1510 DT final

South Africa’s most famous riding areas. At
four, we went for a second drive into the park,
Buffalo, Civets, Hares, Jackal, Honey badgers,
Elephant, Rhino… and the vast African night
under a full moon.
Dinner in the lapa and everyone was in bed
really early, quite well worn out for the day,
tomorrow, we head on our final leg … we are
told it’s another great ride, so far, a really
great African adventure…
OUR LAST TWO DAYS:
All good things come to an end and it was
with sad hearts that we bid South Africa’s
largest game reserve farewell. A quick photo
under the brooding bust of Paul Kruger, South
Africa’s first state president and the founder
of the park and we were on our way back up
the mountains. Awesome views and sweeping
mountain roads greeted us. It was amazing to
see all of the other motorcycles on the routes,
it turns out that the Economy run, a time
trial to measure fuel usage on motorcycles,
and a rally - a gathering of motorcyclists was
happening on that weekend. There were bikes
of all shapes and sizes enjoying the balmy
weather and great roads.
A stopover at South Africa’s famous Long Tom
Pass was arranged - one of the last places
that a Long Tom Cannon saw action during
the Boer war. A fascinating place, great photo
opportunity with breath taking views in every
direction.
Fast, wide roads took us all along the
escarpment and into the vast Lowveld city
of Nelspruit. A quick lunch stop at fantastic,
cheap seafood joint gave everyone a breather...
and then we were off again.
Here is something interesting. A mountain
pass took us up to the little settlement of Kaap
se Hoop, a remote village where wild horses
roam free. We saw the horses, fat, sleek and
free roaming the forests. Very beautiful.
Our refuel was at the bottom of the mountain
- a blot on the landscape is the huge paper
mill that belches smoke and bad smells into
the air... from there it was a quick ride to our
overnight stop at the very friendly, comfortable
Malaga hotel.
The farewell dinner was hosted, with a video
and photographs of all the highlights of the
trip. People were in high spirits, although there
was a bit of sadness that the trip was almost at
an end...
After a good night’s rest our first group
departed for the route back to Johannesburg
and OR Tambo International Airport. South
56 OCTOBER 2015
1510 DT Givi tour.indd 56 2015/09/18 10:54 PM