HU Travellers Meeting South Africa 2022

THE PREMIER OVERLAND ADVENTURE TRAVEL EVENT

9th Horizons Unlimited South Africa Adventure Travellers Meeting

Thursday Nov 3 - Sunday Nov 6, 2022 - Elgro River Lodge

It's All About Overland Adventure

Whether you're a seasoned veteran with wisdom to share or a complete novice hungry for ideas and guidance, it doesn't matter if you ride a motorcycle, a bicycle, or drive an expedition vehicle...

Horizons Unlimited meetings are for everyone who dreams of adventure along the road less travelled.

Inspiring, Informing & Connecting

Some people value Horizons Unlimited events for what they learn from the unique line-up of presenters. Some people value the chance to discover new products and services at the trade stands. Some people value just kicking back with a beer among old friends and new.

Most people enjoy a little bit of everything, and everyone goes home fired-up for adventure with a smile on their face.

Group photo at HU South Africa.

The event will include a packed schedule of presentations and activities. All within the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that Horizons Unlimited is known for.

Horizons Unlimited South Africa Event Schedule

The event is taking place from Thursday, Nov 3 to Sunday, Nov 6, 2022.

The Registration Tent will open for check-ins at 13:00 on Thursday, with the first presentations beginning at 18:00. Last presentations will be Sunday morning.

There will be inspirational slide shows, practical demonstrations and tech clinics throughout the weekend, and lots of time for connecting with fellow travellers. Come early and make it a great weekend! We recommend riding on Thursday and Sunday, and participating in the presentations and clinics in the evenings, Friday and Saturday.

HU South Africa 2017 - Matthew and Megan Snyman share their travel stories - pic by Zanda Gray.

As well as hearing inspiring stories of overlanding adventure from around the world, you'll get the low-down on preparing for your journey, navigation, first-aid, photography, filming and a host of other essential topics.

Johan Gray coaching at HU South Africa 2017 - pic by Zanda Gray.

Kobus and the team at Elgro River Lodge have also arranged game drives and ride-outs on Friday and Saturday, so there will be something for everyone!

HU South Africa - zebras on game drive.

Draft schedule can be downloaded here approximately 1 week before the event.

PLEASE NOTE: The schedule is subject to change at any time - all the presenters are volunteers and travelling, thus they may be delayed or unable to get there. Some may have anxiety attacks and be unable to perform! ;-) And sometimes travellers show up unexpectedly with great pics and stories, so we try to fit them in!

Presenters at HU South Africa 2022 so far...

LOTS of presentations to come! As people register to present we'll list them here.

How about you? We're all here to learn, and there's LOTS to learn! We want to do more presentations and seminars - but we need volunteers to give them! Any topic you can contribute having to do with motorcycle travel, maintenance, planning etc, lasting 20 minutes or more, would be great. Please contact us here to volunteer.

Presenters at HU South Africa in the past have included...

Jessica Gelderman and Maarten Molenberg

Jessica Gelderman and Maarten Molenberg, Winding Wheels

Locked Up in Morocco!
The idea was to spend 3 weeks in Morocco during our motorcycle journey from The Netherlands to South Africa

We ended up spending six months in Morocco and explored as much as we could on our Yamaha Ténéré 700s, from plowing through the sand of old Dakar Rally tracks in the Sahara Desert to scrambling around on off-road passes in the Atlas Mountains. Meanwhile, we were immersed in a world of ancient traditions, which made us feel we were far away from home already in the first African country we visited. Morocco might be the best country in the world to indulge yourself as an adventure rider. Due to our changed plans, we now ride from south to north instead and continued our journey in Cape Town two months ago after shipping our bikes there. Maybe we have to take back our words about Morocco since South Africa keeps on delivering!

Jessica Gelderman and Maarten Molenberg standing on their motorcycles in the desert

JESSICA GELDERMAN hails from The Netherlands. Before she knew about the feeling of freedom by traveling on a motorcycle, she wandered around in Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia with her backpack. She had a great time combining work and travel and returned back home after 3.5 years. Time to settle down she thought. However, that didn't quite go according to plan. She met Maarten at work after they got back from their individual travels and, not long after, decided to quit their jobs and start to travel again! Africa was on top of the list for both of them, so that decision was made easily.

MAARTEN MOLENBERG, also from The Netherlands, has gone from dreaming of motorcycles as a child to riding them. A solo motorcycle journey along the Silk Road made him long for more. Last year, a new adventure started, together with Jessica, now his wife. They're on their trans-Africa journey.

Marius Boschi

Marius Bosch

Brandon Bosch Memorial Ride Africa 2021
Solo ride PE to Sumbu, Zambia, on the Congo border and back: 11 weeks, 11 300 km

This trip was in memory of my son, Brandon Bosch, who passed away on the 15th of March, 2021.

Marius Bosch and motorcycle

MARIUS BOSCH started biking in 1982 and adventure biking in 2011. He has ridden over 200 000 km, covering SA, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botwana.

Sarper Sesli

Sarper Sesli, Ride the Earth

Cape to Turkey

As I am Turkish and live in both Turkey and South Africa, and currently am a tour guide, naturally I'd wish to encourage South Africans to visit and explore Turkey! Ask me anything and start planning for a fantastic and beautiful trip.

