Africa Off-Road
Through a Zulu Village - Kwazulu Natal Province
Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
Bourke's Luck, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Safari in Kruger National Park
Zulu Village - Kwazulu Natal Province
Sani Pass, Lesotho
Two Riders - Kwa-Zulu Natal Province
Bird's-Eye View - Sani Pass
Descending the Swartberg Pass
Tour Schedule 2013
| Dates | 2013 Adventures | Length | Price (USD) | Co-rider | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 23 - Nov 3 | Africa Off-Road | 12 | $5,500 | $3,850 |
Tour Schedule 2014
| Date | 2014 Adventures | Days | Price (USD) | Co-rider | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 22 - Nov 2 | Africa Off-Road | 12 | $5,500 | $3,850 |
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At a Glance
Your Africa Off Road Adventure
| Day | From | KM |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Sandton (Johannesburg) | |
| Day 2 | Sandton to Dullstroom | 270 |
| Day 3 | Dullstroom to Magoesbaskloof | 335 |
| Day 4 | Magoebaskloof to Hazyview | 295 |
| Day 5 | Free Day in Hazyview | |
| Day 6 | Hazyview to Swaziland | 190 |
| Day 7 | Swaziland to Eshowe | 470 |
| Day 8 | Eshowe to Kokstad | 390 |
| Day 9 | Kokstad to Sani Top | 200 |
| Day 10 | Sani Top to Golden Gate Highlands National Park | 250 |
| Day 11 | Golden Gate Highlands National Park to Sandton | 350 |
| Day 12 | Departure from Johannesburg) |
View Africa Off Road in a larger map
Our 12-day African Off-Road Adventure is designed for riders who relish leaving the pavement behind to explore rural areas of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Although we’ll seek “the road less traveled” by day, comfortable accommodations, great food, a cold beer and the comforts of home await riders at the end of a dusty day on the dirt and gravel.
The Adventure begins with one of our favorite routes: the Highlands Meander and the Panorama Route, situated at the higher reaches of the stunning Mpumalanga Escarpment. We’ll enjoy the legendary motorcycling roads of the Mpumalanga Province and the vaunted Panorama Route. Then we’ll head for Swaziland and Lesotho to collect a few more passport stamps.
Highlights of the African Off-Road Adventure include:
- An overnight stay in the small hamlet of Dullstroom. This charming village is in the heart of the Highlands Meander, a beautiful part of Mpumalanga, noted for it's clear streams, lakes and breathtaking scenery
- An overnignt stay in Magoesbaskloof, at the extreme northern tip of the Drakensberg Mountian Range in Limpopo Province - the northernmost province in South Africa. The province is replete with dramatic landscapes, forests and beautiful grasslands
- An all-day safari in Kruger National Park - one of the largest and most popular game parks in Africa - with the opportunity to see Africa's "Big Five"
- A ride through Barberton and over the Saddleback Pass into the Kingdom of Swaziland. We’ll stay in Piggs Peak, surrounded by the beauty of the Swazi Mountains.
- A ride up the magnificent Sani Pass and an overnight stay at a mountaintop lodge that features “the highest pub on the African continent”
- A ride through the Kingdom of Lesotho before re-entering South Africa and returning to Sandton
This is truly a magnificent motorcycling experience for those with off-road skills. As with our Namibian Splendors and RawHyde Namibian Adventure, Africa Off-Road is "dusty by day, but bedazzled by night".
The Route
The route consists of a wide variety of road conditions - unpaved as well as paved. Off-road experience is required.
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Much of this tour takes place in the best motorcycling areas that South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland have to offer. Distances noted reflect direct distances from from one overnight stop to another. Most riders will wish to enjoy the many great motorcycling roads that surround these interesting stops. Daily riding distances could be longer than what is reflected in this itinerary.
Additional Information
Includes BMW G650GS, or BMW G650GS Sertão
Additional charge of $400 for a BMW F650GS
Additional charge of $600 for a BMW F800GS
Additional charge of $1,350 for a BMW R1200GS
Additional charge of $1,600 for a BMW R1200GS Adventure
Single room supplement - $800
Meals: All breakfasts and dinners, including non-alcoholic beverages
Arrive Sandton (Johannesburg). Welcome to South Africa! We will pick you up at the international airport in Johannesburg and transport you to our hotel in suburban Sandton. We'll turn over the motorcycles and will have a kickoff meeting to introduce you to the coming Adventure. We'll kick off things with a welcome dinner in the evening.
