| |
|
|
Circling the South: Cape Town to Cape Town 2010
The Team at take off
Go Bafana
With locals in Zambia
Enjoying Lake Malawi
|
|
|
Three adventurists, Stefan Mostert, Lodewyk De Wet and Dewald van der Berg are currently circling Southern Africa on their bicycles. Their journey departed on the 28 February 2010 in Cape Town, from where they aim to complete 10 000+ km in 5 to 6 months.
The originality of their expedition lies not only in the amazing route they will follow, but especially in the fact that these three men will be doing all this only on their bicycles with no backup vehicles. According to them a backup vehicle/support team would deprive the expedition of a great deal of adventure. Their journey will head north up the West Coast of South Africa from Cape Town and then head inland towards Springbok, crossing the Namibian border at Vioolsdrift. From there they will be travelling north through Namibia up to Windhoek.
From there they will keep going north until they reach the eastern side of the Etosha National Park. From Etosha they will travel east, through the Caprivi and from there into Botswana. They will be spending some time in Botswana before heading back into Namibia from where they will cross into Zambia at Livingstone to visit the Victoria Falls. In Zambia they will be travelling east along the national roads until they reach Malawi.
They will continue east through Malawi until they reach Lake Malawi. They intend to spend some time fishing and diving at the lake, gradually making their way down south along the edges of the lake. When they leave the lake they will travel south into Mozambique until they reach the coast of Mozambique.
They will then make their way down the Mozambique coastline, also making time for diving, snorkelling and some deep sea fishing if possible. Once they crossed into South Africa, they will turn west and enter into Swaziland, where they intend spending a few days before heading back towards the South African coast. They will then be travelling all along the coast back to Cape Town where they will conclude their journey.
The team will be exposed to extreme weather conditions, ranging from extreme heat and cold in the deserts of Namibia, hot and humid conditions in Mozambique and Malawi, and cold and wet conditions in the southern part of the Cape Province.
Although they have never before attempted any similar expedition by bicycle, all the team members are well travelled, and apart from Malawi and Swaziland the members has between them visited all the countries they are planning to pass through. They are sure that this experience will stand them in good stead on their expedition. We'll be following these guys and report regularly on their progress.
Please bookmark or visit www.encounter.co.za.
|
Comments |
| The team has been cycling in the Garden Route the past week. They enjoyed a beautiful cycle through Tsitsikamma on Tuesday (20 July). Stayed in an excellent B&B in Stormsrivier Village courtesy of the Mosterts in Mossel Bay! They cycled through Plettenberg Bay via Knysna towards George. On Friday they reached Mossel Bay and received a warm welcome, with even a special banner to mark the occasion! Enjoyed a relaxed weekend in Mossel Bay! Today they take on the road to Cape Town.
Posted by: Editor |
| The team survived a very cold and tough week on the Natal Coast. They however enjoyed the mountain passes, beautiful scenery, tail wind and friendly locals! On Thursday 15 July, they took a rest day in Morgan's Bay. Had a great time with the friendly people. They are on heading towards Port Elisabeth now, slowly but surely on their way home.
Posted by: Editor |
The team has travelled tough mountain passes through the Wild Coast. Reached Port St Johns on Saturday, 10th July and attempted the gravel roads to Coffee Bay on Sunday.
Posted by: Editor |
One week of enjoying the South African sun is behind the back. The team are currently spending some time in Durban. Slowly but surely making their way back to Cape Town.
Posted by: Editor |
| The Circling the South team entered South Africa on Saturday 26th! They made Sodwana Bay after a horrendous pass and some shocking dirt roads! But all was well in the evening with a cold beer in hand. They are heading South to KwaZulu Natal today, 28th June, on their way to Cape Town.
Posted by: Editor
|
| The team had a great time in Tofo with snorkelling and watching Dolphins. On Tuesday (15 June) they hit the road again aiming for Maputo. They endured a tough 3 days down Mozambique's coast with cold temperatures, bad roads and heavy winds. They reached Maputo, heading for Swaziland on Monday (19 June). After a steep climb up the plateau to Namaacha on the Swaziland border, the guys relaxed in a cheap guesthouse and entered into Swaziland on Tuesday(22 June).
Posted by: Editor |
| On Monday 7 June, the guys reached day 100 and enjoyed the wonderful beach life in Vilanculos. They spent Tuesday diving at Bazaruto. The team traveled another 140km south on Wednesday with a lovely tail wind. Thursday was an interesting day with heavy fog on sandy roads followed by 3 punctures and topped off with some rain. The team crossed the ferry to Inhambane! The team supported Bafana on Friday in the opening game of the FIFA World Cup and spent the weekend in Inhambane.
Posted by: Editor |
| The team took a rest day in Chimoio on Tuesday 1 June and started their way to Vilankulo on Wednesday with some strong winds making the ride difficult. On Wednesday they traveled 135km south through a ridiculous wind and camped at chief Soloman's village for the night. They cycled 110km on Thursday past Muxungue sleeping at another bush camp and enjoying the time by the fire. Friday the team reached the Indian ocean and Vilankulo! Blue and clear waters, a beautiful setting.
Posted by: Editor |
| The Team has reached Mozambique on the 28th May! They are struggling with the winter temperatures at 35 degrees while making their 1000+km journey to Vilankulos! The interior landscape and strong winds along with mountainous terrain makes cycling through Mozambique a difficult task.
