## How Long to Travel from England to Africa in 1920
In the early 20th century, travel between England and Africa was a lengthy and arduous undertaking. The journey involved multiple modes of transportation and could take several weeks to complete. This article will explore the different routes and travel times from England to Africa in 1920.
### Ocean Routes
The primary means of transportation between England and Africa was by ship. Several shipping companies offered passenger services, with varying levels of comfort and speed.
Union-Castle Line: A popular choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and reliable journey. The company’s ships left from Southampton, England, and made stops at various ports along the west coast of Africa, including Cape Town, South Africa. The journey typically took between 14 and 21 days.
Elder Dempster Lines: Another major shipping line offering services from England to Africa. The company’s ships traveled to destinations in West Africa, including Lagos, Nigeria, and Accra, Ghana. The average travel time was around 10 to 15 days.
Royal Mail Steam Packet Company: This shipping company provided a more direct route from England to South Africa. Its ships sailed from London and made only one stop at Cape Verde before reaching Cape Town. The journey typically took between 12 and 16 days.
### Land Routes
While most travelers opted to travel by sea, there were also limited land routes available from England to Africa. These routes were primarily used by explorers and adventurers, as they were dangerous and time-consuming.
Trans-Sahara Route: A challenging and hazardous journey that crossed the Sahara Desert. The route began in Morocco or Algeria and ended in various cities in West Africa. It could take several months to complete, depending on the mode of transportation and weather conditions.
East African Railway: A railway line that connected Mombasa, Kenya, to Kampala, Uganda. The journey took approximately 2 days and was often used by travelers heading to Eastern Africa.
### Air Travel
Commercial air travel was still in its infancy in 1920, and there were no direct flights from England to Africa. However, some intrepid aviators attempted to make the journey by plane. In 1920, the British aviator Sir John Alcock and his navigator Arthur Whitten Brown completed the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. They flew from Newfoundland to Ireland, and their journey marked a significant milestone in aviation history.
## Factors Affecting Travel Time
The travel time from England to Africa in 1920 could vary depending on several factors:
Mode of transportation: Ships were the most common mode of transportation, and the journey could take between 10 and 21 days. Land routes were longer and more dangerous, while air travel was not yet available for commercial passengers.
Weather conditions: Storms and other adverse weather conditions could delay or disrupt travel, especially for ships and airplanes.
Political and economic factors: Wars, civil unrest, and trade disputes could also impact travel times and routes.
Health and safety concerns: Diseases such as malaria and yellow fever were prevalent in Africa, and travelers needed to take precautions to avoid them.
## Conclusion
Traveling from England to Africa in 1920 was a significant undertaking that required careful planning and preparation. The journey could take several weeks or even months to complete, depending on the chosen route and mode of transportation. However, the rewards of experiencing the diverse cultures and landscapes of Africa outweighed the challenges of the journey for many travelers.