In december 2002... The start of our 18 000 mile journey (almost 30 000 kilometers) on motorbikes from Sweden to South Africa. First we go to Gothenburg and then by boat to Kiel in Germany. Our first stop will be Paris, the capital of France. From there we continue to Spain from where we take the ferry to Tanger in Morocco. In Africa! Ahead of us we have Western Sahara, which we have to cross to get to Mauritania and Senegal. An obvious stop is Dakar, the capital of Senegal. Further we steer east through Mali, Niger, Chad and Sudan, where we with a little bit of luck can pass the border without any misadventure. Next country in turn will be Ethiopia and hopefully we have now made it through the toughest part… In Kenya and Tanzania we intend to climb Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro. Our plan also includes a visit to the beautiful island of Zanzibar. On our way to Cape Town in South Africa, which we have planned to reach at the end of May 2003, we are going to pass Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana. The roof of Africa At the end of February 2003 our plan is to climb the 17 060 feet (5200 metres) high Mount Kenya. It's the second highest mountain in Africa. It's a relatively tough mountain with its steep slopes and high altitude. After a hopefully successful climb of Mount Kenya, which also gives a preventive acclimatization, we'll try to climb Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa with its 19 340 ft (5895 metres). The mountain itself is relatively easy to climb but because of the height, only a third of all those who try will successfully reach the top. But naturally we hope to be among those who'll make it. As a matter of fact Kilimanjaro is the highest detached mountain in the world. Risks A journey like this is of course not without danger, so we intend to minimize the risks. Where can we go? Where can't we go? Among other things we've contacted all of the embassies in the countries in question. We study maps and talk to people who have been, or are in these countries. We keep ourselves updated about how the situation is in the countries by the news, the Foreign Office, Internet and so on. Diseases and injuries? First of all, try not to get sick or hurt yourself seriously. Of course we have taken all the necessary vaccines. We use proper protection when we ride the motorcycles and we try to be as fit as possible. If an accident occurs anyway, or if we get sick, you have to try and make the best of the situation. We bring the most important medicine as antibiotics, malaria-prophylaxis, antibiotics and adrenalin shots. Should physical injury occur, such as fractures, bleedings or burns, we have relatively good knowledge to handle such a situation, as we are educated firemen. To have the possibility to call for help, or in an emergency get advice from a Swedish doctor, we have a satellite phone which will be functional wherever we are. Robbery, attacks and theft We will most likely be robbed, but hopefully we won't lose any essential equipment. By keeping a low profile, not fooling around with money or things which is much sought after and not live or camp in the wrong places, we will hopefully be spared from unpleasant surprises. Our motorcycles are equipped with alarms, proper locks and all equipment is packed up in lockable aluminium cases.