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Private Notes
It's been almost one full year since I had to leave Peru because of the pandemic. The past 2,5 months I haven't been able to create videos because of the lockdown and winter in The Netherlands, so I decided it was time to relocate. I am moving to South Africa!!! I will buy a local motorcycle and then we'll just see what happens.. LET'S GO!!
.. big thanks to Robin from www.steadi-pt.nl who pushed me to get into shape and motivated me to train hard to get fit!!
I've moved to South-Africa and my first mission (of course) is to find myself a motorcycle. Without a motorcycle, I feel like a bird with clipped wings... taking an Uber around the city is just not my thing! I booked a guesthouse in Bryanston, a very posh neighbourhood of Johannesburg, because it's at walking distance from a motorcycle shop called Fire it Up. They sell second hand motorcycles, and that's exactly what I need. It didn't take long before I found myself a new partner in crime to start Season 5 with!!
In this episode I tried to register my new Honda CRF250L that I bought in South Africa on my name. This is not easy as a foreigner and unfortunately it didn't work. But, the guys at Fire it Up motorcycles helped me out and got me a cross country permit so that I can take the bike to the neighbouring countries of South Africa if I want to, and if the borders are open. They also sorted me out with the accessories that I needed, so this bike got ready in no-time! It's time for Africa!!
The first real ride on my Honda CRF250L here in South Africa! I decide to leave the big city of Johannesburg en start riding North for a bit. The first asphalt and the first dirt on South African soil and I love it!!
In this episode, I encounter an unexpected road block. My plan was to ride through the Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve. It should have been a great stretch of off-roading, but most likely, it were the heavy rains in the area in the weeks before, that had destroyed the road. I had no other option than to turn back, and backtrack --- a LONG way!
I woke up this morning in Tzaneen, South Africa, to find the river below to have swelled enormously during the night. There had been an insane thunderstorm, waking me up at 4 in the morning, that came with torrential downpour. The lodge's river raft was gone and the the Tzaneen Dam was overflowing. I was planning to take a rest day and work on editing videos but it turned out to be an unexpected day of investigating the overflowing dam and locating the missing raft...
In this episode, I am riding from Tzaneen, to Graskop in South Africa. What a gorgeous ride through the mountains, while spotting some game behind the fences and exploring great dirt roads - welcome to South Africa!!
In this episode I am showing you a fantastic geological feature in South Africa - the Blyde River Canyon. It's the largest green canyon in the world and has a fascinating geological history. I'm also checking out Bourkes Luck Potholes, a foggy God's Window and the Graskop Lift Gorge. There is just so much to see in this area!
In this episode I am diving into the world of gold mining in South Africa. I visit the area around the town Pilgrims Rest, which was declared a goldfield in 1873. Having worked in gold exploration myself, 10 years ago, I'm fascinated by the sheer volume of gold that they've managed to extract here over the years: a whopping 2 billion ounces of gold. And they are still mining here today - let's see if I can get close to the activities..
In this episode I am riding from Kaapsche Hoop in South Africa to Pongola. The most logical and interesting route would be to ride straight through Swaziland. However, it means finding clinics, getting two covid tests and waiting several days for results. On top of that, Swaziland is a very small country and you can't really count on borders to remain open nowadays anymore. I don't want to risk getting stuck in a very small country! So, I'll just have to come back to Swaziland another time, and for now... ride the loooong way around Swaziland...
In this episode I am visiting the Emdoneni Cheetah project in South Africa. At this project, they rescue 4 different African cat species, rehabilitate them and participate in breeding programmes to try and save the population of the endangered cheetah. I learned so much about these animals and I hope you will too!
In this episode I am riding my Honda CRF250L "Savannah" from Hluhluwe to Howick, South Africa. This is the KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa and it is an area of incredible scenery. But this episode is also about learning more about Nelson Mandela, apartheid, sad parts of South African history but also a message of hope. Unity. Ubuntu.
In this episode I intend to ride from Howick to Sani Pass. But, the day turns out differently. Very differently!! Instead of attempting to scale Sani Pass, I find myself on horseback, galloping towards the 'Drakensberg', or the Dragons Mountain. This is just another slice of South African paradise for you!
