You mention the Golden Gate Highlands National Park as Motorcycle friendly
I can confirm that. Last year I have been there and it is beautifull. No lions or elephants but I did see zebra's and baboons.
The roads are beautifull too. I enjoyed it very much.

The closes city is not Maseru. Maseru is the capital of Lesotho and much farther away then Bethlehem a nice South African city.

Even closer is Clarens. It is a small town but very nice and surrounded by roads made for bikers.
My uncle, who is a biker too, has a guesthouse there. Check out http://www.clarens.tk
I stayed with my uncle and aunt for some time and borrowed my uncle's Harley and had a great time. I liked driving the Harley in a cloud of dust on a dirt road :-)

You can mail me if you want to know more about that area or check my website http://www.krijtenburg.nl/travel

I don’t want to split hairs with you but Bethlehem is not a city but a very boring town… the closest *South African* city is Bloemfontein, but that’s a good 300km away. As for Clarens… I agree, it is very nice and I could spend days there riding out every day on great roads.

As with all lists, there are changes that need to be mentioned. My fiancé used to work for National Parks and when she saw my list she e-mailed it to her former colleagues. They were surprised by the negative responses I got and assured me that motorcycles are welcome in almost any Park. (Big cat parks excepted) I gathered that one need to mention that you will be sleeping over in their guest accommodation and that you are a responsible member of society. (That leaves me out of the picture!)

So… consider the above list as a guideline only. Phone the park you wish to visit beforehand and put on your bestest smooth talking voice. You could probably ride through Kruger if you are eloquent enough! Don’t quote me on that please…

That sounds much better...

I'd reckon that if an oldie like myself pops up with a very civic beemer should have less problems than when a youngster showing up with scrambler plus 2 inch knobbies ;-)

Lucky, we might find time to have a beer together beginning of next year if you don't mind?

Hans

That sounds good Hans!
Let me know when you are in the area. I'll pay for the beer for as long as you can tell your travellers tales.

Cyril

I fully agree that Clarens is a much nicer place to stay then Bethlehem. but then, Maseru itn't that much more city then Bethlehem. I think in Bethlehem you'll find more shops, including a Moto Guzzi shop and a lot of other shops.
I went to Maseru one day but, there was almost nothing worth visiting. Driving into the mountains in Lesotho is something else!! I can recommend that very much but make sure you have enough fuel capacity.

Cyril,

I reckon we'll get the beer paid somehow ;-)

Stories on both sides. I'll probably need usefulinfos of the western Cape area when I'm there. I'll contact you in time.

Hans

Here’s another update on the National Parks thing…

BMW SA, in conjunction with a tourist outfit called “GS Adventures” has managed to get permission from South African National Parks to ride through the Kruger National Park. A special tour will be organised for 12 - 18 May 2005. The cost of 5000 bucks (£430 / $800) per person includes meals, accommodation and pampering but excludes budget-minded travellers like me. (Can fly my bike and I to Buenos Aires for that price!)
There is also a weekend tour for about half the price.
Check out www.bmw-motorrad.co.za for all the details on the “African Ivory Tour”.
E-mail the tour leader, Johan Kriek at info(at)gsadventures dot co dot za if you want to know more.

All riders must stick together in a tight group (to dissuade animal attacks) and bring their own bikes. It’s not the kind of thing that I’m into (too touristy) but it could be a step in the right direction. If no motorcyclists get eaten then perhaps other parks will relax their laws against solo riders.

[This message has been edited by LuckyStriker (edited 24 March 2005).]