16 Day Motorbike Tour through South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique with Pre-tour Off-road Training

Overview

On this tour, you will experience the astounding diversity and beautiful landscapes of South Africa. You will also enjoy a safari scene that is unparalleled, with stunning natural beauty, world-class birdlife, and locals whose kindness makes any trip unforgettable in Zimbabwe. In this beautiful and underrated country, you will also stand in awe of one of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls, and if you are lucky enough, you can spot the Big Five in its national parks. You will also experience colonial-style architecture and a long coastline of pristine beaches with swaying palms in the forgotten paradise of Mozambique, with all its traditions, cultures, vibes, and opportunities for adventure. This tour begins and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa and offers travel through three of the most welcoming Southern African countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. You will

Highlights

• Starts and ends in Johannesburg
• Ride through South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique
• Visit Victoria Falls and have the chance to spot the Big Five animals
• Off-road training course for one full day by an official BMW instructor
• Ride to Vilanculos through great mountain passes and great gravel roads
• Ride to the beautiful city of Bulawayo and enjoy the beach in Vilanculos
• Breakfast and dinners at lodges / guesthouses
• 15 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day 1 / Arrival to Johannesburg

   Arrive in Johannesburg, check-in at the hotel, attend the tour orientation session, and meet your fellow riders.

2. Day 2 / Off-road training (Distance: 80 km / 50 mi)

   Meet your motorcycle and attend a full day of off-road training offered by a BMW-certified instructor to enhance your ability to ride under many different conditions.

3. Day 3 / Johannesburg to Musina (Distance: 530 km / 329 mi)

   Ride from Johannesburg up north to Polokwane to have lunch, then to the northernmost town in the Limpopo province of South Africa, Musina, and spend the night at a lovely guesthouse before crossing the border into Zimbabwe.

4. Day 4 / Musina to Bulawayo (Distance: 340 km / 211 mi)

   You'll have an early start to cross Beit Bridge border, the most busy border in Africa into Zimbabwe, and a ride to the beautiful city of Bulawayo, passing by the edge of Matopo National Park.

5. Day 5 / Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (Distance: 440 km / 273 mi)

   Ride up further north and pass by Hwange National Park (the third largest national park in Africa) on your way to the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6. Day 6 / Rest day in Victoria Falls (Distance: 0 km)

   Enjoy your first day of rest during this tour in a great destination with a huge number of activities that can make your day memorable. Your top attraction will be a visit to Victoria Falls, while other activities that you can do are bungee jumping, helicopter flights, river rafting, or a boat cruise.

7. Day 7 / Victoria Falls to Gweru (Distance: 540 km / 335)

   After reaching the northernmost part of the tour, head southeast to Gweru and lodge at a private national park where you can enjoy the wildlife, as well as lion and elephant watching.

8. Day 8 / Gweru to Manica (Distance: 460 km / 286 mi)

   After spending some great time in Zimbabwe, it will be time for another border crossing at the end of the riding day into Mozambique, and another stay in a private national reserve, where you can witness elephants, zebras, and other wildlife just outside your room.

9. Day 9 / Manica to Vilanculos (Distance: 480 km / 298 mi)

   Ride from Manica to Vilanculos through some great mountain passes and great gravel roads. Arrive at the pristine and turquoise beaches of the Indian Ocean and enjoy a relaxed night right across the beach in this great destination.

10. Day 10 / Rest day in Vilanculos (Distance: 0 km)

    Enjoy your rest day in Vilanculos. This soulful laidback town on the shore of the Indian Ocean is where you can enjoy the beach or just a walk around town.

11. Day 11 / Vilanculos to Inhambane (Distance: 290 km)

    Ride to one of the oldest settlements along the coast and explore this charming town, with its faded colonial-style architecture and mixture of Arabic, Indian, and African influences. Do multiple stops at local fruit stands by the side of the road and enjoy fresh fruits that were freshly cut off trees.

12. Day 12 / Inhambane to Praia Do Bilene (Distance: 360 km / 224 mi)

    Continue on the coast of the Indian Ocean to Praia Do Bilene, a small resort town that sits on the large Uembje Lagoon, which is separated from the open sea by a narrow, sandy spit and dunes, and enjoy your last day and stop in Mozambique.

13. Day 13 / Praia Do Bilene to Hazyview (Distance: 390 km / 242 mi)

    Make your last border crossing as you return to South Africa and stay overnight in this little town that spreads out along Route 40 with no real center. Hazyview is close to Kruger National Park.

14. Day 14 / Rest day in Hazyview (Distance: 0 km)

    Enjoy your last rest day on this tour and use it to go on a safari to Kruger National Park, the best safari destination in South Africa. If you are lucky enough, you can witness all Big Five and a lot of other rare species.

15. Day 15 / Hazyview to Johannesburg (Distance: 400 km / 249 mi)

    After spending some exciting time in the past two weeks, ride your last leg of this tour from Hazyview to Johannesburg, where you will pay farewell to your motorcycle and spend your last night in this bustling big city.

16. Day 16 / Departure from Johannesburg

    After a relaxing breakfast at your lodge / hotel, bid farewell to your fellow riders and have a safe trip home.

Ride Details

Terrain

Primarily tar roads with about 5% to 10% of the route on gravel roads

Bike

Rental bike (BMW F 750 GS / BMW R 1250 GS)

Mileage

4,320 kilometers / 2,684 miles

Daily rides

80 - 540 kilometers / 50 - 336 miles

Meals

Breakfasts and dinners included

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided in handpicked and carefully chosen lodges and guesthouses. You will be accommodated for 15 nights based on double occupancy. The single upgrade option is available.

Food

Breakfasts and dinners at lodges / guesthouses are included.

Getting There

From South Africa's modern cities with thriving arts and dining scenes to the remoteness and wildlife of Zimbabwe, and from the mightiest of waterfalls - Victoria Falls - to the pristine and relaxed beaches of Mozambique, you will enjoy every new experience that this tour offers! During this motorcycle tour, you will visit various places in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. In South Africa,