Kapadokya, Turkey

SARPER SESLI was born in Germany, grew up in Turkey, and now lives in both South Africa and Turkey. He's a tour guide in most adventure-seeking activities, including mountaineering, motorbiking, bicycling, and skiing.

Uwe Schmidt

Uwe Schmidt

Questions and Answers
100 percent information

Practical Q+A from a world-renowned traveller. Get answers to all your questions, including camping by bike, tools, tips, and equipment.

Uwe Schmidt

UWE SCHMIDT has travelled widely. Just take a look below for where he has been so far!

2014: SA, Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, SA.
2015: SA, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, Namibia, SA.
2016: USA (north America 6 months); SA, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbawe, Zambia, Namibia, SA.
2017: SA, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt.
2018: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia, Georgia, Turkey.
2019: Turkey, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Monte Carlo, Spain, Portugal.
2020: Portugal, Thailand; March - SA (C-19).

Kevin Davis

Kevin Davis

Around Lake Victoria /
Nine Day-Trips in South Africa

1. Around Lake Victoria
Trip up to Lake Victoria and back in 2019, mainly tar roads and lodge accommodations

A talk about the trip I did in 2019 up to Lake Victoria and back again, using almost all tar roads and lodge accommodation with only one night's camping. It goes to show that you don't have to "rough it" on overland trips, being a tourist that happened to arrive by bike and not fly in is always an option.

Kevin Davis

2. Nine Day-Trips in South Africa
Ideas to get out and see SA with just one week's leave

Many newcomers are overwhelmed by the tales of long arduous overland trips with all their inherent planning and problems on the road. So, I'm showing how you can step into it in stages, starting by exploring your own country. Even only one week's leave can make it a lot easier to get used to it all.

KEVIN DAVIS is a keen overlander with extensive experience touring all of Europe, New Zealand, and Sub-Sahara Africa.

Altus Ehlers

Altus Ehlers

Cape Agulhas to John O'Groats
A story about the jewel of Africa, its people, culture and hardships

My goal became a reality when I bought my motorcycle after 12 years abroad and the departure date was set for 2017. Join me on my adventure across East Africa to Scotland, riding through 14 countries, being ardent about the journey, and embracing various challenges with the people of Africa.

ALTUS EHLERS packed a lot into the 140 days to explore halfway around the world across East Africa to Scotland.

Altus with his bike

Johan Gray.

Johan Gray

Mindset to Achieve /
Tyre Changing

Mindset to Achieve
Transformational performance model to achieve, improve as a person, and take on challenges

We can learn a lot from top sports people in how they set goals, achieve results deal with failure and constantly improve. If we can duplicate these practices, we can take on some of the most challenging adventures. We can improve how we interact with other team members on any adventure or we can use these skills to constantly improve how we adventure. You do not know what you do not know, as the saying goes. What if you can learn rather than figuring it out, find out how to change those aspects that keep you back to be the best you! The mind is sometimes the most limiting factor, what is your state of mind when you ride?

Tyre Changing
And what tools you need on-the-road

Always so important to have this in your arsenal of adventure skills! No one has ever said they wished they never knew how to deal with tyre issues... and if they did, they won't go far. ;)

Johan Gray.

For eight years, JOHAN GRAY fulfilled the role of Chief Instructor at the well-known and leading African Dream Adventures, South Africa (ADA SA). He set and put standards in place and developed leading rider development curriculums. ADA is known for approaching training in a way that ensures every student experiences personal attention, like painting with a pinstripe brush rather than a roller. In 2015 Johan as Programme Director delivered the Women Development Programme.

Don't miss your chance to work with Johan directly through his "SLOW RIDING SKILLS" workshop this weekend! More info about it below.

Xenia and Tinu, XT Adventures

Xenia and Tinu, XT Adventures

Riding the Beautiful Silk Road /
1.5 Years in New Zealand and Australia

Riding the Beautiful Silk Road
Year 1 of a 3.5-year world trip along the famous Silk Road through Iran, the Stans, China, Pakistan, India, and Nepal

We are a Swiss couple that is on the road since 2017 and we would like to take you guys on a trip with us along the famous Silk Road which we travelled on our two XT660 Yamahas. We spent one year in incredible countries, crossed many borders, went up the Himalayas and rode the famous Pamir Highway. You will hear some funny and weird stories from the road and get some info about our bikes and the gear.

Xenia and Tinu

1.5 Years in New Zealand and Australia
Year 2 of our 3.5-year world trip

After spending the first year on the famous Silk Route, it was time to head over to New Zealand and Australia where we spent 1.5 years. We rode on both Islands of New Zealand and circumnavigated Australia including some very remote dirt roads, loads of river crossings and interesting wild life. We will also talk a little bit about our trip planning and budget.

XENIA and TINU are a travel-bug-infected couple from Switzerland who are on the road as often as possible. Even before they met, they have been travelling and living abroad. Now greater than the sum of their parts, this team has become even crazier with adventures! They last presented at HU Queensland 2019 about their travels through India (see Talk #1) and are now heading back to Europe via Africa.

