Overview
The tour starts and ends in Hogsback, the picturesque mountain wilderness area that was J.R.R. Tolkien's inspiration for The Lord of the Rings / Middle-earth fantasy novels. We'll follow rugged off-road mountain roads through the Drakensberg mountain range into the Lesotho Mountain Kingdom. The Drakensberg (dragon's back) is known as the 'Barrier of Spears' by the Zulu nation, with reference to the rugged spine between South Africa and Lesotho.
Highlights
- Starts and ends in East London Airport
- Conquer the legendary Sani Pass and the highest off-road mountain routes
- Ride through the Drakensberg and rugged Maluti Mountains
- Explore the mystical Hogsback region of forests and trails
- Visit the spectacular Maletsunyane Waterfall in Lesotho
- Tackle over 50 gravel and off-road mountain passes
- Enjoy excellent stays, vistas, and star-filled skies
- Ride late-model KTM EXC 500s on world-class tracks
- 11 nights accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at East London Airport. Shuttle to our lodge at Hogsback.
Day 2–8
Ride guided routes in South Africa and Lesotho.
Day 9
Rest day at Semonkong (Lesotho) with a walking visit to Maletsunyane Waterfall.
Day 10 and 11
Continue riding to Hogsback, South Africa.
Day 12
Shuttle back to East London Airport and fly home.
Ride Details
- Terrain
- A mix of gravel, two-track, rocky trails, and limited asphalt
- Bike
- Personal bike or rental KTM 500 EXC
- Mileage
- 2,000 kilometers / 1,240 miles
- Meals
- Bed and breakfast for 8 nights, dinner with bed and breakfast for 3 nights
What's included
- Rental KTM EXC500 motorcycle (if you choose the package with motorcycle rental)
- Hotel shuttles 2 and from East London Airport
- Accommodation is bed & breakfast x 8 nights
- Accommodation dinner, bed & breakfast x 3 nights
- Rider guide/medic
- Support 4x4 vehicle
Not included
- Refundable accident damage deposit of ZAR25000 on rental motorcycle
- All meals, drinks not specified as included
- Gratuities
- Travel and medical insurance
- Cost of injuries, emergency transfers, personal damages
Accommodation
With Wildwood Motorcycle Tours, you will stay in a mix of hotels, lodges, and guesthouses. The aim is to provide 3-star lodges where possible; however, on two nights in rural Lesotho, only 1- and 2-star options are available.
Food
Three evening dinners are also included. All other meals and drinks will be for guests own cost at local restaurants and cafes.
Getting There
You will ride through South Africa and Lesotho, exploring mountain passes, highlands, and iconic landmarks from the Drakensberg and Sani Pass to the Maluti Mountains, Hogsback, and Maletsunyane Waterfall.
