Cape 2 Cairo 2 Cape Blog

We were supposed to have a 6:30am rendez-vous at Wimpy for a coffee but there was a bit of confusion; most riders were there earlier and others were still getting ready for the anticipated time. I was standing outside my room in the freezing cold, looking around for the IVECO Headhunter to put my luggage in, but apparently it had already left for Wimpy (to organize us coffee ahead of time). The Silverback crew (Ig and Andre) came back to the hotel to drop off their room keys and in the same instance were told to pick up Marlene and her luggage. Thankfully, I took the opportunity to ride with since I wasn’t riding with Ullie this morning.

After a quick coffee at Wimpy, we left Mariental for our expected 534kms to Springbok. It was a very cold morning for the riders; starting at 9ºC and still lingering on at 18ºC. Even Ninja Turtle (Kenny) said he was the coldest he had ever been! All the bikers had one thing in mind: please let my motorcycle make it to Cape Town. Little by little, with wear and tear, some of the motorcycles are experiencing mishaps (Sakkie, Ande and Kenny’s motorcycles actually doing very well compared to the others)…whether it is the fuel pump and exhaust with the KTM, Brian’s 800 spracket, slow punctures or the speedometer messing with Ullie’s ABS.

The plan: Mariental (- Keetmanshoop) to Gunau (where we would have breakfast; almost 300kms in distance) – Noordoewer  and onto Springbok (534kms in total). We passed the Brukarros Mountains on our right hand side with the Karas at Keetmanshop as well as the Groot Karasberge on our left hand side and onto Grunau for a much anticipated breakfast (and last petrol till Noordoewer, the border post). James was ahead of all the motorcycles and had gone on ahead.

It was short, yellow savannah on either side with orange plateaus rising in the distance. It was quite a sight. My thought of Namibia was pure desert. As we closed in on the border post, colourful flowers became more prominent with black, rocky mounds in the distance.

At the border post, crossing the Orange River to the South African immigration & customs office (left side)At the border post, crossing the Orange River to the South African immigration & customs office (right side of bridge)

We started seeing scattered patches of white, yellow, orange, red and violet flowers (Garth, as he usually does, giving us full-on information about the where’s, how’s and what’s of the flowers); giving us a taste of what Namaqualand’s beauty and hype is all about. The border posts on either side did not give us any trouble at all. Of course, everyone (especially the crew and the peeps who did the up and down trip) became a lot more upbeat, feeling closer and closer to homestead. We happily reunited with James after getting through into South Africa.

I jumped on Ullie’s 1200 after the border post, happy as can be. Going through Namaqualand, K’s KTM’s exhaust fell off and was ridden over by a truck in the process. We had to upload K’s bike onto the trailer (but this time, having only his front tyre hanging on the strapped-on ladder and his rear tyre dragging behind) and K had to, once more, join the passengers on the bus. K was a trooper; although royally disappointed and sure that this was the end of his trip.

The valleys (with the scattered flowers) and windy roads through the mountains were absolutely incredible and we arrived at our accommodation, Kleinplasie Guesthouse, in the early afternoon, just before sun set. The accommodation overlooked the town of Springbok and mountains in the distance (apparently, the flowers were in full bloom and covered the entire mountainside just a week ago). Some went to do ATM rounds, others got petrol and Brian (as he usually does), went to get his chilli biltong.

While Ray, Archie, K and Ig worked on K’s KTM (stripping the broken down Cytech KTM of its rear exhaustion manifold and re-fitted it as needed onto K’s motorcycle), the rest chilled drinking the rest of last night’s beers, did their washing and showered for the night’s dinner plans.

We all went for dinner at a hot spot in Springbok (which I cannot remember the name for the life of me..forgive me) and were invited by K, who was a reborn rider again; having had fixed his bike ready to depart the next morning. We had a wonderful time, chit chit-chatting the early evening away and celebrating with a Springbok tot. Before returning back to the Guesthouse, we visited the Springbok Lodge and Restaurant museum (as recommended by Garth) across the street; which was incredible and well worth it (biggest stone collection I have ever seen; books; fossils; pictures; postcards; antiques; and a lot more).

All in all, the day ended with everyone well fed and in high spirits for the last leg of the race back to Cape Town.

Fabulous Four became the Three Musketeers:

Andy, James, K and Ken decided to beat the dirt road to Windhoek. Ken managed a whole 20kms and decided that the fog and the sand was too much for him … and returned to Bundu n Sea to meet the rest of the group. He decided that he wasn’t going to take any risk … and went for the safe option. The guys endured sand and graders and fech-fech … but the visuals were absolutely spectacular. Once they got through the fog … it all opened up and then they hit sand. James had a bit of a fall … but all fine.

