Austrian adventures through Africa

FLORIAN Emil from Austria has survived travelling through some of Africa’s most dangerous countries…on two wheels.

Florian (23) recently stayed a few days with his great grandaunt, Erika Albracht, in Shelly Beach.

During his stay, the Herald was able to catch up with the motorbike enthusiast who has so far travelled 23 000 kilometres, carrying 300 kilograms of luggage, on his KTM 950 Adventurer.

Two years ago, Florian completed an eventful trip to Iran. He said it was a trip during which he made many mistakes, so he swore to make this trip a better one.

His biggest motorbike adventure kick-started on September 7, 2013, whereby he drove from Austria to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco and then through Nigeria and Congo, right along the west coast of Africa to South Africa, Cape Town, and then to Shelly Beach.

Florian said the South Coast potholes are minor compared to the crate-sized holes in Guinea. “The roads are so bad in Guinea. I drove 600 kilometres through mud and potholes,” he said.

The most common problems he faced while travelling were visa and border issues. “You either wait hours and hours to get into a country or you pay, which is basically corruption,” he said. In Senegal, while he was trying to get his visa, the police stole his cellphone.

“I expected the African countries to be more guest friendly. But 95 percent of the time, the people pretended to be your friend to get something from you.”

He explained that in most countries, the French word ‘cadeau’ meaning ‘present’ is frequently used.

“You stop anywhere, and people crowd around your bike with their hands held out, and say loudly ‘cadeau’. If you ignore them their voices become louder.” Florian said the police do the same action at the checkpoints.

He also described central Africa as being extremely dangerous.

“People are not happy with the tourists in some countries. They stand in front of the bike, armed with either a pistol, rifle or machine gun, and shout at you. I’m sure if you stop they will kill you.” He also passed a mob justice incident on the streets of Ghana.

Despite being hugely disappointed with Africa, Florian said he has so far enjoyed his trip. “It’s been a great experience. I have learnt a lot about the people and their mentality.”

His favourite country is Ghana, so much so that he plans to go back to visit it again, as it’s a safe country, the people speak English, and it has many attractions, such as national parks.

“In most African countries there is nothing, no infrastructure. It’s easy to find food, but difficult to find a place to sleep at night.” He also travelled with Thomas Kirly, a police officer from Germany, and Istvan Marko, a deaf man from Romania, who has travelled the world.

In the following next five months, Florian plans to travel home via Botswana and Egypt.

Florian has four months, and 25 000 kilometres on the road, still to clock.