Sandton to Dullstroom (~270 km). In no time at all we'll leave Johannesburg behind and enter south Africa's "Cultural Heartland" - Mpumalanga Province. Our destination is the charming little town of Dullstroom - the fly fishing capital of South Africa.
At an altitude of nearly 7,000 feet, Dullstroom is often the coldest place in South Africa but temperatures will vary between 60 and 80 degrees during our visit - ideal riding weather. With it's proximity to the "Big Five" towns of South Africa's Lowveld, there is no lack of good motorcycling nearby.
Dullstroom to Magoesbaskloof (~335 km).We'll leave Mpumalanga Province for a trip to Magoebaskloof in South Africa's Limpopo Province - South Africa's northernmost Province which borders three other countries: Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
We'll enjoy several of South Africa's most popular motorcycling roads on the way to Magoebaskloof, including Abel Erasmus Pass and Tunnel, and possibly Long Tom Pass as well. At Abel Erasmus Pass we'll stop to have a look at various African arts and crafts being sold by local vendors. And don't worry, we'll have a support vehicle nearby to help you with anything that won't fit on the bike.
We'll arrive at our hotel in Magoebaskloof in plenty of time to relax with a drink on the veranda overlooking the beautiful green hills and nearby forests and we'll also have the opportunity to observe the very rare Samango Monkeys that inhabit the grounds. Because the hotel management is committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly management practices, they have lived in harmony with these monkeys for many years. Samangoes are seen around the hotel on a daily basis. Dominant males sometimes venture into rooms to scrounge for edibles left lying around.
Magoebaskloof to Hazyview (~295 km). We'll head back to Mpumalanga Province and we'll once again ride some of the most stunning roads on the African continent. Scenic stops will include several overlooks of the magnificent Blyde River Canyon and we'll visit the famous Bourke's Luck Potholes. Riders interested in a short hike through a tropical rain forest may also visit one of the most stunning overlooks of all at God's Window.
Our stop this evening in Hazyview is at "Hippo Hollow" - just a few kilometers away from Kruger National Park - one of the most popular game reserves in Africa. Hippo Hollow is named for the many hippo that populate the local rivers and you're almost guaranteed to see them during your two-night stay at Hazyview. The hippo is one of the most dangerous animals in Africa (more humans are killed per year by the hippo than by any other animal) and they pose a significant danger while out crossing the roads at night. We'll be fine, as they are almost never seen on the highways during daylight.
Hazyview will provide a nice two-night stop that will permit us to visit Kruger National Park tomorrow.
Free Day in Hazyview. Safari in Kruger National Park. We'll leave the motorcycles behind today in favor of some open Land Rover vehicles for an all-day safari in Kruger National Park, including lunch at a game lodge inside the park.
Kruger is one of the largest game reserves in Africa - 40 miles wide and more than 200 miles in length. During your day in Kruger you're likely to have an opportunity to see all of Africa's "Big Five" - Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino and Cape Buffalo. A popular YouTube video (Battle at Kruger) was filmed during a Kruger safari a few years ago and went "viral", with more than 20 million views. Click here to see it. Bring your camera and you may be able to capture your own "once in a lifetime" shots.
Hazyview to Swaziland (190 km). We'll do a border crossing into Swaziland today, including a stop near the Swazi border for a visit to a Swazi village and cultural experience. We'll enjoy a beautiful ride through the Swazi Mountains with an overnight stay at a popular hotel/casino.
Swaziland to Eshowe ( ~ 470 km, 290 miles). We'll ride stunning Swazi mountain roads until we re-enter South Africa and continue through Kwa-Zulu Natal Province - homeland to the Zulus. Eshowe is situated close to the capitals of the old Zulu kingdoms and is steeped in Zulu and colonial history. The city has been home to many Zulu kings, including Shaka.
Highlights: Shakaland, constructed as a make believe village that was originally created for the film sets of Shaka Zulu and John Ross. The village offers visual explanations and lectures about Zulu traditions. After dinner, you can attend a re-enactment of native Zulu dancing.
Highlights: Shakaland, constructed as a make believe village that was originally created for the film sets of Shaka Zulu and John Ross. The village offers visual explanations and lectures about Zulu traditions. After dinner, you can attend a re-enactment of native Zulu dancing.
Eshowe to Kokstad (~ 390 km, 240 miles). See traditional South African life as it exists in rural areas of the country. Pass through the former Transkei and Siskei areas, which, during the apartheid years, comprised the black “Homelands”. Landscape are very pretty, with deep valleys and many scenic overlooks. Our destination is Kokstad, a small rural town in KWa-Zulu Natal Province, situated at the foot of the vaunted Drakensberg Mountains.