Jess rode on the back of Ullie and she said she was singing “Gloria Hallelujah” as they travelled through 80kms of fog and cold weather. Her jeans were soaked and visibility was limited. Jessica had a freezing and traumatizing ride in the fog but lit up as the sun shined through the fog and broke through the clouds. All in all had a great and fascinating ride … on roads that were a pleasure to ride.

We all met at Safari Lodge in Windhoek where we had a quick lunch.

Got to River Lodge in Mariental. Crew went and bought all we needed to braai … and set up braai at one of the camp sites – the “tjops and boerie” sizzling away. Halfway through – we discovered that we were at a pre-booked site and we had to speed the process up a tad. The ‘guests’ patiently waited and then set up camp – but we fed their foxy copious amounts of boerie … and they then joined our party

Andy, Arch and Ken helped Ken (rather – Ken was watching) put two new tyres on the 800.

2^nd last briefing … the time is running out. With Johnny Walker, we made final arrangements for tomorrow.

Coffee at 06h30 at the Wimpy; Breakfast at Grunau and cross [slideshow] the border and off to Springbok

Woke up for a 7am breakfast at the Bundu n See Hotel on a very cold and foggy morning (apparently it is always like this in Swakopmund and sometimes even mistier in the mornings). We waited to hear of news of whether we’d be able to stay the second night at the same hotel; being that there were no prior arrangements made. Everyone could stay, but Sakkie and K (with single rooms) had to change rooms and share a communal bathroom and most unfortunately two of us had to find alternative accommodation for the second night. This ended up being Marlene and Kenny, being the accommodating couple they are. Kenny took the initiative to call a hotel (Atlantic guest villa 3kms away from us with a view on the ocean) and made arrangements accordingly.

While K, Ande and James decided to test out the Nauklift Road and Kochmans Hoglend (so as to take the short-cut to Windhoek the next day), Brian, Sakkie and Ullie left for Walvis Bay.

I stayed at the Hotel to work on the blog, as did Marlene on her side. Archie desperately tried fixing his motorcycle but it was far beyond repair at this point. He spent the afternoon “sulking” (and eating his sweets); watching tv with Ray in their hotel room.

Around lunch time, K, Ande and James came back from their excursion. I hopped on the back of Ande’s motorcycle and together with K, we went to Walvis Bay to visit around. It was an amazing contrast seeing the desert dunes on one side and the ocean raging onto the beach on the other. It was a cold ride to Walvis Bay, but we were soon able to warm up at a very cozy and cute restaurant (Anker) at the Walvis Bay Waterfront; where we ran into Ullie, Brian and Sakkie finishing up with their lunch.

While Ullie, Sakkie and Brian returned back to Swakopmund for a leisure afternoon, K, Ande and I decided to take the opportunity to visit Dune 7 (a young dune with an oasis lying at the foot of it). We decided to take another way back to Swakopmund (on the opposite side of the dunes that were overlooking the ocean-side), with dunes and desert extending far off into the distance. The wind was blowing, whipping sand onto the tar road. We took an easy ride back, refueled and returned to the hotel (while K went on to visit Kenny & Marlene at their guest villa).

It was a very relaxing afternoon. The motorcycle riders had worked on their bikes and prepared them for the last leg of the “Recce Run” through Namibia. Everyone took the afternoon to walk about in the town, do a bit of shopping and take the opportunity to exchange money at the bank. Jacques had a trim and a pedicure of course!

We ended up going back to the same restaurant we had eaten dinner the night before..it was such a good vibe and yummy food we thought why not (unfortunately, Kenny and Marlene, did not join us but enjoyed themselves at another restaurant across from their hotel).

The plan tomorrow: Swakopmund – Usakosakaibib – Okahandja – Windhoek (Safari Hotel for lunch and regrouping) – Mariental (River Chalets for the night’s accommodation)

03h00 Iveco’s staff – Gert Bronkhorst Snr and Gert Bronkhorst Jnr arrived at our lodge to return the vehicle. They drove from Rundu and en route the radiator packed up … so they had one delivered and did the repairs on the side of the road. The truck – Silverback now has to be started with 5 x codes and then the electronics are kicked in and we can move.

