Exploring South Africa & Namibia

31/1/2024

December came around and the Bluebanana team got in touch because they wanted me to lead a motorbike expedition in Africa so we could shoot some content for their upcoming summer collection. I had always wanted to ride across South Africa, so I pitched them the idea and they loved it and decided to add Namibia to the mix as well. 3 weeks later 7 of us were on a plane to Cape Town hungry for adventure.

We rented three Honda 300Ls, a Toyota Hilux to carry gear and a Toyota Hilux camper, Joe was in charge of guiding us through South Africa and Namibia as well as running day to day operations and logistics.

Our route took us 3.200kms across both countries, starting in Cape Town. Here is the full itinerary although we didn't take the most direct route between these places:

1. Cape Town - Lambert's Bay
2. Lambert's Bay - Namakwa (coast)
3. Namakwa - Vioolsdrif
4. Vioolsdrif - Camped near Aussenkehr
5. Aussenkehr - Lüderitz
6. Lüderitz - Sesriem (by plane)
7. Sesriem - Aus
8. Aus - Camped near Aussenkehr
9. Aussenkehr - Springbok
10. Springbok - Cederberg
11. Cederberg - Cape Town
12. Cape Town

Having so many people on a trip like this was a new experience for me and I loved it, we all had a great time and we returned home tired and happy. I strongly recommend doing a similar trip to this one, the terrain over there is incredible.

Here are some photos from the trip, some are mine are some are from Jorge's Fuji (he's a much better photographer than I am). Soon I'll also be sharing the Bluebanana Film and vlogs from the trip once they are ready.

First up, some photos of the crew. Then, our adventure through southwest Africa.

Charlie, the Director. He fell in love with motorcycle adventures on this trip.

The Trio. Julia, Charlie DD and myself.

Ananda, the photographer. Always happy, she enjoys her work and it shows through her beautiful pictures.

Charlie DD, the pilot. He didn't have much off road experience at first but he picked it up so well. Craziest of the bunch.

Julia, a badass rider. Her skills on a bike are incredible, and her attitude is even better, always pushing through.

Jorge, the producer. Never missing a detail, always organised and the friendliest guy ever.

Arnau, the filmer. Loving the adventure with the camera always by his side.

Joe, the guide. He always made sure we were safe, handled logistics and planned the routes with me. A hero.

The heat gets to you during midday hours.

We camped about half of the days, we only used tents once.

Julia trying to keep cool in the heat.

The diamond rush from the early 1900s left some casualties.

Lüdertiz. A Bavarian-looking town in the middle of the desert. Strange.

About to take off in 45 knot winds. The goggles aren't for show, we had to wear them to avoid getting sand blasted in our eyes. Scariest plane take off I've ever experienced.

Worth it.

Airplane camping, dreams do come true.

West South Africa has beautiful tracks, I'll be going back for sure.

Fun fact, while we were changing the tire we had the pleasure to see whales jumping out in the ocean behind us.

Whales jumping out behind us.

Namakwa.

Went to the local track in Springbok.

Jorge and Ananda enjoying a swim in the Orange River.

These canyons... One of the best riding experiences of my life.

Julia had a hard crash, luckily she was fine. Such a happy warrior.

Julia and Charlie hugging it our after her crash, we were so happy she was okay.

Media team enjoying their well earned time on the bikes after sunset.

Air filter maintenance.

When we all go to sleep, the media team gets to work offloading the day's content.

Julia and Ananda wanted some protection out in the desert, so I built them a motorcycle wall to keep animals out.

Thank you for showing us around your village Jimmy.

It was rough going at the beach, the sand was so soft we could hardly move.

Deadvlei.

Sand Lover, I agree.

Charlie flies while Charlie films.

6:00am in Kolmanskop. Enjoying the morning sun.

A wild oryx crossing the road.

The Cederberg.

We forgot a camera the day before, so we had to ride 80kms through the Cederberg's twisty and sandy tracks to go get it. Charlie crashed, tough morning.