Tour description:

1^st day:The Cape Winelands and the Whale Coast:

Starting in Cape Town, you head for the Stellenbosch vineyards and the coastline of False Bay, which separates the Cape Peninsula from the South African mainland. As the landscape opens to the rolling sets of hills of the Overberg you approach the old fishing town and whaling station of Hermanus, famous now for whale watching during the calving season from July until December.

Soon after leavinmg Hermanus the scenery turns quiet whilst the rugged coast yields a story of bravery and heroism which became the origin of the principle "women and children first". The terrible loss of H.M.S. Birkenhead has left behind myths of monsters and legends of treasure.

You can book an extra night in this place and add an absolutely breathtaking experience: The realm of the Great White Sharks: See and if you are brave enough meet great white sharks in the water. A boat trip takes you to Shark Alley near Dyer Island where the boat is anchored and the sharks can be observed from the deck of the boat as well as under water from the cage. As the cages are suspended at the surface, this is possible using mask and snorkel only and no diving qualification is necessary. For further details see the realm of the Great White Sharks below.

2^nd day: Africa’s southernmost point:

Take a swim in the ocean or maybe in the pool if the memories of sharks are still too fresh. Leave heading inland through sheep farming country and an old mission village. Moving south you arrive at the southernmost tip of Africa: Cape Agulhas. The lighthouse is open to visitors and just a kilometre down a gravel track you can find the spot where the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean meet geographically. At Struisbaai you can have lunch in a seafood restaurant directly at the white sandy beach or just chill out in the waves of the Indian Ocean. From here you take a cross country journey to the next overnight in a small hotel overlooking a river. For nature lovers we can arrange an extra night at the hotel. This gives time to explore the nature reserve thoroughly with the motorcycle and by foot. Zebra, Springbok, Bontebok and Eland are common sightings as well as a variety of birds. From August until October the reserve turns into a display of wildflowers and Southern Right Whales can be seen from the beach between July and December. For further details refer to "Ride with the bokkies" below.

3^rd day: Into the Little Karoo:

Leaving the hotel you head on towards the last hand-drawn ferry in South Africa. After crossing the river you carry on towards the Langeberg Mountains. You travel up Tradouws Pass and begin your journey into the Klein Karoo. This region experiences very little rain during the year and gets extremely hot in summer. Only sheep and goats seem to prosper in these vast areas of semi arid desert . After a 20 kilometre ride up a scenic dirt road you arrive at a farm near Calitzdorp. You stay in the lovely old farmhouse which was built in the early 20th century and was recently turned into a guesthouse. Enjoy a sundowner on the veranda in this beautiful "Out of Africa" setting on the slopes of the Swartberg Mountains. No matter if you just want to explore one of South Africa’s most beautiful and remote valleys or if you simply got caught by the fascination of the name you should book an extra night here and go to Hell and back again. For details refer to the options below.

4^th day: Ostrich Country and the Swartberg Pass:

After breakfast you ride along some lonely dirt roads past neighbouring ostrich farms to reach the beautiful Swartberg Pass. 22 kms of breathtaking views and winding mountain dirt roads chiselled into the mountain or supported by dry walls. Back onto tar you ride through the Meiringspoort, a canyon that joins the Great Karoo to the Little Karoo in dramatic style. You will cross the Groot River 26 times on your 13 kilometre journey through this pass! Heading south some gravel tracks and a single track mountain pass will bring you towards the coast and into George. From here you carry on travelling more tracks built by Thomas Bain in the 1860’s and unchanged since that time through the indigenous coastal forests to Knysna. From ther it's only a few kilometres down the road to your next overnight stay.

5^th day: Tsitsikamma NationalPark:

Today it’s time to explore  Nature’s Valley, the Tsitsikamma and Knysna Forests and Storm’s River Mouth. We strongly recommend that as there is so much to see you take your time and spend two nights either here or in Knysna. For details refer to the options below. Leaving the Tsitsikamma Forest behind you pass Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa’s surfer capital with its famous left hand break. In the afternoon you arrive in Addo where you spend the next two nights in a private game reserve.

6^th day: Safari:

Today you pack the day with the classic African adventure.

You exchange your motorcycle for a seat in an open Land Rover. In search of the inhabitants of Addo Elephant Park and the reserve you might spot Kudu, Gemsbok, Hartebeest, Springbok and Zebra. The park also has Ostrich, Warthog and a variety of reptiles and  small mammals. You might even encounter Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard, the famous "Big Five". A nocturnal game drive allows to spot more inhabitants of the reserve like Genet, Bat Eared Fox, Eagle Owl and Porcupine..

7^th day: Valleys and mountains of the Eastern Cape:

A day’s ride through the valleys and across the passes of the Eastern Cape brings you back to the Garden Route and the indigenous forests of Knysna.

