Africa - The Return - Page 4

DesertSweeper · 05-16-2012, 10:18 AM

Our route through The Pans, stopping at Kubu for a night

I have visited this place many times in my life and it never fails to reward. “Kubu” means hippo in the local language which describes the rocky outcrops on the raised “island”. Some 40 thousand years ago this was a true island as the area formed part of the largest inland body of water in Africa. While it allegedly has tremendous archaeological significance I can say it is a special place and well worth exploring…which we do for many hours in the dark by PETZL powered light. We argue long into the night as to which way are our tents and generally have a good time.

The “Solifuge” – these things zoom around at alarming speeds looking for bikers to eat

This cute little fellow wanted to share Brian’s tent but he refused, the silly fellow

Osadabwa · 05-16-2012, 12:26 PM

Mr. Warren!

So glad to see you back on the ride! I doubt you'll be passing through Dar this time round, but if you do, please give us a shout in advance so we can drink up, I mean, meet up. And if you gut TZ and want some tracks, the lads have just had a blast in Dodoma area, and we have good ones all through the country. Don't hesitate to ask! But somehow, I reckon you'll just wing it.

I'll be watching!

WHYNOWTHEN · 05-16-2012, 04:57 PM

Enjoying your RR. Thank you for the exciting read.

DesertSweeper · 05-17-2012, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WHYNOWTHEN

Enjoying your RR. Thank you for the exciting read.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Osadabwa

Mr. Warren!
So glad to see you back on the ride! I doubt you'll be passing through Dar this time round, but if you do, please give us a shout in advance so we can drink up, I mean, meet up. And if you gut TZ and want some tracks, the lads have just had a blast in Dodoma area, and we have good ones all through the country. Don't hesitate to ask! But somehow, I reckon you'll just wing it.
I'll be watching!

Thanks for the encouragement gents. Hey Osadabwa! Warren's not on this trip, just Brian and myself…he’s about to be a father back in Dubai!

Osadabwa · 05-17-2012, 05:42 AM

Ha! Oops. I knew that... just checking to see if you're paying attention.

So, Dar on the list or not? If not, tracks around Mbeya, Njombe, Iringa, Morogoro, Dodoma, Kilimanjaro are all still on offer. Just let us know with some advance notice... that is if your bikes make it this far.

(I'd be bragging about my XR 400 about now, but it currently has no kickstand and a hole in the left side engine cover...)

Cheers

DesertSweeper · 05-17-2012, 06:20 AM

I need to go back a day with some pics provided by Brian that will raise a chuckle no doubt….on our approach to Kubu I fell over in the soft sand. We met a chap camping there who told us it had once taken him 8 hours to get his BMW 1200GS from that last village to the pans (about 15 km’s)…we did it in about 30 minutes and some change…

The writer showing Brian the correct technique for picking up a dropped bike...

And that's how it is done Brian

DesertSweeper · 05-17-2012, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Osadabwa

Ha! Oops. I knew that... just checking to see if you're paying attention.

So, Dar on the list or not? If not, tracks around Mbeya, Njombe, Iringa, Morogoro, Dodoma, Kilimanjaro are all still on offer. Just let us know with some advance notice... that is if your bikes make it this far.

(I'd be bragging about my XR 400 about now, but it currently has no kickstand and a hole in the left side engine cover...)

Cheers

Haha no worries, figured….for the return we are heading up the western side of Tanzania, along the great lake…at least that’s the general idea….and then straight up into Uganda so sadly those drinks will have to stay on ice…but fear not we shall return!

Am wondering what the story is behind your left side engine-cover hole and missing side-stand...am sure that is not a coincidence...hehe

DesertSweeper · 05-17-2012, 07:24 AM

Early morning Kubu campsite - pic by Brian

The sun beats down hard on my tent in the morning with a strong reminder of the alcoholic abuses of the night before.

Behold the rugged adventurer that is Brian...

We pack up and ride around the island before turning north again.

Sua Pan stretching away east to the horizon

Everyone thinks Brian is large but he's actually rather small

it's difficult not to just ride off into nothingness...pic by Brian

It is a long ride to the might Zambezi where we plan on lodging tonight. A new element has crept in to the trip which is that of time constraints. The word has come back that we have a firm booking to see the mountain gorilla’s in Uganda three weeks hence. If we miss our slot we miss a rare opportunity to see these magnificient creatures.

