Distance: 170km / 105 miles (100% tar) 4 to 5 hours

After collecting the motorbikes and completing the necessary paperwork, we ride the entire Cape Peninsula, southwards through the coastal towns of Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and Simonstown stopping for a dockside lunch in Kalk Bay along the way. The Cape Point Nature Reserve, Misty Cliffs and Chapmans Peak will astound you with their beauty. The last leg of the route takes you along the Atlantic Seaboard, from Lllandudno, through Camps Bay and Sea Point and a sunset ride up Signal Hill. Dinner will be at the V&A Waterfront.

Distance: 230km / 140 miles - 5 hours Level 1

From Cape Town we take the coastal road along the False Bay coastline to Stellenbosch and Franschoek. We make a brief stop here for coffee or tea and some of the famous cakes! After refreshments we climb up the Franschoek pass and wend our way through the mountains to Theewaterskloof Dam. There is a gravel road route option from the Dam to Robertson where we stop for lunch at the Four Cousins Wine Farm. The road then works its way through a series of picturesque passes to the town of Montagu with its classic whitewashed farmhouses set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Distance: 400km/240 miles (80% gravel 20% tar) 8 hours Level 3

We climb the Ou Pas (Old Pass) this morning and work our way through the mountains to the Anysberg National Park. Its then on to the famous Seweweekspoort to Calitzdorp for lunch. From Calitzdorp we take on the backroads through the Gamkaskloof Nature Reserve before traversing the picturesque 18 miles of the Swartberg Pass. As the African sun threatens the horizon we roll into Prince Albert where dinner is a traditional South African barbeque (braai) around an open fire.

Distance: 130km/140 miles - 3 hours Level 2

Leaving after a relaxing breakfast we reach Meiringspoort Pass some 40 miles from Prince Albert, it meanders through sky high sandstone mountains on a beautiful smooth tar road. From there we visit Oudtshoorn for a light lunch before taking the backroad routes along the Kammanasie Pass and the Montagu Pass to the city of George. Now in the heart of the Garden Route we ride the National Road through Wilderness, Swartvlei and Sedgefield before arriving in Knysna for our overnight in the Knysna Quays.

Distance: 210km/130 miles (40% gravel 60% tar) 4 hours Level 2

Today, after a short mountain pass it’s a fast tar section as we continue westwards to Willowmore to refuel before heading back onto the gravel for 60 miles into the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve. Our accommodation sits high up in the mountains, the driveway to the lodge offers riders a short but extremely technical riding experience (Level 4), alternatively riders can drive up in the courtesy truck that is on standby. Dinner is around the open fire on the pool deck, once again under the starlit African sky.

Distance: 180km/110 miles (50% tar 50% gravel) 6 hours Level 3

Leaving the lodge after a light breakfast we head into the most challenging and memorable part of the off road section of the trip that includes a couple of shallow water crossings and a fairly deep rocky river section in the first part. We then climb out of the valley up a narrow two track road littered with loose stones and partial cement path, this 2 mile mountain pass section requires concentration and proves a real test for even the most experienced of gravel riders. After a further 70 miles, and approximately 3 hours later we arrive at the farming village of Patensie for a well-earned rest. From Patensie it’s a tar ride to the lodge on the boundary fence of the Addo National Park.

Distance: 100km/60 miles (optional outride) Level 2

We start the day with an early morning game drive on open safari vehicles, coffee and tea in the reserve before returning to the lodge for brunch. It’s a relaxing day at the pool or take a guided ride that loops through the area. Evening game drive with drinks before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Distance: 270km/167 miles - 5 hours Level 2

After a relaxing breakfast we leave the lodge on a route that follows the lower boundary of the park to the foothills of the plateau that leads up the escarpment to the Eastern Cape Highlands. We ride mountain passes all the way, some tar and some gravel but all spectacular. The town of Hogsback sits atop a mountain that looks out over the region. Its quaint streets in its “Hogwarts” style surrounds is unique. We overnight in a mountain lodge.

Distance: 340km/240 miles - 7 hours Level 2

We continue through the mountains today, after a 20-mile track through the national forest we climb up numerous mountain passes on good gravel, through farming towns and rural villages. It’s a beautiful part of the country that remains undeveloped. We overnight at a lodge in the small town of Maclear.

