17 Day Guided Motorcycle Adventure of a Lifetime: Experience Namibia and South Africa

Overview

V and A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa - Norotshama River Resort, Norotschama, Namibia

Highlights

• Starts and ends in Cape Town, South Africa
• ​Riding through the landscapes of Namaqualand
• ​Visiting Kolmanskop Ghost Town in Lüderitz
• ​Seeing Dune 45 and the 900-year-old Deadvlei pan trees
• Riding Chapman's Peak, the greatest coastal road in the world
• ​Encountering the wild Namib Desert horses
• Sundowner game viewing drive at At Kronenhof Lodge
• 16 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Meeting day:

   Arrive in Cape Town and settle into your luxury hotel near the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Meet your motorcycle, attend a detailed tour briefing, and enjoy a traditional South African dinner while hearing inspiring stories from the Motorrad Adventures team. Rest well, ready to begin your epic ride in the morning. Upon your arrival in Cape Town, South Africa, Motorrad Adventures South Africa will transfer you to your stunning hotel near the famous V and A Waterfront, a unique location in the heart of Cape Town, shadowed by the mighty Table Mountain. Once you've checked into your room, Motor

2. Day 2: Cape Town to Paternoster

   Start your adventure with an easy ride up South Africa’s West Coast to the historic fishing village of Paternoster. Get familiar with your bike and GPS, and explore the fascinating West Coast Fossil Park, home to ancient, well-preserved fossils from millions of years ago. As you prepare to embark on your exciting motorcycle adventure through South Africa and into Namibia, Motorrad Adventures South Africa has made the first day of the tour an easy one to ensure that you will have the time to get acquainted with your chosen bike. They'll also guide you through the process of how to use your GPS

3. Day 3: Paternoster to Springbok

   Leave the coast behind as you ride through Namaqualand’s rugged desert landscape, famed for its stunning wildflower blooms after the rains. Experience unique geology, resilient flora, and local culture en route to Springbok - the gateway to Namibia - nestled in the scenic Garden of the Gods Valley. On this day, you will say goodbye to the coastal town of Paternoster and head out on your adventure bike towards Springbok, the capital of Namaqualand. The journey will take you through the arid and rugged landscapes of the Namaqualand region, known for its stunning natural beauty and unique flora a

4. Day 4: Springbok to Norotshama

   Cross into Namibia and experience the rugged beauty of the Namib Desert. Arrive at Norotshama River Resort on the Orange River, nestled in the Aussenkehr Grape Valley, your perfect base to relax and explore before the adventure continues. It’ll be a short day on this day. You will depart from the charming town of Springbok, your sights set on the captivating Namibian landscape that lies ahead. Embark on your motorcycle, eager to explore the winding roads and discover this region’s hidden gems. As you cross the border into Namibia, you will be greeted by the stark beauty of the Namib Desert, on

5. Day 5: Norotshama to Lüderitz

   Ride through Namibia’s vast plains and the edge of the ancient Namib Desert to Lüderitz, a remote coastal town on the Skeleton Coast. Discover its unique German Art Deco charm and prepare to explore its rugged Atlantic coastline. After breakfast, you will leave the tranquil Norotshama lodge and head towards the town of Lüderitz, situated on the haunting Skeleton Coast. The ride on this day promises to be a treat as you ride your motorcycle through vast open plains dotted with the occasional traditional Namibian homestead and skirt the edge of the Namib Desert, the world's oldest desert. Namibi

6. Day 6: Rest day - Exploring Lüderitz

   Take a break from riding and explore Lüderitz’s unique blend of German colonial charm and stunning natural beauty. Wander its historic streets, visit the haunting diamond ghost town of Kolmanskop reclaimed by desert sands, and capture incredible photos. Optional excursions include the vast Namib-Naukluft National Park with its towering dunes, the dramatic Lüderitz Peninsula cliffs, and birdlife-rich lagoons with pink flamingos. Discover Diaz Point’s historic landing site, marvel at the Bogenfels rock arch, or take a catamaran tour to Halifax Island to spot dolphins, penguins, seals, and whales

