The Club will be arranging the West Coast of Africa equivalent of the Wild Coast tour in April 2011, minus the "extreme" days.
This will be a pillion friendly off road tour of Namibia via Sossusvlei, for approximately 12 days.
The route and duration still have to be finalised and will depend on numbers and availability of accommodation, however for logistic reasons we shall limit the number of bikes on this tour. No limit on the number of pillions, but preferably only one per bike!
We shall make more details available as planning proceeds, but we'll start taking bookings immediately with the usual call for deposits closer to the time.
We shall be taking a backup vehicle and trailer driven by Abie, as well as medical support.
List as follows:
Peter | O'Hanlon | |
Melanie | Boyce | |
Stan | van Rensburg | |
Martin | Denkhaus | Annine |
Jacques | Slabber | |
Neville | du Toit | Etha |
Frans | Coetzee | Chantal |
Simon | Bloomhill | |
Russel | Rathbone | |
Giesela | Rathbone | |
Jeremy | Martin | Dale |
Tristan | Riley | Alison |
Leon | Jordaan | |
Rob | Selig | |
Kobus | Vlok | Magda |
Chris | Dunn | |
Belinda | Dunn |
This Tour will be lead by Peter O Hanlon and looking at the possible routes will be a really great Tour.
any idea of the cost? Even if it's just a thumb suck?
Hi Peter,
Please add me as confirmed - no pillion.
thanks
Stan
1x 1200GSA and 2x peoples
MartinD and pillion
Hi,
I'm from London where I did a lot of biking, the excellent Honda VFR750 was my main form of transport, rain, wind, cold, hot, snow....you name it. I (me and the Mrs), have been in Namibia for these past ten years, and currently own and run The Raft Restaurant in Walvis Bay www.theraftrestaurant.com and we'd be happy to see you here at the end of your tour through the dunes.
Check us out via google, and please let us know when you'd arrive in Walvis, we could possibly help with bookings, tours, accommodation etc.
I would strongly advise the taking along of a satphone if you're considering an off road route, just as an insurance measure. Wrap it up, tape it under the seat and forget about it, hopefully!
Warm regards.
Gary
www.theraftrestaurant.com (At the end of the sand dunes on the left)
Guys & Gals,
Please use you real names when booking on the forum including your e mail address or send us a mail so that we have your and your pillions names as well as an e mail address.
This just makes our lives that much easier.
garygee : The group will be in Walvis bay and Swakop but staying in Swakop before heading for Windhoek on dirt and a visit to the famous Joe's Beer house. I will chat to Peter about including you in the itinerary.
please book me a spot. hopefully i'll have a pillion by then
thanks
ater mcdonald
Hi Peter, I would like to be included in the 2011 Nam tour.
Regards
Jacques Slabber
Hi Pete, Please include Etha and myself.
Tentative list is as follows:
Peter O Hanlon - Guide
Stan van Rensburg
Martin & Annine Denkhaus
Ater McDonald & Pillion
Jacques Slabber
Neville & Etha du Toit
Frans & Chantal Coetzee
Simon Bloomhill
Russell Rathbone
Gisela Rathbone
Jeremy & Dale Martin
Tristan & Alison Riley
Leon Jordaan
Vanessa Hawtrey
Nic Prinsloo
Rob Selig
Melanie Boyce (Canada)
Kobus Vlok
Chris Dunn
Belinda Dunn
James De Waal
Unfortunately I can't edit the list but I'll keep adding to it as the names come in:
Tentative list is as follows:
Peter O Hanlon - Guide
Stan van Rensburg
Martin & Annine Denkhaus
Ater McDonald & Pillion
Jacques Slabber
Neville & Etha du Toit
Frans & Chantal Coetzee
Simon Bloomhill
Arter NoNameBrand
Russel Rathbone
Giesela Rathbone
I will have to get divorced before I can go on this trip without being stoned or crucified.
If I start proceedings immediately I might however still make it in time...............
It is probably cheaper to just take your wife along with you.
Who knows she may just love it.
Please add myself and Dale (pillion) to the list. I don't want to miss this one if I can help it.
Hi Pete....I am very keen to join on this trip. Having already travelled through Namibia in a car i quickly realised that this was the wrong mode of transport........Namibia is an absolute bike haven....dirt roads, dunes, river beds the good stuff just keeps coming. So please book Alison and I for this one and if my dearest can organise some additional leave we'll be in...yes please!! This trip any day before The Wild Coast....no offence Geoff;-)
I also hope that we will be spending at least a full day in Swakop.....its definitely one of the nicer towns in Namibia I've been to.
Looking forward to seeing the itinerary.
Cheers
Tristan
Please include Brenda Buttercup and Mr.Badger, as a couple to share a garage - oh, and their chauffeurs - Charles and Julie.