Megan and Matthew Snyman

Megan and Matthew Snyman, Great World Trek

The Great World Trek
A married couple of South African doctors traveling the world for two years on motorcycles.

Matthew and Megan recently returned from a two-year motorcycle trip through South America, North America, and Africa with even more on the cards. Come and see some beautiful pictures, some crazy videos, and hear some funny stories. Plus, insights into living as a couple on-the-road and how Matthew performed a miracle by getting his wife to agree to ride a motorcycle around the world. All questions welcome!

Matthew and Megan are two medical doctors, and a married couple, who rode their motorcycles across three continents for two years in aid of Doctors Without Borders. They're also proudly South African!

Megan and Matthew Snyman on the salar.

Dos Waweru and Joan Ndarathi

Dos Waweru and Joan Ndarathi, Throttle Adventures

Throttle Adventures
Life is too short for ordinary adventures

We are a Kenyan open-minded couple that loves traveling and especially on motorcycles. We have been riding together ever since we first met at a biker's event. The best place our bikes have taken us was into each other's hearts. And then we to explore the world, beyond prejudices and our comfort zone. In 2015, Dos rode from Kenya to South Africa and back on his 180cc bike, setting the Kenyan record for the smallest bike to do an adventure trip of that magnitude in Africa. In 2017, Joan took a similar, but shorter trip (3,100 km) across Tanzania to Kingoma – Lake Tanganyika, setting a record as a solo Kenyan female long-distance rider.

Between these two adventures, the adventure travel bug bit hard and ignited a driving hunger to explore the world with our own eyes, and to experience other cultures and traditions. We also want to tell the story of beautiful Africa and Kenya.

DOS WAWERU and JOAN NDARATHI are passionate about traveling and motorbikes. They are traveling the world for the next three and a half years on their BMW F700GS. So far, they have been to 10 African countries and will be the first couple from Kenya and Africa to travel the world on motorbikes.

Dos Waweru and Joan Ndarathi, Cape Agulhus.

Schalk van der Merwe

Schalk van der Merwe, Living the Dream Through Africa

Cape to Nord Cape, Norway X 2

A slideshow of the adventure from Cape to Nordkapp, Norway, and back.

SCHALK van der MERWE has traveled through 18 countries in Africa and 16 countries in Europe to Nord Cape in Norway - a total distance of 51,000 km by bike, so far. He also traveled by other means to The U.S.A., Canada, China, and Australia. The rest of the world is still to come!

Schalk van der Merwe with his bike.

Joey Evans

Joey Evans

From Para to Dakar
"You didn't come this far to only come this far."

Joey always dreamt of racing his motorbike in the Dakar Rally, a race considered to be the longest, toughest and most dangerous off-road race in the world. It had claimed the lives of 70 people over its 39 year history. Joey's life, as he knew it, came to a literally shattering halt in 2007: a collision with another rider during a local race in South Africa left him with a crushed spinal cord among other serious injuries. Completely paralyzed from just below the chest (a T8-T9 incomplete spinal cord injury with 10% chance of walking again), Joey chased his Dakar dream in a new way, fueled by sheer will to recover. It was 10 years of gruelling challenges, successes, and lessons learnt along the way. On January 2, 2017, Joey stood among fellow competitors at the start of the Dakar Rally in Asuncion, Paraguay.

But the universe wasn't finished with him yet. Over the next 9000 km, the Dakar tested Joey with unbelievable events and a catastrophic plot twist that defied imagination.

Joey shares a message of determination in the face of insurmountable odds. A true to life struggle of chasing a dream while not only overcoming physical disabilities, but also living in the real world with its daily pressures and challenges. You'll gain a new perspective on your own challenges and the renewed drive to chase your own goals and dreams.

Joey Evans-From Para to Dakar

Joey's book, FROM PARA TO DAKAR, was published in November 2017. He was awarded "Off track rider of the year" by the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists and "Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to South African Motorsport" by Motorsport South Africa.

JOEY EVANS has always been a keen sportsman and up for an adventure. He's run several marathons and ultra-marathons, hiked the fish river canyon, finished the Roof of Africa enduro, raced in the Botswana desert 1000 and ridden his dirt bike throughout South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Lebanon and Morocco. Joey has been married to his soulmate Meredith for nearly 20 years and they are the proud parents of four teenage daughters, an extreme adventure in itself!

Andrew Russell

Andrew Russell, Cape to Cairo

Cape To Cairo: World Record by Motorcycle

Andrew will be speaking about his successful Cairo-to-Cape Town World record attempt and previous failed attempts. The talk covers the logistics, gear, and the physical, mental and mechanical trials and tribulations!

South African ANDREW THABO RUSSELL holds the World Record for the fastest time from Cairo to Cape Town on a motorcycle. He completed the 11,000 km distance in seven days 18 hours and 52 minutes (2018). It was his 3rd attempt. He has traveled more than 40,000 km of adventure riding around Africa, half of which was in the form of ultra endurance racing.

Andrew on a camel in Egypt

Sabine Krauss Uwe Eisenmann

Sabine Krauss and Uwe Eisenmann, Follow The Blue Sky

#FollowTheBlueSky and Make New Friends
Motorcycle trip from Germany via Middle East to South Africa. Our first long-term trip with a lot of new experiences and views of life.

