SOUTH AFRICA BACKROADS ADVENTURE

*This tour is for Custom Tour Groups Only. If you have 8 riders or more, please contact us regarding pricing.

This South Africa motorcycle tour mixes paved roads, easy dirt roads and challenging jeep trail riding with elegant accommodations. This IS the Ultimate Backroads Adventure in South Africa. You will not only ride the most scenic roads in South Africa, but discover the vastness and beauty of this amazing country from the back roads. Ride with a local guide who can show you out-of-the-way places, learn about the culture and the history of this vibrant country. Half of the itinerary huggs the rugged and scenic South African coast and the rest features through mountain range after mountain range. Stand at the Cape of Good Hope, ride to the very southern tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas, experience a human powered ferry when you cross the cross the Breede River at Malgas, watch sufers and dolphins cut waves at the surfers paradise of South Africa at Jeffreys Bay, spend an afternoon on a Land Cruiser safari at Addo Elephant National Park, explore the Baviaanskloof – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the most biodiverse areas on the planet, tour through the Big and Little Karoo, taste the wines of Franchhoek, and enjoy the open spaces of the Cedarberg Mountains. You will have taken a cable car to the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, visited an Ostrich Farm, and seen Baboons, Zebras, Kudus and more from the seat of your motorcycle. It’s South Africa, and you are going to ride the best of it!

ROAD CONDITIONS:

Your motorcycle adventure will feature 40% dirt surfaces ranging from smoothly grated roads to jeep trails. 60% is world-class pavement with great curves and no traffic. There is one day that features water crossings and jeep trails.

SOUTH AFRICA BACKROADS ADVENTURE

Starting Price: $4,500
Total Miles: 1,817

Difficulty: Is this tour right for me?
Contact us with any questions

THE ITINERARY

Day 2 - Free Day in Cape Town

This day is dedicated to getting acclimated after jet lag and exploring Cape Town. After breakfast, we head out on an orientation tour of the “Mother City” as she is affectionately known. This includes a cable car ride to the top of Cape Town’s famous 1,000-meter (3,000 feet) backdrop, Table Mountain. For those who are interested, take a trip to Robben Island, which is best known internationally as the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 19 of his 27 years of incarceration. Spend the rest of the day and evening at leisure. Stay in Cape Town.

Day 3 - Cape Town to Grabouw 93miles/150km

Pick up your motorcycle and ease into our first days riding with a trip down the visually stunning Cape Peninsula. This is an unforgettable journey to the mythical meeting place of the two great oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic. Breathtaking scenic beauty contrasts with the harsh rugged conditions of the most south-westerly edge of the African Continent. After a visit to the Cape of Good Hope, we continue along the coast and over Sir Lowry's Pass to Grabouw area where we spend the night. Stay near Grabouw.

Day 6 - Free day in and around Knysna Up to 150miles/241km

The Garden Route region is a perfect base from which to explore the Garden Route. Take outrides to the surrounding hot spots like Plettenberg Bay, the Outeniqua Forest, Montegu Pass etc or simply relax and enjoy activities in and around Knysna. Discover the galleries and flea markets, workshops and buskers on foot. The Knysna lagoon attracts with cruises to the Heads and Featherbed Nature Reserve - a natural heritage site. Visit the beautiful private beach of Noetzie with its magnificent Page 5 castles, located just east of Knysna. Or, how about an ocean safari to view the diverse and plentiful sea life just beyond the breakers. Other adventurous activities include abseiling, canoeing, creeking, deep-sea fishing, diving, hiking, horse riding, whale watching, quad biking, and much more. Stay in Knysna.

Day 8 - Jeffry’s Bay to Zuurberg 83miles/135km

This is part of the motorcycle trip where you search of Africa's Big 5 wild animals. Heading north east from Jeffrey's bay, we bypass Port Elizabeth en route to the Addo Elephant National Park. Addo lies deep within the shadows of the dense valley of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape. We head for the high ground through the old pass to the spectacular location of the Zuurberg Mountain Village. The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area. This afternoon we will join a qualified ranger for a safari game drive into the national park. Today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 420 elephants, 450 Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. Even more exciting is that for the first time in over 100 years, lion and spotted hyena were reintroduced to the park recently. Here, the evenings are punctuated by the strident howl of the black-backed jackal. A game drive and dinner are included. Stay at Zuurberg Mountain Villiage.