Hi Pete,
I am very keen, need to just pass it by the missus. What do you estimate the trip will cost?
Leon Jordaan (aka SilverFox)
Pete is still getting prices but it is a lengthy time consuming process trying to combine dates, venues, accommodation for a large group, meals, etc.
I think Peter is coming to see me this evening to discuss these issues but if not tonight probably tomorrow.
We also needed to gauge response to this Tour before spending time with all the nuts and bolts.
Tristan : Swakopmund is a rest day for the group!
Jean & I did Namibia some 2 years ago in December, from Cape Town back home, 4 nights in B & B other 6 nights camping R11000-00 including fuel. Sesriem/Sousiesvlei was our favourite stop over by far, petrol stations ran out of fuel. Seeheim we paid R10-00 per litre, is an interesting place non the less.
I am so envious.
Gauging from the response to this trip it is definitely taking place.
Peter and I met last night to discuss some finer details including a back up vehicle.
The booking process will start shortly. Once this is confirmed we will communicate final costs to the group.
There will be rest days in Luderitz giving you time to visit the "ghost" town of Kolmanskop, Diaz cross or even Elizabeth Bay (permit required). Diamonds were found at Kolmanskop and Elizabeth Bay. Or take a lovely boat trip out of the harbour as it slowly takes visitors on a sail around the intricate harbour.
Then have lunch at Ritzi's restaurant in Luderitz Waterfront. Great food....
Next rest day is in the Sesriem/Soussusvlei area
http://www.google.co.za/images?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Gwn&rls=org.moz...
Allowing visitors time to visit Sossusvlei. Or if you are really feeling like spoiling yourself take an early morning balloon ride and have breakfast in the desert where you land.
Not so rich? How about a 1.5 hour flight from Sesriem to the coast and back visting Sandwich harbour from the air - breathtaking scenery.
Then the last day "off" is in Swakopmund.
Ride to Henties Bay along the "salt" road (be mindful of theft in Henties).
Or go to Walvis bay and take a trip on one of the big ski boats that feeds the seals that jump onto the boat. Who knows you may even get a kiss from one of these giant mammals.
Feed the flying Pelican's from the boat while moving, a sight to behold.
For dinner go for authentic German Cuisine : Zur Kupferpfanne Restaurant.
Or visit the Brauhaus 22 Kaiser Wilheim St.
You can not visit Namibia without trying real German food - bratwürst, sauerkraut and a huge German beer.
In Windhoek you will visit the famous Joe's Beer House, an experience not to miss.
I am starting to think I should come along as well.
Geoff
Don't forget the most awesome trip of the year is over Easter: The BMW Clubs Africa Bike Fest at Oudtshoorn. Best we don't clash with this or I will be torn in two.
Thanks Charles.
Please add me to the list for this one, thanks.
Rob Selig
Have not driven a bike for many years, but I just bought a 2010 1200 Adventure and would like to go on this trip and take my wife along. Cannot wait to take delivery of my bike - got the GSA 2 weeks ago.
Please put me and belinda down 2 x bikes
Good day to you all,
Please don't think that we have forgotten about you or this fantastic Tour to Namibia. It is definitely taking place and it will definitely be in April 2011.
Peter is frantically putting dates & accommodation options together so we will have the exact details for you soon.
We will have to put a "cap" on the amount of riders (not pillions) that can go on the Tour and this will be conveyed to you shortly. The places on the Tour will then be offered on a first "booked" basis with the "extra's" going on to a waiting list. Please therefore advise us immediately if for some reason you are no longer interested in or unable to make the Tour.
Look out for further information shortly.
Regards,
Geoff
Hey Geoff
Please put my name down for Namibia .............. been meaning to add it for some time.
Cheers
James de Waal
April is Julie's busiest month so I was remiss in suggesting we would participate. Please unbook us from this trip.
regards
Charles
Ok so far we have 11 couples plus another 10 riders.
That's 20 bikes so far, which is about the limit. From now on the names will go on a waiting list.
I am using the numbers I have received so far to book accommodation, which hopefully will be at the following stops:
TENTATIVE ITINERARY (Lodging dependant)
Day 1 : Springbok
Day 2 : Ai Ais
Day 3 : Luderitz
Day 5 : Maltahoha
Day 6 : Sesriem
Day 8 : Swakopmund
Day 10: Windhoek
Day 11 : Helmeringhausen
Day 12 : Orange River
Day 13 : Drinks at Pete's place
Remember this is a VERY tentative itinerary at this stage, but it gives you a chance to scout the routes on Google Earth while I confirm dates, times, places, border details, accommodation details, prices, fuel etc etc etc.
