Before you leave
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO EXPLORE SOUTH AFRICA BY OUR HARLEY-DAVIDSON RENTAL MOTORCYCLES
Riding in South Africa's (left hand) traffic
The conditions of tarred roads in South Africa easily meet those of Europe and the USA, even inland. Towns and directions are well signposted. Your fellow road-users are usually polite and friendly and so expect the same from you. Many of them will even wave or hoot when you pass on a Harley.
As part of our British heritage we drive on the left. This includes i.e. that we take traffic circles clockwise! If you are not used to riding on ‘our’ side of the road, a few simple tips will help you to get easily accustomed to it:
- Only ride when there is more traffic on the road. Following other traffic is easier, especially when you become a little fatigued because of the time of day and temperature.
- Especially in the beginning, avoid traffic situations that might require an instant reaction from you (like overtaking big trucks on curved roads). Confronted with unexpected "surprises", you might take the wrong decision as your subconcious mind is still programmed to driving on the right side of the road.
- Before leaving, exercise clockwise u-turns on your motorcycle for incase you take a wrong turn or so. The easiest way of doing that is i.e. at a parking lot. Put a mark or object on the pavement and keep looking at it while you make the u-turn clockwise. After a few times it will appear far easier than you initially experience.
- If traffic in your country drives on the right, do NOT practice riding on the left side before arriving here ...
- Remember that most accidents happen when leaving fuel stations etc. and after left turns, when less-focused riders end up in the wrong lane!!!
DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS TO PREVENT DEHYDRATION.
Dehydration strongly reduces your concentration and so can cause very serious mishaps. Please do not underestimate this factor while riding in warmer environments like South Africa!
Intersections without traffic lights ("robots" as we say here) are usually 4-way stop and have the "first come, first go" rule. Avoid riding in the dark, especially in the countryside, because of the many pedestrians on the road and poorly illuminated, sometimes mule-drawn vehicles, especially near townships.
When riding near and in townships, please watch carefully the taxis. The drivers stop, pull away and – even worse – make U-turns without paying attention to upcoming traffic! Their nickname ‘cockroaches’ does not really originate from behaving well and predictable in traffic!
Slower traffic usually moves left into the emergency lane to allow easy overtaking and it is a good habit to say ‘thank you’ by waving or flashing your hazard lights. They will usually answer by flashing their high beam. If you want to ride slower than traffic flows for some reason (scenery, wild life) anyone will understand, as long as you allow faster traffic to overtake by either you moving into the emergency lane or to the far left side of the left lane.
HELMET LAW
South Africa does have a helmet law and legally you are required to wear a DOT approved helmet. Cruising South Africa is much more comfortable with an open face helmet with either a visor or a good pair of glasses. For hot summer days it is advisable to wear a cotton bandanna under your helmet, which is available from our dealership (free souvenir for rental clients!).
SPEED
The nationwide speed limit is 120 km/h (75 mph) unless indicated otherwise. The good news for motorcyclists is that static speed cameras usually work from the front, the bad news that the traffic police are more often using speed guns, followed by a road block. When pulled over, friendly and polite tourists (switch off your engine, take your full face helmet and/or sunglasses off) can get away with far more than locals, but it's better not to take any chances.
FUEL
Fuel in South Africa easily meets international standards, so our unleaded fuel is as good as anywhere else. What would you expect from companies like Shell, Caltex and Engen? However, if you ride with a passenger and luggage, we advise you to use the highest octane available. When riding in less populated areas (so 95% of South Africa) it is important to always keep a good eye on your fuel level and fill up before you reach one third. Although distances between towns are well signposted, it is always better to be safe than sorry. At all time prevent having fuel for less than 100 km. The next station could be 50 km down the road and might just have diesel in stock!
SUN
Always use a sun-block crème when riding with short sleeves and for your face. When off the bike always wear a cap or bandanna, especially if you have a wider middle path. Please be aware that ‘our’ sun can be up to 14 (fourteen!!!) times as intense as in northern Europe and America. Sun blockers are widely available at any convenience store in our country, so you don’t have to bring your own jerry can from home. DO NOT LET THE SUN RUIN YOUR HOLIDAY!!
ANIMALS
Although you might best like animals medium to well done, South Africa is a country where animals (horses, donkeys, etc.) are used to ride and pull carriages. As our rental bikes are fitted with louder pipes, please make sure you pass the animals at low speed and low revs or better, with your clutch pulled in. Trust us, there is no need to experience what can happen if an animal panics and the horse rider or driver loses control.
Farms in South Africa are gigantic and thus it is not always avoidable that fences get damaged without the farmer knowing about it. Always be aware that cattle can have access to roads, etc. and can cause danger to traffic. The bulbars on our cars and trucks are not just ornamental and the engine guard on your bike does not quite have the same function …..
