Safety

Despite a negative (bad) reputation in terms of violence and crime, South Africa is still a relatively safe country. Most important is to know which places must be avoided (as any other country in the world). Our clients will be in the privileged position of being in the safe hands of our tour guides who know the sites of the tour extremely well.

With the exception of Cape Town most of the bigger cities are avoided and much time is spent in the picturesque countryside and wild nature. Your biggest fear there might be a large spider or wild animal, but even for that we are prepared!

Insurance

Motorcycles will be insured against "normal" risks and damages, such as accidents, 3rd party damages, theft, fire, etc. Damages done to motorcycles by the operator through negligence and/or neglect of safety / laws will be solely for the driver / operator's account, and Harp Tours will hold him or her accountable for any costs related to these damages. It is also the clients responsibility to organize comprehensive medical insurance for himself or herself before the tour commences.

Touring and the weather in South Africa

South Africa has very predictable and excellent weather conditions throughout the year. The summers, from September till March, are very warm (30 degrees Celcius plus) while the months of April and May are mild. Many riders choose to ride in the winter months (June till August) with crisp clear mornings and evenings and bright sunny days with mild day temperatures of plus minus 20 degrees Celcius and no rain, with some exclusion in the Cape. The best time of year to go flower viewing in Namaqualand (Tour 3) is August and September.

How to get here

A travel agency will supply you with information on the different options there are to get to South Africa. South African Airways has got direct flights to and from most of the major cities worldwide. Cheaper tariffs are sometimes available on indirect flights. No visa's are required to visit South Africa. The USA is 6-8 hours, depending where in the USA, behind South Africa and the UK 1-2 hours behind, depending summer or winter time.