## How Long to Travel from England to Africa in 1920
**By Ship**
In 1920, the primary mode of transportation for long-distance travel was by ship. The journey from England to Africa via the Atlantic Ocean took approximately:
– **Southampton to Cape Town, South Africa:** 14-18 days
– **Southampton to Durban, South Africa:** 16-20 days
– **Liverpool to Lagos, Nigeria:** 12-15 days
– **London to Mombasa, Kenya:** 20-25 days
The voyage was typically undertaken by passenger ships operated by companies such as Union-Castle Line, Cunard Line, and White Star Line. These ships offered various classes of accommodation, ranging from luxurious cabins to steerage quarters.
**By Train and Ship**
For destinations in North Africa, travelers could opt for a combination of train and ship travel. The journey from London to Cairo, Egypt, involved:
– **Train from London to Marseille, France:** 12 hours
– **Ship from Marseille to Alexandria, Egypt:** 3-4 days
– **Train from Alexandria to Cairo:** 3 hours
The total travel time was approximately 5-6 days.
**By Air**
Air travel was in its infancy in 1920 and was not widely available for commercial purposes. However, some pioneering aviators attempted long-distance flights, including:
– **1920:** John Alcock and Arthur Brown completed the first non-stop transatlantic flight from Newfoundland to Ireland, pioneering the use of a Vickers Vimy aircraft.
– **1921:** Pierre Van Ryneveld and Quintin Brand flew from England to South Africa in a single-engine Avro biplane, covering a distance of 10,250 miles.
These flights were exceptional achievements and took several weeks to complete, as they required multiple stops for refueling and maintenance.
**Factors Affecting Travel Time**
The travel time from England to Africa in 1920 was influenced by several factors:
– **Ship speed:** Passenger ships varied in speed, with larger and more modern vessels traveling faster than older or smaller ones.
– **Weather conditions:** Rough seas and storms could delay voyages, especially during the Atlantic crossing.
– **Political stability:** Unrest or conflict in Africa could disrupt shipping schedules or make certain routes unsafe.
– **Seasonality:** The best time to travel by ship was during the summer months, when the weather was generally more favorable.
**Estimated Travel Costs (1920)**
The cost of travel from England to Africa in 1920 varied depending on the destination, class of accommodation, and shipping company. Here are approximate ranges:
– **Southampton to Cape Town, South Africa:** £60-£150 (First Class)
– **Liverpool to Lagos, Nigeria:** £30-£80 (First Class)
– **London to Mombasa, Kenya:** £80-£180 (First Class)
– **London to Cairo, Egypt (via train and ship): £50-£120 (First Class)**
**Conclusion**
Traveling from England to Africa in 1920 was a significant undertaking that required considerable time and financial resources. The journey by ship took several weeks, and air travel was limited to pioneering aviators. However, the experience of exploring the vast and diverse continent of Africa made the arduous journey worthwhile for those who ventured forth.