Ride in South Africa

[brockadavis]

Myself and a couple of mates are planning on going for a ride in South Africa this September.

I was wondering if anybody has rented a BMW bike in South Africa or can put me in contact with somebody who has:

We have located 2 companies in Cape Town who rent BMW's

Karoo Biking
One company we are particularly interested in is Karoo Biking. Has anybody used them?
They have a testimonial on their web from a Darren Thompson of Perth but I have been unable to locate him. Does anybody know him?

Cape Bike Rentals
They are more restrictive as to where we can take the bikes and seem to concentrate on the Cape Town area.

I'd appreciate any info anybody has!!

[Geolero]

Hi brockadavis, check the following websites samatours.co.za also motoberlin.co.za I think one of them is a tour group that arrange tours through South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and perhaps parts of the lost land of Zimbabwe.
There is also some other companies that rents out Harleys.
When you have arranged your rentals there is a number of BMW clubs in South Africa and they have frequent day and weekend rides and I am sure they will gladly welcome you to join in their some of their rides, they should also be able to give you up to date on good routes and road conditions on where you are going.
Believe me there is some great roads for riding although in some areas the rural road conditions is not up to standard anymore.
Should you end up going to the Cape Town area you might want to check up on the blog site braaisbeersandbikes when you read this guys writing you can see he is one of the older generation riders that enjoy riding and all the tgood things normally associated with it. Should you perhaps meet up with Andrew and his "maats" (buddies) , it might turn out to be an experience you will not forget.
Please remember to give some feedback and photos when you return.
Enjoy your African road trip and be careful over there.

[brockadavis]

Thanks Geolero , I'll check them out!!

[brockadavis]

Well I am locked in on a 3 week ride in South Africa and Namibia having paid my airfare and deposit and had my Yellow Fever shot for Namibia. TransIIferring the final amount tomorrow. I am going with three old school mates from Victoria (2 of them own BMW's).

I was able to speak to a couple of Perth guys who have previously hired bikes from the same company that I finally chose. They gave good recommendations. I've rented an R1200GS from Karoo Biking in Cape town. After some apprehension I am now looking forward to it.

Brocka

[wightman]

Highlights of your trip would include the Cape Mountains, Cape Peninsula, Signal Hill etc. You have chosen a good time of year and should hopefully still see the flowers blooming in the Clanwilliam area. That West Coast is remarkably similar to WA. Once you are in Namiba, you must go to the Quivertree forest near Keetmanshoop and the rubble of the old Finger of God at Asab (Don't forget your camera!)

Don't skip Swakop and Walvis Bay, there are four different roads to take between Windhoek and there, only one is tarred. Then there's Brandberg, the surreal town of Luderitz in the middle of the Namib, including the Kolmanskop ghost town...... If you hurry back, there should be time to get your photos in the October magazine. In the big cities there will be an indecent scrum between various lowlifes trying to nick your stuff, so watch your valuables and lock everything up.