7. Day 7: Lüderitz to Kronenhof

   Leave coastal Lüderitz and ride into the vast Namib Desert toward the lush Kronenhof Private Game Reserve. Journey through rugged terrain, spotting desert wildlife like oryx and springbok. Enjoy lunch at Helmeringhausen before arriving at Kronenhof, where you’ll experience a sunset game drive amid giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and more in this beautiful conservation haven. After a hearty breakfast, you will embark on the sixth day of your adventure motorcycle tour of Namibia. Depart the lovely town of Lüderitz and journey towards the Kronenhof Private Game Reserve, a stunning oasis nestled in t

8. Day 8: Kronenhof to Sossusvlei

   After breakfast at Kronenhof Lodge, ride deeper into Namibia’s diverse landscapes, leaving lush greenery behind for the vast, arid Namib Desert. Journey toward the iconic Sossusvlei region, home to the world’s largest sand dunes, as well as the haunting Deadvlei clay pan, where ancient dead camel thorn trees stand against a stark white floor. Explore this natural wonder within Namib Naukluft Park, marveling at the desert’s timeless beauty, dramatic geology, and unique wildlife - a true highlight of any Namibian adventure. Leaving the beautiful Kronenhof Private Lodge after a hearty breakfast,

9. Day 9: Sossusvlei to Alte Kalkofen

   Ride from the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei to the historic and rugged Alte Kalkofen lodge, nestled between Keetmanshoop and Lüderitz. Explore diverse landscapes from towering dunes to sun-drenched plains and unique rock formations. Spot rare Namib Desert horses, descendants of German cavalry mounts, and discover the largest collection of lithops (“flowering stones”) at the lodge. Experience Namibia’s rich history through mining ruins and remnants of German colonial settlements, showcasing the region’s captivating past and natural beauty. On this day of the exhilarating "Namibia is Calling" adven

10. Day 10: Alte Kalkofen to Fish River Canyon

    Ride from Alte Kalkofen to the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon, Africa’s largest canyon and Namibia’s second most visited attraction. Spanning 160 km long, up to 27 km in width, and nearly 550 meters deep, this ancient geological wonder offers breathtaking red sandstone vistas and rugged terrain. Discover the resilient desert ecosystem, home to mountain zebras, klipspringer antelope, and the iconic rock agama. Explore the unique Quiver Tree Forest, featuring century-old aloe trees that thrive in harsh conditions. This route promises an unforgettable adventure motorcycle experience through Nami

11. Day 11: Fish River Canyon to Vergelegen

    Leave the arid Fish River Canyon behind as you cross into South Africa’s lush Northern Cape. Ride alongside the Orange River through fertile vineyards and orchards to Kakamas. Visit Augrabies National Park to marvel at its stunning waterfall and ancient rock formations. End the day at Vergelegen, a working farm in the green Kalahari, where you’ll relax and experience authentic rural hospitality. As you embark on Day 11 of this exhilarating motorcycle adventure, you will bid farewell to the rugged and arid landscapes of the Fish River Canyon and Namibia. The transformation will begin as you jou

12. Day 12: Vergelegen to Calvinia

    After breakfast, leave the lush Orange River farmlands behind and journey into the semi-arid Karoo Desert. Pass through Kenhardt and Brandvlei before arriving in Calvinia, a charming town known for its Victorian architecture and South Africa’s largest postbox. Enjoy stunning views of the Hantam Mountains and experience the unique flora of the region. Spend the night in a cozy guesthouse, soaking in the warm hospitality and preparing for the next adventure. After a hearty breakfast, you will bid farewell to the tranquil Vergelegen Farm and set off on the next leg of your adventure motorcycle to

13. Day 13: Calvinia to Kagga Kamma

    Leave Calvinia and ride through the rugged Northern Cape towards the Cederberg region. Traverse thrilling gravel roads, including the scenic Gannaga Pass and the steep Katbakkies Pass, both offering breathtaking views and challenging twists. Enter the Western Cape’s geological wonderland and arrive at Kagga Kamma Private Reserve, famous for ancient San rock art. As night falls, enjoy stargazing under pristine skies and reflect on the day’s unforgettable adventure. As you bid farewell to the charming town of Calvinia and the rugged landscapes of the Northern Cape, the motorcycle journey will ta

