Long ride through Africa
2007-05-31
AFTER a gruelling two-month journey accros a large part of Africa, local motor cycle enthusiast, Mario Steyn, returned to the safety of his hometown, Wellington.
Mario was joined by four friends, Louis Terblanche, André Brink, Alewyn Bronn and Benna Theron in making this two-month epic journey along the Great Rift Valley by motor bike, covering 13 500km.
The Great Rift Valley is an extraordinary valley which stretches from Lebanon to Mozambique. It is a complex geological feature where several plates of the Earth’s crust join, creating the perfect setting for those in pursuit of the ultimate African adventure.
Geared with the support from a Durbanville winery, abundant food and medical supplies, GPS and satellite systems, motor bike spares, camping equipment and their trusty BMW and Yamaha companions, Louis and his team set-off on 24 February on the adventure of a lifetime, which took almost two years to plan.
Their arrival in Egypt was overshadowed by horrendous traffic, language barriers and visa delays - the old saying “the chaos that is Cairo” rang true. This is Africa. Things happen as and when they like.
When they eventually boarded the ferry to Sudan, they had lost ten days and had to bid farewell to one of their crew members, whose motor bike broke down and was being flown to Nairobi for urgent repairs.
“The road snaking through the desert was strenuous and on day seven we arrived in breathtakingly beautiful Ethiopia, travelling past the Blue Nile Gorge, a 40km mountain pass. Known as the Camelot of Africa, we visited Gore, a city that is surrounded by castles showing distinct Italian influence from the 19th century and offering an unexpected touch of Europe,” recalls Mario.
After a few days of sightseeing they headed for Kenya on the worst roads they had yet encountered on their journey. The road surface of sand, molten rock, gravel and mud slowed them down tremendously and it took them two days to cover the 500km stretch.
In Nairobi they met up with their friend and since his motor bike would only be ready in five days time, the team split up, with some travelling to the Serengeti and others lazing on the banks of Lake Naivasha known for its abundance of fish eagles.
But the road beckoned and they reluctantly had to leave their friend behind again and continue their voyage to Malawi.
“Malawi is one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen. With tropical vegetation, crystal clear waters and an abundance of seafood, we enjoyed a blissful three days in Cape McClaire and Nkata Bay.
“We were spoiled here by Isaac, a chef, who prepared our meals and surprised us with anything from pancakes with banana and lemon to freshly baked fish and chips. We felt like kings!”
Having a chef to prepare their meals was a great luxury for the men, after having lived off dehydrated meals for weeks.
“We encountered one of the most dangerous roads of our journey when we crossed the Zambezi River en route to Mozambique. The 3,7 km train bridge consisting of meagre wood and steel boards, served as a road.
"We stuggled to keep our motor bikes from catching the uneven boards and have them tumbling into the 30 metre yawning gorge on either side.”
Safely in Mozambique they entered paradise and after a quick stopover at the typhoon-damaged Vilanculos, they spent a couple of days relaxing on the protected beach in Inhambane, snorkling with whale sharks and manta rays and devouring fresh seafood.
After two months of camping, facing treacherous roads and haggling exchange rates at every border post the team arrived back in South Africa on 21 April.
“It has been a long and tiresome journey, but it was an experience which will remain with me for a lifetime.
“This trip has been extraordinary. If you have an adventurous spirit, it comes highly recommended. However, it is definitely not for you if you don’t enjoy roughing it!
“As with all true adventure seekers we have started planning for the next journey, this time travelling South America by motor bike.
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