Leave the red line of life, have a break and follow the blue sky. The idea of our trip was to have a good time (19 months). To be not in a hurry, to be open to exlore "new" countries and spent time with the people and get a lot of new inspirations. We have no special adventures or tourist hotspots on our bucket list. We decide day by day, hour by hour, where we go or where we stay, and what we are doing next inspired by the locals or traveller whom we met on our trip.

We travelled slow, take our time, found great people, and learned a lot. We will describe our road trip from our hometown via the Balkans and the Middle East to South Africa. We focus on the stories about our new friends and the endless warm welcome. Our own game-changing experiences of our life!

Sabine Krauss and Uwe Eisenmann

SABINE KRAUSS and UWE EISENMANN started their 19-month, long-term trip from home. They travelled the "first part" (Germany via Middle East to South Africa) with our motorcylce, two of one bike. They have been on road for 12 months so far and gained a lot of new experiences.

Donna and Andrew Reid

Donna and Andrew Reid

Bike to Hike - The Adventurous Way!
Travelling the world on two wheels with the aim of hiking on every continent

The trip started as a chat in a pub: "Let's ride bikes to Tanzania and climb Kilimanjaro." All we needed to do was buy bikes and start training... easy. An 800GS was purchased and training was done at Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. The big day arrived and we wondered what lay ahead. It took nine days to ride up, with each day being simultaneously exhausting and exhilarating. We discovered that Africa lives along the road feeding off the endless source of trucks and buses. We climbed Kilimanjaro, summitting on New Year's Day to watch the sun rise over the African Savannah. It was breath-taking. We are now hooked and have continued the bike-to-hike on other continents, with a couple more still to come!

ANDREW REID has been a motorbike enthusiastic for most of his life. DONNA REID followed first as pillion, then as a rider. Their adventurous spirits took them on their first motorbike trip to climb Kilimanjaro in 2008. A couple's relationship can be an adventure. That is, if you design it that way.

Donna and Andrew at Uhuru Peak

Graham Hoskins.

Graham Hoskins, Host of Adventure Bike TV

Circumnavigating the Mediterranean Sea and
"Old man's version of the Dakar Rally"

Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur and Adventurer, Graham's early promise of a career flying fast jets in the Navy was cut short by a battle with cancer aged 21. Side-effects of his cancer treatment caused him to go through 4 total hip replacements in the last 16 years. All of which drive his resolve to take life by throat and make the most of it.

In 1990, Graham made his first charity motorbike ride after he found out that he had cancer. He and his best pal dressed as chickens and motorcycled from college in Plymouth to London and back. In 2005, they decided that a much bigger challenge was needed so they rode 4000 miles to Moscow and back in under 7 days for BBC Children In Need. He enjoyed the 'short' adventure so much that he now filmed 3 TV series on just that and also is the host of Adventure Bike TV.

Graham Hoskins.

Circumnavigating the Mediterranean Sea

Inspired by his Moscow challenge to produce a TV series on a similar theme, Graham spent three years working on a TV commission. In spite of many near misses, in 2010 Graham persuaded Danny John-Jules from Red Dwarf to ride 7000 miles through 16 countries and 3 continents, circumnavigating the Mediterranean Sea in just 16 days for UK Sport Relief. As far as we know, Graham and Danny were the last Europeans to make this amazing adventure before all the trouble in north africa and the middle east brought the possibilities to an abrupt halt.

"Old man's version of the Dakar Rally"

Two years after they circumnavigated the Med, Graham and Danny took on another challenge - an old man's version of the Dakar Rally, from Spain though West Africa to the Gambia, again in just 2 weeks. From being chased by bandits, to being turned back down the road at gun point and from sandstorms to broken bikes - did they complete this amazing 2 week adventure? Come and find out...

Ronell Scheepers.

Ronell Scheepers

Angola, Africa's Rough Diamond

Bike roadtrip from Oranjeville in the Northern Free State - solo to Windhoek, Namibia, then with adventure group to Angola, approx. 8300km

Angola, Africa's Rough Diamond - a bike road trip undertaken solo from Oranjeville to Windhoek, Namibia , then onwards as part of a recce tour group to Angola, consisting of 4 bikes, and 4 offroad 4x4 vehicles, exploring what Angola offer. Route followed from Ruacana westwards, up Northward to Luanda, and back in a southerly direction inland to Rundu. From there I went solo again via Caprivi Strip to Botswana, visiting Chobe Nature reserve. Long road back home via Palapye, Zeerust, Oranjeville. Total distance aprox. 8300km. Angola, a land with very diverse landscapes, from desert in the south to tropics in the north. Also very contrasting living standards, from very poor to extremely rich. Angola's people have a fantastic vibe! Angola is not a premier tourist destination yet, so for the adventure traveller it has a lot to offer.

Ronell Scheepers.

What the well-dressed motorcycle traveller wears! ;-)

I am a Free Stater from RSA. Lesotho Snow 4x4 tour in July 2015, -13 temperatures! Then off to Angola in Sept 2015 on my motorbike. Other times I am a farmer, agribusiness woman and photographer. Love the outdoors, kayaking and adventure.

