Blog - Tanzania Channel Crossing

Sometimes things can get a bit risky

We usually do our recce trips of a new country or area in our off-period in January, which often is not the best time weather-wise for most of central and eastern Africa. During our Tanzania scouting trip in the beginning of 2018, rainfall was well above average, with as much as 50-300mm. On our journey down from Arusha to Mkumi, we were confronted with heavy rain for day, muddy, slippery roads, overflowing rivers, flooded low-lying areas and non-existent roads and bridges.

After turning around a few times and finding alternative roads, we reached another washed away bridge late one afternoon. Although the rain subsided for a while, time was running out to reach a safe place to stay for the night. The river was flowing very strongly and there was no way to go through.

With our limited Swahili (a local language spoken throughout East Africa) and the local's broken English in this area, it was quickly to determine that there was no way around or any other way to cross the river safely.

On the far left we noticed what looked like an "old foot bridge". We walked over to investigate and saw that it is water channel, which the locals were using for a pathway across the river. The channel was way too narrow to fix the boxer engines of our BMW GSA's inside, but we were determined to make a plan. The channel had a sharp approaching curve before and after the approximate 35 meter straight middle section, and we decided to push the bikes over on the ledge of the channel which is about the width of a rear wheel.

Between the four of us (two riders and two pillions) we agreed that this was the only way to go if we want to reach a dry, warm place before sunset.

One person's (which you can hardly see on the video footage) sole responsibility was to make sure that the front wheel stay on the ledge and communicate with the others. The second person had to control the handlebar and keep the bike balanced, while the third person had to make sure that the rear wheel stays on the ledge and help push the bike as and when required. The last person had to watch the rest of our stuff and other bike and try to get some photos of our endeavor. Everybody focused on their role and task at hand and we successfully pushed the two fully loaded BMW R1200 GSA's across the channel.

The teamwork, camaraderie and willingness to take a calculated risk paid off. We were very lucky and all went well, controlled and according to plan. The camera(wo)man was probably the most stressed, watching all of this!

We made it to our destination for the night safely, not without a few further surprises and not in daylight, but with memories that will stay with us forever, strengthening our friendship and sense of adventure even more. Bring on the next challenge!!!