20 Day Pretoria to Cape Town Guided Motorcycle Tour through Lesotho, Swaziland, and South Africa
Motorcycle Tour in Southern Africa, Swaziland, and Lesotho
This tantalizing tour of South Africa combines motorcycling with culture, wildlife, adventure and some of South Africa’s most beautiful destinations! Enjoy a 16-day tour through Lesotho, Swaziland, and South Africa with 2 big 5 game reserves!
Key information
- Terrain: 99% tar, off-road options
- Bike: rental bike (BMW F750GS, F8500GS, R1250GS, or R1250GS ADV)
- Mileage: 3800 kilometers / 2361 miles
- Daily rides: 200 - 550 kilometers / 124 - 341 miles
- Meals: 19 breakfast, 15 lunches, and 18 dinners
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- 14 days of riding
- Starts in Pretoria and ends in Cape Town
- Ride through Panorama Route
- Big 5 Safari into Kruger National Park
- Tour of the Anglo Zulu Battlefields
- Make your way to Addo Elephant National Park
- 19 nights accommodation
- Back up vehicle
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Accommodation
19 nights accommodation in 3-4 star accommodation.
Program
Day 0: Arrive in South Africa
Welcome to South Africa. You can arrive at any time on “day 0” as you motorcycle tour only officially starts on “day 01”. Tonight’s accommodation is included as “your bonus night”. A friendly Sama Tours representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Pretoria.
Day 1: Day tour of Pretoria and Big 5 Safari (+-70km)
Highlights: Township tour and BIG 5 Safari
This morning we will hand over your motorcycle to you and sign all the paperwork. After that is complete we will have a tour briefing and then the fun begins. We start off by taking a tour of a small township just North of Pretoria to experience all the vibrant colors, sounds and tastes of Africa.
We will have lunch at a local tavern and afterwards we enjoy a guided drive through a Big 5 nature reserve. Rhinos, giraffes, impala’s and wildebeest can all be spotted. Tonight, we have a welcome dinner around a roaring fire in an African Boma. Welcome to Africa!
- Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 2: Dinokeng to Magoebaskloof (+-300km)
Highlights: Scenic mountain passes, Magoebaskloof
Today you make your way up North into Limpopo province. As we head up north, the roads become mountainous with beautiful views of the rolling hills below.. Enjoy the great twisties and arrive in Magoebaskloof in the late afternoon. Our hotel has breathtaking views of the valley below an we enjoy a scrumptious dinner in the pub.
- Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Magoebaskloof - Panorama route - Hazyview (+- 270km)
Highlights: God's Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, The Three Rondavels, Waterfalls, Magical Views Sites
Today we make your way down into Mpumalanga (an area known to Local Bikers as “Motorcycle Paradise”) the roads here are beautiful and curvy, and there are so many great view points, rock formations and waterfalls along the way. The route includes stops at Bourkes luck potholes, The Three Rondavels, and Gods Window as well as a waterfall or two. We will arrive in Hazyview in the late afternoon.
- Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Half Day Safari - Kruger National Park (+-50km)
Highlights: Safari, African wildlife
Today we will bid goodbye to the motorcycles and board a game viewing Safari vehicle which will transport us into the Kruger National Park. This world famous wildlife reserve is home to the Big 5 and is roughly the size of a small country. The vastness of the park allows ample opportunity to view wild animals in their natural habitat. We will have a full morning to spot lions, elephants, birds and many different species of animals.
In the afternoon we will return to our hotel in Hazyview where we can relax around the pool or take part in any of the optional activities in the area. There will be an Optional 215 km Twisty Ride that will take you over the Famous Long Tom Pass and to the Gold Mining Town of Pilgrims Resr.
- Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5: Hazyview to Swaziland (+-280km)
Highlights: Kingdom of Swaziland
Today we ride down South and into the Mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland. African Kids wave and smile as we ride on by. Our first stop is Sibebe Rock- This is the second largest rock in the world, after Ayers Rock in Australia.
We then make our way to our lodge in Ezulwini Valley and down to Mantenga Nature Reserve where we enjoy a tour of a living Swazi Village complete with Swazi Dancers in their colorful traditional clothing. Tonight, we enjoy a candlelit dinner overlooking Execution Rock.
- Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Swaziland to Kwazulu Natal Battlefields (+- 290km)
Highlights: Tour of the Anglo Zulu Battlefields
Entering South Africa Again we make our way to battlefields of the poweful Zulu Nation. Our lodge for tonight is off the beaten track in rural South Africa. We enjoy about 40km of good gravel roads and arrive in time for lunch. This afternoon we take a tour of Isandlwana Battlefield with a local guide who make the battlefields come alive as he shares his local knowledge with us.
- Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Battlefields to Clarens(+-340 km)
Highlights: Drakensberg, Golden Gate National Park, Clarens
Today we enjoy more great riding as we get to the Drakensburg Mountains. We ride Twisting mountain roads that take us up into Golden Gate National park and enjoy break taking views of the Golden Sandstone Cliffs.
This afternoon we will arrive in the Artists Village of Clarens. Enjoy a walk around this cozy little town, taste some beer at the local brewery and tonight we enjoy a lovely pub meal.
- Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Clarens to Semonkong, Lesotho (+-276 km)
Highlights: Ride your 3rd African Country- The Alps of Africa
Today we ride the ALPS of Africa! Up early we ride into the Kingdom of Lesotho. This whole country is situated in the mountains. The main form of transportation is horseback as most of the country is only accessible via small mountain paths. That said, the roads that they do have, are a true work of Art. We spend the whole day riding beautiful twisting mountain passes that take us high up into the Mountains. There is hardly any traffic!
This afternoon we get to Semonkong Lodge- our home for the next 2 nights where we sleep in luxurious stone cottages complete with fire places. After a warm shower we hit the Donkey Tavern and enjoy Maluti Beer!
- Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9: Rest Day Lesotho (+- 450 km)
Highlights: Waterfalls, Mountains, Village Life, Donkey Pub Crawl
Semonkong is a perfect place for a rest day- there is so much to see and do. You may wish to attempt the "Worlds Highest Abseil" 186 Meters- over the breathtaking Matlesunyane Falls. Other optional activities include horseback riding, 4 x 4 tours, hiking, village tours, or our favorite: a Donkey Pub Crawl. Ride local donkeys into town and visit local "Shebeens" (Bar/Taverns) for a truly local experience.
- Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 10: Semonkong to Aliwal North, South Africa (+- 290 km)
Highlights: Amazing mountain Passes
Today we make our way down South through Lesotho and through the Qachas Neck Border post into South Africa again. Enroute we enjoy hundreds of twisties that will make you smile from ear to ear. Tonight we sleep in a small town called Aliwal North and enjoy South African Hospitality at its finest.
- Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11: Aliwal North to Addo Elephant Park (+- 440 km)
Highlights: Big 5 Safari Time
Today we enjoy the backroads of the Eastern Cape as we make our way down South to Addo Elephant National Park. We sleep right on the edge of the Park, so close you can hear the lions roaring. This afternoon enjoy exploring our camp, visit the waterhole and enjoy another great African dinner under the stars.
- Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12: Rest Day Addo Elephant Park (+- 0-100 km)
Highlights: Big 5 Safari and South African BBQ
Today we jump onto a Safari Vehicle and enjoy a full day spent In Addo Elephant National Park. We enjoy a Traditional Braai (BBQ) Lunch and then hop back on the game viewer for some more wildlife viewing. Addo is famous for its large herds of Elephants as well as other unique wildlife.
- Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 13: Addo to Storms River (+- 250 km)
Highlights: Tsitsikamma, Suspension bridges, Storms River Mouth and riding the Garden Route
Today we follow the coastal route to the start of the famous Garden Route. We ride into the Tsitsikamma National Park and sleep in wooden cabins overlooking Storms River Mouth with crashing ocean below. You will have the whole afternoon free to explore this beautiful National Park. Storms River is the start of our famous “Otter Trail” and you can walk part of the hike down to the breath-taking suspension bridges between the sea cliffs. For those brave enough there is an optional Kayak adventure up the gorge.
*Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 14: Storms River- Knysna Oudtshoorn (+- 260km)
Highlights: Knysna Heads, Garden Route Mountain Passes
Today we ride the world-famous Garden Route. Our firsts top is the spectacular Bloukrans Gorge. Bloukrans is home to the world Highest Bungee Jump216 Meters of pure Adrenalin. Next up we ride into Knysna and marvel at the beautiful Knysna Heads.
From here riders can either take the dirt or tar route into the Mountains. Both options include unbelievable views and spectacular mountain roads - that the Garden Route in Known for. We will arrive in Oudtshoorn- the Ostrich Capital of South Africa - in the late afternoon. This will be our home for the next two nights.
*Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 15: Oudtshoorn Rest Day: (0- 250 km)
Highlights: Garden Route, Ostrich farms, Cango Caves and spectacular mountain passes
Today is a rest day- but there is so much to see and do. We will have a guided tour of the Cango Caves with its beautiful stalactites and stalacmites and a tour of a
working Ostrich farm- where you will get to feed, touch and hug Ostriches. For those that would like to do some more exciting dirt riding there will be an optional ride over the famous Swartberg Pass, this is a bucket list ride for Adventure Bikers the world over. This Afternoon-relax and enjoy the warm Karoo Hospitality that this area is known for. This evening we will be treated to a traditional Ostrich Braai (BBQ) that will tantalize your taste buds.
*Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 16: Oudtshoorn to Cape Agulhas (+-350 km)
Highlights: Route 62, Folding Mountain Passes, The Southern Most Tip of Africa
After an early breakfast we make our way to the start of Route 62. The road winds through the Swartberg Mountains and beautiful foothills in their valleys. We make our way down to Cape Agulhas- the Southernmost tip of Africa at 34° S and 20°. Here, the ice cold waters of the Atlantic ocean meet the warm Indian Ocean, creating a turbulent mixture of untamed beauty.
There is always a party at Cape Agulhas, as we celebrate reaching the most southern point of Africa. There are great photo opportunities at the southern most tip!
*Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 17: Cape Agulhas to Cape Winelands (+- 300 km)
Highlights: Cape Winelands
Today we make our way to Cape Winelands. En- Route we will stop in at Hermanus- the whale watching capital of South Africa and also at Bettys Bay where we will get up close to penguins living on the beach. The Cape Winelands is a beautiful landscape of vineyards, mountains and fruit farms. The riding is also world class with some exciting mountain passes. Tonight we will sleep in the heart of the winelands and enjoy some local wine tasting.
*Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 18: Cape Winelands - Cape Point - Cape Town (+- 180 km)
Highlights: Cape Point, Chapmans Peak, Simons Town, Coastal Roads, Signal Hill
Today we make our way to Cape Town, South Africa’s Mother City. Today is the highlight of the trip as there are beautiful coastal views with twisting roads cut into the sea cliffs virtually all the way. We start the day with a ride to the “Simonstown”- a working navy base. After that we make our way to Cape Point - the most South- westerly point of Africa (with views of the Cape Peninsula).
Next up we ride the famous Chapmans peak drive past False Bay and then head over Signal hill into Cape Town, where we celebrate the end of an amazing tour at one of Cape Town’s best restaurants. What a ride!
*Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 19: End of tour(+- 0-50 km)
Sadly your tour of South Africa has come to an end. We guarantee that you will take home loads of awesome photographs and fond memories of South Africa the warm people you have met. Transfers will be arranged to the airport.
*Included meal: Breakfast
Skill level(s) required for this tour:
Beginner riders:
- can ride for 2-3 hours
- minimal riding experience
- assistance required
- comfortable with curves and leans
- basic experience with unsurfaced roads
- short distance ascents and descents
Intermediate riders:
- Can ride for 3-4 hours
- Average riding experience
- Little assistance required
- Comfortable with extreme curves and leans
- Average experience with unsurfaced roads
- Steep ascents and descents
Instructors
Darryl Berman
Darryl started Sama Motorcycle Tours in 2003 and has been guiding motorcycle tours through Southern Africa for the last 20 years. Born and bred in South Africa, he is a skilled rider and professional tour leader who has a great sense of humor and a wide knowledge of South Africa. He is calm under pressure, very patient, and a spectacular problem solver. He runs a tight ship at Sama Tours, ensuring every tour he is on runs smoothly, his clients returning year after year as they just can't get enough of riding on the beautiful African continent.
Location
- Day 0: Arrive in Cape Town
- Day 1: Pretoria Day Tour and Big 5 Safari
- Day 2: Dinokeng to Magoebaskloof
- Day 3: Magoebaskloof - Panorama Route Hazyview
- Day 4: Big 5 Safari into Hazyview plus optional Twisty Ride
- Day 5: Hazview to Swaziland
- Day 6: Swaziland to Battlefields
- Day 7: Battlefields to Clarens via Golden Gate
- Day 8: Clarens to Semonkong
- Day 9: Rest Day Semonkong
- Day 10: Semonkong to Aliwal North
- Day 11: Aliwal North to Addo Elephant Park
- Day 12: Addo Safari Day
- Day 13: Addo to Storms River
- Day 14: Storms River to Oudtshoorn
- Day 15: Cango Caves, Ostrich Farms and optional Swartberg Pass
- Day 16: Oudtshoorn to Cape Agulhas
- Day 17: Cape Agulhas to Cape Winelands
- Day 18: Cape Winelands - Cape Point- Cape Town
- Day 19: End of tour
Food
19 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 18 dinners are included.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Things to do (optional)
If you feel like spending a couple of days extra in Southern Africa, before or after your tour, why not try one of these popular “non motorcycle riding” excursions .Please note that we can book any post/pre tour accommodation and activities for you:
- Cape Town City stay
- Kruger Park luxury safari
- Kruger Park budget safari
- VIctoria Falls fly in safari
What's included
- 18 days motorcycle rental
- 19 night’s accommodation in 3-4 star lodges
- All petrol and toll fees
- Tour guide on a motorcycle
- Back up vehicle
- 19 Breakfasts, 15 lunches, 18 Dinners
- Big 5 Safari into Dinokeng
- Half Day Safari into Kruger National Park
- African Dances and Village Tour
- Tour of the Anglo Zulu Battlefields
- Big 5 Safari into Addo Elephant Park
- Ostrich Farm Tour and Ostrich Braai (BBQ)
- Entrance fees to Storms River Mouth
- Entrance fees to Cango Caves and Cape Point Nature Reserve
- Free shuttle service Johannesburg international airport and to the Cape Town International Airport
- Sama T-shirt
- Guide book with detailed itinerary and area information
- South African map book
- All taxes
What's not included
- Visas and cross border fees (Please note: American, Australian, British, and Canadians do not require visas for South Africa or Swaziland)
- International and local flights
- Items of a personal nature
- All items not mentioned in What's Included
- All meals other than those specified in What's Included
- All entrance fees other than those specified in What's Included
- Drinks
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Cape Town International Airport
16 km
Transfer included
O. R. Tambo International Airport
1281 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
You will arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT), the transfer from this airport to the venue is included. On your departure day, Sama Tours will drop you off at O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), the transfer is included.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.