Day 9 - Zuurberg to the Baviaanskloof 168miles/269km

Riding south west, this is where the backcountry comes into its own as we head into an area known as the Baviaanskloof, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The road leads through the rugged beauty of the "Grootrivier" Gorge on its winding path through this pristine conservancy. It rises and descends steeply in places and encompasses a number of passes including the Combrinks, Holgat, Grasnek and Nuwekloos. These were some of the last mountain passes constructed by Thomas Bain, between 1880 and 1890. The Baviaanskloof is the longest of the 24 roads he built. The road has concrete causeways in places to keep the road in place during flash floods. In other places it just follows the river. The area is characterized by extremely diverse landscape due to the region's high geological, topographic and climatic diversity. The colorful cliffs and rock formations are characteristic of the predominant hard sandstone, which is part of the Table Mountain group of sediments. The beauty of the Baviaanskloof is hard to describe. For the adventurous, this vast mountain kingdom offers a unique wilderness experience through stunningly beautiful landscapes found only in the Eastern Cape. Stay at the Sederkloof Lodge.

Day 10 - Baviaanskloof to Prince Albert 173miles/279km

Head your motorcycles west, exiting the Baviaanskloof via Willowmore along the northern edge of the Groot Swartberg mountains. Continue through the Great Karoo via Klaarstroom and Meiringspoort and on to the charming town of Prince Albert. Prince Albert lies 650 metres above sea level and has approximately 8000 inhabitants. It is both, relaxed and lively, with many beautifully restored Cape Dutch and Victorian houses lining the streets. The main commercial activity is Merino sheep farming, however, fruit and olives are also cultivated on the mountain slopes. Stay in Prince Albert.

Day 11 - Prince Albert to Oudtshoorn 108miles/174km

Start your ride with a journey through the last of Thomas Bains creations, the Swartberg Pass, which leads us down into the ostrich capital of the world, the town of Oudtshoorn. En route, we take a detour to "Die Hel", a unique dead end town which was the place a group of Dutch pioneers were "lost" for over 100 years. We continue for a visit to the magnificent Cango Caves. After the caves, spend a bit of time in the town and visit an ostrich farm, before proceeding to our accommodation for the evening in Oudtshoorn. Stay in Oudtshoorn.

Day 12 - Oudtshoorn to Montagu 198miles/319km

Depart Oudtshoorn and head along the Route 62 via Calitzdorp and Barrydale to Montagu. There are similarities between Route 62 and America's Route 66. Both were developed to link rural towns and villages to major centres and both were replaced by highways diverting traffic along more direct roads. Route 62 is now emerging from hibernation to delight the discerning visitor wanting to explore the best of the Western Cape. No motorcycle trip would be complete without a visit to Ronnie's Sex Shop. Along with this direct route, there will be up to two sojours through beautiful canyons: Seweweekspoort and along the Tradourivier River. Stay in Montegu.

Day 14 - Ceres to Cedarberg Mountains 75miles/121km

Travel North into the Cedarberg Mountains which stretch for approximately 100 km. The highest peaks are around 2000 metres (6000 feet). Of special interest are the many weathered sandstone formations, which create a spectacular stage. The Cedarberg derives its name from a species of cedar trees, which grows at an altitude of between 1067 and 1372 meters. Today the mountain range is a proclaimed wilderness area. It is a superb recreational area with caves, bushman painting, waterfalls, stunning view sites and astonishing formations such as the Wolfberg Arch and Maltese Cross. This is some of the best riding terrain in the country. A real treat for those who love uninhibited wilderness riding and awesome views. Stay near Mount Cedar.

Day 15 - Mount Cedar to Franschhoek 123miles/199km

Travel by motorcycle south through scenic citrus country as you move closer to Cape Town. Leave the rustic wilderness feel of the country and enter the equally beautiful Winelands of South Africa. Pass through many small farming towns and heavily cultivated areas as we travel en route to Franschhoek or the French Glen as it was originally referred to. More than three centuries ago about 200 French Huguenots, having escaped religious persecution, settled in the Berg River Valley and founded the community of Franschhoek. With its fine balmy summers and the majority of its rainfall in winter, the French Huguenots recognized the potential of the region for wine production and fruit growing. Today it is considered the food and wine capital of the Cape. Stay in Franschhoek.

