Author Topic: Overland South Africa to Europe (Read 4387 times)

Hermit · « **on:** March 10, 2014, 09:46:21 pm »

Hi fellow dawgs !
I want to do the RSA to Europe thing on my XR650. Although I do not have a problem to do it solo, I would like company on this one. I am in no hurry (being 55+)

, I enjoy cruizing along and enjoying the view and whatever there is to experience along the way. I am flexible with the departure date and the route to take. I prefer camping and backpackers and eating the local food (I'm not a very good cook). My bike is fully kitted for this type of trip and I am in good health. Am I difficult or full of s#!t ? Not really, I am very adaptable as long as it doesn't become a rush/race !!

I have even thought of interrupting the trip halfway and flying home if I should feel like doing it. (flexible on this one too)

So then, is there anyone out there that feels the same way I do ? Please get in touch so we can start planning ... before I need a sidecar to keep the bike up ...

n0b0dy · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2014, 06:27:47 pm »

How about I do some of the trip with you... i have some friends ... maybe they want to join too.

Hinksding · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2014, 11:38:28 pm »

Attack Dog · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2014, 01:02:23 pm »

Hermit,

Great trip - I did a solo 15,000km trip from London to Cape Town quite a while back on a Yamaha Super Tenere 750. Greatest thing I ever did. I like travelling solo - and this is ultimate solo trip, like yours will prove to be.

I am off to do the Himalayas this year with a group of guys - so can't make it, but would love to do this Cape to London trip again one day.

Keep us updated on your planning and route. And pack only halve of what you are thinking you need at the moment.

Louis Photo · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2014, 01:07:53 pm »

Hi hermit, when are you planning for more or less? This winter, this year, next year?

DCR · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2014, 02:05:57 pm »

I would love to one day do this, but unless I win the lotto it won't be in the foreseeable future.

Hermit · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2014, 09:58:47 pm »

Hi. just busy with a trip ! I will reply when I'm back.

Chrissie B · « **Reply #7 on:** May 16, 2014, 09:35:37 am »

You supply a suitable bike and pay for the trip... I'm in, lol...

I would not want to do it on my AT, I still need her for commuting!

Optimusprime · « **Reply #8 on:** May 18, 2014, 11:42:47 am »

H,

I'm leaving on 29 May 2017 to UK, enough time to save cash, bike preparations and in no rush to get there, up to 6 months for the trip.

silver slang · « **Reply #9 on:** May 23, 2014, 12:09:02 pm »

Hi
I'm also keen for a trans Africa trip. Had a trip planned up to Cairo but cancelled due to team member/s pulling out and I do not wanting to do it solo. Limited time available for this trip though, about 70-80 days but it should result in a slow enough pace to take in everything the route has to offer and not to have a race!
Currently my team has a massive size of 1 member(s)...
Let me know if you are keen!

Hermit · « **Reply #10 on:** May 26, 2014, 08:08:37 pm »

OK, to answer you guys that have posted here. I have decided to change my plans. I have travelled most of the Southern African countries, and I have experienced a lot of what every country has to offer i.t.o. things to see and do. I enjoyed most of the experiences and I have no problem travelling to or through any of them.
But I have decided it might be a better idea to rather ship the bike to Europe and ride there until I've seen and experienced what I can there. Afterwards I can then rather ride the bike back home through Africa if both the bike and I can still do it. Better to arrive home on the bike, than to have to pack and send everything and fly back.
So now the re-planning will start ...

... and to convince the boss (minister of finance) ...

El Lobo · « **Reply #11 on:** May 31, 2014, 10:17:40 pm »

Hi, Hermit

How will you ship the bike up north and with who?

Chrissie B · « **Reply #12 on:** June 19, 2014, 05:12:50 pm »

Quote from: El Lobo on May 31, 2014, 10:17:40 pm

Hi, Hermit

How will you ship the bike up north and with who?

Yes, I would also be interested in that answer... although when I go to Europe it's likely I won't come back!