Alex Jackson.

Alex Jackson

A Ride on The Wild Side - Making Motorcycle travel work for conservation

I will be talking about my trips around Southern Africa in 2013 to highlight the issues of poaching within South Africa. I have been working with an Anti Poaching Unit in Limpopo for around 4 years and also my company Kaapstad Motorcycle Tours makes a donation to HelpingRhinos.org for every booking we take. I will also be outlining a new project that I am planning for May 2017 in partnership with South African National Parks.

Alex Jackson.

Alex Jackson has spent 18 years riding in Southern Africa, with 12 years guiding in the wildlife industry. He has run Kaapstad Motorcycle Tours for the past 8 years.

Gareth Jones.

Gareth Jones, UK

Pan without a plan - 6 months, 20,000 km solo journey through 10 countries of Southern Africa on my modified 1951 Harley Panhead

From Cape Town to the first Horizons event in South Africa at Elgro River Lodge, through the deserts of Namibia to the wildlife and waterfalls of Zambia, the lake at Malawi and the mountains of Lesotho. 6 months, 20,000 km solo journey through 10 countries of Southern Africa on my modified 1951 Harley Panhead. No rear suspension, no electric start, no back up and no plan. A truly fantastic adventure of fabulous riding and the friendliest people – a lifelong dream realised.

Gareth Jones.

Gerard Saouter.

Gérard Saouter, France

Four months in South Asia - Rent a bike (or buy) in Thaïland and Vietnam ?

4 months in South East Asia, riding several bikes rented in Thailand, another one bought in Vietnam... Leaving with the purpose of travelling 10,000km from home, thousands of kilometers with an unknown bike, naturally comes with a certain level of concern. The reward is many satisfactions all along the journey : 2,500 km in the North of Thailand riding Honda 250 and 500 bikes, 10,000 km in Vietnam and North of Laos riding a Yamaha 125.

Gerard Saouter.

Countries are quite varied, people always endearing... From the 1864 curves road to historical Ho Chi Minh trail, and including the straight forward trails along the Mekong delta canals, each one gets enjoyed at its own pace.

Just retired, I wished to travel abroad... After 3 months in Turkey, 4 months in South-Asie, a couple of weeks in Siberian Altaï, I'm visiting now South Africa for 2 months... On motorcycles, how happy I am! On the road again...

Lorraine Chittock.

Lorraine Chittock

Wild Life Woman - Lorraine uses motorcycles, Land Rovers, Jeeps or camels as she tours the world while publishing books about the animal/human bond.

Lorraine will take you through a tour of the project specific transport she's used — motorcycle, Land Rover, Jeep, camel — while working on the road to publish books about the animal/human bond.

She first hit the road solo on a Honda CB360 at the age of 18 - in 1978 when women on bikes were a rarity. It was during the twelve years living in Africa and the Middle East that she traveled from Sudan to Egypt along an ancient caravan route with 200 camels and eight Sudanese men.

Lorraine Chittock, 200 camels and 8 Sudanese men.

In 2003 Lorraine decided to take her career and two Kenyan ex-street dogs on the road. The pack of three began exploring North America in a Jeep Wrangler. Two years, 30,000 miles, and twenty-two states later, Lorraine transferred her belongings to an old Chevy van once used as a surveillance vehicle by the Arizona police department and headed to Latin America. Her cabin overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Chile is now a haven for travelers in the HU community.

Lorraine has been a presenter for the past five years at Overland Expo and was a speaker in January at India Bike Week in Goa. She is an advisor for the Ted Simon Foundation. This will be her 5th Horizons Unlimited Meet.

Hein van Rensburg.

Hein van Rensburg

Basecamp Secrets
My method on how to use Basecamp for all your navigation

Basecamp is still the best navigation software in the world today. It has by far the best tar and off-road maps in the world today and the largest database of Points of Interest on these routes. It is also notoriously difficult to learn and use effectively.

My method unlocks the few basic secrets you have to understand to plan routes effectively. This presentation will be done in the the form of a workshop. Bring your PC and GPS and participate in the workshop.

NOTE: Basecamp is a Garmin System and does not work with Tomtom units.

Hein van Rensburg to hell 'n gone.

HEIN VAN RENSBURG has traveled extensively in South Africa, Europe, USA and the Middle East over 30 years. He is an electronic engineer and has worked in the military and aerospace industry for 35 years. He loves to ride and is an avid golfer.

I'M READY TO REGISTER NOW!

SELECT YOUR PRE-REGISTRATION OPTION BELOW



Other activities at HU South Africa include...

Game Ride!

A very special activity that is unique to HU South Africa will be the game ride on your own motorbike through our Game Reserve with more than 11 species of game. The Lodge is home to a great diversity of game, like Impala, Zebra, Eland, Waterbuck, Kudu, Giraffe and much more. The drives takes you through the spectacular mountains and up to view points with beauty that you can only imagine.

HU South Africa 2014 game drive.

Skills practice

How good are your handling skills at slow speeds? Pit your skills against other riders for prizes!

HU South Africa 2016 - Skills Competition.

Panel Discussions / Walk Arounds / Show and Tell

Border crossings - How to get through borders with minimal stress and cost!