• Arch’s BMW has started motor problems – it was put in the back of the truck and we had the company of Arch in Headhunter.
• Stopped at Omaruru for cappuccino and apfelstrudel.
• Stopped at a factory that makes wooden carvings – true art.

Got to Swakopmund … most of the town is booked out due to a conference … but managed to get accommodation for the night – will see what we can do for tomorrow evening

Freezing cold – we are wearing slops and socks – keeping up with German tradition.

Off to Kúkies for grand dinner of Eisbein and fish.

Woke up in a stunning and stylish room (in a tranquil Etosha Pan game lodge), with a view on green lawn and dry, harsh bush terrain in the near distance. The squirrels and mongoose were out running and playing out in the lawn, up the trees and in-between one’s legs as one walked up the pool area, past the bar and up to the breakfast buffet restaurant. Hard to believe we are here…for this kind of luxury lodge would have cost us a fortune if Jacques hadn’t worked his magic last night.

Sakkie:

Game drive starting at 6:30am

Rugby game (SA vsWales)

Changed his tyre with the assistance of Kenny, Ray, K and Archie

A well deserved nap

Watched a bit of SA Idols

All in all, a very good day wouldn’t you say

James:

Game drive starting at 6:30am

Rugby game

A good lunch at the pool area with his mates

A well deserved nap

“Private conversation with Brian” and other mates just outside their luxury room, overlooking the Blesboks and squirrels on the lawn

Brian:

Game drive starting at 6:30am

Rugby game

Visited Onguma Lodge (The Fort; Tree top; Bush Camp; and Tent Camp)

Chicken ceasar salad at the pool area for lunch

A refreshing swim

“Private conversation with Brian” and other mates just outside their luxury room, overlooking the Blesboks and squirrels on the lawn

Ande:

Game drive starting at 6:30am

Rugby game (SA won by 1 point)

Visited the Onguma Lodge which he thought was absolutely stunning

Visited the Reptile Park at our own lodge

A refreshing swim in the pool

Nice, luxury shower

Marlene:

Game drive starting at 6:30am

Saw beautifully orchestrated and synchronized pronking of Springboks..was amazing (must have been a sign of SA winning the rugby later on!)

Spa treatment: pedicure

The beauty specialist had to use a grinder, chisel and who knows-what for two hours but she finally turned Marlene’s feet into silky smooth baby feet (with red toe nail polish may I add)

Sat around a spoke rubbish all afternoon

Tipped K on places to visit in South Africa before he returns home

Kenny:

Game drive starting at 6:30am

Rugby game

Wanted to sleep but didn’t

Washing

Took a dip in the pool

“Showed the guys how to change a BMW 1200 rear tyre without dirtying his hands,” so he says…

Good Day all in all

Mouth on fire at dinner (again..reminds me of Rwanda..pili pili baby)

Ig:

RUGBY, RUGBY, RUGBY and some moreRUGBY..oh yes, and I little bit of SA Idols

Jacques:

Lovely breakfast

Rugby game

Spa treatment: pampered with an absolutely fantastic massage

Relaxing day on luxury bed

Ray:

Lovely breakfast amongst squirrels

Waiting in anticipation of news on the IVECO Silverback; stressing as always

Rugby game

Assisted with Sakkie’s puncture

Visited Onguma Lodge

“Tried to solve the problems of the world”

Waiting for the IVECO Silverback

Was definitely on a roll at dinner, cracking jokes

Ullie:

Game drive starting at 6:30am

Long break

Visited the Reptile Park

No Rugby watching

Gym and a refreshing dip in the pool

Archie:

Rugbygame

“Swimming with the swans and met Rod Stewart”

Helped fix Sakkie’s puncture

Visited Onguma Lodge

Stripped his BMW starter motor; hopes it can make Swakopmund so he can have it welded there

Garth:

Game drive starting at 6:30am (saw a rare occasion of the Etosha Pan being filled with water)

Rugby of course

Family communication

Giving Jessica magic pills

Well deserved nap

K:

Game drive that was EXCELLENT

Saw lions in the wild for the first time (8 cups and 4 adults hunting wildebeest unsuccessfully)

Springboks were amazing: like they were “frozen in the air”

Visited Onguma Lodge

Amazing, nay Equisite décor..which gave him “long pleasure”; the attention to detail was true European-like (antique doors)..definitely will come back; amazed that it was completely empty; void of any guests

“Was Kenny’s tool boy,” so Kenny says of course, while assisting Sakkie with his puncture

Waiting for the Internet connection to come back…only got a smile as a reply from the reception…still waiting

Andre:

Game drive

Wonderful

Etosha Pan was filled with water: a rare and exceptional occasion

Lions were a treat

Rugby game

Happy but will not comment!

