12 Day Raid South Africa - Guided Motorcycle Tour

Overview

It is Johnny Clegg's song "Asimbonanga" and Nelson Mandela's smile that hover over this country that experienced one of the most spectacular political turnarounds in history, converting hatred into forgiveness and peace. Between turquoise waters, mountains, deserts and vineyards, South Africa offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes! Among the most beautiful roads and tracks in the world, we will encounter the famous Chapman's Peak Drive on the cliff side and the impressive Swartberg Pass which marks the boundary between the small and the great Karoo desert. This 50% off-road trip will take you to explore the wonders of the Karoo and see an incredible variety of wildlife: giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, zebras, baboons, penguins, and much more.

Highlights

• Starts and ends in Cape Town
• Ride along the coastline to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa
• Explore Riversdale and spot wildlife in the Garcia Range
• Experience the beauty of Knysna and its lagoon
• Cross the Swartberg Pass into the wild Karoo
• Walk among giraffes near Ladismith
• Discover Stellenbosch and enjoy a wine tasting
• 11 nights accommodation
• Airport transfers

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Cape Town

   Nestled between the majestic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is a vibrant city, rich in history and culture. Here you can discover colorful neighborhoods, sublime beaches and delicious cuisine.

2. Day 2: Cape Agulhas - 320 KM (199 miles)

   Pick up the motorbikes in the morning and ride along the turquoise coastline, greeting the penguins. Reach the southernmost point of Africa: Cape Agulhas, where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean. The spectacular views and wild beauty of this place will leave one speechless.

3. Day 3: Riversdale - 230 KM (143 miles)

   Leave Cape Agulhas and head north, crossing the Malgas River and reaching Barrydale via the magnificent Tradouw Pass. Along the way, there may be an opportunity to spot giraffes or baboons. Spend most of the day on beautiful tracks along the Garcia Range, where the night will be spent.

4. Day 4: Knysna - 265 KM (164 miles)

   Follow the same mountain range of southern Africa to reach the coast via the Ruiterbos National Park. This historic road, where an old customs post still stands, leads along the Indian Ocean to Knysna, a coastal town famous for its lagoon, its indigenous forests, and its striking French footballers.

5. Day 5: Swartberg - 250 KM (155 miles)

   Leave the coast to enter the wild part of the Western Cape: the Karoo. It is a huge semi-arid region that stretches over several hundred thousand square kilometers, extending to the Namib Desert in the neighboring country. Cross the ostrich farming region from the north and sleep at the foot of the Swartberg Pass.

6. Day 6: Swartberg – Break - 120 KM (75 miles)

   Rest day at the foot of the Swartberg Pass, which will be crossed in the morning to reach Prince Albert, at the gateway to the great Karoo desert. This 27 km pass (17 miles), reaching 1,585 meters (5,200 feet) above sea level, offers spectacular bends and breathtaking panoramas. Famous for its geological formations, it is considered a jewel of South Africa.

7. Day 7: Ladismith - 180 KM (112 miles)

   Early departure for this new day of adventure in the Karoo. Prepare for one of the most memorable experiences of the trip: a giraffe walk! Approach the herd of giraffes in a 4x4 and then progress on foot to get as close as possible to these magical animals.

8. Day 8: Montagu - 180 KM (112 miles)

   Follow desert and lunar tracks through the Anysberg Nature Reserve, discovering Montagu, where the arid lands of the Karoo gradually give way to the lush greenery of this region of the Western Cape, with its orchards and plantations.

9. Day 9: Stellenbosch - 180 KM (112 miles)

   Enter the South African vineyard, a legacy of the 17th-century French Huguenots. Stop at Franschhoek, the "French Corner," before reaching Stellenbosch. A wine tasting in one of the oldest vineyards in Stellenbosch will round off the day.

10. Day 10: Cape Town - 170 KM (106 miles)

    Last day of driving towards Cape Town. Pick up the Atlantic Ocean and head towards the Cape of Good Hope, before heading up the west coast via the splendid Chapman's Peak Drive. This road, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, winds between sea and mountains, offering dizzying views of the ocean and steep cliffs. Return of the motorcycles at the end of the day.

11. Day 11: Cape Town - A full day to explore Cape Town

    A bustling, cosmopolitan city nestled in the lush setting of Table Mountain, it is one of those rare cities in the world that can combine wild nature, rich history, inventive gastronomy, and exceptional wines. Walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela on the prison island of Robben Island, where he spent nearly 19 years of his life.

12. Day 12: Departure

    Departure and transfer to the airport or extension to Kruger.

Ride Details

Terrain

Varied terrain including coastal roads, mountain passes, gravel tracks, and desert landscapes

Bike

rental bike (Tiger 900 Rally Pro or F 850 GS Adventure) with the option to upgrade

Mileage

2,860 KM / 1,776 miles

Riding gear

Not included: own helmet, boots, and protective gear required. Rain gear recommended

Meals

Breakfast at accommodations, lunch on the road, and dinner at local restaurants.

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels.

Getting There

The journey takes riders through some of the most scenic and diverse locations in South Africa. Starting in Cape Town, a vibrant city surrounded by stunning landscapes, they will travel to Cape Agulhas, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. From there, they head to Riversdale, a charming town nestled in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. The route continues through Knysna, known for it