From Durban/Pta to Mazabuka (Zambia)

Status updates:

km covered = 1748
riding time = 19 hrs
border time = 3 hrs
packing time = 9 hrs
breakdowns = 0
ailments = 0
bike falls = 0

Not all who wonder are lost. -JRR Tolkien-

OK, so here is our first post en route... Ons het uiteindelik ons perde opgesaal en begin ry! But before we could get going, lots of admin had to be done and it was necessary to tie the loose ends. Duane scrambled to finish off at work, servicing his bike and pack, while I took a whole week off to sort out our visas, vehicle import papers, medication and to move out of the flat. I hate admin and after this, I hate it more...

Though all is well that ends well. Duane left Durban on Sunday morning (14th) for Blue bull land. He was ridden out by 3 mates, one of which has done a similar trip and given us loads of tips. (Thanks Andrew!) On Monday eve we watched a Confed cup match at Loffies with friends before we celebrated our youth on the 16th of June by taking on the long journey into the unknown. Here, too, we had a farewell breakfast with lots of emotion.


Myself and Duane found ourselves being highly stressed and tense about the whole thing as we drove off. I think the greatness of the whole trip (and also the privelage thereof) only hit at this moment. Leaving late, our first day's ride was short and we only made Potties (Potgietersrus/Mokopane) - after doing an extra 100km from missing a turn!

We didn't do much better on day 2, as we got up late, took forever and a day to pack (yes Andrew, even after your warning, we have way too much stuff!! You will be glad to know that thus far we have shedded 4 shirts, 2 shorts, 3 pairs of socks, a soccer ball and some soap. Next may be one of our tents...), and queing hours at GAPSA to sort out Duane's credit card. We only got through the Botswana border at 4pm, while our intended place of stay was another 270km away.


The soldate concurred to push on, but were abrubtly halted by a random shopkeeper at the Caltex just after the border crossing. Little did we know that the shopkeeper, Clinton, has done the Roof of Africa something like 12 times (it is like the Cape Epic of off-road motocross), has his own BMW off-road adventure company, and is probabably the most experienced biker we have ever heard of! Clinton willingly shared biking tips ranging from the recovering a drowned engine to how to handle border officials (without paying our African brothers excessive amounts of money unduly). I think his advise and stories continued for about an hour non-stop and quadrupled our bike knowledge instantly. Clinton also provided us with accommodation and advised us to start early the next day. To scared to disobey, we mechanically agreed while attempting to be best mean bikers we could be.

Equipped with our new knowledge unabound, the rest of Botswana was smooth sailing. We have covered our set route effortlessly, bunnyhopping potholes and swerving between wild animals such as elephants, buck and giraffs with elegance and precision.

Crossing the Great Zambezi by pontoon, we dismounted on the Zambian bank. Here, we were received eagerly by hasslers and border official (and friends of border officials), all, of course, very interested in having a possible cut of some $. After getting 5 different forms and paying various levies, entered Zambia and, shortly afterwards the town of Livingstone, I presume.


The Victoria falls are still majestic. As our Zambian friends put it; when you are close to the falls, it makes you feel alive. And that, friends, I think, is truly how we feel - alive. The journey on a ysterperd is indescribable. You feel close and part of all you enter and pass.

Currently, we find ourselves in Mazabuka (just south of Lusaka), on the Ilovo sugar estate staying with the Stratherns (friends of Duane). We will rest tomorrow and continue on Monday. Will keep you posted.