Posted by: Editor |
| The team spent an unforgettable 4 days in Cape Maclear on the Lake. On 24th May it was the first day back in the saddle. They took on 125km to Ulongwe the Monday, camping at a Catholic Mission. On Tuesday they covered 140km up the plateau to Blantyre. Received by the very kind Mr Nand Gopal who is hosted them for two days. With 4700km behind them the team is halfway now and heading south.
Posted by: Editor |
| On 11th May the team took on the journey to Malawi. They relaxed a few days at Dewald's family near the border. Cycled 136km to Lilongwe and celebrated Lodi's birthday! Crossed the lake to Cape Maclear on 19th May, enjoying the blue skies, clear waters and ice cold beer!
Posted by: Editor |
| The team reached the small settlement of Rufansa after a tough 135km through a beautiful changing landscape on the 6th May. The next morning they covered only 73km to the Luangwa river through beautiful mountains and forests. The 4000km mark is passed! The guys covered 108km on the 8th May, having to deal with 7 punctures in one day! Luckily they enjoyed some African hospitality the next evening when they were treated with a chicken dish made by Mrs Zulu.
Posted by: Editor |
| After an excellent time in Livingstone, the guys left for Lusaka on 26th April. They enjoyed an excellent cycle down to Lake Kariba and a good rest day there. Enroute to Lusaka again,they stayed at a well managed campsite near Monze with a cold Mosi in hand! A persistent eastern wind makes cycling through Zambia a burdensome task. They have managed another 100km, slept at Munali coffee farm over the weekend. Reaching Lusaka today (3 May).
Posted by: Editor |
The team reached Livingstone on 19 April! Checked into the lively Jolly Boys backpackers and had a week of relaxing with friends and enjoying some cold Zambezi Lager at the Victoria Falls Hotel!
Posted by: Editor |
| On Tuesday 13 April the team managed to complete the final 110km through Namibia, despite a persistent headwind. They spent two nights relaxing on the Zambezi. The team has now crossed over into Zambia, with a tough 150km to Kazangula behind them. They've spend the weekend making a quick detour into Botswana and back. Enjoying warm Free State hospitality in Botswana with oom Piet and tannie Rita Strachen.
Posted by: Editor |
| Good day The team completed 220km in 2 days to Popa Falls.Went through a massive rainstorm and took a day or two to recover at the Okavango River. On Sunday (11 April) they could only cover 80km through the Caprivi, with strong winds and 4 punctures keeping them back.
Posted by: Editor |
| The team arrived at Tsumeb via Otavi while passing the 2000km mark! A late rain season brought with it tough conditions for a cyclist but also a beautiful vast and green landscape! They arrived at Etosha National park on the 1st April and spent the Easter Weekend in Namibia, enjoying pure Namibian hospitality. Currently on their way North.
Posted by: Editor |
| The team took a few days to relax in Namibia. Having braais, exploring Swakopmund and surrounds and rounded it all off with some fishing. On Sunday (28th March) they hit the road again. They completed a very wet and cold 118km yesterday (30 March)to Otjiwarongo. More bike trouble, but managed to get a quick repair! Heading North!
Posted by: Editor |
Tonight the 3 guys will sleep over at Reveille Hunting Ranch - 70km outside Okahandja. We met them at the entrance gate - they looked very good.
Posted by: Yvonne Coetzee |
The guys finished the 132km journey to Ai-Ais after facing massive headwinds and temperatures above 40 meant. The bikes have taken a beating on the dirt road through Seeheim and Keetmanshoop the last few days. The team are strong on their way to Windhoek today (23 March), looking forward to some cold beers.
Posted by: Editor |
| From Springbok the guys took the road to Vioolsdrift where they got 5 star treatment by one of the local people. And on Saturday 12 March they completed South Africa when they entered into Namibia. Resting for a day on the banks of the Orange River the team continued to Ais-Ais and today (16 March) they take on 130km to the Fish River Canyon.
Posted by: Editor |
| The guys have traveled along the West Coast and have now finally covered more than 350km. With many bike problems and punctures, they have traveled through Strandfontein and Lutzville reaching Bitterfontein (6 March), after climbing 400m up the plateau in 40°C heat! On Sunday 7th March they reached the Northern Cape and spent the night in Garies, in unbearable heat. They covered only 49km on Monday,reaching the town of Kammieskroon. Welcomed by friendly hospitality and a cold pool. They traveled to Springbok and today (10 March) they are taking a rest day to service their bikes and themselves.
Posted by: Editor |
| Are they doing it for fun or are they raising funds for awareness? (for fun - editor) Either way I think its great and would like to follow them. Good luck guys.
Posted by: paul |
| The 3 adventurers reached Yzerfontein, about 90km from Cape Town, on Sunday (28 Feb) with temperatures soaring to 38 degrees C. They were spoiled with a great beach house, calamari, snoek and excellent company. From Yzerfontein they left for Langebaan where they enjoyed some Weskus (West Coast) mussels. But the days are hot and according to the weather man no respite is in sight. At Velddrift (their next stop) the famous West Coast hospitality almost over whelmed the. Today (3 March) they are on their way to Elandsbaai - a 75km stretch through desolated West Coast landscape passing Dwarskersbos and Rocher Pan.
Posted by: Editor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
