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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS :
WHAT MUST I BRING ALONG?
Documentation :
- Passport (Valid for your trip check on visa requirements for your specific country, ensure your passport is current and in good order)
- Visa The relevant visa as required for a visit to South Africa.
- International motorcycle drivers license / permit (Riders must be over 25 yrs)
- Personal accident cover, medical insurance / Medical aid documentation
- Terms & Conditions / Indemnity Form. This form will be signed prior to commencement of the tour in South Africa.
View : Terms & Conditions / Indemnity Form
Clothing and Equipment :
- Luggage : A Maximum of two standard suitcases per person and a small rucksack or money belt
to carry your wallet and small items needed while riding.
- Riding Kit : Helmets are mandatory in South Africa. Tinted visors are legal and can be worn. We
choose to ride only during daylight. Helmets, Gloves, Protective jackets and at least jeans to be
worn at all times while riding. Although we ride in fairly dry seasons we may encounter some rain
so rain proof kit is advisable for your own personal comfort.
- Casual Wear : Most hotels require closed shoes and long trousers to be worn to the
evening meal, ties are not required and not advised, neat casual will be adequate.
- Other Wear : Swim suits, beach towel, sandals, shorts, sun block will also be required.
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
Why Ride in South Africa at all?
Great question, but only for the uninformed. We often stop to view scenery and see
tour buses pull in, it is with deep sadness that we observe the sardines (passengers)
clambering out of the bus to stretch and get away from the snoring for a few minutes
before being hustled back into the tin can for yet more of the same. The closeness
of a small intimate group on motorcycle cannot be compared. It is the only way to
tour...
Three Great Reasons :
- Natural Beauty. South Africa has been described as The World in One Country. Our
terrain is diverse and beautiful. From the plains of the high-veld region which stretch far
and wide with many thousand kilometers of farmland to the Sub-Tropical lush vegetation on
the Coast. Into the amazing African bush with it's unique sights, sounds and fragrances. Not
forgetting the desert and semi-desert regions or Mediterranean like coastline.
- The Riding. Whether you ride hard or cruise, the roads in South
Africa are simply brilliant. Surfaces are excellent, passes are
amazing, aforementioned scenery will grasp your attention and take
your breath away. In addition South African roads are not highly
congested or policed. This allows for a certain amount of freedom
which is not easily accessible on European, UK, US or Australasian roads.
- Accommodation & Dining. Where we rest up and enjoy meals is of
utmost importance. Holidays are a time to enjoy a good nights rest and
a great meal as much as explore the beauty of South Africa. Quaint
B&B's or comfortable well appointed hotels. Breakfast and supper will
offer the best quality eating to serve even the most discerning palate.
On the road eateries are diverse ranging from coffee shops, diners and restaurants.
Safety Issues!
South Africa, as with any country on the globe has it's safety issues. Much of
the problems reported are isolated and avoidable. Much like violent protests
in France, Italy, Spain or any other stable country are widely reported. Africa
is often seen as a whole. Please remember Africa is a huge continent with both stable
and unstable countries. SA is a stable democracy since 1994 with a first world
infrastructure. Telecommunications, roads and accommodation are world class. Your host
is South African born and bred and spent 4 years as a member of the SA Police Force
in the 1980's. Since the inception of the company in 2007 we have never experienced
any negative incidents or feedback from our clients. We specifically ask clients
regarding safety and all have mentioned that the never felt threatened in any way
on the tour. All our clients have mentioned that the local people of all races
have always been warm, friendly and accommodating on our tours. South Africa
is 'The Jewel' of Africa.
Taking Care!
As with all international travel across the globe we do advise the following
common sense care approach:
- Avoid flashing cash in public
- Avoid ATM if unaccompanied
- Avoid leaving valuables unattended (cameras, notebook PC's, wallets, cell phones etc)
- Avoid walking alone in isolated areas an after dark
- Avoid riding after dark (unfamiliar roads etc)
Flights - How do we get to you?
Flights are not included in the cost. South Africa enjoys flights from all over the
globe and is easily accessible with several international airports. Your first nights
accommodation will be in Johannesburg (guesthouse) as will your last night (included
in cost). Additional accommodation can be booked should you wish to fly in earlier
or stay later. Please book your flights accordingly.
Personal Insurance?
We recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance, covering trip cancellation
for medical reasons; trip delay; medical expenses; accidental death; lost baggage; medical
evacuation etc.
Use My Own Bike?
Yes you are welcome to use your own bike. Your tour cost will be adjusted accordingly. Please
ensure the shipping of your vehicle is done in a timely manner so as to ensure your bike reaches
Johannesburg prior to commencement of your tour.
