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sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #1  
Old 6 Aug 2014
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First ever trip on a motorbike..
Hi Guys (and Gals!) my friend and I are planning to do our first Adventure Tour into Southern Africa next year. We've never been to Africa before, and only got our motorcycle licenses around 5 weeks ago. We're both mid-forties, so better late than never I guess.

I wanted to ask if anyone has any advice to share on our trip? We are planning to fly from Australia to Cape Town SA. Hire some bikes and ride through Namibia, Botswana, and either Zambia or Zimbabwe up to Victoria Falls and then back again to CT.

I was looking at possibly May or June as the time to go, and we were going to allow 3 weeks for the trip.

Would love to hear from those who have done it, or live there; have we allocated enough time? Is that a good time of year to go? Im guessing that South Africa's climate isnt radically different from Australia at the same time of year.

I've been looking at these guys to hire the bikes; Motorcycle Hire in South Africa with Karoo Biking - Motorbike Rentals/Hire but I'm open to suggestions too.

Thanks,

Scott.
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Old 7 Aug 2014
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Hi Scott,

we are flying our bikes over to Cape Town in January to ride back to the uk and have been planning for some time, it would seem that 3 weeks would be way short if you want to see anything, the distances alone are something. I guess it depends on what you want to see or do.
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Old 7 Aug 2014
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I agree with dippy! In three weeks up to victoria falls and back? Man u gona ride all day and still have to hurry!! Not really enjoyable in my opinion... then better do a three week tour in south africa and actually see something from the country...
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Old 7 Aug 2014
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Cape town to Victoria falls and back in three weeks!!!! even if all roads are paved all the way I don't think you could do it within that time frame. I would say allow for 2-3 month to enjoy it and see things. Coming all the way from down under to Africa for the first time, if I were you I would spend more time as this could be a trip of a life time.
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Old 8 Aug 2014
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Well schenkel, there was this spanish guy doing in three months and a have whole Africa but as mentiond, is this worth it? I also have to say that, sometimes maybe it would be better people go for a short travel when the first time in afrika, instead of a half year or more... juste to see how it is...
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Old 8 Aug 2014
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Hi Guys, thanks for the reply. Unfortunately my friend and I are leaving the wife, kids and work commitments behind so I can't make it any longer!

But I can see the sense in cutting down the distance. I think I will try and plan a loop from CT, to Namibia, to Botswana and back through parts of SA.

Sorry for the dumb question, but is it mostly safe to ride around South Africa? I've heard of car jackings, muggings etc at places like Johannesburg, but overall, in the countryside is it mostly a case of keeping your wits about you?
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Old 9 Aug 2014
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G'day Scott, I admire your sense of adventure although................

Having a bike licence for just over a month, may I suggest you guys get used to riding, packing, attire, maintenance, upkeep and bike fitness but to mention a few, a lot closer to home before you jump off into the deep end. Also plan for more time, if you want to do it that much you'll find a way, 6 weeks might just cut it. Look into inoculations and in detail at health insurance with repatriation, if it's available given the Ebola situation.

Good luck with it all, Cheers Dave.
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Old 9 Aug 2014
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Thanks Dave. The trip wont be until around July next year, so we have some time to build on our skills, take local trips etc. We've already ridden trail bikes in the past, just new to onroad riding really. :-)

Good idea about the inoculations, although I wouldn't think Ebola would be a serious issue that far south?
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Old 9 Aug 2014
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3 weeks might give you enough time to see the Garden Route never mind the 2 day ride to the Namibian border.

Margaret
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Old 9 Aug 2014
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Is there no way you can save up holiday and make your trip longer? Three weeks really is nothing and you'll end up regretting not having longer as you start heading home just as you get into the swing of things
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Old 9 Aug 2014
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Three weeks off of work is good going, and that is what most people will max out at for PAID vacation.

so I still say go for it but remember that 250 miles a day for a non European / American roads is good if you actually want to not be stressed and see the scenery! (that is about 2500 miles!)

sometimes you might do a bit more but sometimes you won't!

Plan accordingly and have an AMAZING trip!
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Old 9 Aug 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottC View Post
Good idea about the inoculations, although I wouldn't think Ebola would be a serious issue that far south?
My guess is people travel, I'd check the net and speak to your doctor a couple of months before you decide to leave. I'm not an alarmist but it's a good idea to have the facts.

Here's a few websites worth a look.

https://www.globalrescue.com/index.cfm

Immunise - Frequently Asked Questions about Immunisation

Travel Clinics Australia | Vaccinations, Immunisations, Malaria tablets & gastro prevention for travellersThe Travel Clinics

MD Travel Health - South Africa - vaccinations, malaria, safety, and other medical advice

Oh while on health, maybe a few weeks sick leave will extend the trip
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Old 11 Aug 2014
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Thanks everyone. Brendan, you nailed it - roughly 250 miles/400kms a day is our target with rest days every now and then. I've mapped out a rough 4,000km loop going from Cape Town out East (still deciding on towns/stops) gradually north up to Gaborone. Then across to Windhoek and down again to CT.

I know we're going to miss a tonne of things, but being our first trip to Africa, even a simple road trip will be a pleasure to see and take in the sights and sounds (and smells too on a motorbike lol).

I plan to come back every year from this point, so I can always take in other stops the next time I'm there.
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Old 11 Aug 2014
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Have you given any thought to flying into Windhoek and spending the three weeks in Namibia? if you've done off road riding there may be more for you there and it seems an amazing place to spend time in.
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Old 11 Aug 2014
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Trying to make some useful suggestions
With such little riding experience Namibia isn't a good proposal, because 75% of the roads are unpaved - and unfortunately many must-sees are only accessible via gravel roads, like the Fish River Canyon, Sossous Vlei, Spitzkoppe, White Lady etc. etc. And for m/c riders Botswana is fairly boring - flat countryside, dense bush in the north and arid veld further south. BOT ist much more interesting for 4x4 travellers visiting the remote game reserves.

As mentioned above, the distances are immense and 3 weeks are rather short. My suggestion would be to cruise around the Western Cape. This is probably the most scenic part of SA. But take into consideration that May can be quite cold already and June/July is definitely winter time in the Cape. Freezing, windy & wet.

I'll check out some POI for the Cape and post them in this thread later today.
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