Southern Africa now?
 

I was due to fly into Joburg next week to collect my bike and spend a few months on the road in Southern Africa. Obviously the Covid second wave and new strain makes that a lot trickier, so I am re-evaluating my plans.

I am happy to take a view on sensibly managing Covid risks and potential border closures, but I am looking for feedback from anyone who is in SA / Moz / Botswana / Namibia at the moment as to its impact on hostels, campsites, other travellers, the joy of travelling etc.

Whilst I am sure I can always find a hotel or campsite, if most things are shut down or empty, and there is no-one around to have a beer with (or bars are locked down) at the end of the day, that will probably make it a lot less fun....... The social element of the trip is important. Hence I am after feedback as to what the “environment” for travel in Southern Africa is at the moment (ie the type of thing not reported in the newspaper stories about Covid and tourism).

Many thanks
Matt

Merry Xmas

What are the chances that you arrive in Botswana or similar, they close the borders and order you home?

What would happen to your bike?

Damned Covid. :nono:

I read that the South Africans weren't issuing visas for anyone other than people on business. I belive they have also brought in new measures including banning alcohol sales recently because of the new COVID strain. Maybe ask on the Wild Dogs forum what the situation is on the ground, but it doesn't look like a good time to travel to me - fancy getting a bad dose of COVID in the back of beyond in Moz? Nah, me neither..


It's all here of course: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa

Apparently it is possible to travel around in South Africa. Hotels are open, but there's a curfew from 9 pm to 6 am - and, what's worse, no sale of alcohol :(

I just phoned my sister living in the Eastern Cape. Infection rates are exploding again. The police are patrolling the "white" townships (where everybody sticks to the regulations) but doesn't dare to enter the "black" townships where the parties go on and where the main infection centres are...

Me too
 

Hi Matt,
I am due to fly to Durban this week and do something similar. I have a bike there waiting for me as well.

I hear mixed reports on the ground and it is a personal view on the risks - my view is it may be quieter than normal, but that isn't an issue for me. And i view the risk to me of COVID to be far lower than being killed on my bike.

I have had my flights cancelled several times and am now heading there via Qatar.

Maybe our paths will cross....?

JB

Bostwana now - going to Nairobi - anyone about to join me?
 

Hi, I've been travelling in Africa since March 2019 (Morocco --> South Africa, via West Coast. I arrived December 2019). I spent 2020 in lockdown in South Africa, but I managed to escape to Botswana in December 2020, and I am currently in Maun.

Most land borders are open, subject to COVID19 tests, and I am just planning on going slowly. If things change and I get locked down/ can't get out, well it's better than being in the UK. I bought my current bike in Nigeria, and as much as I love her, if the worst comes to the worst, she will have to stay here and I will fly out.

If anyone is about and would like to travel together, please message me. From Maun, I am going up to Shakawe (Tsodilo Hills). I will either cross through Caprivi Strip into Zambia, or come back around Maun to Nata to Kazangala Ferry crossing and spend some time in Livingstone.

My experience travelling through COVID19 has been fine. There's alcohol bans and curfews, but outside of that most things are still open and people are grateful to have tourists about. I have been able to explore the Delta and see some very cool wildlife this side.

God on you mate! By the way - alcohol bans were lifted in South Africa 2 days ago according to my nephew in Johburg.


You'll find lots of fellow bikers on the Wild Dog Adventure Riding - Index




Safe travels!

I found it impossible to get past the verification questions on the registration page, even tho the answers seem obvious.

Check your pm's.

Itchy Boots :thumbup1: