Namibia & South Africa

This is a 17 day adventure tour and covers around 2,500 miles.  The start point is Windhoek, Namibia and the finish point is Cape Town, South Africa.

Please note that approximately 40% of the route is on gravel roads and so you must have experience of riding gravel roads on a big adventure bike before you come on the tour.  (see our Useful Information for more advice).

Day 1 – Windhoek
Arrive into Windhoek no later than 2pm.  Collect your motorcycle and have a group evening dinner. 

Day 2 & 3 – Etosha National Park (335 miles)
Leave the capital behind and ride north to the edge of Etosha National Park. Have a day off to enjoy an morning game drive out on to the famous Etosha Pan.  You’ll see giraffe, elephant and many more.  Our hotel has a great veranda overlooking a waterhole.  A perfect place at sunset to watch for more animals and have a cold beer.

Day 4 – Month Etjo (312 miles)
Plenty of gravel tracks today! Ride through the highlands, plateaus, escarpments and follow the tracks of a dinosaur.

Day 5 Swakopmund (229 miles)
More gravel roads to the Brandberg Massif.  Reach the Skeleton Coast, explore the shipwrecks and enjoy the cool ocean breezes.  Then ride the salt road south to “Little Germany” – Swakopmund.

Day  6 & 7 – Sossuvlei (224 miles)
Vast open landscapes and gravel roads to the famous sand dunes of Sossuvlei. A day off to take a 4×4 jeep tour deep into the dunes and climb famous deep orange Dune 45.

Day 8 – Aus (261 miles)
It’s all gravel roads today and watch out for some pockets of sand.  Aus is a small village on the edge of the Namib Desert, famous for the wild desert horses.

Day 9 – Canyon Roadhouse (242 miles)
Lets get an early start to give us time to enjoy the Richtersveld National Park and the Orange River and then the stunning views of Fish River Canyon, the world’s second largest!

Day 10 – Upington (249 miles)
Border crossing into South Africa. It’s the final throws of the wild flower season in Namaqualand.

Day 11 – Clanwilliam (354 miles)
South across the Orange River.  Head through the Cederberg Wilderness.  Great dirt road across the Kipfonteinrant Pass and onto the small town of Clanwilliam.

Day 12 & 13 – Franschhoek (160 miles)
Great dirt road south to Citrusdal.  Then the great Michell’s Pass and Bains Kloof Pass en route to the heartland of South Africa’s wine region.  Two nights in an historic mansion hotel and a day off to enjoy a tour of the many vineyards and go wine tasting or just relax.

Day 14 – Gansbaai (168 miles)  
A milestone! You’ll reach the most southern point in the African Continent, before heading around the coast to a beautiful spot overlooking the ocean.

Day 15 – Cape Town (175 miles)
We divert to the Cape of Good Hope and take the fabulous Chapman’s Peak Drive into Cape Town.  Our hotel is adjacent to the V&A Waterfront.  Return the bikes to the rental agency.

Day 16 – Cape Town.  
You have a day off.  You can take an optional tour to Robben Island or take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain.  Group Evening Group Meal at a great Waterfront Restaurant to celebrate.

Day 17 – Cape Town to Home
Transfer to the airport and flight back home.

Riders are often surprised at the high quality of the accommodation on this trip.  We stay primarily in 3* and 4* hotels and game lodges, with excellent quality standards, en suite bathrooms and on site bar and restaurant.  In the remote locations, rooms do not have televisions and internet access can be unpredictable or slow.  In one or two small towns, the accommodation is more simple, but still with en suite bathrooms.

To give you a flavour of the type of accommodation we use, below are hotels that we have stayed at regularly.  If we cannot get rooms in the hotels below, you will stay somewhere of a similar standard.

Mount Etjo Safari Lodge

Etosha Aoba Lodge, Etosha National Park

A Little Sossus Lodge, Sossusvlei

Canyon Roadhouse, near Fish River Canyon

Mont D’or, Franschhoek

Our accommodation is chosen to reflect the area that we are in. Some of it is independently run by local families, with a long history in the region.  Others are selected for their quirky nature, with bags of character and rustic charm.  Others are great locations, like Etosha Aoba, where you can watch animals come to the waterholes from the bar.

The important thing for you to bear in mind is that quite a few are remote, so there won’t be all the modern technologies that you may be used to at home.  We think that’s a good thing – helps you to take it easy away from busy modern life and gives you plenty of time to chat with everyone over a beer in the evening.

We also include seven evening meals on this trip at the lodges or hotels where there are no alternatives and no towns to head out to.  Some of these will be set menus or buffet dinners.  Please remember to tell us your dietary requirements when booking.