All bikes are welcome.
Weather Conditions in SA?
Due South’s tours are booked during the temperate climatic times of the year being late
summer/autumn (March/April) and spring/early summer (September/October). Our rainfall is
low at these times of the year and the temperature is moderate.
The climate through South Africa is diverse and we may encounter cool weather at times
with some rain (short isolated showers at these times of the year)
Food & Water in South Africa?
Food. Much the same as Europe, the UK and the western world. The hotels we will be staying
at offer good country dining. Evening meals will offer beef, chicken or fish complemented
with vegetables and starches (rice, potatoes etc). Fast Food outlets are aplenty (KFC, McDonalds
etc) but will be avoided as good wholesome breakfasts will be enjoyed each day (eggs, bacon,
cereals, fruit, yoghurt, juice, coffee, tea etc). Two meals (breakfast and dinner) are
included in the tour cost. Our daily lunch break will be used as a time to reflect on
the amazing sights and riding experienced that morning and if feeling a little hungry
enjoy whatever delight you are able to find on the menu (all lunch breaks and beverages
are for your personal cost). Please note that dinner and breakfast will be sumptuous
and most will not require much more than a snack and a soft drink during the day. Our
visit to the Zulu Kraal in Kwazulu-Natal will give you an opportunity to taste traditional
Zulu beer and food. The meal will however include standard fare so enjoy the experience.
Water. South Africa's major cities all enjoy clean drinking water. Bottled water is freely
available. The beer is really, really good though... especially Windhoek Lager, brewed in
Namibia in the naturally fine German tradition.
Speed Limits!
In South Africa the speed limit in built up areas is 60Kmph. In Rural areas 100Kmph
and on freeways 120Kmph. We will however use our discretion as to the pace we shall
set. Much of our riding will not be on major highways.
Use of Alcohol!
During the day and when riding this will be unacceptable to both the tour operators
and the South African policing authorities. In the evenings when the riding is over
for the day the use of alcohol would be in order. South African Hotels and Pubs are
well stocked with spirits, malt and wine.
Health Issues!
South Africa has no specific health issues related to diseases and immunizations are
not required. We will be in a low-risk Malaria area (Mphumalanga, Low-veld Region) for
a few days and you are free to make use of anti-malaria medication. Our overnight
accommodation however falls outside the high-risk Malaria areas and mosquito repellants
should be sufficient for personal comfort in the evenings. The times of the year we
offer tours are between seasons and temperate, lowering risk to Malaria.
Language Issues!
Although South Africa being the diverse country it is having several national
languages; English is spoken and understood by the large majority. In addition
your tour guides are both proficient in Afrikaans (an indigenous South African
language with its roots in Dutch) which is also widely understood and spoken. Certainly
English is well understood and spoken by all in the tourism industry (hotels, tourist
sites etc).
What about Fuel?
Fuel or petrol as it is commonly called in South Africa is in good supply on
the route we will be riding, in addition our support vehicle will have a few
litres on board just in case. Fuel is for your account and will be approx. €0.70
per litre. Cash payment in South African Rand will be our method of payment. Petrol
Stations do not accept credit cards or cheques.
How will we be accommodated?
Accommodation is of the highest order in South Africa, we will be staying in comfortable
hotel or guesthouse accommodation. Rooms will include clean comfortable beds and
bedding, en-suite bathrooms, television and coffee/tea facilities. All hotels offer
swimming pools, lounges and bars, all great places to enjoy a drink and chat. The
overnight accommodation and food will be of a superior quality and be a great place
to unwind and relax after a great day on the road. Accommodation will be superior
to the usual road lodges found in the US, Europe and Australasia.
What are the roads like in SA?
In a word excellent. South Africa has some of the most incredible motorcycle
riding available on the planet today. A network of high quality tarmac road
stretches far and wide across the country. The road surfaces are by and large
maintained very well. The network of roads links the beautiful countryside to
many cities, villages and hamlets along the way. We will be riding exclusively
on these tarmac roads.
Why BMW GS Bikes?
In a word, Brilliant!!! The GS series of BMW bikes are simply amazing machines, they
are very comfortable to ride and offer excellent torque power and possess exceptional
handling ability.
Quoting a local bike magazine in SA: "Best BMW ever made. Super smooth free revving
engine. The new found agility of the GS will give a sportsbike a run for
it’s money." (2Wheels).
Should you have any questions whatsoever, please feel free to
e-mail us : info@due-south.co.za
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