Visited Onguma Lodge

Exquisite: real African feel

Helped, well more like took pictures of Sakkie changing his tyre

Chatted the afternoon away with Sakkie

Great buffet dinner

Jessica:

Lovely breakfast; sharing with the squirrels and birds

Visited theReptilePark

Enjoyed a Chicken Ceasar salad

Had issues with room maintance

Isn’t it funny how the problem always seems to stop when the maintenance guy shows up! Ended up fixing the problems myself..hehehe

Rested, relaxed and rested some more

Managed to get the IVECO Silverback at the lodge at 3am (A very big thank you to Gert Bronkhorst, from IVECO Ongwediva, and his father for all their assistance and hard work. Much appreciated!)

Lovely R&R day for all

Breakfast at 07h00

Oh NO!

At breakfast K asked Ken whether Ken had ‘taken’ his toiletries bag out of his room as a joke. Turns out that Sakkie realised that his camera and 1 x glove had been removed from his tank bag during the night. K went to re-check his room for the toiletries bag and the discovered Sakkie’s glove lying at the floor below the window. So someone had stolen K’s bag using Sakkie’s glove!

Arch also noticed that his top box had been tampered with

Jacques had collected all the accommodation money – put it next to his bed and gone to the bar. Garth shared a room with Jacques and when he used the key to open the unit – no go. Maintenance had to come open the door … so someone had tried to break into the room.

During the night, both James and Sakkie were up looking out their windows having had a restless night’s sleep – the ‘baddies’ were on the prowl.

Spoke to the manager – he was unsympathetic regarding our concerns and told us “this is Africa – you need to lock your valuables away”! We have done 13 000 kms through Africa with no problems … we know we have to be vigilant…

At breakfast we hooked up with a group of guys who are taking really old cars through to Cairo … already they have blown gaskets, replaced gear boxes … but they are on the move … and they are organised.

Silverback has to be left behind in Rundu – hopefully between Iveco and the kind mechanic (who spent a good 5 hours on the vehicle) – will sort out the electrical problem. We hope to get the vehicle delivered to Namatoni / Windhoek / Johannesburg. So all 7 of us in Headhunter … 400 kms to Kempenski Lodge.

Grootfontein – we stopped off for a runaway lunch at the Spar. Was a mind-blowing experience going to a shop of this size. We haven’t been in a convenience store of this magnitude … it was hard to choose … 8 variations of Cadbury’s and koeksisters and well… everything. Tinned dog food expensive!

Arrived at Kempenski Mokuti Lodge at 14h00. Paradise! Sat at the thatch having beers and tea. Fed the squirrels and starlings by hand while the blesbok grazed 20m away and the mongoose in close range.

Medical Update:

• Sakkie’s elbow and buttocks are on the mend … he is bandaged up and said that his methyolate experience was mind-‘blowing’
• Andy’s spider bite looks better
• Ullie rubs his shoulder a lot
• Jess has the runs from consuming litres of water during her river rafting experience.

Excellent accommodation … we have truly stepped into heaven … and we will be here for 2 nights.

Great buffet supper … exotic to say the least.

Tomorrow: game drives at 06h00 and then a bit of spa and time to chill!

We departed from the Karamba Safari Lodge in Livingstone after a couple of riders got tired (and of course prompted by Ray, our commander) of waiting for their breakfasts. Regrouping outside the dirt road, just outside the lodge, we were soon on our way to Kazungula with the stunning Zambezi flowing on our left hand side.

[Expected route: Livingstone – Kazungula – Sesheke – Katima Mulilo (border post into Namibia) – Kongola – Omega – Bagani – Mukwe – Nyangana – Mashari – Rundu (our destination)]

I was back on the bike at the back of Ullie once again, with Archie at the front and K (happy as can be to have been able to fix his KTM and be back on it once again) at the rear with the IVECOs following not far behind.

It started out very cold with the morning mist still rising from the bushveld on either side of the road. It was 9ºC and I was freezing my butt off. However, 100km into our journey and it thankfully started to warm up.

We were all very excited to see wildlife, especially the elephants we had been warned about roaming about and sometimes crossing the road in huge numbers.

Our exit from Zambia went pretty smoothly, but our entry into Namibia was quite lengthy with its usual hassles..police clearance, unannounced road fee, etc., with a drawn out queue. But, this is Africa and patience is a virtue.

