Still doing my research for this trip but have come to the conclusion to get a bike when i arrive in Africa. Thanks for the help

Just browsing through and saw this thread. I am flying into Johannesburg (can I call it J-Burg if i've never been there?) next month and will be staying around Kruger for a month. I need to get a bike and have thought about purchasing one on the cheap and reselling, but this sounds like a great deal!. As long as i'm not stepping on anyones feet here, would you be willing to discuss this further XT Girl?

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The world belongs to those who don’t let anxiety about screwing up keep them from moving forward.
- UNK

You could always try calling a local SA dealership to see what they say... they may even do a buy-back deal.

That's what i'll plan on doing. Just a bit wary of the process. Does an American need any special paperwork to purchase a bike? A dealership I spoke to said I need an Int'l Drivers Permit. This trip kind of came together at the last minute so i've just now applied for one of the internet "fakey" International Driving Licences and rush ordered it, so I hope i'll get it in time.
sooooo...

- Does one need a "True" Int'l Drivers Permit (from AAA, CAA etc.) to purchase a bike from a dealer?
- If bought from a private seller?

Thanks!

__________________
The world belongs to those who don’t let anxiety about screwing up keep them from moving forward.
- UNK

I'm not too sure about the dealer setup, but if you buy privately it doesn't matter. It will only matter should the traffic cops pull you over or in the event of an accident. Good luck.

My experience fram 2006 and this year May: You have a good chance of encountering a road block. Although these road blocks are set up to search for stolen vehicles, smuggled goods, weapons whatever the cops always check the drivers license as well. The reason probably being that lots of documents are either stolen or faked in Africa.

Having been stopped several times, I would strongly recommend to get a correct int. license. In S.A. the police aren't as corrupt as in other parts of Africa...

Hans

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Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)

We might have a super tenere for sale in South Africa may 2010, all set up for travelling 2 up!
Let us know if you are interested or check out our blog to see photos of her.

www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/peck

Cheers, Patrick and Belinda Peck
Cairns, Australia

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Patrick and Belinda Peck
www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/peck

I did Southern Africa in 2008.

You dont need a carnet for travelling on a South African registered bike. I travelled through South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique. My friend did Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, Namibia and Uganda with the same bike.

You do need a international driver's license, which is obtained from AAA. Simply bring 2 passport photos to any AAA office and they will issue it right there.

You dont need any special shots or Maleria tablets for travelling in South Africa itself, but as soon as you approach the borders (any border) its time to think about your shots.

I would not travel without insurance and you need a South African address to have liability insurance.

There are also several reputable rental companies that will rent you a KLR for $70-90/day with insurance etc. These bikes can be taken to Namibia and Botswana with an extra fee.

My experience is that if you are time limited (say 30-40 days or less), rent a bike. If time is no issue, then try to do a buy-sell deal. There is nothing more frustrating than sitting and waiting for paper work, when you could be travelling.

Also, you have to consider the currency exchange rates, so if you buy a bike: say a 2005 KLR for $4000 and pay in Rand. You have to pay to wire money to SA, then upon a resale, you have to pay to wire the money to the USA and if the currency has changed 10% agaist you, you coule be out $500 easily. It only gets worse if you get a more expensive bike (BMW or KTM Adventure.

There is also the issue with GPS. You'll probably want to purchase the Track4Africa maps and the Garmin Southern Africa Map and additional memory. Again renting is easier.

I cant tell you how much easier it is to simply fly in with your personal gear and some soft bags. Then get a ride to the rental company and you'll be in the most awesome country the next day!

Good luck and all the best

Henrik

PS I'll be there in May-2010!!!!!!!!!!!!