Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Oct 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 10
Southern Africa 2003

Hi all.. Seems a bit strange that there aren't more threads in the Sub-Saharan Africa section. A friend of mine and I are planning a trip beginning 2003 starting in South Africa. Riding from Cape Town along the coast to PE, then up through the Transkei, along the wild coast through to Durbs, then up through Kwa Zulu Natal to Swaziland.

From there on to Mozambique (some diving and beach lounging) all the way up to Malawi, then down through a bit of Zambia, down through to Vic Falls, then through Botswana (hopefully a nice trip to Okavango Delta) and across to and through Namibia and then back down along the west coast to Cape Town.

The trip is still very much in the planning stages and I'm pleased to say that this bulletin board is providing great info. My friend who is in London at the moment (I'm in US- shortly he'll be in S.A and I'll be in London) has bought Chris's book and I will too.

We hope to get good cond. pre 90's XT Tenere's (apparantly they are the shit for this type of thing) and will most likely adopt the less is best approach and rough it out, except for the must haves. So much planning involved and it seems like it's going to be very expensive to get kitted out. I hadn't thought of cooking stoves (assumed camp fire would do it) but obviously after a hard days driving you want to get some food in yer mug ASAP. The list goes on about things I hadn't thought of and all I can say is thank God for all you crazy mofo's whove attempted these kinds of things before and are now able to impart your great wisdom.

I am happy though that we still have a year to get things in order. Going to be flat broke and unemployed after this but one could argue that the life experience is well worth it. I hear many Amens and grunts of approval from you all.

So.... you will most likely hear a lot more questions from Martin or myself about this upcoming beast of an adventure. Here's to experiencing the life without the Discovery Channel.

ps.. oh.. the original idea of posting this thread was to ask for any info you might have to help us plan.. thanks!


------------------
Many Miles to Motor
__________________
Many Miles to Motor
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Oct 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: madrid, spain
Posts: 16
Hi!
I am travelling by bike through that area in six weeks time. I shall be able to give you plenty of info when I return, I believe sometime around February. Mi plan was to travel from Spain to Cape Town, but time and political situation recommended to avoid islamic countries. We plan to fly to SA, buy a bike there and travel up to Ethiopia and down again. Let´s keep in touch, I´m sure I will be able to give you some info.
By the way, do you know anyone in SA to get in contact to buy a bike there?
Cheers,
JP
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Oct 2001
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
Try contacting the Johannesburg Horizons Commmunity, they may be able to provide contact details for a dealer or two. - go to http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/com...tEnglish.shtml

Also Trefco in Cape Town is good - they are on the Links page.


------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Oct 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: London England
Posts: 6
Hello Juan.

The trip sounds damn fine. Jonathan and I have also deceided to revise our trip a little and stick more to the east coast of Africa. We realised that there is no need to tackle the world in one go, as we are sure that this is something that we will want to go back to time and time again.

I would love to give you info on getting a bike in Cape Town, but at the moment, I have no real concrete info to pass on.

I have been in contact with friends and they have been giving me some ideas, but due to the limited funds that I will have, I will have to buy privately and hopefully cheap.

Please do give us any news on your trip, all news, details and what not are most welcome.

I am getting butterflies in my stomach I am so excited about my adventure to come. So far we are keen on going through South Africa, up to Mozambique where we want to spend about 3 weeks or so, then up to Malawi and a further 3 weeks or so, then up to Tanzania and up to Zanzibar to go and get some really good diving in. Not entirely sure of the final destination at which point we will turn south and head back, but I am dead keen on visiting Lake Kariba as well and spending some quiet time fishing and doing pretty much nothing else.

Good luck to you.

regards
Martin
__________________
Martin
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Oct 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: madrid, spain
Posts: 16
Hi Martin
I´ll give you final details of my trip in a couple of weeks, just before my departure. Of course, additional and more reliable info after my return.
Our route looks pretty similar to yours, but we shall include places that, I´ve been said, we should not miss (for example, Uganda).
I´ll be in touch.
JP
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Nov 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 10
Hey Juan.... really looking forward to your info on your return. We couldn't have asked for a better contact to make before our trip. The best of luck to you and also, please let us know how the purchase and rigging of your bike went.. Martin and I have been discussing doing a one or two week trip around S.A beforehand to gain a bit of experience before heading into Mozambique. I think we should simpy place S.A in our itinary and if things go well continue without looking back.

Later..

------------------
Many Miles to Motor
__________________
Many Miles to Motor
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Nov 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 10
Thanks Grant for links on bike purchase. This is an awesome BBoard you've created here and the help is invaluable! We look forward to posting some info/pics on our travels here. Later.
__________________
Many Miles to Motor
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Nov 2001
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
Happy to help - we are constantly impressed ourselves by the awesome number of people out there willing to spend a minute and help others out. It's all about Community and sharing... and you guys are all doing just that and helping create a fantastic Community - and for that I thank you all!



------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Dec 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 1
Hi all
If you are heading up the East Coast of South Africa, anywhere near Durban, please call in on our dirt bike touring operation www.africanoffroadtours. We will hook you up with friends up and down the coast, as far south as Cape Town and as far north as Zimbabwe. Best of luck on your tour
Reagrds

------------------
Danny Steyn
www.africanoffraodtours.com
__________________
Danny Steyn
www.africanoffraodtours.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Jan 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Paarl - South Africa
Posts: 9
Hi to all. I stay near Cape Town and can help look for bikes for sale in this area. I know of a Suzuki DR650 for R12 000 now. 600 Tenere is harder to find, but jou can get them for R15 000. Old BMW R80GS are harder to find, but you can get them for under R20 000. Old XT500 are there plenty of and sell for R6 000.

I am leaving from Cape Town to the equator in June this year with my 1150GS and will report to you on my way.
One question, some people told me it is not a good idea to travel alone, but I canot find people to go with and are not going to stay home. What is your opinion on this? What safety mesures can I make?

Cheers
Johan Claassens
RSA
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 17 Jan 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 95
It is a bit of a concern . I travelled a bit in Southern Africa alone and the biggest problem was when I ran out of petrol ( near PE) as people told me not to leave my bike alone !

I think your main concerns should be avoiding dangerous drivers on the road and sometimes getting bored in the evenings.

Then you have to consider walking around new towns in the night time by yourself , which is probably my biggest worry too ( off next week to Sth Am for 6 months solo bike trip ) .
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 7 Mar 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: madrid, spain
Posts: 16
Hi MArtin
I am back from Africa. We bought a Suzuki DR Big 750 and a Kawasaki KLR 650 in Cape Town and drove 12,000 up to NAirobi, in 9 weeks. We did not go through Mozambique (be careful with petrol), we went thru Namibia and another 6 countries to reach Kenya. The experience was incredible, with no problems at all. Tell me what kind of info you need and I will be happy to share my trip with you.
Juan Pablo
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 25 Mar 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Poole, Dorset, UK.
Posts: 66
Jono

We're currently in Kenya having spent 6 months riding up from Cape Town via, Lesotho, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi & Tanzania. We have a page on our website for each country we've been through and mention people & places that we've found useful/comfortable.

Give special attention to Mozambique as fuel and changing TC's can be a problem.

Other than that we've not encountered any major problems other than BMW fitting the bikes Throttle Position Sensor (factory set) in the most ridiculous position known to man-kind, (yes, I've just knocked mine off), fortunately Nairobi has a BMW main dealer.

All the best,

Goose

www.gooseontheloose.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

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

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle 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 all over the world with the help of volunteers; 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, or ask questions on the HUBB. 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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:15.