The 490km Caprivi stretch was a never-ending road and the heat was bearing down on us as we peeled our layers off one by one at each stop. The bushveld and savannah was extremely dry with bush fires occasionally spreading in the distance. There was no wildlife to be seen…I almost gave Ullie a fright when I excitedly tapped on his shoulder when I saw one elephant in the distance. Sakkie said he also saw a Kudu, but that is as far as our game viewing went.

Nevertheless, it was amazing to know that we were passing a narrow stretch of the Namibian country with Angola to our right and Botswana to the left.

Between Omega and Bagani, we passed over Cubango (that feeds into the Okavango Delta), a beautiful spectacle after such extreme heat and dry environment. Arriving at Rundu, quite a modern and neat looking town, we went to our usual hang-out, the petrol station with surprise, surprise, a good old Wimpy restaurant (making us feel right at home).

After a coffee and the purchase of snacks and water, and after Garth gave Ande an antihistamine for his allergic reaction to a spider bite (probably flew off Kenny’s motorcycle, hanging on its web and slid its way right under Ande’s sleeve as he was driving his bike next in line), we sat down in the parking lot while Jacques and Garth went to see about buying braai meet for our intended bush camp and Ray, Ig and Andre went to buy two new tyres for the trailer.

[Marlene was upset for a while because apparently, they had passed on the road a donkey cart going at high speeds with a dog attached to it by the neck; strangling and struggling onwards as he whimpered. The Headhunter did not stop to help but yet radio contacted Ig and Andre in the Silverback to lend assistance to the dog. Sadly, Ig and Andre did not come across the dog nor the donkey cart]

Unfortunately, pulling out of the petrol station, the Silverback broke down on us. Thankfully, it broke down right across the Rundu Service Centre, where a very accommodating and adamant mechanic called Roelf Lusse, came out to lend assistance. While I was on the phone with IVECO Namibia, Roelf was trying to find out the problem with the Silverback. It came to our attention that it was the body computer and this turned into a huge affair of dismantling the fuse box from the body computer, once, twice and trice; but still no contact.

The rest of the group left to settle into the  Ngundu lodge while Ray and I stayed behind with Roelf and the truck. After two and a half hours, several calls with the IVECO manager, Mr. Westeizen, and several attempts at the body computer, we decided to tow the Silverback into Roelf’s workshop for the night. Ullie and K kindly came back to see if we were okay and to offer us a ride to the lodge.

I thoroughly enjoyed my ride to the lodge as K still had stacks of bags on the back seat of his KTM and I was to climb on top of them and ride VIP, safari style while Ray jumped at the back of Ullie. We arrived at the lodge around 10:30pm (after riding and driving for 10 hours straight) and it was arranged for Gerd, over at the IVECO branch in Ongwediva, to find the corresponding body computer for the truck and bring it over the next day.

At the lodge, everyone had enjoyed an excellent dinner (despite the fact that Ray had said that the group going up toCairohad definitely not enjoyed their food the last time around). There was a group of people who were also doing a Cape to Cairo trip, however, in really cool vintage cars (Mercedes,Sedan, Volvo, Volkswagen, Mustang, etc). It was great to see.

It was a long day indeed, but what an adventure nevertheless!!

[Observation: the more south you go, as fromZambiaonwards, the more enclosed and demarcated the villages]

Breakfast at leisure almost next to the Vic Falls

Sakkie’s elbow has become a bit inflamed … Garth scrapped all the skin off with a nail brush, antiseptic and dressing … looks good again!

• Arch, James, Ray and Brian did maintenance on the bikes and then popped over to the Livingstone Hotel for morning tea
• Jess and K were the only energetic people – they went river rafting. Two hours down the river over 10 rapids. They got dumped twice and then had a testing climb back to the road.
• Ken, Marlene, Ullie, Sakkie and Garth went on the bikes to the Zambian side of the Vic Fall. Marlene rode an entire 9km on the back of Ken’s bike … not too sure who of the two were more nervous. Beer at the Zambezi Hotel. On way back to bikes, zebra walked up to Ken in a friendly
  manner … and tried to kick him in the rump … Ken jumped vertically and almost impaled himself in a thorn tree.
• Andy went to have a Steers burger and Mosi up the road
• Jacques took a helicopter flip over the falls … spectacular.
• Andre went shopping and Ig took in a round of golf.

K repaired his bike … but is not too sure whether he has sorted the problem … test run to the petrol station.

