Any problems with uninvited hitchhikers?

[Lynn]

Here's a question for some of our members who have traveled some of the roads less traveled...

When I passed through Zaire (aka Democratic Republic of Congo, aka Belgian Congo) quite a while ago I noticed that all the vehicles were modified to remove any possibility that that someone could be used to climb or cling onto a vehicle. For instance, on the semi-truck buses that were prevalent, the bumpers and stuff were flush with the bodywork to eliminate hand- and footholds.

At least at that time any form of public transport was really packed with people, and folks were so desperate for transportation they would ride on roofs, hoods, and anywhere else they could.

So, I was just wondering, have any private overlanders experienced uninvited hitchhikers?

 

[dustboy]

Interesting question. BUMP!

 

[Lynn]

Funny, I just caught an episode of 'Deadliest Journeys' tonight, and it was about a truck driver crossing Congo. Looked like not much has changed.

 

[Toby2]

You do get kids climbing on in Africa - its not so much the issue of them hitching a ride for a bit, its what they nick in the process. That said, it was fairly easy to get onto our Landrover - rear wheel carrier, ladder, etc and whilst we sometimes had people getting on, they soon got off again!