In this episode I am attempting to scale the hardest mountain pass of South Africa: Sani Pass. Right at the border between South Africa and Lesotho lies this pass, and it is not for the faint hearted. These were the steepest, most washed away tracks I've ever attempted and without the option to slow down or pause, it was an adrenaline filled race to the top. HECTIC!
In this episode, I'm scaling another South African mountain pass with my Honda CRF250L called Savannah! It's called Naude's Nek Pass and wow, this was some incredible scenery - did you know that South Africa was so mountainous and green??
In this episode I am riding to Bulungula, on South Africa's Wild Coast. It's hard to reach, remote and one of the least developed areas of South Africa. I am going to stay with the local Xhosa community here to learn more about their culture, believes and way of living.
In this episode, I am staying in Bulungula, on the South African wild coast. I am meeting a local Xhosa herbalist and he shows me how they use the different plants that grow there to make medicine. This is what traveling is all about in my opinion. Keep an open mind, and respect other peoples culture and believes - once you do, you will have amazing new experiences.
In this episode I am learning more about life in a traditional South African Xhosa village: Bulungula, on South Africa's Wild Coast. I am meeting the headman, a local healer and learn more about how they build there houses and the rules that apply in the kitchen!
In this episode I am leaving Bulungula in South Africa's wild coast. I am making my way to a tiny place called Hogsback, in the misty mountains of South Africa. On the way, something unexpected happened, both for me and a group of local girls!
In this episode I am riding from Hogsback to Baviaanskloof. It's a long ride and when I'm getting closer to the gorge, I get some valuable information that changes everything for that day.
In this episode I am riding through South Africa's Baviaanskloof. It is the day that I can finally collect my two fuel bladders that I ordered, and exactly on this day - there is no petrol to be found and I am riding alone through Baviaanskloof...
After a break from travelling and visiting my friend in Plettenberg Bay, it's time to hit the road again. And what a fantastic first day of riding again!! The ride led me over the 7 passes road and Montagu Pass, to Oudtshoorn - the ostrich capital of the world. Not too far from here are the wold famous Cango Caves, where I got a very special tour. It blew my mind.
In this episode, I reach Cape Agulhas, the southern most tip of the African continent. What a crazy feeling to be standing on the most southern point here and to learn more about the history of this place. The wind is crazy strong here and the weather can be treacherous..
In this episode I am finally reaching Cape Town. The ride didn't quite go the way I wanted, as some angry looking weather had me change my plans a little...
In this episode I am exploring the Cape of Good Hope - and my ride takes me to the most southern point of peninsula: Cape Point. It is these waters that the ghost ship the Flying Dutchman is still haunting until this day... Will I see the ghost ship??
In this episode, Savannah gets some well needed work done, ánd I am exploring the gorgeous Cape Town a bit more. I ride around the colourful neighbourhood of Bo Kaap and attempt to get to the top of Table Mountain. Even though it's unfortunately too windy to get to the top, I will explain to you why this mountain is flat!
In this episode I am leaving Cape Town and after a small detour to the wine region of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, I ride towards Jacobs Baai. On the way, I pass the West Coast Fossil Park, which turns out to be absolutely mind-blowing!!
In this episode I am leaving Jacobs Baai and I am riding back towards the mountains, the famous South Africa Cederberg. But on the way, when I find myself battling some sand dunes, I meet two locals, both on their Honda's as well. Our little troop of Hondas decide to ride together and it made for an absolutely unforgettable ride!
In this episode, I ride more through the Cederberg area, after which I enter the South African Karoo. A semi-desert, stretching for thousands of kilometres through South Africa. Magnificent scenery and I have to give full throttle to Savannah to make it through here and reach a place to stay for the night. After scaling the Ouberg Pass, I descend towards Sutherland, the star gazing capital of South Africa!
In this episode I am riding from Sutherland back into the direction of Namibia, but not before I ride through the Tankwa Karoo National Park, over the Gannaga Pass. Time for a little bit of geology and learning more about the impact that potential fracking activities could have in the South African Karoo...