Day 16 - Franschhoek to Cape Town 50miles/81km

As the end of our trip approaches we take the day to explore the area at a leisurely pace. There is something for everyone in and around these Winelands towns. Apart from the natural beauty and host of activities on offer, the region is also steeped in history and museums and art galleries abound. It also has a great café culture where you can sit out on the street corner and watch the town go by. After a relaxing day we return to Cape Town and deliver your motorcycle back. Tonight is our Farewell Dinner. Stay in Cape Town.

THE GEAR TO BRING

MotoQuest guides wear KLIM helmets, jackets, pants and gloves, and we outfit our motorcycles with luggage and accessories from Revzilla. You can view and download our complete MotoQuest packing list here.

Included with the tour:

Hotel Accommodations
Premiere Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Professional MotoQuest Guide(s)
Support Vehicle
Support Vehicle Driver
Staff Trained in First Aid with Satellite Phone
MotoQuest Swag Bag
Photos Taken on the Trip
Automatic Enrollment in Global Rescue

Not Included:

Airfare
Meals on the Road
Gas
Alcohol
Alternative Tours
Travel Insurance
Gratuities
National Park Entrance Fees

MotoQuest Staff on Tour:

Phil Freeman

Landmarks And Attractions

Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland located at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa. It is a part of the Table Mountain National Park and is known for its stunning coastal scenery and diverse wildlife. The Cape of Good Hope holds great historical importance as it was a significant landmark for early explorers and sailors. It earned its name from the Portuguese explorer, Bartolomeu Dias, who first referred to it as the "Cape of Storms" due to the treacherous weather conditions encountered in the area. Later, it was renamed the "Cape of Good Hope" as it offered hope and a sense of accomplishment to sailors traveling from Europe to the East Indies. The Cape of Good Hope is surrounded by the mighty Atlantic Ocean, and its rugged cliffs and rocky shores create a dramatic and picturesque landscape. The area is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the unique fynbos vegetation, which is endemic to the region. Visitors to the Cape of Good Hope may have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as baboons, ostriches, and various bird species. One of the iconic landmarks within the Cape of Good Hope is the Cape Point Lighthouse, perched atop a rocky promontory. The lighthouse offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and is a popular spot for visitors to capture memorable photographs. Exploring the Cape of Good Hope allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. There are several hiking trails that wind through the rugged terrain, providing opportunities to witness breathtaking vistas and encounter the local flora and fauna up close. It's important to note that while the Cape of Good Hope is often referred to as the southernmost point of Africa, it is not actually the geographic southernmost tip. That distinction belongs to Cape Agulhas, located a bit further east.

Cape Agulhas

Cape Agulhas is indeed the southernmost point of the African continent, located in South Africa. It marks the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, making it a unique and noteworthy destination. The name "Agulhas" is derived from the Portuguese word for "needles," which refers to the treacherous rocks and reefs that lie off the coast. This area has been a navigational challenge for sailors throughout history due to its unpredictable weather and strong currents. Cape Agulhas is known for its rugged and picturesque coastline, characterized by rocky shores, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs. The landscape is dotted with fynbos vegetation, which is endemic to the region and adds to the natural beauty of the area. Visitors to Cape Agulhas can explore the Agulhas National Park, which encompasses the southernmost tip of Africa. The park offers various walking trails that allow you to immerse yourself in the stunning coastal scenery and observe the diverse plant and animal life that thrives in the area. One of the notable landmarks at Cape Agulhas is the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1849 and offers panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and coastline. It serves as a reminder of the area's maritime history and the importance of navigation in this challenging environment. Cape Agulhas is also a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, as the waters off the coast are known for their abundance of fish species. Anglers can try their luck from the shore or venture out on fishing charters to experience the thrill of catching a variety of marine creatures. Exploring Cape Agulhas allows you to witness the meeting point of two great oceans and experience the raw beauty of the southernmost tip of Africa. It's a place where you can appreciate the power of nature and reflect on the historical significance of this remarkable location.

