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sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 26 Oct 2010
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Looking to rent a road bike in Johannesburg
I'm looking to rent a bike for two-up motorcycle travel out of Johannesburg. Does anyone have a suggestion of where to rent a bike? My girlfriend and I are flying in from Seattle USA and planning to ride for 7 to 10 days. Also, any ideas for an interesting route? We'd like to stay primarily on pavement.
Thanks
Marty
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  #2  
Old 31 Oct 2010
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Try motorradrental.co.za or wilddog.za.net and use the search function, there will be more on offer. Motorradrental specialises on BMW bikes.

Route for ten days depends, do you need to come back to Jo'burg or could you drop off in Cape Town?

Round trip ex Jo'burg you can go East towards Mpumalanga and then ride up North to ride nice twisties towards the Kruger National Park. Beautiful and mountainous area.

Otherwise plan a trip on the side roads to Durban and cut along the coast to Cape Town. Either along the Garden Route or Route 62, which is also very scenic. Both on tar and in good condition.
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  #3  
Old 1 Nov 2010
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Bike ride out of Johannesburg
Thanks Moose,
Our route will be a loop beginning and ending in J-burg due to airline limitations. Kruger National Park looks like place to spend a day or two and probably a day on the coast.
I'll also check out your suggestions on rental outfitters!

Marty
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  #4  
Old 2 Nov 2010
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You can also try Chris Labuschagne in Pretoria, he has good routes and quite the array of bikes, he does trips but do not know if he will "rent" a bike out. Cell phone (27) (0)829088809
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  #5  
Old 2 Nov 2010
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You can also try Chris Labuschagne in Pretoria, he has good routes and quite the array of bikes, he does trips but do not know if he will "rent" a bike out. Cell phone (27) (0)829088809
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  #6  
Old 12 Dec 2010
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I rented 3 motorbikes in Johannesburg 2 years ago from Karoo Biking (BMW motorcycle tours and hire in South Africa - Karoo Biking). They are based in Cape Town, but they have a partner in Jo'burg.
We rode their motorbikes about 3 weeks, from Johannesburg to Lusaka and back, and I can say that their motorbike are very well mantained. Furthermore, Jurgen (Karoo owner) and Albert (his local partner) are very kind and helpful.
I suggest them for sure.
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  #7  
Old 14 Dec 2010
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Quote:
Kruger National Park looks like place to spend a day or two
For Kruger National Park you will need a car, as they dont allow bikes. Enjoy.
__________________
To those who say it can't be done - stand aside for those who are already doing it.
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  #8  
Old 17 Dec 2010
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I've rented from Karoo Biking. Not entirely satisfying experience! See this post: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ike-cape-54310
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  #9  
Old 17 Dec 2010
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The main problem with riding in SA is that there is just far too much to do and see!

My personal favourite is Namaqualand (Springbok, Gariep) and the North West. There are red dunes past Uppington. You might be able to stay at one of the private lodges near to the Kgalagkadi Transfrontier Park. Unfortunately you can't ride into the parks, but you could arrange for one of the surrounding lodges to drive you in.

Golden Gate Highlands in the east is also superb - i think you can ride through there, as there is a public road through the park.

Oh, OK, in fact it's all superb.
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  #10  
Old 19 Dec 2010
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I can fully recommend Sama Tours. They are based in Pretoria. A cool family run business.

Had excellent service and hospitality. Also got a pickup and dropoff at the airport.
Had a radiator puncture in Swaziland. Next day early in the morning they were there to swap the bike... It was more of a hassle to actually find a phone that worked!
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  #11  
Old 20 Dec 2010
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Do Sama Tours rent out brand new bikes or older ones? Sounds odd, but I would prefer an older bike, without the worry of returning it in pristine condition.
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