In this episode I am riding from Vanrhynsdorp, to a small town called Kleinsee, along the west coast of South Africa. To reach Kleinsee, I cut straight through the Namaqua National Park, and well... it blew my mind!!
In this episode I am riding from Kleinsee, South Africa, right to the border with Namibia. I want to see the Orange river, the same river that has transported diamonds to a large part of South Africa over the past millions of years. This area has a fascinating history, but even now, unbelievable stories that go with diamond mining are ongoing!
In this episode I am planning to ride to Springbok, in South Africa. But not before I decide to ride past an active diamond mine, to have a quick look. I could not have known what I was in for this day...
In this episode I am leaving the diamond mine camp at the orange river. I am faced with 190 kilometers of unpaved terrain, mostly SAND! My sworn enemy.. especially the kind which is deep, fine and soft... After hour upon hour of struggle, I reach the paved road and can finally continue to the town of Springbok!
In this episode I am staying in Springbok in South Africa. I am getting both my bike and myself ready for Namibia. That means picking up my parcel, send to me by Rev'it!, which has their brand-new adventure suit, the Sand 4, in it!! I also need to get a covid test, get Savannah washed, the airbox cleaned out, and I also install a new chain guard that has arrived after the original one got completely destroyed in the rocky desert somehow!
In this episode it's finally time! I'm riding across the border between South Africa and Namibia. Ready for new adventures in a new country! The border crossing goes smoothly and I am in for some amazing scenery on the other side!
In this episode I am riding to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. It's not an easy ride to get there but once I do - I'll get some paper and a pen out and explain you how this canyon was formed!
In this episode I am following the Orange river again, but this time, on the Namibian side. Again, I see people digging for diamonds everywhere. Sometimes there are large mining operations and sometimes just a few tents on the side of the road and small diggings. But everybody here is looking for diamonds!
In this episode I am making my way from Aus to Luderitz in Namibia. On the way, I am on the look out for the feral Namib horses, that have adapted to live in this inhospitable desert. I also check out the Diaz cross, at the place where Portuguese navigator Bartholomeus Diaz passed on the way to Cape of Good Hope!
In this episode, I am exploring the ghost town of Kolmanskoppe and learn a lot more about the diamond history here. It is absolutely mind-blowing to see and hear how things went down here a century ago, especially knowing how diamond mining is still going on today in Namibia and South Africa!
In this episode I am exploring some of the geological wonders of Namibia! Starting with descending into the Brukkaros crater - which is in fact not a crater at all! After a hectic climb, I continue to marvel at the Dolorite intrusions at the Giants Playground near Keetmanshoop. What a day!!
In this episode I am riding to a cattle farm in Namibia, where I help herd the cows for the afternoon! As you do of course! This is another stunning and remote part of Namibia where the nearest town consists of just a petrol station, shop and hotel!
This episode has my favourite riding in Namibia so far! I am riding through a large part of the Namib desert and the scenery is simply breathtaking. The vastness of these landscapes is unlike any other place I have ever ridden. I also come across lots of Oryx that join me for a morning run!
In this episode I have to go and change my plans. Instead of riding dirt roads towards Sossusvlei, I am riding the main highway of Namibia so I can make it to the capital city Windhoek. One of my fork seals is blown and I'm leaking fork oil everywhere. I decide to have the fork seal replaced before I get into more shenanigans in the Namib Desert!
In this episode I am making my way back into the Namib Desert after having my fork seal replaced in Windhoek. Via the Spreetshoogte Pass I ride towards a tiny town in the desert, called Solitaire. On the way, I encounter a rare animal that very rarely shows itself during the daytime!
In this episode I visit a famous place in Namibia, called Sossusvlei. Because of recent rains, Sossusvlei has water, but neighbouring Deadvlei hasn't seen water in hundreds of years. Walking around in one of the most surreal landscapes I've ever seen, it's as if the apocalypse was here..
In this episode I am trying to cover a large distance through Namibia so I am leaving at first light. Unfortunately, I get caught up in a sandstorm so I decide to knock on the door of a scientific research station - to see if I can wait out the storm and spend the night. I'm met by some very friendly scientists and the next day, the wind is gone and I can admire what I came here for: the sharp border between the Great Sea of Sand and the endless Gravel Plains. It is spectacular!