Knysna, South Africa

Knysna is a popular tourist destination along the famed Garden Route, known for its natural beauty, lagoon, and vibrant arts and crafts scene. Located in the Western Cape province, Knysna is surrounded by lush forests, tranquil lakes, and stunning coastal landscapes. The centerpiece of the town is the Knysna Lagoon, a large estuary that opens up to the Indian Ocean. The lagoon is a haven for water-based activities such as boating, kayaking, and fishing. One of the iconic landmarks in Knysna is the Knysna Heads, which are two towering sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance to the lagoon. These majestic cliffs offer breathtaking views and are a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Knysna is also known for its vibrant arts and crafts community. The town is home to numerous art galleries, craft markets, and studios where you can discover unique handmade creations by local artists. The annual Knysna Oyster Festival, held in July, is a highlight for food and wine enthusiasts, showcasing the region's delicious oysters and other culinary delights. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Knysna. The surrounding forests are part of the Garden Route National Park, offering a range of hiking and walking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints and cascading waterfalls. The Knysna Elephant Park provides an opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants, while the nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve offers guided tours and stunning views of the lagoon. In terms of accommodation, Knysna offers a variety of options, from cozy guesthouses and boutique hotels to self-catering cottages and luxury resorts. The town's hospitality and warm atmosphere make it a welcoming place for visitors from near and far.

Baviaanskloof

The Baviaanskloof is a rugged and remote wilderness area in the Eastern Cape of South Africa! Baviaanskloof, which translates to "Valley of Baboons," is a place of untamed beauty and natural wonders. Baviaanskloof is a World Heritage Site and is known for its pristine landscapes, dramatic gorges, and diverse flora and fauna. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. The kloof is characterized by its rugged terrain, deep valleys, and towering mountains. It offers a range of activities for those who dare to explore its wild beauty. Hiking and backpacking trails wind through the wilderness, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the untouched natural surroundings. The trails vary in difficulty, catering to both experienced hikers and those seeking a more leisurely stroll. The biodiversity of Baviaanskloof is truly remarkable. The area is home to a wide array of plant species, including fynbos, succulents, and indigenous trees. Wildlife enthusiasts may have the opportunity to spot various animals, such as baboons, antelope, and even the elusive Cape leopard. Birdwatchers will delight in the abundance of birdlife, with over 300 species recorded in the area. One of the highlights of Baviaanskloof is the scenic drive along the Baviaanskloof Pass. This gravel road winds through the kloof, offering breathtaking views of the rugged landscape and the opportunity to witness the raw beauty of the region. It's important to note that Baviaanskloof is a remote and challenging destination. The area is largely undeveloped, with limited facilities and services. Visitors should come prepared with proper equipment, supplies, and a sense of adventure. Exploring Baviaanskloof allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the raw beauty of nature and experience a sense of tranquility and awe.

"Die Hel" in South Africa

"Die Hel," a place of mystery and rugged beauty in South Africa! "Die Hel," also known as Gamkaskloof, is a secluded valley located in the Swartberg Mountains of the Western Cape province. This hidden gem earned its nickname "Die Hel," which translates to "The Hell," due to its isolated and challenging terrain. The valley was once only accessible by foot or donkey, making it a remote and difficult place to reach. However, in recent years, a gravel road has been constructed, allowing visitors to venture into this unique and captivating destination. "Die Hel" is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, deep gorges, and towering cliffs. The valley is surrounded by rugged mountains, creating a sense of seclusion and tranquility. The journey to "Die Hel" is an adventure in itself, as the road winds through steep and winding passes, offering breathtaking views along the way. Once you arrive in "Die Hel," you'll find a small community of residents who have chosen to live in this remote valley. The residents have preserved the traditional way of life, and visiting "Die Hel" provides a glimpse into a bygone era. The valley is also home to a museum that showcases the history and heritage of the area. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse flora and fauna found in "Die Hel." The valley is a haven for birdwatchers, with a variety of bird species calling the area home. Hiking trails allow visitors to explore the surrounding mountains and take in the awe-inspiring scenery. It's important to note that "Die Hel" is a remote and secluded destination. Facilities and services are limited, and visitors should come prepared with supplies and a sense of adventure. The journey to "Die Hel" may not be for the faint of heart, but for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, it offers a unique and unforgettable adventure.