The way back to the Garden Route also gives you the option of travelling some 200 km on rugged tracks through the famous Baviaanskloof and spending two additional nights in a bush camp and a historic guest house in the Karoo. Please note that road conditions in the Baviaanskloof are rough and the steep climbs and descends over three passes as well as numerous river crossings make the Baviaanskloof a challenging experience for experienced riders. For more details refer to "The Baviaanskloof" below. 

8^th day: The Garden Route:

You leave the Knysna and head west along the Garden Route. You pass through the lake district of Sedgefield and Wilderness.

This day can be divided in two by the "Beach bum" option. For details refer to the options below.  

At Mossel Bay you leave the main roads and head back into the mountains and the Little Karoo. You cross the R62 in the Ostrich Country around Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn and cut through another mountain range into the Karoo where you spend the night on an idyllic guest farm.

9^th day: The tracks of the Karoo:

You spend the whole day in the ever changing landscapes of the Karoo on gravel roads winding your way through mountain ranges and dry river beds which just hold water after the rare winter rainfalls. Today it is more likely that you have to avoid a tortoise than oncoming traffic and you will probably see more goats than people. The tranquillity of the wide open spaces makes this a fascinating part of the journey and one that is rarely seen by the average traveller. You do reach "civilisation" again it is in a little Karoo town.

10^th day: The Ceres Karoo:

Ride up scenic and long, winding passes towards the railway town of Touwsrivier- renowned for its retired steam locomotives. Heading west you start climbing more mountain passes that bring you into Ceres Valley. Ceres is known as the "Switzerland" of South Africa because in winter the surrounding mountains sometimes are covered in snow. You turn into another gravel track taking you into the heart of the Cederberg.

11^th day: The Cederberg:

This day will offer you two options of travelling through the Cedarberg. The road conditions can be quite rough, and one of the options is recommended for the lightweight 650’s and riders with experience on gravel roads only. In the early afternoon you will arrive on a wine farm, where you visit the cellars and taste some of South Africa’s excellent wines. You will spend the night on this farm after a scrumptious dinner at the on site restaurant.

12^th day: Bain’s Kloof and the northern Winelands:

Your ride back to Cape Town is not far so we suggest that you take your time and enjoy a morning by the swimming pool. The famous Bain’s Kloof Pass and the view of Cape Town and Table Mountain seen from Bloubergstrand will end this unforgettable motorcycle tour. If you booked a Bed&Bike arrangement for the following day, we recommend you to stay at Bloubergstrand for the sunset and return to Cape Town after nightfall.

Options:

The realm of the Great White Sharks: (plus 1 day)

The day is spent on a full day boat trip into the realm of the Great White Sharks. The area between Walker Bay and Cape Agulhas provides the best conditions for watching these fascinating animals worldwide. This is an absolutely breathtaking experience. The boats carry steel cages to allow everybody brave enough to meet the sharks in the water. But even viewing them from the boat is excellent as they sometimes come within an arm's length of the boat. Of course we or the boat operator can’t guarantee, that the sharks turn up, for they are wild animals and live in the ocean, not in an aquarium’s tank The chances to see the sharks vary over the season, but range around 50% in summer and reach almost 100% in winter. One additional night is spent in 1^st day’s accommodation with dinner and breakfast.

Please note: For non-divers we now can arrange one day discover scuba courses in Cape Town before the tour. This course teaches you basic skills of breathing underwater from a scuba regulator and qualifies you to enter the cage with scuba gear.

Ride with the Bokkies: (plus 1 day)

This option gives you the unique chance to ride into a game reserve with your motorcycle. The reserve is inhabited by various species of antelopes and Mountain Zebra, as well as small mammals, reptiles and birds. In the boundaries of the reserve you will also find white sandy coastal dunes and beaches only crowded with coastal birds and visited by whales from July to December. Due to the fact, that the reserve does not have any big cats, Rhino, Buffalo or Elephant, it is safe to ride around on the gravel roads and to go for a walk, where the roads end. The displays of wild flowers between August and October are particularly beautiful. This place, even unknown to most South Africans, is just perfect to relax for a day and enjoy the beauty of nature, sitting on a lawn and watching the antelopes graze. One additional night is spent in the small hotel in the Overberg.

The Swartberg / To Hell and back again: (plus 1 day)

This day takes you on rugged gravel roads into an isolated valley named "The Hell". The scenery is some of the best the region has to offer with a single track winding its way along the slopes of the Swartberg, crossing little rivers and passing beautiful, untouched bush vegetation, before descending into "The Hell". This is a "must do" for the lightweight 650’s, but the road is suitable for the BMW’s as well. On the way back from "The Hell" you might add another highlight to your tour visiting the magnificent Cango Caves with their stalactites and stalagmites. Although fully explored and secured it's still a lot of fun to squeeze through the narrow gaps and damp crevices and climb through clay covered chimneys. One additional night is spent on the farm in the Swartberg Mountains, dinner and breakfast is included.  