Hi Geoff/Pete
Please put my name down as well? (single).
Dankie!
Du Toit
DTV you are on the waiting list. I'll let you know when a slot opens for you.
I have revised the itinerary and should have a costing by the end of the week.
Watch this space for the new route.
1 | 21-Apr-11 | SPRINGBOK |
2 | 22-Apr-11 | LUDERITZ |
3 | 23-Apr-11 | LUDERITZ |
4 | 24-Apr-11 | MALTAHOHE |
5 | 25-Apr-11 | WINDHOEK |
6 | 26-Apr-11 | SWAKOPMUND |
7 | 27-Apr-11 | SWAKOPMUND |
8 | 28-Apr-11 | NAMIB DESERT |
9 | 29-Apr-11 | NAMIB DESERT |
10 | 30-Apr-11 | FISH RIVER CANYON |
11 | 01-May-11 | FISH RIVER CANYON |
12 | 02-May-11 | CEDERBERG |
13 | 03-May-11 | CAPE TOWN |
Looking good Peter!
I have had a number of calls from non-BMW club members wanting to join this tour and I have put them on the waiting list.
Once I call for deposits, I shall put a deadline down for payment, after which the waiting list will be activated.
Hey pete,
I got to cancell my spot untill i know the DVt has cleared in my leg. So sorry but health comes first.
thanks
ater mcdonald
Pete,
This evening I just got back from Livingstone.
I was on a most stunning two week +/- 4'000km CT - Vic Falls motorbike trip with 6 French guys on BMWs which I was leading as a guide. We went pretty much to the places you are planning to visit (CT, Springbok, Ai Ais, Fish River, Lüderitz, from Aus to Betta on the D707, Sesriem/Sossusvlei, Solitaire, Walvis/Swakop, back to Windhoek via D1982, Grootfontein, Caprivi (Rundu, Bagani, Katima Mulilo) to Livingstone.
If you are interested, I can give you lots of info on distances, routes and roads, accomodation, places of interest along the way etc etc.
Cheers,
Chris
Pete, after chatting on Sunday morning at breakfast please put me down on the waiting list to join the tour.
Adrian Lee
0836312951
Hi,
Please include me and Johan Van Vuuren,
Regards
After some serious negotiating for accomodation, backup vehicle and meal prices, we have managed to finalise the costs at zero markup rates, thanks to Simon Bloomhill of "Expedition Africa".
Based on those who have put their names down we are basing costs on 17 bikes and 23 people.
The cost per person sharing is R9,500
The cost per person not sharing is R10,500
Included in the price is :
Breakfast and Dinner except for 3 of the rest days when Dinner will be for own cost which enables those who want to, to explore the local restaurants without having to remain with the group. Lunches will be en route and will be for own cost.
Fuel, drinks and incidental activities are for own cost, as are spares and repairs.
I shall require a 50% deposit by 15 Jan 11 in order to secure places on the trip, after which the waiting list will be activated.
I am still trying for better pricing, and if I am successful I shall naturally pass the benefit back to the club members, however the 50% of the R9,500 or R10,500 stands.
The pricing is based on those who have booked so far who are :
(Italics indicates withdrawn so I'll be putting the first standby names in their place)
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Hi Pete - pls give us banking details for deposit payment
What do you clasify as per person sharing - single guy willing to share with anyone who is willing to accept his snoring or couples sharing only?
What do you clasify as per person sharing - single guy willing to share with anyone who is willing to accept his snoring or couples sharing only?
Lodges charge a fee for single rooms. If you go as a couple they charge slightly less, so if you hook up with someone for the full trip you would be a couple.
I don't want to have to manage who sleeps with you so you'll have to give me the name of your partner - I'm not doing the matchmaking!
Hi Pete
Belinda and I will not make it as we are scheduled to go to Europe at the same time as the ride.
Hi Peter
We haven't made the listings but sent a message on 08 December.
Is the tour full now?
David and Elsa Cade
Hi Peter
We haven't made the listings but sent a message on 08 December.
Is the tour full now?
David and Elsa Cade
David, you are on the waiting list. I'll let you know as soon as there is an opening. As often happens on these rides, people withdraw due to various personal reasons, many of which are unavoidable.
As soon as the date for deposits has expired, I'll open the list.
Deposits can be paid into :
Bank : Capitec
Account : 1248783512
Branch Code : 47 00 10
This account only handles club trip monies so all I need is your name as a reference to identified who has paid - don't forget your name or I will have money without knowing who it belongs to!
Once deposits are paid, the club policy is that they are not refundable, however you can arrange for someone else to take your spot in which case they can pay the deposit back to you.
Peter, I am on the waiting list. I am off overseas 'till 20 January 2011. I will not be viewing site until my return....don't give my place away !!