WATER
Most of the tap water in South Africa is of such excellent quality that it easily meets that of bottled water in your country of origin, one of the benefits of travelling a largely unpolluted country. Make it a good habit to drink plenty of fluids every time you stop, as you can dehydrate quickly during a ride and loose concentration. Always have a big bottle of water in your saddle bag for just incase you have an unplanned stop next to the side of the road. Refrigerated bottles of water, soft drinks and energy drinks are plentiful available at any fuel station or local super market.
FOOD AND WINE
For gourmets South Africa is definitely the place to be - from generous portions of freshly selected ingredients to the unique opportunity to taste the low cholesterol meats of ostrich, springbok, kudu and crocodile. We also enjoy a wide variety of the best fresh seafood in the world. As in any country, seafood is freshest near the coast, while beef is best in-country.
But nobody will be surprised if you order a vegetarian meal (only if you really must!). And don't forget to save some space for a traditional local dessert: koeksisters, milktart or your choice of the wide variety of puddings.
The world-renowned South African wines are readily available from as little as US$ 4 (four!) a 750 cl bottle for easy drinking wine to US$40 for top class premium quality wines.
Tips
In restaurants and bars a service fee of 10% is considered the minimum norm, unless of course you are not happy with the provided service. PLEASE NOTE that bills of some restaurants in tourist areas already are inclusive of 10% ‘service surcharge’, especially when you travel as a group. Some waiters will ‘forget’ to tell you this. Like in your own country, make it a habit to check your bill before paying.
Make sure to taste our "biltong" and "droë wors" (dried sausage), snacks invented by the first colonists who had to preserve food for hot weather conditions, traveling with their ox wagons. You get easily addicted!
ACCOMMODATION
South Africa offers a wide variety of excellent quality accommodation from 5-star hotels and wine estates to aulde world farmhouse B&B´s. For every budget there is something available and with prices from R 150 only for a simple but clean self-catering room in an in-country village, why carry around your own tent and pay for camping? In more tourist areas count on B&B prices from R 250 per person sharing including a full cooked breakfast that will carry you trough the day.
TIME TO RIDE
The Cape offers all year riding weather and we experience our winter rainfall during the months of July and August. Depending on your travel period the daytime temperature in the Cape will vary from 15° in winter (July) to over 30 ° mid summer (New Year). Winter means some rainy days, but usually not more than a few hours or at most a whole day near the coast, but drier and sunny inland. It is almost the equivalent of the North European summer! The natural splendor is very much alive during this period with lots of flora still blossoming.
Winter also means even lower rates for flights and accommodation, the so-called "South African Secret Season". As early as June the first whales - Southern Rights with a weight up to 80 tons each - arrive in the San Sebastian Bay and Witsand area. The calves are born there from mid August onwards. The whales begin their swim-back to the Antarctic region between end November and mid December.
Luggage
Usually travelers take too much luggage. As shoes and boots take a lot of space and weight, just bring a good pair of high shoes. They will do fine for riding and hiking conditions. For cooler inland outdoor evenings just a pullover will do. Always wear a hat or peak cap in the sun and a bandanna while wearing your helmet. Both are of course available as merchandise in our dealership. Please do not forget to bring a pair of summer gloves for riding, good sunglasses, short pants swimming gear and your binoculars!
Fortunately you will be able to purchase most of the small items you need almost anywhere - from engine oil to contact lens liquid! Most airlines have a limit of 20 kilos of luggage per person (apart from hand luggage). Limited surplus of luggage when riding can be left at our dealership.
Passports, visas and driving licenses
At the moment of entry into South Africa your passport needs to be valid for at least one year. Citizens of very few foreign countries need an entry-visa for South Africa and in case of doubt please just contact the South African embassy or consulate in your country to make sure.
For riding or driving in South Africa, an International Driving License is legally required. Your national Automobile Association can provide one for you, usually ready while you wait. If the SA police ask for your driving license, always hand over just your International Driving License to prevent loss of the original one (although the combination of both is a legal requirement).
Currency
In South Africa all mayor credit cards are accepted, although more inland smaller shops and fuel stations might not have facilities, and you may need to pay cash. Obtaining Rands (the SA national currency) within South Africa is always cheaper than buying them elsewhere. There are facilities to exchange money on the Arrival side of SA airports. You can make ATM withdraws even at most small towns, but it is always best to always carry at least a thousand Rand in cash. Please note that travelers' cheques are only accepted by banks and are not accepted as legal tender.
Insurance
All motorcycles of Harley-Davidson Cape Town Authorized Rentals have a fully comprehensive insurance. The personal access is R 10.000 and can not be waivered. Please check if your personal health insurance is valid in South Africa and also whether it covers extra costs for transport back home in the unfortunate case this would be necessary. Healthcare in South Africa is excellent, especially in private hospitals. After all, it was hardly a coincidence that the first successful heart transplant ever was done at Cape Town’s Groote Schuur Hospital in 1967 by Dr. Christian Barnard.
