Our trip seeing South africa on the GS!

I returned from the DRC at the end of November after a year in that country. I wanted to do something to celebrate my return and convinced wife that we had to do a trip around SA. Well we did some quick planning and finalized the departure date as 12 Dec. A quick shopping spree necessary to buy all the kit. Remember, it was myself, wife and kit that had to fit on the GS.


On 12 December 05h00 we left from Hammanskraal en route to Piet Retief for a quick 2 day visit with my brother. This was also the part where my wife said if she survives this part she will be able to make the rest of the trip. Well, we made it safely to Piet Retief.

2 Days later we left for Golden Gate National Park, it was pouring all the way, through the Amajuba pass the fog was so thick that you couldn't see a thing further than 5 meters! The days trip took us over Wakkerstrook, Standerton,Ladysmith, Harrismith and Phutadidjaba before arriving in Golden Gate. Spent a wet and cold night in the well managed camping site.

Entrance to Golden Gate via Lichens Pass


Next morning we left for Graaf Reinett.This time the route took us all along the Lesotho border on the routes less travelled. small town such as Hobhouse ,Zastron Wepener and Steynsberg come mind. I really had to concentrate on the road as the wind was doing his best to try and blow us off the road. The day was initally cold and later sunny and hot closer to Graaf Reinet. When we arrrived in Graaf Reinet the caravan park we went to was DEFINETELY not up to standard and we looked up a guesthouse that was biker friendly. The Old Caledonian offered just such comforts. Well worth staying there!

Next morning we left for Oudtshoorn. We travelled the well known route 62 with a stop at the iconic RONNIES SEX Shop but we made a turn in Uniondale but did not see any girls asking for a lift! A town such as De Rust just a few km's from Oudtshorn is such a idyllic place with donkey taxis as the main attraction. Oudtshoorn we found out after the trip is that they have trafic cameras that trap from the back!We were so early in Oudtshoorn and decided to push on to Swellendam. We made this trip in due time and the loveliest of weather and able to enjoy the scenery.




De Rust


We tried to ge a camping site in the Bontebok National Park. Only to be told the GS makes to much noise! We were escorted back to the gate by rangers on 2 stroke scramblers. They couldn't even hear me asking them which bike was making the most noise. Any case, we went to Swellendam caravan park. What a nice place to camp it you like you can stay in rondavels or nice camping ground. The facilities are old but well tended. Made for a very relaxed day. That was 16 December.

Next day we packed up and rode out at 6 o'clock. Destination : Cape Agulhas.It was not only us going there , the wind decided he is going to do his best and be there before us.Unfortunately the couldn't get away from us and we had to battle him all the way. On arriving in Agulhas camping site all we saw were tents either lying flat or standing at rakish angles from the force of the wind. We decided on the spot that all we'll be doing was take the necessary photos and then leave.


We left Agulhas after a decent breakfast in the lighthouse en route to somewhere. We rode around Theawaterkloof dam and through some of the greatest passes the Cape has to offer before arriving in the Paarl. We camped at the Bergrivier Resort just outside of the town. They don't usually take bikers but we got special permission after a half hour of begging.Took in some of sights around the Paarl.


Next morning it was off to Cape Town to relatives. We spent 2 glorious days in the Cape, doing the Chapmans Peak route. What Fun!!



Then it was off to the West Coast. We stopped at Yzerfontein for a look around,then one of our highlights was Darling with Evitas perron.

Pieter Dirks Uys's Haunt


Saldanha and then on to our destination Elands Bay. I can say during my whole trip this small town has the people with the most welcomng attitude. The Elands Bay hotel is the only alternative to the caravan park. Here hospitality was the norm and made us feel at home. That night we travelled along the gravel toll road towards Lamberts Bay. Did a quick take of tthe town and then went to eat outside of town at a beach restuarant being Muisbosskerm. And did we eat. The freshest of seafood. Too much to get through the whole menu!Then it was back on the gravel road to Elends Bay. The next morning 6 o'clock we left this quaint little jewel of the West Coast for Alexander bay.

Good Food Good Times


Port Nolloth


Travelling through the West Coast scenery.Nice to travel though but sometimes I had to wonder how people would like to stay in this inhospitable countryside. Springbok - Steinkopf- Port Nolloth and then one of the best kept secrets the tar road to Alex Bay. Stayed in A Bay in the military mess and did the very exciting trip sand road trip to the river mouth. Don't expect places to eat or take aways in A Bay. We found a small little cafe where take aways took 45 minutes to prepare!




From A Bay is was onwards to Augrabies National Park through some of the most desolate countryside I have even seen. Getting to Augrabies was a relief. Temperature was pegged on 45 degrees. Luckily the camping area was scarcely populated and enough trees to provide shade. WE unpacked went for a swim and then decided to try the restaurant. Bliksem! It was expensive for mediocre food. Rather braai next time. The camps rest rooms were busy being upgraded and it looked to be completed soon. For those who like to camp in tents beware of the gogga called the "Rooi Roman" We got into the tent and in the dark we felt there was something else in with us. As I switched on the light 2 of these ugly monsters were in the tent! Well have you ever seen a 1,96 m male put on a 2 tent in his rush to get out? I know it can be done.That was the fun of Augrabies and we left early the next morning with the temperature already at 34 degrees 70clock in the morning.



Camping Site In Augrabies! This is the tent where I met two "Rooi Romans"



We left for Upington. Kakemas, Keimoes, and Pofadder . The place to stop is the Pienk Padstal for coffee and biscuits. On arriving in Upington we had booked at the municipal camping ground called " Die Eiland". Stay away from this place. The crime was rife in there and unsavoury characters had the run of the facility. Rather go and stay just across the river at Sakkies se Arkie. Much better.

Pienk Padstal toilet for Men!


Sakkie se Arkie Camping Site on the Orange river


Upington was out last stop before heading to Klerksdorp for Christmas with relatives.

These 12 days were days that will always remain with me. Wife enjoyed it so much that she is planning the next trip to Kosi, Pontdrif and the Northwest.

During the whole 5613km we travelled we encountered a lot of BMW's, 1 KTM and 2 Harleys on a trailer.Just showing which bike is the most popular to do trips on!!

Beautiful.

In June/July there will be club rides to Kosi and Pontdrift for the gold extreme should you wish to join.

Very nice!! Thank you for sharing HPGS!!! Now where's the photo's???

I've left the memory stick at home - will post pics tomorrow!!

Nice one! Don't take too long posting those pics now, ye hear?!

How do I add images. Sorry but this technology is getting the better of me?

Kyk op die home page onder Website and forum issues. Daar is 'n thread "how to post images"
Kannie wag vi di foto's nie!

Wonderlik!!!!
Thanks for sharing HPGS!!! Lovely photo's!!

Nice - Thanks for sharing

Great!!

Mooi man! HAHAHA Daai toilet is die beste

Lekker, lekker, LEKKER!!!