The track north between the pans from Kubu to Nata is spectacular. Wide open grassy woodlands alternating with Mopane forests. Soft sandy tracks keep you on your toes literally – this is not big-bike territory

Me be um big chief

sonnyboy · 05-17-2012, 08:02 AM

Nice Bike/Ride

DesertSweeper · 05-17-2012, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonnyboy

Nice Bike/Ride

Many thanks!

Just a short lazy clip of a section north of Kubu island…Brian drifting past…

GypsyWriter · 05-17-2012, 08:40 AM

Looks like a total blast when the bikes are working.

Hope everything's set and ready but boy you guys lost out on a lot of days! Gonna be a race to the finish if you're not careful

DesertSweeper · 05-17-2012, 09:45 AM

Botswana is a low-population wild country with spectacular countryside and loads of wild animals. Elephants, giraffe and antelope are a common site as you travel through the land.

Elephant watering hole

Brian with his finger on the starter button just in case it's true...

Its a Hondaphant

Brian reached in for his side-arm but only finds antacids

Its just like being in the zoo he said, only better...

DesertSweeper · 05-17-2012, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahp

Looks like a total blast when the bikes are working.

Hope everything's set and ready but boy you guys lost out on a lot of days! Gonna be a race to the finish if you're not careful

You know these bikes are certainly not good for reliable adventure riding. Are they reliable? No. Are they comfortable? No. Did I ever say I was bright? No…

As you say, when they go they are an absolute blast. But they ARE old and they do suffer maladies. A bit like their riders then…

Just ride we say…when you can...

And yes it is becoming a bit of a race to the Gorilla's (a life's dream of Brian that we must fulfil) - it's going to be very close - there is a lot of ground to cover and we are set to go where cars fear to tread...

DesertSweeper · 05-17-2012, 12:15 PM

We race the setting sun and arrive in Kasane in Northern botswana just in time for sundowners on the wide smooth river.

Zambia

is visible over on the other side – tomorrow we will cross over the ferry into a new country with a new set of adventures and no doubt challenges. As “Sarahp” puts it – we have lost many days and need to make up time. We need to buy back a few days and a plan to do just that is formulating in my helmet head…but for now its frosty beer and merciless mosquitoes...

The mighty Zambezi in the setting sun

Your scribe...pensive and beery eyed

DesertSweeper · 05-17-2012, 03:42 PM

Our accommodation is “The Old House Lodge” – a spectacular place frequented by locals who’s daily tales resound through the open bar on the banks of the river. It’s not cheap (and the price doesn’t include breakfast) but well worth it for a night of upmarket luxury before we dive into the bowels of deepest darkest

Zambia

The jetty at The Old House Lodge...it just looks like Brian

05-16-2012, 10:18 AM	#46
DesertSweeper ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Oddometer: 374	Kubu Island Our route through The Pans, stopping at Kubu for a night I have visited this place many times in my life and it never fails to reward. “Kubu” means hippo in the local language which describes the rocky outcrops on the raised “island”. Some 40 thousand years ago this was a true island as the area formed part of the largest inland body of water in Africa. While it allegedly has tremendous archaeological significance I can say it is a special place and well worth exploring…which we do for many hours in the dark by PETZL powered light. We argue long into the night as to which way are our tents and generally have a good time. The “Solifuge” – these things zoom around at alarming speeds looking for bikers to eat This cute little fellow wanted to share Brian’s tent but he refused, the silly fellow __________________ The 2011 Africa trip: http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...rica+revisited The 2011 Cambodia trip: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...t=long+drowned

05-16-2012, 12:26 PM	#47
Osadabwa Don't be Surprised Joined: Mar 2009 Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Oddometer: 151	Ride on Up Mr. Warren! So glad to see you back on the ride! I doubt you'll be passing through Dar this time round, but if you do, please give us a shout in advance so we can drink up, I mean, meet up. And if you gut TZ and want some tracks, the lads have just had a blast in Dodoma area, and we have good ones all through the country. Don't hesitate to ask! But somehow, I reckon you'll just wing it. I'll be watching! __________________ My 12 African Ride Reports, 2010 - 2012.

05-16-2012, 04:57 PM	#48
WHYNOWTHEN where are the pedals? Joined: Jan 2009 Location: closer to Baja Oddometer: 466	Enjoying your RR. Thank you for the exciting read. __________________ where does that road go?

05-17-2012, 05:42 AM	#50
Osadabwa Don't be Surprised Joined: Mar 2009 Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Oddometer: 151	Warren, Wayne, Wyatt, William, Whatever! Ha! Oops. I knew that... just checking to see if you're paying attention. So, Dar on the list or not? If not, tracks around Mbeya, Njombe, Iringa, Morogoro, Dodoma, Kilimanjaro are all still on offer. Just let us know with some advance notice... that is if your bikes make it this far. (I'd be bragging about my XR 400 about now, but it currently has no kickstand and a hole in the left side engine cover...) Cheers __________________ My 12 African Ride Reports, 2010 - 2012.