Charlie Boorman’s team has moved to our hotel … so thing all we will have at supper is testosterone and bike stories.

Tomorrow we have about 710 kms + border crossing + camp out (with real SA braai) in Rundu (Namibia)

• 2^nd last border crossing
• 2^nd last country
• Possible last camping … then on to southern tip of Africa

We will communicate when next we have internet.

Lock and Load 06h20

Fuel R20/l!

Guys’ Reflection on Bikes and Equipment:

• Preparation and adaptations for the bikes essential
• Organised recce rides before prepare the riders for the mental and physical demands of the trip
• Have to have a tour operator … especially in northern Africa. The officials and paperwork can be a nightmare and the difference between getting going and having to wait for days to get on the go!
• All bikers said the size of the bike depended on the individual. The KTM was a problem in that it is too sensitive for the challenges of this type of trip.
• Tubeless tyres = best idea
• Best boots are motor cross boots. Many of the guys’ boots got wet and were uncomfortable to wear (and smelly). Also boots that protect the ankle and feet
• Need compression pump and pressure gauge
• Chains need to be checked and lubed daily
• Helmet: better to have helmet with inner that is removable and can be washed
• Sprockets – the life span of the sprocket is determined by the manner in which the rider handles his bike and maintains the equipment
• Toolbox: K had the best tool kit
• GPS: some of the technology had different mapping – got confusing. Tracks for Africa was good. Good to have a map
• Body armour suit worked perfectly … although not available in large sizes.
• Camera: a professional, sophisticated camera would be the ideal … but sensitive to dirt and vibration … so small camera would work … quality vs. capturing a memory.

• Andy: F GS 800. 7 punctures (not tubeless) + cracked side pannier frame.
• Brian: F 650 Dakar. Front and rear sprockets; chain; and rear brake pads replaced. 1 puncture
• K: KTM 990 R. New rear shock; new washable filter and new fuel filter.
• Ken: F GS 800. 1 x bolt replaced
• Sakkie: BMW GS 1200 Adventure. 2 punctures and minor damages to body work.
• Ullie: BMW GS 1200. Top box feel off. Mag wheels survived so far … unheard of to cross Africa with mag wheels
• Arch: R11 GS Adventure. Has done the Up and Down trip – no problems
• James: R11 GS (2^nd bike) plastic 40l long-range fuel tank. Had to get new battery in Senga … his battery not strong enough.

The riders have ridden the entire trip together … great team.

Trip today: Many burnt out trucks along the way.

Bridge Camp: Lindsey and Willie gave us a sumptuous meal – thick teaks and great salads. Dining room is an open air affair facing onto the Luangwa River.

Okay sleep … too many mozzies and too hot and then too cold. Mean shower

Apologies to our family and friends, as well as our cherished fans

It is Saturday, the 10^th of September and we are safe and sound and have just settled into the stunning and luxury Kempinski Mokuti Lodge inEtosha,Namibia (where Jacques organized us the most amazing rates).

We apologize for the inconvenience and if we worried you but we haven’t been able to get onto the Cytech or toursforafrica.co.za/c2c website for the past five days (Internet access has been limited). We are finally back in the game and hope you will enjoy reading about our last adventures and exciting  journey to Kempinski Mokuti Lodge.

Sadly our trip is coming to an end.

10 – 11th of September 2011: Kempinski Mokuti Lodge in Etosha

11 – 12th of September 2011: Mokuti – Swakopmund

12 – 13th of September 2011: Swakopmund R&R

14th of September 2011: Swakopmund – Windhoek

15th of September 2011: Windhoek – Springbok

16th of September 2011: Springbok – Cape Town

Fri: Springbok – Cape Town

If all goes well – hope get to Cape Town on Friday 16th about 15h00.

To all the Cape to Cairo“Recce Run” 2011 partakers and other intrepid Trans Africa travellers, you are more than welcome to join us on the route from Springbok to Cape Town on Friday, the 16^thof September 2011. For those of you who want to join us for the Final Dinner at the Fire & Ice Protea Hotel, at 19:00, in Cape Town (Tamboeskloof), please call Kerrylee (011-433 8850) or Ray Muller (082-807 7776) to make arrangements beforehand (it is important to notify ahead of time so that we can book accordingly). Costs to be confirmed.

Looking forward to our arrival in Cape Town and to see our family, friends and fans waiting for us at the Fire & Ice Protea Hotel on Friday afternoon. Thank you for keeping up with the blogs and for your comments. See you soon!!