CRIME
Crime is a word often immediately related to South Africa and yes, we do have a crime issue here, just like in your own country. To be honest, South Africans are in this respect our worst ambassadors. Because we relatively travel less abroad (why would we if we live in such a magnificent country?), we usually think it is perfectly safe anywhere else in the world. Of course and unfortunately, you know better. If you act here just like you would do in any other major city in the world, you will be perfectly all-right. And because motorcyclists here still have that "rough and tough biker image" of the seventies overseas, people with criminal intentions will think at least twice.
Electricity and mobile phones
South Africa has a 220 Volt power system. Most accommodation providers supply special adapters for electrical equipment, if at all necessary. All types of household batteries are widely available in food stores, etc. European mobile phones also work in South Africa (same frequency), for US cell phones only those that have a tri-band system. To avoid surprises, please be aware that your provider also bills incoming overseas calls to your account. The caller only pays for the part in his/her country of origin. Therefore it is advisable to buy a prepaid package at any Vodacom or MTN outlet in South Africa, which can save you a lot of money as now all incoming calls will be paid for. PLEASE NOTE that you are visiting a country with huge desolated parts (just like you always wanted!). Few people means even less cell phones means no cell phone connection!
Photography and video
All major brands of film, photographic and video equipment are well stocked in South Africa. If your camera requires a less common type of battery, we advise you to bring your own spare set, but 99% of all camera batteries are normally available. If you want to take close-up photographs of native Africans, please ask for their permission. A small donation will always be appreciated.
Roadmaps
If you want to use your GPS, please buy the SIM card in the country of your departure. Only Garmin and Tom Tom (not Tam Tam!) are distributed in South Africa.
Good and updated roadmap books are obtainable for about ZAR 50 at any larger Shell or Caltex fuel station with a mini market in South Africa. All other maps, also those sold at bookshops, are usually inadequate. White colored roads on the map means it is unpaved. These roads can only be safely negotiated by a 4WD car, not by a 1WD Harley-Davidson (see Rental Conditions). In case of a breakdown or out of fuel, you are completely left on your own.
Hiking to the nearest town of farm may well take a couple of hours, provided you are walking into the right direction. Local population will gladly trade your newly obtained cell phone with gadgets (mirrors and jewelry are outdated)for a few liters of petrol and water for the long walk back.
Remember you are in Africa, not in Disney Land!
MEDICARE, VACCINATION AND MEDICINE
South Africa has one of the highest standards of medical care, so rest assured if you ever would need medical attention whilst on holiday you will be in expertise hands. After all, the world's first heart transplant was done in the 60´s by a South African surgeon in Cape Town. Should you need admission to a hospital, always choose a private clinic for best treatment and no delays or waiting times.
No specific medicines or vaccinations are required for the Cape provinces. All European and American "over the counter" medicines are easily obtainable in pharmacies in towns and cities, including any kind of contact lens fluid.
AIRPORT CHECK-IN TIPS
To get the best seat, we advise you to check in for your flights as early as possible, but minimal four hours before the actual departure time of your intercontinental flight. Most airlines provide a possibility to check in by internet 24 hours before departure, including seat preference. Feel free to obtain the most convenient seat.
Daytime flights from and to North European countries usually provide you with a spectacular birds-eye view of Africa, so make sure you get a window seat. For flight safety reasons it is no longer allowed to bring fluids along other than obtained after the security check. So if you want bring some liquor for our Rentals Operator, please purchase this at the airports tax free shop. He is not really a beer drinker …...
14% VAT RETURN ON PURCHASES
Always good to know that you can get your 14% VAT, paid on goods purchased during your stay in South Africa, reimbursed at the airport or at the V&A Waterfront. And that even in US dollars, Euros or some other currencies! All international airports of our country have a special customs boot for smooth processing. Just show your boarding card, goods and receipts of payment after you have checked in for your return flight (so keep your souvenirs in your hand luggage). Especially good to know this if you want to buy Harley-Davidson riding gear for your trip! If you buy it at our dealership it can save you a lot of money! The pricing is very competitive with especially the European market. There is no VAT return on consumables like rent, fuel, food, accommodation, etc., roughly things you can not show to Customs when leaving the country.
Jetlag
Coming from Europe the time differences is zero to two hours, so you should experience minimal jetlag problems. A proven way to get rid of the tiredness of an overnight flight is to sleep for no longer than 4 hours upon arrival in the morning, get up and proceed the day as usual. Always try to leave from home under relaxed circumstances, as this will greatly improve the quality of your holiday.
LITERATURE
For a good preparation of your tour we advise you to obtain "The Insight Guide of South Africa" (375 pages of photo´s, descriptions and background information, ISBN 0-395-75505-0). Don´t discount a visit to your local library to help prepare your holiday. A little preparation beforehand can greatly improve the quality of your holiday.
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