This is the start: Getting the bike ready for a three months trip from Johannesburg to Munich.Welcome to my blog and for joining me on my way from South Africa to Germany.
After months of preparation, updating plans I initially started back in 2010, today is the first day of my personal biggest adventure so far. I have arrived in Johannesburg and will soon be reunited with my bike.
Preparations still ongoing, Africa-time is asking for patience. Bike back in workshop, visas almost done, but good mood!The first week in South Africa has been on filled with activities and patience. After having dropped off the new set of tyres at the workshop (Annakee 2, not available anymore in ZA), where my bike was already waiting, I went to the Saudi embassy in Pretoria to enquire about transit visa. They didn't say no straight away, but sent me to their visa agency in Sandton instead (VFS Tasheel).
Day 4-7 from Northern Zimbabwe through Mocambique into Malawi, along Lake Malawi and into Tanzania - long days on surprisingly good roads.Day four of the trip was a two-border-day: Into Mocambique, without queues, no problem at all. German passport holders require visa, which should be obtained at the Mocambiquan embassy/consulate (R600 at Rosebank consulate general). Carnet required.
Johannesburg-Beitbridge-Northern Highlands. Start of the trip with some long riding days including a unpleasant surpriseThursday I started from Johannesburg, having collected the bike from Cytech, who did a phantastic job replacing the clutch in only one day. "Smooth as silk", as Donovan said, and the bike is still running like clockwork today.
Loading the bike took only a good hour as everything was pre-packed and ready to load:
Long days on fine African roads, from Iringa to MwanzaAfter arrival in Tanzania from Malawi and a stop in Makambako to get a local SIM-card, it was easy riding on some nice tarmac to Iringa, where I spent the first of many nights in Tanzania in a small roadside hotel with a hair-raising steep entrance 3 meters below street level, a friendly and welcoming manager who did not let me carry any ever so small item of luggage into my nice room, and a bed & bedfast rate of just below USD15.
Some facts and figures about roads, distances, via-points, traffic... For those who will travel the same roads in the future!Quick summary of the riding so far (detailed reports from Mwanza will follow asap):
I am indeed far behind with the updates and stories, but at lest here is the second part of the statistics, right until today - before I will leave Addis Ababa tomorrow.Day 18:
Jinja/UGD
The city has one of the worst potholed roads so far, however roadworks on the main road give an indication that this might change to a better.
Hi all, I have decided to discontinue this blog and focus on my Facebook page only. I feel I keep spending already too much time with my electronics gadgets and on the net, wasting pecious time on my trip.
Thanks for your understanding!