After much deliberation and weighing up the pros and cons, I have decided to change my means of transport on my round-the-world trip.
I'm switching from a motorbike to a car.
It has to be a four-wheel drive vehicle in which I can live and sleep.
Maybe some of you will think that I have now given up the original plan of travelling around the world.
But far from it!
I am only changing the means of transport. Some motorbike travellers prefer motorbikes for the sake of motorcycling, but for me it's more about seeing the world, getting to know other people and cultures and maybe understanding what makes the world tick. The vehicle is more of a means to an end.
The advantages of riding a motorbike are, of course, the direct contact with nature and the people on the road are more likely to approach you if you come along on a two-wheeler. Then of course the fun of riding, the curves, the air... But for me there are also some disadvantages: In bad weather, motorcycling is only fun to a limited extent.
Even at 40 degrees.
For me, the situation is aggravated by the fact that I'm not very experienced in tackling bad roads.
On the gravel roads that are common in this country, I have to concentrate on the track all the time and can't really enjoy the view.
And when it gets sandy and muddy, I have to pass. Not to mention real off-road tracks.
To make matters worse, most national parks in southern Africa are closed to motorcycling
(cue food on wheels for the lions).
Maybe it would have been easier for me if I had had a lighter motorbike.
The BMW is quite a hunk after all. Then I also realised that I have little desire for camping and after the 14-day trip with a rental car, I realised that this way of travelling appeals to me much more.
The motorbike will travel to Germany by ship and be sold there. Then I will continue here with my bakkie (that's what the South Africans call these vehicles). A trip to Botswana - Zambia - Tanzania - Kenya - Uganda - Rwanda - Malawi - Mozambique - Zimbabwe is planned.
In November, I want to be back in South Africa, where the Horizon Unlimited meeting will take place again, which also started my Africa trip. And then I definitely want to go back to. Namibia. So I think I will spend at least another good year in Africa.