In this episode, I am joining Naude and his team to rescue Cape Fur Seals that are entangled in all sorts of human trash, like nets, plastics, fishing lines, volleybal nets and the list goes on. They are going out there every single day to help seals that are entangled. There are so many animals in need of help that last year alone, they rescued 600 animals. For this year, the count is already at 200 seals that they freed out of plastic waste. It soon became clear to me what a massive problem this is, and how amazing the work that these guys do.
They release videos of rescuing seals every single day on their YouTube channel: Ocean Conservation Namibia. Check out their channel - you won't regret it!!
In this episode I am riding from Walvis Bay to Spitzkoppe. On the way, I ride through a town called Swakopmund, but the famous Namibian morning fog prevents me from seeing much! My goal was to see the Spitzkoppe mountains anyway, and admire the beautiful gemstones that are found in these rocks!
In this episode I am riding to the Skeleton Coast. This is considered one of the most inhospitable places in the world and the coast line here is littered with shipwrecks. The San people call this The Land God Made in Anger. Even though it is wild, rough and inhospitable, I don't want to miss exploring this part of the world!
In this episode, I am riding through the Messum Crater in Namibia. This volcanic landscape in the hot Namib Desert is some of the most inhospitable environments I've ever crossed. And somehow, a very special plant thrives here: the Welwitschia. These plants are believed to be able to grow up to 2000 years old! This is far off the beaten track and that feeling of remote riding is just so special, it's hard to explain!
In this episode I am doing some local exploring around Uis in Namibia. First I visit the famous rock painting called 'White Lady', hidden under a rock in the Brandberg, the tallest mountain of Namibia. After that, I go for a ride with Basil, who owns the Brandberg Rest Camp. We swap bikes and I get to ride his Honda Africa Twin from 1988 with no less than 150.000 kilometers on the odometer!
In this episode I am riding to Twyfelfontein in Namibia. The area around Twyfelfontein has so many interesting sights, but you just need to know where to look and understand what it all means...
In this episode I am tracking the amazing desert elephants that live in Namibia. These animals are adapted to living in the desert and it's been a long time wish of me to see them in the wild. After seeing footprints and droppings for a while, I know I'm getting closer and closer!
In this episode I am going off the beaten track and ride my Honda CRF250L through the African bush. I come across an elephant skeleton, but also get myself into some trouble. Oops. This is going to take a while to fix...
In this episode I am riding to Epupa Falls, gorgeous waterfalls right at the border between Namibia and Angola. The border with Angola is closed, so I can't cross here unfortunately. In this part of Namibia, people of the Himba tribe live.
In this episode I am visiting the Himba head man of the Himba villages in the area. What a fascinating culture! But even though there are many differences, I still connected with the women of this tribe and we laughed a lot! :)
In this episode I am following the Kunene river, right at the border between Namibia and Angola. The road is a little tricky sometimes but the scenery absolutely magnificent!!
In this episode I am making my way to Etosha Heights, a private game reserve and custodian of the Black Rhino. I am very excited to ride my motorcycle "Savannah", a Honda CRF250L through this reserve - and all the animal encounters that are awaiting me! On the way, I pass another animal disease control point, and I have a rather awkward conversation there..
In this episode I get the rare opportunity to ride my Honda CRF250L through the Etosha Heights Private Reserve. What an incredible experience to be face to face with lion, elephant and all other sorts of wild animals. I follow Esso on his daily duties around the reserve. He rides his motorcycle here every day, checking the fences, making sure the water holes are full and checking up on the health of the animals in the meantime. What a job!!
This is part 2 of the episode in which I am following Esso around on his daily duties. He rides his motorcycle around the Etosha Heights Private Reserve every day, looking after the fencing, checking up on the waterholes and keeping on eye on the animals that roam around. I didn't expect to come face to face with three male lions though. They are so well camouflaged that when they were lying down, I could barely see them!
