Finally, an opportunity to ride in South Africa

[RonC]

Thank you for the kind words, Fjrboomer.

I've been going to South Africa since 1999, and I consider myself very fortunate and never take the opportunity for granted. As for the photography, I am forced by circumstances into the role of just a snap shooter because we are restricted to the vantage point of our car and, when you are dealing with wildlife, everything is happening quickly. There is little opportunity for careful composition.

Now, if you want to see well-composed photos of tailings repositories and acid mine drainage spills - I have time to do those when I am out in the field.

Ron

 

[painman]

Very nice RonC. Most amazing review. And one might highly consider the FJR for SA riding as for the quick get-aways from the lepards, hyena's, and elephants and such. Great trip! PM. <>< :clapping:

 

[RenoJohn]

Awesome !!

Fun read and great pics. Shower experience was shocking

Thanks for sharing your fun.

 

[colin]

Ron, thanks for the pics, that looks really cool! will have try and check that out sometime.... !

 

[scubabiker]

Your story helps restore my faith in mankind. Except the stealing of the wire etc. Nice to see that bikers are good people the world over.

 

[Jimusma]

Ron-

did you have any issues or concerns about personal security while you were in SA? Is it a safe place to visit?

 

[RonC]

Ron-
did you have any issues or concerns about personal security while you were in SA? Is it a safe place to visit?

Jimusma,

There definitely are concerns for safety. The crime rate is very high, and is associated with gratuitous violence. The rape rate is the highest in the world. Over time, I supposedly have learned where to go and not to go, and when. Still, I ignored some of my own rules of behavior this last trip and paid the price by getting mugged. I decided to walk 1/2 mile to the grocery store at dusk and was walking back in the dark. Being out alone after dark is a no-no. Not paying attention to the three fellows coming from the other direction was another mistake. I should have crossed the road to the better lit and more populated side as soon as I saw them. I ignored both rules.

That said, a visit to SA can be a wonderful experience, and I would definitely go for a visit under 2 conditions:

1. You are with a group led my someone who knows the country.

2. If you go alone or with a spouse, a resident of SA meets you at the airport and travels with you, at least until you feel comfortable in the environment and have a sense of where you should and should not be (that could be several weeks to several months).

I find the visits to SA to be rewarding enough that it is worth the risks and will return there in July 2009. IF your trip fulfills the above 2 conditions, don't miss out on an opportunity to see a beautiful country with a majority of remarkably hospitable people, not to mention animals right out of National Geographic.

Regards,

Ron

 

[Jimusma]

There definitely are concerns for safety....................

Thanks for the candid response. :dribble: I'm not a chicken (2-time combat veteran), but I'm not going out of my way looking for trouble.

Safe, and I mean SAFE riding to you!!!

Jim