Packing light - Tips and techniques from experienced travellers to reduce weight and bulk.

Camping gear on display at HU South Africa 2017.

Regional discussions - e.g. travelling in South America or Asia.

For Women Only - A must for the ladies, so be sure to plan on being there! A chance to talk to experienced travelling women without the men around!

HU South Africa 2016 womens discussion.

Experienced Travellers Panel - ask the experts anything you want!

Tents and Bedding discussion (in the camping area) - What works, cheap vs dear and which ones keep you dry, warm and comfy!

Bike mods - Show off your best bike mods - homemade saddle bags, toolbox mounts, GPS mounts, seats, side stands, tank panniers, cup holders, etc.

The Adventure Travel Zone

  • Equipment Specialists
  • Manufacturers
  • Tour Operators
  • Adventure Travel Authors and Film-Makers
  • The HU Store

Exhibitors -To be Confirmed

Daly Land Rover

Daly Land Rover will be there. Daly Land Rover sells vehicles, parts, and accessories for your four-wheeledoverland adventures!

Daly Motorrad

Daly Motorrad will be there. Daly BMW Motorrad sells motorcycle, parts and accessories for your two-wheeled overland adventures!

Motos Klerksdorp

Motos Klerksdorp will be on-site. They stock a wide variety new bikes ranging from off-road, adventure, commuting, and street bikes.

Dual Sport Adventure

Dual Sport Adventure is the Authorized Approved North West Accessories Distributor of Touratech and other bike accessories. Talk to them about tyres, bike camping gear, advanced training for dual sport and mountain biking on their fully-equipped track, and outings for the whole family with camping and bed-and-breakfast. On-site event gear and accessory fitment.

Exhibitors at HU South Africa 2017.

If you know of any other motorcycle or travel equipment vendors or tour operators who should be there, please suggest it to them!
Exhibitors
, more details and registration here. Please contact us if you have more questions.

Facilities for a Fantastic Four Days

Elgro River Lodge
Conference Centre & Game Lodge
Potchefstroom 2520
South Africa

Zebras at Elgro River Lodge.

HU South Africa venue, Elgro River Lodge, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Kobus Fourie of the Elgro River Lodge is our host for the Horizons Unlimited South Africa meeting. The Elgro River Lodge is the true African experience situated on a bend of unexpected beauty on the Vaal River, 30 km from Potchefstroom.

The Lodge sits on the bank of the mighty Vaalriver and is on the Western side of the Vredefort Dome created some 2000 million years ago where a meteorite of about 10 km in diameter plunged to the earth and hit it with a velocity op 20km per second (+/- 72,000 km/h). The meteorite created a unique geological structure of unsurpassed beauty recognized as a World Heritage Site.

HU South Africa venue, Elgro River Lodge surrounding area, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

The Lodge has hosted many competitions as well as prestigious events including the National Archery Championships and the World Bowhunter Championships 2013.

HU South Africa 2014 - main presentation room.

Main presentation room

HU South Africa 2017 discussions on the patio - pic by Zanda Gray.

Discussions on the patio

HU South Africa 2016 - Fireside discussions at Elgro River.

Fireside discussions

HU South Africa 2017.

HU South Africa 2016 - Group discussions.

Group discussions at HU South Africa!

Accommodation & Meals

The Lodge is offering a choice of 2 accommodation packages including all meals (from Thursday lunch through Sunday breakfast) and all activities (game drive, outrides, inspirational slide slows, practical demonstrations, tech clinics and skills course).

NOTE: Horizons Unlimited Event Registration Fee of R750 is NOT included in packages below.

Choose your accommodation package (and t-shirt, membership, etc.) when you register for the meeting, you will then have the option to pay by PayPal in USD or by bank transfer in ZAR.

 

HU South Africa 2022 packages.

Accommodation

The Lodge offers top class accommodation options to fit any budget:

Luxury Chalets (various available)

The Lodge has 9 beautiful self-catering riverside units, fully equipped with access to a swimming pool and walking distance to the lapa & bar area ideal for a cocktail on the deck overlooking the beautiful Vaal River. Just imagine sipping sundowners with a gorgeous sunset right on your doorstep!

Elgro River Lodge deck.

Owl's Cottage & Annex Rooms

Owl's Cottage boasts its own swimming pool and conference facility. The Owl's Cottage exist of 4 separate rooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 separate toilet, 1 kitchen with a stove and microwave and fully equipped with cutlery, plates and glasses, 1 living room and dining room, TV with DSTV satellite and a braai area.

Elgro River Lodge - Owl's Cottage. Elgro River Lodge - Owl's Cottage.

Elgro River Lodge Camping

HU South Africa 2016 - Glamping by the river.

Camping by the river at Elgro Lodge

View from the camping at Elgro River Lodge - pic by Claudine Kidson.

View from the camping at Elgro River Lodge

Meals

Sharing meals are an excellent way to meet fellow participants and talk to presenters - the 'connect' part of Inspire, Inform and Connect! Also, since you're eating right there on site, you won't miss any of the after-dinner slideshows.

"It was a real pleasure to meet some of the world travelers and to eat in their company."

"The atmosphere was relaxed and I liked the networking opportunities."