Before you go

• Access to the GlobeBusters Team for one to one meeting about preparing for the tour and what to expect.
• Motorcycle Tour Travel Pack, including Tour Specific Guidance Handbook & hard copy Michelin / Reise Know How Maps, marked with route.
• Daily hard copy route notes with GPS co-ordinates and information about the hotels, the roads and the sights
• Loan SD Card with open source GPS mapping for the region (suitable for Garmin units), downloadable routes and custom waypoints for hotels, lunch stops, viewpoints etc

En Route

• 16 nights bed and breakfast accommodation on shared basis (unless you book a Single Room)
• Local overnight hotel parking charges
• Seven evening meals – the Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner, as well as five meals at accommodation in remote locations where there is no other choice.
• Half Day Game Drive in Etosha National Park
• Half Day 4×4 Jeep Drive in Sossusvlei
• Branded Tour Shirt

Motorcycle Hire

Where you have chosen to rent a motorcycle, this is organised by us with the local motorcycle rental provider, Karoo Biking.   We act as agents for the local rental company and we reserve motorcycles with them in accordance with your booking.  Your rental fee includes:

• 15 days motorcycle rental, including side panniers at no extra charge.
• Border crossing fees for the motorcycle between Namibia and South Africa.
• One-way motorcycle collection and drop off (as you are starting and ending in a different place).
• All motorcycles are fitted with new dual purpose tyres.
• Collision damage waiver and theft protection insurance are included in the price.  There is an excess of ZAR25,000 (F750GS / F850GS) or ZAR30,000 (R1250GS) in case of any damage to the motorcycle. The excess is taken as a credit card authorisation on departure of rental, and withheld until the motorcycle is cleaned and inspected upon return.
• Should you require a top box or tank bag, please request this on booking.  There is an extra charge and it must be specifically requested.
• Should you require a GPS unit, please request this on booking.  There is an extra charge and it must be specifically requested.  All BMW R1250 GS rental bikes are fitted with a Garmin/BMW Nav cradle, so you can bring your own unit if you wish.
• Before the start of the tour, you will be sent an email by the local provider to agree to the local motorcycle rental agreement and provide your credit details online as a guarantee against damage.

Your contract for motorcycle rental is with Karoo Biking and not with us and you must comply with their terms and conditions for rental.  We act as agent for Karoo Biking, and on arrival you will be required to sign the local motorcycle rental contract.  You can request a copy of these terms and conditions from us by contacting us in advance.  You must provide the local provider with valid credit card details with sufficient credit limit as a guarantee against damages up to the insurance excess.  Please note that on rare occasions the local provider may need to substitute your choice of motorcycle for something equivalent.

Support Crew

• Tour Manager on bike to accompany the group.
• Motorcycle Support Rider, where the group is more than 12 riders
• Support Vehicle, equipped with satellite phone, spare fuel, water, tools, spare tyres, selected spare parts and emergency first aid kit.
• Support Driver, with motorcycle mechanical experience and outdoor expedition first aid qualifications

Not Included

• Return passenger airline flights or any other travel costs to get to the start and from the finish point for the tour.
• Personal travel, accident and medical insurance (covering matters such as medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation, curtailment, loss or damage to property)
• Motorcycle insurance (unless you have taken the motorcycle rental option)
• Entrance fees to sights and parks, optional local excursions or local activities, (except where stated)
• Lunches, snacks or evening meals (except where stated). Any meals whilst on board ferries.
• Personal spending money, tips, souvenirs or other extras.
• Personal documentation (eg visas, passport), vaccinations, personal taxes, border crossing fees.
• We do not supply riding gear; you must bring a minimum of your own helmet, jacket, trousers, boots and gloves.
• Fuel, oil & other motorcycle consumables, toll road fees, traffic fines.
• Cost of parts, labour or other indirect costs (eg recovery of motorcycle) relating to the repair of any damage to your motorcycle or a rental motorcycle
• Any other item not specifically stated as included in the price.

Flights

For clarity, we do not include your passenger flights.  Once we have confirmed that this tour is a guaranteed departure, it is your responsibility to organise your own flights to and from the destination.  You need to book an outward flight to our start point, Windhoek to arrive no later than around 1pm on 21 September 2022.  The earliest leave date is any time on 7 October 2022 from Cape Town.

Only book your flights once we have confirmed that your tour is a guaranteed departure.  We do not refund flight costs if you have booked flights for a tour that has not been notified as a guaranteed departure.

Should you wish to arrive before the official date date or stay after the official end date, please simply request extra nights at the time of booking and we can make the reservation at our group hotel.

