today, the increased insurgency of powerful Islamic groups have made certain regions through Africa virtually impossible to travel freely. Even if totally alert and aware with years of overland travel experience, the risk factor increases dramatically within Red Zone regions. Westerners (non Muslim) travelling through Red Zone territories are spotted in seconds, on the street, at hotels, in restaurants and eateries etc etc. It will depend at any given location, if the word spreads - which is a normal occurrence when any westerner arrives into town. Within Red Zone territory, don't expect or take anything for granted thinking each day remains with the same atmosphere. 
​The endless continuation of culling by Islamic groups throughout Africa has reached unprecedented levels coast to coast. These groups show no mercy to those who are against them, or who they deem un-islamic (infidels). It's no use screaming if taken hostage, victimised, or tortured within their territories they control. Think wisely before travelling in to regions that may cost you a lot of pain and suffering that could have been avoided.   ​

D.R.C. - OVERLAND TRANSIT

NIGERIA - OVERLAND TRANSIT

Overland travel through DRC requires time and patience. Avoiding the wet season from Oct thru December is recommended, unless travel-time isn't an issue. A cash supply is required - conceal your cash stash well! I purchased a bundle of US Dollars in Kampala. Money exchangers are found almost everywhere through Africa, but with varying commission exchange rates - shop around! Floating downstream on the Congo river using available boats is better than travelling upstream i.e. Kisangani - Lisala - Mbandaka - Kinshasa, or south bound from Kabalo. The north eastern region of DRC is volatile! Valid visas are necessary to cross over to C.A.R. & South Sudan.
Transiting through Nigeria starts at border crossings. Corruption bribes begin at the borders. Not all borders are laced with bribe pay-offs, although one will have to to use their travel expertise with positive interaction i.e. "I don't have any cash!"  Believe me, this happens to individual westerners crossing by themselves. Don't pay bribes, it only makes it worse for other foreigners passing through the same borders! Westerners travelling anywhere above Kano, or crossing over into Niger, Chad, or northern Cameroon is at their own risk. More info and data in the Overland Page

South Africa - Overland Transit Routes

Getting through South Africa using local transportation is a breeze. There's numerous border crossings into Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. I've crisscrossed through the country at least six times over the years using buses, trains, vans, private vehicles, and even hitchhiked with good results. South Africa has no official Red Zones, but there is an undercurrent of lawlessness and increasing racial tension through the country. In April 1994, apartheid was apparently done and dusted - but was it?. After 26 years of Black rule, South Africa has shown the world embarrassing statistics of government corruption, increased crime, rape, and virtually the same treatment towards whites as blacks received in the apartheid era. Some may disagree, but after 26 years, the country has fallen off its perch to eradicate apartheid into the history books. Walking around, or driving after dark anywhere through the country is at your own risk. I've never been mugged, robbed or car jacked in South Africa, but I do know many locals and foreigner who have!

Myanmar - International Border Crossings

The ease of overland travel and transiting through to the Middle East and on to Africa or Europe has become reality with direct land border crossings through Myanmar. In the past, the complications and hassles of deviating any overland journey through China to reach south east Asia was a pain in the arse. Now one can travel straight through from Thailand to Turkey. Pakistani eVisas are also becoming less complicated. Crossing the Indian/Pakistani border allows the choice to travel in 4 different directions. The ferryboat service each week to Muscat, Oman from Gwadar port gets you to Yemen or Saudi reaching Sudan. The northern route through the Karakoram pass to China reaching Mongolia through to Kazakhstan. The Torkham border crossing into Afghanistan with optional overland routes to reach Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The 4th overland route is via the Taftan/Mirjaveh border crossing in Baluchistan. Onward visas must be in order to cross into any of thes above mentioned countries. Ensure passports have enough empty pages with at least a 2+ year validity. Entering or travelling through any Red Zone region is at your own risk!      ​

Guyana-Suriname-French Guiana

New Zealand - Overland Travel & Transit Road Map  

Transiting through New Zealand requires 3 months minimum. If arriving into Auckland, travel northwards first, and then dissect southwards criss-crossing both islands at random stops. The best time to begin a Kiwi road trip is best done from mid-February onwards - after the heavy tourist season has finished, which begins in November. Purchasing a car can be done through Trade Me, but you will need to be a Trade Me member with a New Zealand address, so get a Kiwi to purchase anything required for you. Renting sleeper vans is common with a variety of choices from low budget to luxury. Do not leave vehicles or vans  at any isolated or secluded places - unless you want ALL your valuables stolen. Car break-ins are common! Remember - New Zealand is a gold mine for selling Methamphetamine, so watch your Stuff! If you're a nicotine smoker, cigarettes will drain your pockets dry! a packet of 20 will cost $30NZD. A possible alternative is home grown tobacco - which is very affordable - ask around until you find a source. Customs will only allow 50 cigarettes upon arrival. Food is expensive - period! Some supermarkets have sell-offs of food produce reaching its use-by date - shop around. If you're into hiking and trekking, then always take precautions for changing weather conditions. If a creek or a river is flooded, and the river bed is not visible - DON'T CROSS IT, wait, unless you want to drown.  
Driving over the speed limit (even 5kph) will cost you a speeding ticket - Don't even think about it, all foreigners who are fined are automatically placed into a data bank, and checked before departure - there's no escape. During any road trip, or when free camping, if you need to drop a load (roadside bush pooping) - please try to use a public toilet, or at the nearest gas station or pub. In the middle of nowhere, dig a hole with a portable shovel to bury your wastage. A mini lightweight shovel can be purchased at any hardware outlet store throughout the country - NZ already has enough dirty cow dairying waste saturating into creeks and rivers without the addition of foreign tourists off-loading their loads. 

Driving a vehicle in NZ is on the left side of the road. If you come from a country that drives on the right hand side of the road, then Don't Drive after dark if you have been driving all day - or have just arrived on a long haul flight with symptoms of jet-lag fatigue. Driving a rented 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.   Image: midnight monsoon rain - Laos
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

Classic Overland Transit Map 1980's

Back in the 1980's era of travel, drawing rough overland transit maps was popular among long-term travellers. This map of South America survived its course through time - it made it to the web. It was the 2nd of 4 visits to the continent transiting through new territory. Some transit stops and routes weren't added to this original i.e. Santa Marta, Maracaibo Iquitos, Tupiza, Arica, the Santa Cruz, Cuiaba, Santarem & Cusco Rio Branco Porto Velho Manaus routes.