Conversations are an important part of a Horizons Unlimited event.

Meals are included in the Accommodation Packages above. The food is AWESOME!

Elgro River Lodge dining.

Activities at Elgro River Lodge

This is adventure paradise! Whether it is a game drive you're after, with more than 11 species of game, or an adrenaline rush down the river on a raft, this is the place to get all the action. All activities are guided by our qualified staff and we ensure you will have an experience of a lifetime!

During the Adventure Travellers Meeting, Elgro River Lodge will be providing Game Drives and River Rafting on Friday and Saturday at no extra charge. Why not stay on after the event and enjoy the facilities and other activities at the Lodge, including Bird watching, Mountain biking, Fly fishing and 3D Traditional Archery!

HU South Africa 2017 - Game drive! Pic by Zanda Gray.

Cameras and binoculars at the ready - we're on a game drive!

HU South Africa 2017 game drive - zebras! Pic by Zanda Gray.

HU South Africa 2017 views from the game drive - pic by Zanda Gray.

Game Drives - The Lodge is home to a great diversity of game, like Impala, Zebra, Eland, Waterbuck, Kudu, Giraffe and much more. The drives takes you through the spectacular mountains and up to view points with beauty that you can only imagine. Book and experience a magnificent African sunset. There is also a Mampoer tasting game drive available definitely an adventurous experience.

Wildlife at Elgro River Lodge. Rafting at Elgro River Lodge.

River Rafting - A rafting trip on the Vaal is definitely a big consideration to add to your overall experience. Trips differ in length and the river is suitable for children as well. Our experienced guides will take care of your safety and educate you on the ways of the water.

Bird Watching & Wildlife - Over 180 bird species have been identified on the Lodge, so take the binoculars and go for a stroll along the river bed or the established trails throughout the reserve.

Waterbird on the Elgro River.

Mountain Biking - This is part of our monthly guided activities and is ideal for the mountain bike enthusiast or for the more serious riders preparing for a race. Beautiful trails surrounded by wildlife and game.

Fly Fishing - Welcome to the best fly fishing water for yellows on the Vaal. We offer about 20 km of pristine fly fishing water for small and large mouth yellow fish. Take the stumble out of the Vaal and do one of our float & fly trips or you can enjoy the streams around the lodge and catch that elusive yellow. A basic Fly Fishing Shop is available at the lodge. Fly fishing trips can also be organized with experienced guides, these trips must however be booked in advance. For the last 15 years the Elgro River Lodge was the proud host of the Bell's Fly Fishing Festival.

3D Traditional Archery & Target Shooting - The Elgro River Lodge boasts one of the best 3D Archery courses in the country, with exceptional course layouts that change frequently. The Elgro Traditional Archers Club is based at the lodge and we host a club shoot every second and fourth weekend of the month.

I've already registered - I just want to pay!

ONLINE PRE-REGISTRATION

Includes admission to all workshops, presentations, discussion groups, Tech Clinics and demos on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
All prices are PER PERSON!

 

Price
ZAR

Register and pay by Oct 25, 2022

R750

AT THE EVENT PRICING APPLIES AFTER OCTOBER 27

Pay Cash or credit card on Arrival

At the event pricing

R850

2 LEVELS OF ACCOMMODATION TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS!

Package includes accommodation and all meals, game drive, outrides, inspirational slide slows, practical demonstrations, tech clinics and skills course. See above for details. All prices are PER PERSON!

 

Price
ZAR

A - Camping and all meals

R2500

B - Luxury Accommodation and all meals

R3150

Pay Cash or credit card on Arrival


I'M READY TO REGISTER NOW!

SELECT YOUR PRE-REGISTRATION OPTION BELOW





 

days to go!

Join the discussion:

On the HUBB!
On Facebook!

HU South Africa


What happens at HU events?


Comments about HU Events

"So many trips, tips, subjects, discussions, questions, answers, experiences, insights... I could go on and on. I will be back, and back, and back."

"It was like being with family... a friendly group with shared love of adventure."

"Everyone was humble, genuine, and encouraging, and I really needed that kind of 'we're all just people' kind of atmosphere."

"You'll see and hear the most useful ideas on so many subjects that it boggles the mind."

"Full of very inspiring people who got me fired up again and motivated for my next trip!"

"What a fantastic inspirational weekend...we will be back."

"I have picked up so much information... and met some new friends and wonderful people."

"...a new league of awesomeness."

"Great atmosphere and camaraderie, especially at dinner time, and interesting presentations."

"I have learned so much, made some great mates and met some of the best people. I was buzzing by the time I got home. I have a little trip planned and just can't wait to get out there."

For more about HU Events, see some magazine articles here.

You can help!

If you have a few minutes, please download a poster (Adobe pdf format) or postcard and print off a few and hand them round your club or your local bike shop or anywhere seems like a good place.

Poster in pdf format (1.4 mb) full colour Event poster:

HU South Africa 2022 poster.

 

POSTCARD:

Postcard in pdf format (478 KB) full colour Event postcard, can be printed 4 to a page (1.3 MB):

 

Elgro River Poster in jpg format (214 KB):

HU South Africa 2022 at Elgro River poster.


