Touring - Touring South Africa

Ehm, this may be a little bit last minute but:

From Nov 14th to Dec 8th I intend to cycle from (roughly) Pretoria to Cape Town. I wanted to do this alone but now because everybody is telling me that is way to dangerous. So I am looking for someone who wants to join me! It should be a marvellous ride. Sent me a PM with contact details if you do...

Also if you know any better places to search for this person I am very interested to hear!

a 28yr old Dutch guy.

Cheers Stoosh and welcome to the Forums.


Also if you know any better places to search for this person I am very interested to hear!Are you familiar with Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree discussion forum?

Realistically though, you may have hard time finding touring companions in any forums as a new member. "Knowing" someone through a discussion forum is limited as it is. In your case, with no prior posts, even that limited history isn't there. I'd guess not many people are willing to tour with strangers. But best of luck with your search anyhow, and enjoy your tour!

--J

You might check out The Hub SA (http://www.thehubsa.co.za/forum.asp). It is a South African discussion forum with several topic forums. Not only will it be a source of local information, you might find someone who is willing to help with your tour.

Good Luck,

Ray

Thx, Ray and Juha... I realise I want something difficult, will check out those links... Any more reactions?

Middle of summer through the karoo?

Did the people say why it would be dangerous? Not because of being robbed or anything - it's one of the less populated areas. It is pretty much desert and the lack of population is a bad thing - towns are very wide apart.

I was in the army in Kimberly, the middle of summer there is not very comfortable - especially if you're having to ride every day.

Personally I would fly or take a bus or train down to Durban or East London/Port Elizabeth and ride the coast. Or go to Cape Town and ride the Garden route to PE. Then you can also start off by doing day rides around the Cape and to the vineyards to get used to the climate/people/country.

I was hoping the fact that its only november would give me any consolation from the heat. But anyway I intend to take a southern route and indeed skipping the first bit. But I'm flexible...

The dangers being rubbed in (I'm already in SA):
- robbery.
- being swooped off the road by one of many dangerous drivers.

Hi,
I responded to a similar thread a few years ago,
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=177841
Hope you can enjoy some of the gems in SA, take care