Distance: 250km/150 miles - 6 hours Level 2

From Maclear the mountain passes continue endlessly. We are riding to a town called Underberg, loosely translated as under the mountain, and that it is. The Underberg sits at the base of the Sani Pass, but more of that tomorrow. Dinner at the lodge and a good night sleep thereafter, we have work to do in the morning!

Distance: 250km/150 miles - 6 hours Level 3 / 4

It is another one of those memorable days today, from Underberg we take the turnoff that leads to the Sani Pass, up ahead the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho stretches into the far reaches of the sky … the Sani Pass will take us there. It is a mere 12 miles, but 12 miles of hairpin bends and breathtaking views. No sooner has it started the road ends at the border post into Lesotho. We ride to the middle of Lesotho; its rural landscape is a picture around every bend of the mountain passes to our overnight stop at the Katse Dam. [** This day and the route is subject to change at short notice dependent on weather and road conditions]

Distance: 200km/120 miles 4 Hours Level 2

Leaving the Katse Dam we continue on the gravel passes traversing 60 miles of the Mountain Kingdom before re-entering South Africa. From the border post it’s a beautifully smooth tar road ride to our overnight accommodation in Clarens, a popular tourist venue with its trendy eateries and shops. It’s a long but eventful day in the saddle, a cold one in the local will go down well before a meal at one of the restaurants and a great night’s sleep at our boutique accommodation.

Distance: 260km/155 miles - 5 hours Level 2

To the Battlefields we go, after traversing the Golden Gate National Park Pass the road sweeps down the mini escarpment and into the “Battlefields region” of KwaZulu Natal. If you had listened to your history teacher the names of the towns along the way will ring a bell, if not they will be remembered forever. Harrismith, Glencoe and Dundee to name a few. After checking in at our hotel we will visit the British Forces Museum. Dinner will be at the hotel around an open fire.

Distance: 130km/80 miles - 4 hours Level 2

Today we savour the Battlefields and pay homage to all who lost their lives in the Anglo Zulu War. Starting at Isandlwana the local guide will entertain us as he narrates the story of the great battle between the Zulu Impis and the British Soldiers. Then a short ride to Fugitives Drift and Rorke’s Drift, where 139 British soldiers were attacked by 4000 Zulu warriors, which saw the award of more Victoria Crosses than in any other battle in history. We then head back to the lodge pool and bar for some much needed R&R.

Distance: 320km/190 miles - 4 hours Level 2

Tar road for the most part, we ride the meandering backroads to the small town of Tjakastad close to the Swaziland border. The ride takes us through the national forests that blanket the region. Overnight at a lodge high up in the mountains.

Distance: 260km/160 miles - 4 hours Level 1

Its an early start this morning, we have a date with Africa’s Big 5 this evening. As with yesterdays ride today is mainly tar. It is a mountainous region so we will ride spectacular mountain passes that undulate all the way to our hotel accommodation on the doorstep of the Kruger National Park. A game drive in an open safari vehicle is planned for late afternoon into the evening. Returning to the hotel a traditional dinner is served in the boma.

Distance: 200km/120 miles (optional) - Level 1 (3 hours)

The plan for the day is an early morning game drive into the Kruger Park, we return to the hotel for brunch whereafter there is an optional out-ride to Sabi, the Mac-Mac Falls and Pilgrims Rest. It’s a beautiful area with numerous local tours available to riders to explore the area. Another late afternoon/evening game drive into the park and back at the same hotel for the night.

Distance: 300km/180 miles (6 hours) Level 2

Back to the mountains we head to finish with a flourish of mountain passes! We ride a combination of tar and gravel roads through the region. It is a mere 60 mile direct route to our last night on the tour, however we will be taking the more scenic route through the picturesque mountain passes and quaint small forest villages. Bergvlei Pass, Bakenkop Pass, Sudwala Pass and Crocodile Pass will leave you in awe. We are staying the night at a private bush lodge, the open fire, starlit sky and a traditional BBQ / Braai is a fitting end to 18 glorious days experiencing the best riding in South Africa.

Distance:

There are direct flights from Nelspruit direct to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Nelspruit to Johannesburg – 7 flights daily – 1 hour.
Nelspruit to Cape Town – 3 flights daily – 2 hour 30 minute flight.