I considered the idea of riding up through Africa to go 'home' to Germany, but scrapped that idea, too complicated, too expensive and not something I'd want to do on my own. But I may want to take my Africa Twin with when I go back home, they are not that cheap to buy there and I won't get much for her here.

I thought a nice idea would be to ship the bike as far as Morocco, then do a detour to Marrakesh, and from there to the ferry to Spain, then France, Italy, Austria and Germany and who knows where else...

But for now it's just a thought, have not made up my mind if I really want to leave here or not... it's a big decision!

Fuzzy Muzzy · « **Reply #13 on:** June 22, 2014, 06:41:07 pm »

I think my mail is available on my profile.. mail me and we can chat

I have also done most southern africa countries and have never been to europe so i would be interested. I only planned to go in a few years so I could ride with my son but I may not live that long.. no time like the present.

I would'nt mind looking at the budget to do a trip like this, so in for planning

Muz

El Lobo · « **Reply #14 on:** June 24, 2014, 09:59:28 am »

No new developments here?

Chrissie B, your itinerary is an echo of what I intend doing. Interesting! It's all the fault of Mike Batt and his album Schizophonia.

So, what next?

Chrissie B · « **Reply #15 on:** June 24, 2014, 02:21:51 pm »

Quote from: El Lobo on June 24, 2014, 09:59:28 am

No new developments here?

Chrissie B, your itinerary is an echo of what I intend doing. Interesting! It's all the fault of Mike Batt and his album Schizophonia.

So, what next?

Ok, I am just not getting anywhere with regards to information on shipping the bike up there! I need some help....

And at the moment I'm also busy trying to get quotes to ship some of my household up north, but to figure out how much stuff I need to take with is becoming a mission! How on earth do I know how much space I would need in a container, especially since I have not even checked exactly what I would take with!

Estimated date for departure would be around May next year.... there is a lot to organise before I can leave!

Hermit · « **Reply #16 on:** June 24, 2014, 08:53:58 pm »

Quote from: El Lobo on June 24, 2014, 09:59:28 am

No new developments here?

Yes, it's frustrating ! I sent mails to different companies requesting a quote and nobody even bothers to reply. I was planning to do it by sea, but looks like it might be easier (but I expect more expensive) just to go by air. Or plan B is most likely to fly to Europe and buy a bike there. But that defies MY issue ...
I will see if I can find something usefull to work from and get in contact with you guys.

El Lobo · « **Reply #17 on:** July 09, 2014, 12:04:30 am »

Hermit, I had a quote from a shipping company (about a month ago), shipping my Tiger from Cape Town to London. R18 000 one way! Add an airline ticket for myself and the cost of the contents of my bike's soft luggage and it becomes a little on the expensive side. And then I have to return South again.

If anyone reads this thread and has some cheaper (and valid) options, please let us know.

Chrissie B · « **Reply #18 on:** July 09, 2014, 09:45:15 am »

I managed to get a quote from one of the moving companies, they quoted me just under R11k to ship the bike to the UK, includes . So now I must decide if it is worth it, or if I should sell her here and buy another one there....

For a “Groupage” (Shared) container – Motorbike only.
For the shipment of 3.10 cu meters 1X MOTORBIKE ONLY, export wrapped and packed at residence RANDBURG – assuming normal access – and brought to the Execu-Move warehouse, loaded into a groupage (shared use) container and shipped through port of entry FELIXSTOWE, for your own collection from our agents depot in the U.K.

(Including Cargo dues) ZAR 10 689.00

Hermit · « **Reply #19 on:** July 10, 2014, 06:53:50 pm »

Does "ship" mean ship, by sea ?

. And if so, where from ? I suppose one could pack most of the kit on the bike and not have to carry it on the plane.
But then, for R10500 one could be quite far by road ... Decisions decisions ....

which bike ... Which way ...

El Lobo, which way will you prefer ? Muz and silver slang, and you ? I don't plan to stay there in Europe, so either there and back, or just back for me. And back does not have to be straight away, as I still want to explore the place over time.
But I will have to return home now and then to sort things this side.