Kokstad to Sani Top (~ 200 km, 125 miles). For off-road aficionados, today's ride represents the most technically challenging of the trip, as we use the Sani Pass to reach the Sani Top Chalet at the top of the pass. The pass is a notoriously dangerous road and only 4x4s or dual-sport motorcycles are permitted to leave the South African border post to climb the pass.
Don't be fooled by today's mileage. Although the pass itself is only about 10 kms in length, we'll enjoy additional riding today - both in South Africa and Lesotho.
We'll spend the evening at a delightful (and very unusual lodge) at the top of the pass. Although the lodge features "the highest pub on the African continent", be sure to stay awake long enough to see the incredible white carpet of stars after the sun goes down.
Don't be fooled by today's mileage. Although the pass itself is only about 10 kms in length, we'll enjoy additional riding today - both in South Africa and Lesotho.
We'll spend the evening at a delightful (and very unusual lodge) at the top of the pass. Although the lodge features "the highest pub on the African continent", be sure to stay awake long enough to see the incredible white carpet of stars after the sun goes down.
Sani Top to Golden Gate Highlands National Park (~ 250 km, 155 miles). Today we ride "The Roof of Africa" through the Kingdom of Lesotho - the only country in the world that lies entirely above an altitude of 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). The lowest point in this country is 1,400 meters (4,593 feet). Both the paved portions of the ride as well as the off-road portions provide stunning landscapes and glimpses into village life in this rural kingdom.
We'll re-enter South Africa at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park - an area famous for its golden, ochre, and orange-hued deeply eroded sandstone cliffs and outcrops, including the Brandwag rock. The area also features numerous caves and shelters displaying San rock paintings.
We'll re-enter South Africa at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park - an area famous for its golden, ochre, and orange-hued deeply eroded sandstone cliffs and outcrops, including the Brandwag rock. The area also features numerous caves and shelters displaying San rock paintings.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park to Sandton (~ 350 km, 220 miles). We'll end our Adventure with a pleasant ride through South Africa's Orange Free State and back to Sandton. We'll enjoy a delicious final celebration dinner in one of Sandton's great restaurants.
Departure from Johannesburg. Breakfast and airport transfer.
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 BMW G650GS | Seat Height: 780 mm / 30.7 inches Dry Weight: 176 kg / 388 lb Fuel Capacity: 17.3 Liters / 4.6 Gallons Displacement:652 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,000 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,500 Alaska/Canada: $2,500 Argentina: $3,000 Chile: $2,500 Europe (except Spain and Portugal): $1,500 New Zealand: $1,500 Spain and Portugal: $3,000 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 BMW F650GS | Seat Height: 820 mm / 790 mm Seat Height: 32.3 inches / 31.1 inches Dry Weight: 171 kg / 377 lb Fuel Capacity: 16 Liters / 4.2 Gallons Displacement: 798 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,000 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,500 Alaska/Canada: $2,500 Argentina: $3,500 Chile: $2,500 Europe (except Spain and Portugal): $2,500 New Zealand: $1,500 Spain and Portugal: $3,000 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Seat Height: 880 mm / 850 mm Seat Height: 34.65 inches / 33.46 inches Dry Weight: 178 kg / 392 lb Fuel Capacity: 16 Liters / 4.3 Gallons Displacement: 798 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,500 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,750 Alaska/Canada: $2,500 Argentina: $4,000 Chile: $2,500 Europe (except Spain and Portugal): $2,500 New Zealand: $1,500 Spain and Portugal: $3,000 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 BMW R1200GS | Seat Height: 870 mm / 850 mm Seat Height: 34.25 inches / 33.46 inches Dry Weight: 199 kg / 439 lb Fuel Capacity: 20 Liters / 5.3 Gallons Displacement: 1170 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,500 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,750 Alaska/Canada: $2,500 Argentina: $4,500 Chile: $2,500 Europe (except Spain and Portugal): $2,500 New Zealand: $3,500 Spain and Portugal: $3,000 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 BMW R1200GS Adventure | Seat Height: 915 mm / 895 mm Seat Height: 36.02 inches / 35.24 inches Dry Weight: 223 kg / 492 lb Fuel Capacity: 33 Liters / 8.7 Gallons Displacement: 1170 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $5,000 South Africa and Swaziland: $2,500 Alaska/Canada: $2,500 Argentina: $5,000 Chile: $2,500 |
The single supplement applies for riders who request single occupancy. It also applies for cases in which a rider wishes to share a room with another rider, but there are no riders available or willing to share a room.