In this episode I am visiting Etosha Heights in Namibia. They are custodian of black rhino and are fighting hard to protect these beautiful animals from poachers. I get to see some of their work, both from the air and from the ground and even come face to face with two black rhino myself. While on my Honda CRF250L!!
In this episode I am leaving Etosha Heights and I am riding to Grootfontein for some logistical things. Savannah needs some new tires and after quite a mission to find the motorcycle shop, they lend me a quad to ride around while they change my tyres. Who am I to say no to that!!
In this episode I am crossing the border from Namibia into Botswana! It's time for a new country - LET's GO!!
In this episode I am riding the first full day in Botswana! I decide to visit the Tsodilo Hills, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site and have an incredible history. But often when you have high expectations.. reality turns out to be a bit different!
In this episode I am riding to Maun, in Botswana. On the way I pass lake Ngami, and I decide to check out the lake. I'm not sure what happened here, but I ride straight into a spooky scene out of some horror movie!
In this episode I am exploring the nature around Maun, in Botswana. I am planning to make a round trip, avoiding the national parks, as I'm not allowed to enter those on my Honda CRF250L. The animals don't care much about the National Park boundaries though, so I bump into a group of elephant, hippo, giraffe and many more animals, before I finally encounter a dodgy bridge which means the end of this day's adventure in Botswana!
In this episode I am exploring the area around Maun, in Botswana. I'm trying to find my way to the poling station, from where I want to take a local kano over the river. Little did I know it was an absolute maze of tracks and swamps everywhere... Then I decide to visit an elephant sanctuary, but to reach it, I have to cross not one, not two, not three, but four scary bridges. And that's only one way...
In this episode, all my plans go out of the window when I randomly bump into three incredible riders while exploring Botswana. They invite me to come to Kubu Island with them - an invitation I simply can't turn down. Especially because I get to ride with an absolute Dakar Rally Legend!!
In this episode I am trying to find the ruins of Old Palapye, in Botswana. But I have a few hoops to jump through and rides up and down before I can finally get access to it!
In this episode I am riding from Palapye in Botswana, towards the Tuli Block, right at the border with South Africa. What an incredible ride - I can't believe I am riding straight through elephant territory again and get to see so much wildlife. That they are serious about anti-poaching here in Botswana becomes clear to me when I see the sign saying that you will be shot if you stray off the main road...
In this episode I am trying to ride to Francistown. I am passing another veterinary checkpoint, which is set up to control an outbreak of foot and mouth disease amongst cattle. What I don't realise is that they are using the same checkpoint as a region border checkpoint and I need a permit to cross it. The online system to apply for such a permit didn't work properly, and it looks like he is not going to let me pass at first...
In this episode I am riding to Kasane in Botswana. After an amazing time with wild elephants I continue my way, but petrol stations are quite far apart in Botswana. When an entire town is out of petrol, even with my extra fuel bladders, I am not going to make it all the way to Kasane..
NZ
0:05 / 17:07
VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Crossing into ZIMBABWE [S5 - Eps. 76]
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Sep 11, 2021
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Itchy Boots
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In this episode I am crossing the border between Botswana and Zimbabwe. I stay the night at Victoria Falls and go and check out these amazing waterfalls. They are a lot more impressive than I expected, and I came a little closer to a family of warthog than I would have liked...
In this episode I am riding from Victoria Falls to Bulawayo, towards the heart of Zimbabwe. It's a long ride and I stop along the way to have a look at a conservation centre for African Wild Dogs. It's the first time I see these beautiful animals and it's great to see these conservation efforts! Oh, and along the way I stock up on some carrots too. As you do!
In this episode I am exploring the area around Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. The national park here has the highest concentration of leopards in the world, as well as thousands of ancient cave paintings! I don't get to see a leopard, but I do get to see some of these paintings. In a small shop I buy some typical Zimbabwean delicacy too: mopane worms...
In this episode, I am visiting quite a special place in Zimbabwe. The route to get here is long and scenery wise not too interesting. Sometimes it is about the destination though, and the incredible color of this cave more than makes up for the journey to get here! Absolutely speechless!
