National parks and ferocious beasts
 

Hi! I'm planning a trip through africa from Cape Town back to London leaving at the end of January 2003. I think I would be foolish to miss out on some of the amazing game reserves throughout africa but I understand that motorbikes aren't allowed inside them. I'm wondering whether its best to lock up the bike in a nearby city and join a tour group from there (sounds very expensive), or is it possible in most parks to turn up to the gates of the national park and join a tour for a day that will take you back to where you're parked. Also, I don't think all the parks are totally fenced off - can you be riding through one without really knowing it? I'm slightly worried about camping with lions etc roaming about! I'd love to hear how other bikers visited national parks and any advice on avoiding bumping into wild animals at the wrong time. Cheers,

Jasper

Though I find it understandable, that motorbikers aren't officially allowed in the N.P. I think you will be wrong when you think Africa is like a Zoo and all wild animals are fenced - so where ever you ride and camp there's a chance to meet the odd lion or something alike...

Though the densitiy outside of the parks will be a lot less I assume...

Anyway - there will be a lot more people around who have experiences, info-ideas and more details for you!

I hitched through ZIm in '98 and had no problem when in Hwange NP.
I met a photographer at the 'base' camp who took me around the park in his combi and I got to see more of the park than most.

As far as camping is concerned, the theory is that animals see a tent as a solid object. I was woken once by Hyenas sniffing around outside, but they didn't show much interest in my tent even though I'm sure they must have heard my heart racing!
So as long as you stay in the tent at night, you should be safe.

I am heading through Africa at the end of Feb, so if you like email me and we can swap notes.

Geoff

If you go to Uganda you are allowed to visit the parks with your bike.
Queen Elizabeth NP is beautiful and has all kinds of animals.

Good luck!
AliBaba

Thanks onlycookie, Geoff and Alibaba - very helpful and reassuring! I'll be sure to check out that Ugandan national park. Geoff, I'd like to be in touch to compare notes but can't find you're email adress in your profile - please could you email me so I've got it. Cheers

Jasper