First Post, Big Decision.... Nairobi to Lake Victoria

[msalowit]

Hi, for a brief intro, My name is Mark Salowitz, I'm a happy and contented owner of a 1200GS, who ran into a rather unique opportunity to see the world.

Certain members of my family have lived in Tanzania for several years, and are planning a trip back to Lake Victoria next may for 3 weeks or so, I beleive, most likely flying into Nairobi, and heading down past Killenmenjaro, Serengti NP, Nogorogoro Crater, etc. I've certainly thrown my hat into the ring to go, but I have this burning question in my mind: "Should I take my GS or not".

I've never been outside the US with a vehicle, having always rented locally... never been to an 'undevelopped' country.... assets are the rest of the family will be in a land rover or equiv which would make a nice support vehicle.

I have several questions I need to resolve within myself before making a decision to do it, and I'm asking for sane help in them I am totally new to the idea of 'globetrotting with a bike'

What paperwork is required to do this (bike and body), for Tanzania and Kenya? Visa? Passport Only? Carnet? Registration? Title? Baptismal Certificate?

Is it possible to ship the Bike on the same flight I am on both ways, and how do I set that up?

Is it safe?

Should I try and rent a bike locally or take my GS? (And will I have bad GS karma if I leave her behind?)

Do I need shots?

What questions do I not know to ask?

I'm usually pretty resourceful, but takign a first few steps into a new world, I feel liek a stranded babe with only a dream within my grasp and a set of wheels to achieve it.... without any concept of the worldy realities of what I want to do.

Please help Thank you,


Mark aka Belg