Please also refer to our terms and conditions.

When you book a tour with us, we provide you with Tour Specific Guidance Notes that give you detailed information about what you need to know to prepare and plan your tour, and what to expect when on tour. Here are some of the questions that we often get asked before a rider makes a booking.  If you wish to meet with us prior to booking to ask more questions, do not hesitate to contact us

What riding experience do I need?
This trip is not suitable for novice riders.  We generally recommend that you are an experienced motorcyclist, who has ridden overseas before and is used to touring.  You will enjoy the experience more if your riding is of an advanced standard and by that we mean you have a good command of slow control (ieg you don’t dangle your feet or paddle at slow speeds and can U-turn your bike), you are assertive on the road and have good forward planning and hazard perception, you are able to perform safe and precise overtakes and are able ride to the legal speed limits.

In addition, please note that 40% of the route is on gravel roads and so you must have some experience of riding big adventure bikes on gravel roads before you come on the tour.   There can be heavily corrugated dirt surfaces and short sandy sections.  If it has been a while since you have ridden off road, we strongly recommend you do an off road or adventure bike training course using a mid or large adventure bike.  Please see Triumph Adventure Experience,  Adventure Bike Training or Off Road Skills.  Don’t be put off – you do not need to be a Dakar “God”; this ride is achievable by riders with relevant experience of gravel roads, who ride within their ability and according to the conditions.

Do I have to ride in a group?
We do not make you ride in convoy.  We offer you the freedom to decide how you would like to ride.  We give you a road book, with recommendations for lunch or coffee stops, fuel stops and hotel information.  You also get an SD card with mapping, custom routes & GPS co-ordinates to download to your GPS.  You can use these tools to self-navigate.  Most riders prefer to have this freedom, so they can stop where they want and for how long they want without feeling under pressure.  However if you prefer to ride with our Tour Manager, then you can do this.  They will give you a time to start in the morning, so please be prompt and ready to ride with them.  Each day you can change between riding on your own, or with a small group of other riders or with the Tour Manager.  We like to have a very flexible approach.

What is the average group size?
Our groups are normally between 8 – 10 riders (some riders will have passengers), up to a maximum of 16 riders.  8 riders is the minimum number to confirm the guaranteed departure of the tour.

Is this ride suitable for a passenger?
Absolutely.  We have always had couples riding two-up on this tour.  Your passenger needs to also be an experienced tourer, used to long distance riding and be comfortable riding on the back of the bike on gravel surfaces.  Your passenger must ride the motorcycle each touring day – there is no option to sit in the support vehicle as this is only for participants who are ill or injured, or unless the road conditions are too difficult for a rider and passenger to attempt two-up.  You are able to place luggage (see below) in the Support Vehicle and the standard of accommodation is also very good.

Is there a support vehicle?
Yes, this tour operates with a local support vehicle and driver. The support vehicle will carry one piece of luggage per person, up to a maximum of 60 litres each. Your luggage should be dustproof and waterproof and we recommend soft bags such as Ortlieb. Hard suitcases or baggage with wheels are not recommended.

Tell me about motorcycle rental
Riders must be age 25 years and older, with a valid, full motorcycle licence.  We work with the local motorcycle rental agency, Motorrad Executive Rentals based in Cape Town, who are BMW Approved.  We act as an agent for them and your contract for the motorcycle rental is with them and not with us (you can request a copy of the contract from us in advance).  Your rental fee includes:

• All motorcycle rentals include top box at no extra charge.
• They are also fitted with new dual purpose tyres for the start of your tour.
• Should you require panniers, tank bag or GPS unit please request this on booking. There is an extra charge and it must be specifically requested.
• All rental bikes are fitted with a BMW Nav cradle.
• All motorcycles have third party and CDW insurance subject to an excess of up ZAR35,000 – ZAR40,000, depending on the motorcycle rented.
• On arrival at the start of the tour, you will be required to sign the local motorcycle rental agreement and provide your credit details as a guarantee against damage.  You must ensure you have sufficient credit limit for the damage deposit.

You are free to book motorcycle rental direct with Motorrad Executive Rentals and not through us. Their details can easily be found via google.

Please note that on rare occasions they may need to substitute you choice of motorcycle for something similar.

What documents do I need?
You will need your original documents as follows:  Passport, Driving Licence, International Driving Permit.  Please ensure that your passport has at least two blank pages when you arrive and that the expiry date is at least 6 months after the date you fly home.  In addition, you must have travel and medical insurance.