14. Day 14: Kagga Kamma to Riebeek-Kasteel

    Leave the tranquil Kagga Kamma Reserve and ride through the scenic mountain passes of the Cederberg and Koue Bokkeveld regions, famed for their vineyards and orchards. Experience thrilling twists and stunning views en route to Riebeek-Kasteel, a historic town rich in Cape Dutch architecture and charming heritage. Settle in and enjoy the warm atmosphere, perfect for relaxing or exploring before your next adventure. As you leave the serene beauty of the Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve behind, this motorcycle tour will head south towards the charming little town of Riebeek-Kasteel. This day’s ride pro

15. Day 15: Riebeek-Kasteel to Hermanus

    After breakfast, set out on twisty roads to Wellington for a coffee stop before tackling the thrilling Bainskloof Pass through rugged mountains. Visit the Nelson Mandela statue at Drakenstein Correctional Centre, then ride the iconic Franschhoek Pass into the lush Elgin Valley. Take a break at Peregrine Farm Stall for homemade treats before continuing along scenic Route 43, past the Bot River. Finish the day with coastal ocean views and a sunset at Hermanus’s Rotary Way Lookout, the perfect end to an epic ride. The adventure for this day will kick off after breakfast, setting out on twisty pav

16. Day 16: Hermanus to Cape Town

    The final day of your epic motorcycle journey begins with a scenic coastal ride to Gordon’s Bay, stopping for coffee at the Pit Stop Diner. Cruise along the stunning False Bay coastline, soaking in sweeping bends and endless ocean views en route to Cape Point - the dramatic southeastern tip of the Cape Peninsula with cliffs towering over 200 meters above the Atlantic. Ride through the raw beauty of Table Mountain National Park, pausing for lunch amid breathtaking surroundings. Then, tackle Chapman’s Peak Drive, a legendary coastal route featuring 114 twists and turns carved into cliffs above t

17. Day 17

    - Departure

Ride Details

Terrain

40% gravel, 60% tar

Bike

BMW R 1250 GS, BMW R 1200 GS Rallye, BMW F 850 GS, BMW F 750 GS, BMW G 310 GS, Royal Enfield Himalayan or Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 (rental not included in the price)

Mileage

4,050 km / 2,517 mi

Daily rides

Average of 270 km / 168 mi per day

Meals

Welcome and farewell dinner, plus all breakfasts, included

Accommodation

Embarking on an adventure motorcycle tour requires finding comfortable and inviting places to stay, and South Africa and Namibia deliver just those. With a selection of charming guest houses, hotels, and game lodges, you’ll feel right at home in these stunning destinations. Each accommodation option was thoughtfully chosen, offering beautiful gardens, serene surroundings, and breathtaking views of the landscapes and wildlife. The Motorrad Adventures team ensures that your stay will immerse you in the tranquil ambience of the region, with warm and welcoming hosts eager to share their passion for these remarkable countries, making your experience truly unforgettable.

Food

To fully savor the essence of South Africa and Namibia, indulge in the delicious local cuisine at the exceptional restaurants that Motorrad Adventures South Africa has handpicked. From hidden culinary gems to popular dining spots, this tour will take you on a unique gastronomic journey, featuring a diverse array of traditional dishes and international cuisine infused with local flavors. This adventure motorcycle tour package includes 16 nights of accommodation, along with a welcome and farewell dinner, and all breakfasts.

Getting There

Set off on a thrilling 17-day motorcycle adventure to Namibia with the Motorrad Adventures team. Explore southern Namibia, the stunning west coast, and the Karoo regions of South Africa. Discover iconic sites like Kolmanskop Ghost Town, Dune 45, the Deadvlei Trees, and the Fish River Canyon. Experience mesmerizing sunsets, encounter the wild Namib Desert horses, and observe majestic wildlife. Trav