Knysna: (plus 1 day)

Ride the historic Outeniqua steam train, try the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at the Bloukrans River, and tour the steep dirt roads of the Knysna Forests with an ATV. If you are a Scuba Diver or Skin Diver, you might wish to visit the (harmless) Ragged Tooth Sharks off the Storms River Mouth or the wreck of the Paquita off Knysna. Or just enjoy local Oysters and seafood in one of Knysna’s famous restaurants accompanied by a glass of South African white wine. One additional night is spend in a luxury guest house in Knysna.

The Baviaanskloof: (plus 2 days)

This is a challenging trip through the Baviaanskloof Mountains: After the first night in a picturesque bush camp you will tackle some 200 kilometres of rugged single tracks and gravel roads. Wind your way through the mountains, cross rivers and climb over three passes. Make sure that you always give way to the antelopes and buffalo, which might cross the track, as their sense for road traffic rules is very poor. Experienced riders in general have little difficulty, the route is suitable for the lightweight 650's and is with limitations also suitable for the BMW 1100 . After mastering the Baviaanskloof you will arrive in a historic guesthouse with restaurant & Karoo Bar. Please note, that after heavy rainfalls, the river crossings in the Baviaanskloof will be impassable. We provide a road book and map of an alternative route.

The beach bum: (plus 1 day)

Spend one night in a guest house on one of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches. After a 100 km trip from the last overnight there is plenty of time to relax on the white sandy beach of Wilderness, or to go for a swim in the Indian Ocean. The following morning as well offers some time for the beach before heading into the Great Karoo.

Prices:

12 day Western Cape and Garden Route tour:

Prices include:

Rental motorcycle fitted with luggage system and tank bag; C.D.W. insurance and 3000 free kilometres; All accommodation in high standard to luxury guesthouses, lodges and guest farms including breakfast (except day 1) dinner (except day 4, 7, 11 and 12); Game Safari package in Addo; Wine cellar tour and wine tasting; Tour description, road book and maps.

10 day Western Cape and Garden Route tour:

Prices include:

Rental motorcycle fitted with luggage system and tank bag; C.D.W. insurance and 2500 free kilometres; All accommodation in high standard to luxury guesthouses, lodges and guest farms including breakfast (except day 1) and dinner (except day 4, 7, 11 and 12); Wine cellar tour and wine tasting; Tour description, road book and maps.

The realm of the Great White Shark:

Prices include:

Rental motorcycle with 200 extra kilometres; Full day Great White Shark cage diving trip with full skin diving and scuba equipment rental, soft drinks and snacks on board; 1 night accommodation in a luxury guesthouse with dinner and breakfast.

Ride with the Bokkies:

Prices include:

Rental motorcycle with 200 extra kilometres; 1 night accommodation in a hotel with dinner and breakfast.

The Swartberge / To Hell and back again:

Rider with Kawasaki KLR 650	ZAR 1 450
Rider with BM;W R1100GS	ZAR 1 850
Single supplement	ZAR    500
Pillion	ZAR    800

Prices include:

Rental motorcycle with 200 extra kilometres; Tour description and road book to The Hell and the Cango Caves; 1 night accommodation on a guest farm with dinner and breakfast.

Knysna:

Rider with Kawasaki KLR 650	ZAR 1 250
Rider with BMW R1100GS	ZAR 1 650
Single supplement	ZAR    200
Pillion	ZAR    650

Prices include:

Rental motorcycle with 200 extra kilometres; 1 night accommodation in a guesthouse in Knysna with breakfast.

The Baviaanskloof Mountains:
 

Rider with Kawasaki KLR 650	ZAR 3 000
Rider with BMW R1100GS	ZAR 3 800
Single supplement	ZAR    500
Pillion	ZAR 1 600

Prices include:

Rental motorcycle with 400 extra kilometres; Tour description and road book through the Baviaanskloof and the Knysna Forests; 2 nights accommodation in a bush camp and historic guest house with  breakfast and dinner (only first night).

The beach bum:

Rider with Kawasaki KLR 650	ZAR 1 250
Rider with BMW R1100GS	ZAR 1 650
Single supplement	ZAR    500
Pillion	ZAR    600

Prices include:

Rental motorcycle with 200 extra kilometres; 1 night accommodation in a guesthouse in Wilderness Beach with breakfast.

All prices exclude: Petrol, bar account, lunch, curios, gratuities and items of a personal nature.

What do I need to bring?

We recommend you to bring suitable motorcycle clothing as motorcycle leathers or a riding suit as well as a helmet, gloves and motorcycle boots. Usually the climate in the region doesn’t require heavy rain protection, but a vinyl rain suit can be useful during the winter months from June until August. A warm sweater or fleece is recommended as the nights can be chilly. Sun block is essential. Laundry service is available en route. Helmets and goggles can be hired at daily rates.

Required riding skills:

The tour is suitable for experienced riders; off-road experience is not required as South Africa’s gravel tracks are usually in quite good condition.

Health and Malaria:

The medical infrastructure in South Africa is European standard. The itinerary doesn’t cover any malaria risk areas. Malaria - precautions are not indicated. Comprehensive travel and health insurance is recommended.

For further details and reservations, please contact our booking office!