You may need to right click and choose "save target as..."

Thanks!

Join the Volunteer Crew

From welcoming travellers at the gate, to taking care of the campsite and making sure all the presentations run smoothly, the success of every HU event relies on the enthusiasm of its volunteer crew.

Claudine and Wilma greeting travellers at HU South Africa!

"What a wonderful bunch of people. I had no idea how much fun I'd have by helping out!"

Volunteering is a great way to make new friends, get more involved with Horizons Unlimited and have loads of fun! You can sign up to volunteer when you register for the meeting, OR click here if you have already registered and want to add volunteering.

Be a Presenter

We're inviting submissions for presentations, so whether you're attending the event or exploring a distant continent, if you've got a story to tell or expertise to share we'd like to hear from you.

We love to hear stories about your travel adventures, especially if you have great pics! Also, practical how-to sessions such as roadside cooking, navigation / GPS, trip prep and planning, adventure motorcycling medicine, packing light, setting your bike up, communications / blogging from the road, self-publishing your story, yoga for bikers, bodging / bike maintenance, self-defense, photography, videography, tire repair, safe riding techniques, how to pick up your bike, off-road riding, all are of interest.

There are 45 minute and 100 minute sessions available for talks, workshops, demos and live web chats.

Click here to submit your ideas

PLEASE NOTE:

Submitting a Presenter registration DOES NOT mean you will automatically be included in the schedule, as we can have more presenters than available presentation slots. We will confirm one way or the other as soon as we can (but not immediately!)

Departing or Returning?

If you're planning an expedition, why not make the Horizons Unlimited meeting your official start point? Or maybe you're nearing the completion of a journey and would like a very public welcome home? Of course you might just be passing through and fancy marking a key stage of your travels?

We'd love to make you a big part of the meeting, so feel free to get in touch and tell us your plans.

Advertise at HU South Africa

Run a business that serves the overland adventure travel market? Want to spread the word at HU South Africa but can't take a Trade Stand? Send us a vinyl or roller banner and we'll display it in a prominent position.

Click here to arrange advertising

South Africa Venue Location

Elgro River Lodge
Conference Centre & Game Lodge
Potchefstroom 2520
South Africa

-26.92505,27.18047


View Larger Map

Elgro River is:
145 km from Johannesburg
392 km from Gaborone, Botswana
1329 km from Cape Town

Local Hosts

Kobus Fourie, host of HU South Africa. Claudine Kidson, co-host of HU South Africa. 

Kobus Fourie is the local host for this event. Kobus has been riding motorcycles for 35+ years, and has travelled throughout Southern Africa, including the Cairo to Cape Town tour. Kobus is ably assisted by his daughter Claudine Pretorius. We're VERY grateful to them for stepping up and making it happen with a lot of legwork and effort.

We can always use help on the day - please volunteer to help out for a couple of hours when you register!

HU Events Refund Policy

Like adventures, life can throw surprises our way. Stuff happens. While we would love for you to join the fun and connect with everyone at our events, we understand that you (and the funds) may be needed elsewhere. We'll catch up later!

On our side, we know you appreciate that we have financial commitments to venues and caterers!

The best way to let us know that you're unable to attend an event is to reply to the Registration Confirmation Email you got from us when you first signed up.

Up to 30 days prior to event start, we will refund all fees in full less a $10 (or €9 or £8) handling fee and PayPal charges. At your request, we can apply your Event Registration and all fees to any subsequent HU event you wish in that year or following year.

Up to 15 days prior to event start, we will refund only the camping/accommodation and food packages in full less a $10 (or €9 or £8) handling fee and PayPal charges. At your request, we can apply your Event Registration fee (with no handling fee) to any subsequent HU Event you wish in that year or following year. If you purchased a t-shirt, we will ship it to the mailing address you provide.

Within 15 days of the event start, there will be no refunds. At your request, we can apply your registration fee (with no handling fee) to any subsequent HU event you wish in that year or following year. If you purchased a t-shirt, we will ship it to the mailing address you provide.

If WE cancel an event:

We are constantly evaluating the situation for every event, and very much err on the side of caution. We will endeavour to announce "Final" decision one month or more before the event, but the situation COULD change closer to time, and we could be required by law to cancel.

If we are forced to cancel for COVID or natural disaster, we will roll your registration over to next year automatically.

If you want to transfer your existing registration to any other HU event in the world, just let us know.

Need a full refund? PLEASE REPLY to your original Registration Confirmation email to make it easier for us to find. If you can't find it, please email a request to: events-c (AT) horizonsunlimited(-)com with the subject line: "Refund event-name event-year"

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 

New to Horizons Unlimited?

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80 G/S motorcycle. The website, HUBB forum and regular events across the globe have inspired thousands of people to follow their dreams and take the road less travelled.

Susan and Grant Johnson
Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - Show you're proud to be a Horizons Unlimited Traveller!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love overland adventure travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events such as this one (18 this year!); we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, the HUBB or to receive the e-zine. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.

You can join at a reduced rate as part of your meeting registration. Note that new Memberships with your Meeting Registration are applied as of the Meeting date or as soon as possible thereafter, not earlier, unless you make a special request in the Comments box when you register.