In this episode I am exploring around the capital of Zimbabwe: Harare. The city is hustling and bustling, but as soon as you get out of the city, you immediately are surrounded by nature and mountains! The locals in Harare are quite eager to catch a lift on my Honda CRF250L Savannah. I decide to give a lift to a teenager, saving him an hour of walking and giving him a big smile on his face!
In this episode, I am quickly riding into the city centre of Harare, Zimbabwe, to get my hands on cash. It's US dollars that are in demand here and they are not always easy to find! After a successful mission for dollars, I quickly make my way out of the city. To the Zimbabwean mountains we go!!
In this episode I decide to start riding, even though there has been some torrential downpour in the mountains. Hoping for the best, I set off and well - the weather is not the easiest to ride in, when the visibility is this poor...
I tried to wait out the bad weather, but as there is no improvement in sight, I have no other option then to just start riding! The rain of the past couple of days have turned some of the mountain roads into thick mudslides and soon my tyres are caked all around with mud, leaving me with zero grip...
In this episode I am riding around the Chimanimani mountains in Zimbabwe. I thought I was taking a main road, but as it turns out, I find myself riding the tiniest mountain roads through thick forests, getting lost on single trails.. Looking for adventure riding in Zimbabwe? THIS IS THE PLACE!
In this episode, I am visiting Great Zimbabwe. What a mind-blowing place, I cannot believe the location and the size of it. Exploring it all alone, was an experience I won't easily forget!
In this episode I am trying to leave Zimbabwe, to go back to South Africa. The border I am using is still closed however. Trying to save a 3-4 day detour, I am going to give it a go. Will they let me out?
My journey through Southern Africa on a Honda CRF250L is complete. I rode 22.000 kilometers through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe and it was a journey to never forget. The highs, the lows, the struggles and the euphoria - in this video you get to see these countries in just 20 minutes. For the full experience, check out my entire Season 5 series with almost 90 full episodes!
Let's end this season with a bang and ride the KALAHARI RALLY!
This is a Dakar qualifier and the winner of this rally goes home with an actual ticket to Dakar. I've entered the Adventure Raid class so I don't need a navigation tower with roadbook, but I can just navigate on GPS. This is my first ever rally and I am nervous and excited at the same time. I'm the only woman, only 250cc rider and only European to enter the competition so I better do good!
In this episode I am riding the 100 kilometer long Super Special stage of the Kalahari Rally in South Africa, which is the time qualifier for Stage 1. After a short convoy, we can really start racing and wow - this is AWESOME!!
This is the real start of the Kalahari Rally in South Africa! We have to leave early morning and start riding in the dark still. Things don't exactly go to plan this stage though!!
In this episode I have to cover over 700 kilometers in one stage. Its the farthest distance I've ever ridden in one day, and the far majority is on sand, dirt and gravel! Somewhere during the stage, three wild horses join the race too!
In this episode I am riding Stage 3 of the Kalahari Rally - Adventure Raid class. We are hitting the Kalahari sand dunes for the first time! I've never ridden in sand dunes before and had serious doubts whether a 250cc motorcycle would be powerful enough to fight through sand dunes. And well... see for yourself whether it's possible!!
In this episode I am trying my luck on some more Kalahari sand dunes in Stage 4 of the Kalahari Rally. I also get to try out Ryan's bike, which is a modified KTM EXC450. What a powerful beast!! Going back to my CRF250L after that is a bit... well.. underwhelming!
This is the longest stage of the Kalahari Rally. From Rietfontein all the way back to Mahikeng. Lots of sand, bike troubles and fuel searching. 12 hours on the bike - crazy long and I'm exhausted!!
In this episode I ride the last stage of the Kalahari Rally, stage 6. Unfortunately, my race ends here... my CRF250L breaks in two pieces! Now, my mission is to just reach the finish line. One way or another!
This is the last episode of Season 5. With my motorcycle transported to the Motorcycle Museum in Knysna.. all that is left for me is to go back to The Netherlands and start preparing for my next adventures!
This means there will be a break on my YouTube channel as I work hard to prepare everything! In the meantime, check out my store to find some awesome Christmas gifts like the Itchy Boots Hoodie and 2022 calendar!! www.itchyboots.store
