We have mapped out an idea of where we wish to go and which way to go about it. Now, this route is in no way set in stone, as so many factors come in to play here:
1. Finances - we need to cover fuel, food, some B&B's, border bribes (!)
2. Weather - heavy rains, snow and extreme cold could alter our route
3. Terrain - if too hectic, we'll have to change our route
4. Passports - if The Goose doesn't get hers in time, we're stumped
4. Border Issues - these can be tricky in Africa, regardless of what the regulations require
The route? Well, it's awesome:
From Cape Town we head North East along the coastline, hugging the shoreline as close as possible. We think 3 days is good for this, as we want to check out Coffee Bay and the old Transkei territories (now integrated in to the Eastern Cape) before heading in to Durban.
Once we have had our way with Durbs we will venture further North to Kosi Bay and in to Mozambique, Maputo being our main destination. Here, we will chill out on the beaches whilst sipping cocktails and scoffing freshly caught seafood!
This is definitely an aspect that may change, as I have been informed that the road we wish to use to gain access to Moz is predominately sand, and this does not gel well with me. A heavy bike, fully loaded, with pillion, is not my idea of a good time...
Swaziland. The Goose's pick of the trip. Although I am pretty excited to check this place out, it's The Goose that was very specific in scouting out this small country. I'm not too sure what to expect here, but I think it's gonna be exciting.
Once we have exited via Piggs Pass to the West back in to SA, we travel South through the ever exciting KwaZulu Natal Highlands and across to the Eastern side of Lesotho, to ride the beautiful Sani Pass. Plans are afoot to tar this road and I want to get in before this happens...
Lesotho is key for me, because it is home to one of the most incredible organisations in the world - Riders for Health (RfH). Using motorcycles, RfH gets much needed aid to the remotest parts of Lesotho (also located in other parts of Africa), and has been key to saving lives. I plan to see their HQ in Maseru and meet some of the riders, to get first-hand experience of their daily heroics.
Exiting Lesotho through the Southern border, we re-enter SA and, depending on timing, either camp out in Lady Grey or push on further towards our next thrilling location...
Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve: an adventure bikers paradise! We will spend 3 days and 2 nights here, taking our time through the complicated terrain and just beholding the beauty that surrounds us. I think this may be the part that I am most most excited about, but then there's so much to get excited about on this trip...!
Having trekked through the glorious Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve with glee, we begin our descent towards Cape Town. I'm not too sure about the smaller details yet, but the plan is to start out early in the morning and stay over at a cosy B&B before landing back at the homestead the following evening.
Exciting? I think so!
Because of the nature of my work, I can never get time off during the summer months, and therefore always have to take in to account the weather conditions whenever the decision has been made to take on a big trek. We cannot let negative weather affect a decision to go on an adventure, otherwise we might never get out there!
South Africa is generally pretty good on the weather aspect, but depending on where you are according to sea-level, things can get pretty cold. The areas we intend to ride through are known for receiving the extreme end of the cold stick, which means packing the right gear is essential, and expensive. I have started pulling out my cupboards and seeing what is there that I can sell, so I can buy new kit. It's a tough move, as there is always that item that you really don't want to let go of; you always think that you might well need it again some time in the future. But that's part of the adventure - out with the old, in with the new!
Frankly, I think we have too much stuff at home.
Having mapped out the proposed route, the next step was researching border crossings (visas etc), carnets, travel and medical insurance (especially Medi-Vac, this is crucial when going in to hard to reach locations), and the required kit needed. I have been told that even if you have all the necessary documents you may be in for a small bribe, for no particular reason. But hey, what's Africa without a little bribery and corruption?
This route could very easily change, especially if border crossings become a pain.
Accommodation. We will pitch our tent as much as possible, but stay in a B&B where required. For example, if we camp out in a place where there are no ablutions then the following night we will check in to a place where we can get a hot shower and proper meal.
Who knows though, we might even spend every night in a B&B!
The planning continues...
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