Just arrived home yesterday, with the long plane ride I had a lot of time to reflect on my time in Africa. I cannot speak for everyone, although I am an American and that’s just what we do! Haha. Many people talk about the “trip of a lifetime” and usually even though the travel was good it doesn’t leave you with that sense of a great adventure. I will tell you that for me the trip to Namibia and South Africa was absolutely the best trip I have ever been on. To answer your questions, the bikes were in great shape (except for some reason my tires kept going flat), but that’s another story. The description of the package was spot on, it will challenge riders of all levels. Accommodations were excellent, and the food was fantastic. I experienced so many different types of game it was amazing.
Things that I was prepared for: Weather, rain gear, cold gear and so on; Riding gear; Flashlight-used it once; Clothing- took too much; Riding on dirt
Things I wasn’t prepared for:
I wasn’t prepared to have a never-ending smile as I was riding through some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. Riding with the sun coming up and seeing Giraffes on the side of the road! Having the most patient and amazing guides you could ask for. The Guides are not only knowledgeable and professional as well as patient they are truly passionate about Africa. You may have heard of some of the things that happened to me on the trip, let’s just say that each problem I had they came through with grace and a little good-natured ribbing. We could not have been in better hands. Our Guides pulled this group of people, three friends and two strangers into one team and were not just our guides but became a part of us. They are both incredible individuals who are intuitive to the personalities and the needs of each person. I wasn’t prepared to laugh, cry and develop friendships with everyone in such a short period of time. I have not laughed like that in a long time and it felt good. I wasn’t prepared for the re-discovery of being a human being and the sense that we all want the same things in life. Thank you! You helped this dad have a different perspective and I am grateful. To the Kiwis, thanks for letting us become honorary Warthogs. You all have a special place in my heart and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of you.
Eric, it’s hard to summarize this because this trip was not just a vacation, something special happened. Africa is a special place and I was so lucky to be a part of this magical journey and to do it on a motorcycle was in my opinion the absolute best way to experience all of the wonderment that Namibia and South Africa have to offer. Every day was a different experience, the riding was challenging at times to be sure but so much fun at the same time. The safari, climbing the dunes, the remote lodges that were straight out of National Geographic were just fantastic. The RIDE Adventures team came through with flying colors, thank you for giving me the “trip of a lifetime."
- Sentiments like these by Dan Crawford from the U.S. are exactly why we do what we do. After a long wait for the trip to finally happen, a most sincere thanks to you, Dan, for sharing this post-tour commentary. We are happy-beyond-words that you enjoyed your Southern Africa Experience.
