Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers Seeking Travellers
UK to South Africa March 2012 UK to South Africa March 2012
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers Seeking Travellers Meet up with other travellers on the road, or find someone to travel with to the ends of the earth!
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 11 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 70
UK to South Africa March 2012
We are planning an overland trip from UK to the South Africa at the end of March 2012. So far it looks like we are going to be 2 people in a 4x4. It was supposed to be a 3 month trip but I think we will have to settle for 2 months. The route is still open, but we will not be venturing too deep into the less travelled parts. Also the current situation in Libya and Syria makes for its own problems, but that’s why we have to be flexible.



Anybody else has such a trip planned more or less sat the same time that wants to compare notes or maybe hook up?


Cheers
Vleis
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Oct 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 14
Multi Adventurer
Hi Vleis

I am planning this trip for round the same time...albeit on 2 wheels. Have you got a route mapped out? I'm thinking initially to ride down to Greece and cross to Alexandria if theres a ferry. Where abouts are you heading from?...

Les
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 70
Hi Les

Exact route still needs to be decided on, but I think we will be mostly sticking to the eastern side. The big problem at the moment is getting the vehicle into Egypt. It looks like if the Venice/Alexandria ferry does not start again shipping from the UK to Alex is the only option if Libya and Syria are still no go areas. Or go West, but not sure if that is an option for me ...

Do you have any experience with shipping into Alex. It looks like this option you should only take as last resort option because of theft/bureaucracy/unofficial costs etc?

H
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 121
have you considered the west route, did it last year and 2 months is feasable but if you have 3 then take them as in 2 months you won't get to spend much time looking around and what would be the point of doing the trip in the 1st place. there is some info on [url=http://www.across-africa.com]
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 70
Yes I have, but my 2 months is probably the maximum time SWMBO will allow . Also I am still not that confident about the security around some of the sections on the Western side. Obviously I understand the risks associated with a trip like this, but don’t want to go and look for trouble.

How would a western route look like and what’s on offer if I may ask? I am just not familiar with that side since I have always been looking at the eastern route?


Cheers
h
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 70
Thanks looked at your route on your site, so in general my concerns are around countries where security is a concern. Of the ones you went through were would you say is the hot spots?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: North America
Posts: 28
Quote:
Originally Posted by Multi Adventurer View Post
Hi Vleis

I am planning this trip for round the same time...albeit on 2 wheels. Have you got a route mapped out? I'm thinking initially to ride down to Greece and cross to Alexandria if theres a ferry. Where abouts are you heading from?...

Les

I'm planning the same ride. Undecided as to which route to take. Not under any time constraint but would like to hookup with someone for parts of the journey. Riding a Triumph Scrambler so will be limited to good roads and petrol. Shoot me a PM if you want to discuss.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Nov 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 70
Email sent

cheers
h
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 121
you can view the route I did on my website [url=http://www.across-africa.com]
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 121
you can view the route I did on my website Across Africa - Route across africa. At no time throughout the trip did I feel there was a security to issue. We camped wild as much as we could and avoided towns, villages and set up in the bush. Nigeria ia the country everyone said was going to be a problem and they could not have been further from the truth. We were asked all the way down especially in the arab french speaking countries for gifts, but we just said we had nothing and were sent on our way. If you are polite and patient it works. In Nigeria which is meant to be notorious for bribes, and corruption police were super friendly and only 1 officer at the end of the trip near the cameroon board asked and got a bit shirty with us when we said we had nothing. I threatened to report him and started to write down his badge number and that soon enough made him change his tune.

Final words are " be a man and go west"
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 22 Nov 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 70
Maybe to go west is the better option...
I am still struggling to get a “reliable” shiupping option into Alex Old Port. From the UK it seems like everybody ships to Dekheila and now that Egypt is starting to become unsettled I am considering going west.

I have 2 months from early April 2012 and obviously I don’t want to rush this whole trip as it defeats the whole object of doing this trip. I am relocating to South Africa permanently and are not too concerned about not spending a lot of time in countries bordering SA as I can always visit there again. After some research I am also more comfortable with the possible security issues en route. Based on previous experience would anybody say 2 months to get from UK to SA via the western route is a bit farfetched? Will it just be a mad rush?

I have some flexibility so if there are delays (e.g breakdowns, weather related, etc) it is OK, but preferably I want to try and be in SA in June 2012. Also anybody else still doing the eastern route over this time – happy if you PM me if you want to share notes.

As always any advice appreciated

-H
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Forward planning... Shipping Dhaka / Asia to NZ March 2012 stumuxlow Trip Transport 0 13 Aug 2011 15:20
east coast africa south from march / april 2010 dajg Travellers Seeking Travellers 2 17 Mar 2010 23:16
From Morocco to South Africa March-May 2010 sydbyron Route Planning 6 26 Jan 2010 17:20

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 02:11.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top