Frequently asked questions about cycling around the world
We often get questions about the trips we made, the sort of bikes we use etc. etc. We have collected these questions and the answers on these pages. However, if you have a question about ‘cycling around the world’ you’re always welcome to ask! .
FAQ’s about Namibia
How are road conditions in Namibia. Can a trip be made on regular touringbikes?
Most road are gravel but well maintained. In 1996 we did a 600 km trip through South Namibia and with 37 mm tyres we almost never had problems. ( Keyword : namibia )
I’m planning a trip through Namibia. Do I really need to make reservations for National Park campgrounds at Namib Naukluft, Fish River and Sesriem?
National Park Services in Windhoek will probably say you must make a reservation in advance. But as a cyclist it could be difficult to arrive in time. Our experience is that most campgrounds will have vacant spots at any time. The only exception was the campground at Sesriem. Those arrive woithout reservation did have to camp on the unsheltered overflowarea. It’s possible to already make reservations ( by mail or fax) and pay (by creditcard) from your homecountry. ( Keyword : namibia )
Is it possible to buy food along the route you followed in Namibia?
It is possible to purchase basic supplies in Keetmanshoop, Fish River Canyon, Bethanie, Duwisib, Malta Hoehe, Sesriem, Solitaire and Swakopmund. Some guestfarms along the main roads may aloso have small shops with supplies. ( Keyword : namibia )
Is there any means of communications in case of emergencies in the Namibian desert? I’ll be travellin alone.
There are no public phones along the roads 😉 but you may be able to use phones at Keetmanshoop, Fish River Canyon, Bethanie, Duwisib, Malta Hoehe, Sesriem, Solitaire and Swakopmund. Do not worry there is a steady flow of cars along al ‘major’ roads. ( Keyword : namibia )
What are the prevailing winds in June, particularly from Elizabeth Town to Cape Town and north into Namibia?
Look for data on prevailing winds on websites like http://www.windatlas.dk/ , http://www.windfinder.com/ and http://www.winddata.com/. Or check through meteorological institutes (websites) of the countries you’re going to visit. ( Keyword : namibia )
I have heard that you can’t take your bikes on trains in Namibia – do you know if this is true (life’s too short to cycle the ugly bits!)? What about buses?
We were able to put our bikes on a train from Windhoek to Keetmanshoop as freight. We travelled by mini-bus from Swakopmund to Windhoek; the bikes were in a traler. Cargo space in long distance busses may be limited. Most minibusses in southern Africa tend to be very full. ( Keyword : namibia )
Do you know if you can readily get spare parts for Hybrid bikes (e.g. 700C tyres etc) in these countries, or is it better to stick to standard 26″ MTB’s with Shimano gearing?
In large cities (J’berg, Windhoek, Cape town etc) it’s probably no big problem getting all kinds of spare parts for both type of bikes. ( Keyword : namibia )
I was wondering where they spoke afrikaans and where they spoke german in Namibia.
many of the natives spoke Afrikaans (and a local language of course) , the white Namibians speak Afrikaans, German and/ or English. So it’s not regionally. ( Keyword : namibia )
I Is it possible to ride your bike into Sossusvlei?
The famous dunes are 60 kms away from Sesriem and no overnighting was allowed in the park. It should be possible to make a return trip (120 km) but that wouldn’t allow a lot of time to look around there. It’s easy to get a ride on a car though from Sesriem. ( Keyword : namibia )
Your question about ‘cycling around the world’ not here? you’re always welcome to ask! .