What about flights?
You must book your own passenger flights to Windhoek and from Cape Town.  Do not book your flights until we confirm that your tour is a guaranteed departure.  When we do give you confirmation, please make sure that your flight arrives in Windhoek before 1pm on the first official day and you can fly home from Cape Town at any time on the final official day.  You are responsible for taking a taxi from the airport to the group hotel (and return).

What will the weather be like?
Namibia will also be dry and hot, with temperatures up to 38C degrees.  As we travel south, the weather becomes cooler.  In Cape Town, it will be more like what you get in a Northern Hemisphere spring time, and possibly light showers and temperatures of 18C – 22C degrees.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather
http://www.worldclimate.com/

Visas
At time of writing, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most EU Citizens do not need any visas in advance for travel.   This information is provided in good faith.  It is your responsibility to have the correct visas in place prior to travel.  Please check what requirements are necessary for your nationality.

http://www.thevisamachine.com/

What about my health when I am abroad?
You need to be physically fit and healthy and also take the necessary health precautions.  It is essential for you to consult your doctor or travel clinic for up-to-date medical travel information prior of travel, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. For up-to-date medical advice you may wish to use the Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad “MASTA”  https://www.masta-travel-health.com/, the NHS website  http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx  or NaTHNaC https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/.

You will be obliged to disclose any medical condition or medication that you are taking to GlobeBusters in advance and to your Tour Manager at the start of your Tour, for health and safety purposes. We provide you with our Emergency Details Form for this purpose and to collect information about who to contact for you back home in the event of an emergency.

Please note that Namibia and South Africa do not have the same level of medical infrastructure nor consistent medical standards that you may be used to.  In particular, emergency services often may be a long distance away, with no co-ordinated response, or sometimes no medical response available within reasonable times. Please do not book this trip if this unduly concerns you.

First Aid Training

It is not a requirement to be first aid trained to participate in this expedition. However, we do strongly recommend that you consider doing a motorcycle first aid course.  If you, or a rider you are with, are involved in any accident, whilst not riding with or not close to the support team, having first aid skills may make a significant difference to an injured party.

Travel / Medical Insurance

It is a condition of you travelling with us that you are adequately insured.  Your insurance policy must cover you for the costs of any medical expenses, medical treatment or repatriation needed, due to injury or illness on this trip, including those that occur whilst motorcycle touring, either as the rider or a passenger.  It is important that your insurance company understands that the MAIN PURPOSE of your trip is motorcycle touring, using your own large capacity cc motorcycle or a rental motorcycle.  Your insurance must cover you for the full duration of the trip and for all countries we travel through.

In addition, we strongly recommend that your insurance policy has cover for loss or damage to your personal belongings, delay at your outward or homeward point of departure, personal liability, overseas legal expenses and cancellation and curtailment.

We also strongly recommend that you take out your travel insurance at the time of paying your deposit for your trip as cover will commence for pre-departure cancellation from the policy issue date. This will therefore provide cover should you have to cancel your trip for an insured reason such as illness or serious injury. We do not refund your deposit simply because you failed to take out insurance in sufficient time.

Official Travel Advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) monitors overseas destinations and provides destination travel advice for UK nationals. GlobeBusters monitors the advice from the FCDO and any decisions taken regarding a Tour’s safety and security will use the vast experience of the company’s 17 years of operating as well as the FCDO advice. In the interests of your safety and security, changes may be made to your tour based on any FCDO warnings given.

We strongly recommend that you read the information about the country you are planning to visit to be fully informed – each country has a summary and general information as well as advice on safety & security, local laws & customs, entry requirements and health, and road conditions. See https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/namibia and     https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa

If you are not a UK national please make sure you have checked your own country’s travel advice for your destination/s: The US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov Canadian Foreign Affairs: www.voyage.gc.ca Australian Government Travel Advice: www.smartraveller.gov.au NZ Government Travel Advice: www.safetravel.govt.nz.

What about local currency?
The base currency for this trip is any major currency.  All can be readily exchangeable for the local currency, the South Africa Rand (ZAR), which is accepted in Namibia, is pegged on a 1 for 1 basis with the Namibian Dollar.  The south African Rand can be used in South Afric and Namibia.  The Namibian Dollar can only be used in Namibia.  It is easy  to get local currency from ATMs using your debit / credit card in all towns and cities.  Cards are readily accepted by hotels, restaurants, fuel stations.  The websites below will give you the current rates of exchange.

http://www.oanda.com/
http://www.travelex.co.uk/

Minimum Numbers
We require a minimum number of 6 riders on this tour.  If we do not have this number of bookings, then we reserve the right to cancel the tour. If we have to cancel the tour we will provide you a minimum of 84 days notice prior to departure.