05-17-2012, 06:20 AM	#51
DesertSweeper ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Oddometer: 374	Kubu Island I need to go back a day with some pics provided by Brian that will raise a chuckle no doubt….on our approach to Kubu I fell over in the soft sand. We met a chap camping there who told us it had once taken him 8 hours to get his BMW 1200GS from that last village to the pans (about 15 km’s)…we did it in about 30 minutes and some change… The writer showing Brian the correct technique for picking up a dropped bike... And that's how it is done Brian __________________ The 2011 Africa trip: http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...rica+revisited The 2011 Cambodia trip: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...t=long+drowned

05-17-2012, 07:24 AM	#53
DesertSweeper ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Oddometer: 374	Kubu to Kasane Early morning Kubu campsite - pic by Brian The sun beats down hard on my tent in the morning with a strong reminder of the alcoholic abuses of the night before. Behold the rugged adventurer that is Brian... We pack up and ride around the island before turning north again. Sua Pan stretching away east to the horizon Everyone thinks Brian is large but he's actually rather small it's difficult not to just ride off into nothingness...pic by Brian It is a long ride to the might Zambezi where we plan on lodging tonight. A new element has crept in to the trip which is that of time constraints. The word has come back that we have a firm booking to see the mountain gorilla’s in Uganda three weeks hence. If we miss our slot we miss a rare opportunity to see these magnificient creatures. The track north between the pans from Kubu to Nata is spectacular. Wide open grassy woodlands alternating with Mopane forests. Soft sandy tracks keep you on your toes literally – this is not big-bike territory Me be um big chief __________________ The 2011 Africa trip: http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...rica+revisited The 2011 Cambodia trip: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...t=long+drowned

05-17-2012, 08:02 AM	#54
sonnyboy Adventurer Joined: May 2009 Location: Cape Town,RSA Oddometer: 282	Nice Bike/Ride

05-17-2012, 08:40 AM	#56
GypsyWriter Beastly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2009 Location: Hanford CA Oddometer: 1,005	Looks like a total blast when the bikes are working. Hope everything's set and ready but boy you guys lost out on a lot of days! Gonna be a race to the finish if you're not careful __________________ Sarah 2012 R1200GS Rallye - Gypsy 2003 R1150GSA with DMC sidecar - coming soon! Ask A Self-Publisher "Life is like riding a motorcycle: to keep your balance, you must keep moving."

05-17-2012, 09:45 AM	#57
DesertSweeper ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Oddometer: 374	Elephants in the sand Botswana is a low-population wild country with spectacular countryside and loads of wild animals. Elephants, giraffe and antelope are a common site as you travel through the land. Elephant watering hole Brian with his finger on the starter button just in case it's true... Its a Hondaphant Brian reached in for his side-arm but only finds antacids Its just like being in the zoo he said, only better... __________________ The 2011 Africa trip: http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...rica+revisited The 2011 Cambodia trip: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...t=long+drowned DesertSweeper screwed with this post 05-17-2012 at 08:21 PM Reason: typos

05-17-2012, 12:15 PM	#59
DesertSweeper ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Oddometer: 374	The mighty Zambezi We race the setting sun and arrive in Kasane in Northern botswana just in time for sundowners on the wide smooth river. Zambia is visible over on the other side – tomorrow we will cross over the ferry into a new country with a new set of adventures and no doubt challenges. As “Sarahp” puts it – we have lost many days and need to make up time. We need to buy back a few days and a plan to do just that is formulating in my helmet head…but for now its frosty beer and merciless mosquitoes... The mighty Zambezi in the setting sun Your scribe...pensive and beery eyed __________________ The 2011 Africa trip: http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...rica+revisited The 2011 Cambodia trip: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...t=long+drowned

05-17-2012, 03:42 PM	#60
DesertSweeper ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Oddometer: 374	The Old House Lodge Kasane Our accommodation is “The Old House Lodge” – a spectacular place frequented by locals who’s daily tales resound through the open bar on the banks of the river. It’s not cheap (and the price doesn’t include breakfast) but well worth it for a night of upmarket luxury before we dive into the bowels of deepest darkest Zambia The jetty at The Old House Lodge...it just looks like Brian __________________ The 2011 Africa trip: http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...rica+revisited The 2011 Cambodia trip: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...t=long+drowned

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