click to enlarge map
Although the Africa trip in many ways required the same preparation as my other two adventures, it had been over four years and I needed a lot of refreshment in covering the necessary bases. Starting the planning six months before departure seemed like ample time. However I discovered that a couple of key sites were already booked. This was not a factor in the other journeys.
I found a source for motorbike rental in Johannesburg and narrowed down my time frame to May 22 through June 7. Knowing where the bike would be picked up, I charted a rough itinerary which would take me north through South Africa, into Botswana then East to Victoria Falls. From there I would return South through Zimbabwe and back into South Africa toward the Drakensburg mountains and finally to Johannesburg for the flight home. 15 days and lots of amazing sights should be in store with this plan. Chobe National Park was full up for this time of year and the chances were slim in getting a game drive and accommodations at the Makgadagadi Pans in Botswana as well to say nothing of lodging at Vic Falls.
So to start with, I seem to need help. Fortunately, the company that was providing the moto also helps organize tours. I was offered assistance in planning and booking the middle part of my trip which would get me accomodations and activities that tour companies are privy to. This would leave me to plan the initial three days and the last five days of my trip.
The basics
Routes: Using Google maps, I made large prints of the key routes and cities that I would be traveling thru. (note: riding on the LEFT side of the road. . . Oh boy!)
Information: The Internet provides a lot of details on even the remote places on the globe. Political, geographical, and social information to enhance the journey. Besides important facts and key points that a visitor would need to know, there is an abundance of trivia such as: There are about 180,000 elephants in Botswana!
Language: Unlike my trips thru Latin America, it should be relatively easy to find English speakers in Africa. There are multiple languages spoken but apparently English is second or third most common.
Currency: Dollars were commonly preferred in the countries that I visited. This was much easier than other travels. Also I obtained a AAA travel debit card as they offer members the best deal on having the protection of VISA Cirrus which is considered the best card for ATM’s.
Health: Yep, again I needed antimalarials. In checking my international health card (required in some places) I find that all of my 2006 vaccinations are still good but I needed a “booster” for Typhoid. I also got a script for Malarone (antimalarial). I got emergency medical insurance and trip insurance from AAA which is also required by some places as is an International Drivers License (which I already have)
How much and what to take: Packing a bike is something of an art. Longer trips require more creativity. Especially if you are flying to your start point. This year I have added "C-Pap" to my health needs, adding it to the otherwise over-packed suitcases. I began early practice filling and emptying bags to see whats possible.
Paperwork: Besides drivers license, medical papers, maps, emergency contacts at home and in S.A, Passport, copies of everything, I be given upon leaving Jo’burg, papers for the bike and for crossing borders.
Now let's see. . . what did I forget?
