Isandlwhana....... and the rest of South Africa

[Mongoose]

As a 10 year old, my dad took me to the local cinema to see 'Zulu', the film claiming (somewhat illegitimately) to portray the events around the heroism of British troops at Rourke's Drift. Much poetic licence was apparently used, at least according to the pre-trip reading I'm doing.

Fast forward a very large number of years () and next month I'm off to SA for a 12 day organized tour which starts at the Zulu battlefields. Ticks a big bucket list item off for me and includes some riding time around Lesotho and the South East.

I have a day either side in Pretoria. Any recommendations for places to visit or hot spots to see on those two days? I've been offered a couple of organized day tours, but I'd much sooner do my own thing.

I'll be doing another ride report as I go. My GS800 is booked and ready, BA flights sorted. Just my gear to sort out as September temperatures range from 10-30 degrees, sometimes in 24 hours, so still unsure what exactly to pack!

 

[Toshack10]

Got a friend who did Rourkes etc and raves about it. Enjoy.
Make sure you stay up late one night and look to the stars - I was that way years ago and still remember how clear the Milky Way etc was. Easy to forget in my part of the UK that that’s all still up there when we can only see about 5 stars on a clear night

 

[ThreeDawg]

We stayed at Rourkes Drift Lodge when were were there a few years ago. It was an interesting experience ...

The film doesn't play too fast and loose with the truth apparently, Bromhead was well liked by his men and a champion boxer, not the slightly effete character portrayed by Caine.

Are you going up the Sani Pass to Lesotho? Bring your A game, it's a beast. I had to turn back - it was pissing down, lots of mud and my bike was on 90/10 tyres.

Take layers. Simples.

 

[The Other PaulG]

From Pretoria I’d probably head towards Hartebeesport Dam and explore the Magaliesberg.

 

[geotim]

Magaliesberg / Pilanesberg? Worth a trip.

It can be COLD. High altitude around Pretoria & Johannesburg.

Don’t try to ride through Johannesburg, it’s a mess and well dodgy these days.

Don’t play with the traffic. They’ll have you off with no compunction.

Whilst you’re down in the area I assume you’ll be doing the Drakensburg proper? Sani pass is not for the faint hearted as mentioned above.

 

[adventuredon]

my thoughts here