In the beginning, the aim was to ride from Belfast, RSA to Belfast, NI; it wasn’t until much later that the idea of “Belfasts of the World” was conceived. On 21st April 2019, I crossed the start line on my trip in eMakhazeni (aka Belfast) having recently discovered two other places called Belfast in SA and thoughtContinueContinue reading “01/48 – Tying Up Loose Ends – 26/27 April 2026”
Category Archives: Part 1 – Africa & Middle East
1/37 – FROM THE SEA TO THE MOUNTAINS – 05-12 Dec 2019
Next morning that generosity and kindness continued in the shape of Ahmed Barnawi. Ahmed is a leading light in the United Bikers Team in Jeddah, and elsewhere. He came along with his trailer and took me and bike to the local Honda dealer to have a few repairs carried out. The easy way to travelContinueContinue reading “1/37 – FROM THE SEA TO THE MOUNTAINS – 05-12 Dec 2019”
01/19 – Bumps on my birthday – 27 June – 01 July 2019
27 June 2019 (Late): After my day as a paying tourist, I got down to some serious planning. My insurance for Tz was valid until 5 July, but for Rwanda only until 2 July; that meant I had to get from Keratu to the Uganda border with Rwanda, about 1,300km away in 5 days, includingContinueContinue reading “01/19 – Bumps on my birthday – 27 June – 01 July 2019”
01/18 – Ngorogoro Crater – 27 Jun 2019
I decided to do a day trip to the crater after speaking to a SA couple at Ma & PJ’s snake park. I negotiated a price of $200, with a pick up from Keratu which is just outside the gate. The night before I had met another SA couple who said it was definitely worthContinueContinue reading “01/18 – Ngorogoro Crater – 27 Jun 2019”
01/17 – Tanzania 4 – 23-26 June 2019 – KILIMANJARO
Sun 23 June 2019: Since I have to wait until Monday for my documents, I decided to do a circuit of Kilimanjaro National Park., The first 75km is uphill on reasonable, if twisty roads. It’s cold and I realise I probably should have worn my leather jacket. Before long I have passed 5 000 ft (1ContinueContinue reading “01/17 – Tanzania 4 – 23-26 June 2019 – KILIMANJARO”
01/16 – Tanzania 3 – 19-22 June 2019
19 June 2019: So, I left you as I arrived in Dar-Es-Salaam. That was nearly 2 weeks ago now, so I thought I’d skip ahead bring things up-to-date and then go backwards. I arrived back in Dar on Weds 19th and took a taxi, from the port, to collect the bike. It started first prod! IContinueContinue reading “01/16 – Tanzania 3 – 19-22 June 2019”
01/14 – Tanzania 1 – 07-10 June 2019
Heading into the first country I haven’t been to before! 07 June 2019: The border procedures are straight forward. Fill in the yellow fever book, fill in arrivals card – I already have a visa, then give customs all the necessary details and get a TIP. At first this is for 30 days, but whenContinueContinue reading “01/14 – Tanzania 1 – 07-10 June 2019”
01/13 – MALAWI 2 – 04 – 06 June 2019
Tue/Wed 04-05 Jun I arrived at Mayoka Village, and yes, the tar – well concrete – does go all the way to the gate. Still the first impression was a bit of a shock. The place is perched on a steep hillside bordering Lake Malawi. It’s a well-constructed and well-established place, but camping is clearlyContinueContinue reading “01/13 – MALAWI 2 – 04 – 06 June 2019”
01/12 – MALAWI 1 – 02-04 June 2019
Sun 02 June Entering Malawi was fun! A truck was unloading outside the customs buildings and millions of people were milling about trying to identify their luggage and get it cleared. I parked my bike at the side of the crowd, in what turned out to be the middle of the road! I had toContinueContinue reading “01/12 – MALAWI 1 – 02-04 June 2019”
01/11 – MOZAMBIQUE 3 – 02 June 2019
Sun 02 June The day started well; I was informed by Nevisson (duty manager at the Villa) that I was not being charged for my stay at Villa Habsburg! Thank you Frank (and Gerry). Then an excellent breakfast before setting off at about 0830. Villa Hapsburg dining room – a definite period look and feel!ContinueContinue reading “01/11 – MOZAMBIQUE 3 – 02 June 2019”
Belfast-2-Belfast-By-Bike 