African Southern Cross Adventure
Camps Bay - Cape Town
Rider Magazine Group at Cape L'Agulhas - South Africa
Hill Climbing in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province - South Africa
Owls of Kruger National Park
The View From Table Mountain - Cape Town, South Africa
Riding the Cape Peninsula
Gordons Bay, Cape Town
Chapmans Peak Drive - The Cape Peninsual - South Africa
Cape Town Waterfront
Meiringspoort - Swartberg Mountains
Tradouw Pass - near Barrydale, South Africa - Overberg Mountains
Swartberg Pass
Swazi Mountains
Standard Room - Jock Safari Lodge - inside Kruger National Park
From the balcony of our lodge - Jock Safari Lodge - Kruger National Park
Elephant Cow and Calf - Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park
Eshowe - Zulu Village - South Africa
Bloukrans Bungee Jump - Highest in the World
Tour Schedule 2013
| Dates | 2013 Adventures | Length | Price (USD) | Co-rider | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 16 - 29 | Southern Cross (Cape Town to Johannesburg) | 14 | $8,975 | $6,400 | |
| Sep 7 - 20 | Southern Cross (Cape Town to Johannesburg) | 14 | $8,975 | $6,400 | |
| Nov 6 - 19 | Southern Cross (Cape Town to Johannesburg) sponsored by Bob's BMW | 14 | $8,975 | $6,400 | Sponsored by Bob's BMW - Jessup, Maryland |
Tour Schedule 2014
| Date | 2014 Adventures | Days | Price (USD) | Co-rider | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 15 - 28 | Southern Cross (Cape Town to Johannesburg) | 14 | $8,975 | $6,400 | |
| Sep 27 - Oct 10 | Southern Cross (Cape Town to Johannesburg) | 14 | $8,975 | $6,400 |
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At a Glance
Your Southern Cross Adventure
| Date | From | Km |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival Cape Town | 0 |
| Day 2 | Cape Town to Cape L'Agulhas | 280 |
| Day 3 | Cape L'Agulhas to Oudtshoorn | 325 |
| Day 4 | Oudtshoorn to Knysna | 150 |
| Day 5 | Free Day in Knysna | 0 |
| Day 6 | Knysna to Grahamstown | 375 |
| Day 7 | Grahamstown to Kokstad | 560 |
| Day 8 | Kokstad to Eshowe | 390 |
| Day 9 | Free Day in Eshowe | 0 |
| Day 10 | Eshowe to Piggs Peak, Swaziland | 470 |
| Day 11 | Piggs Peak to Kruger National Park, South Africa | 300 |
| Day 12 | Free Day in Kruger National Park | 0 |
| Day 13 | Kruger National Park to Sandton | 400 |
| Day 14 | Departure from Johannesburg | |
| Total | 3,250 |
The Southern Cross is the first part of our three-trip African Trilogy. The trip through South Africa and Swaziland offers an unforgettable Adventure for motorcyclists who wish to incorporate Africa into their globe-riding plans. This 14-day Adventure could have been named “Best of South Africa”; we've incorporated more of South Africa's highlights into our Southern Cross Adventure than you'll find in any other South African tour. Why fly all the way to Africa and miss any of the following highlights?
- Upscale accommodations, starting with Cape Town's Victoria & Alfred Hotel on the Pierhead at the Waterfront.
Overnight accommodations in an upscale but rustic lodge at the southernmost point of the African continent - where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Each of the lodge's eight rooms features a private balcony overlooking the ocean. - An overnight stay at a working wine and ostrich farm in the setting of a 4 star Cape Dutch Country House.
- A two-night stay at a premium hotel on the waterfront in Knysna - a small South African town that for several years has been recognized as South Africa's favorite vacation spot.
- A visit to a Zulu Community in Kwa-Zulu Natal province.
- An overnight stay in Swaziland, with a ride through the beautiful Swazi Mountains
- The "Grand Finale" - two nights in a luxury game lodge in the midst of the Kruger National Park. Multiple game drives, including evening game drives, are an important part of this exceptional experience. Some competitors offer a game drive through the park, but only Ayres Adventures offers two nights inside the park in a luxury tented game lodge.
Our Southern Cross Adventure includes plenty of the country's most popular motorcycling roads, coupled with an opportunity to truly enjoy the wildlife and cultural aspects of this fascinating area of the world.
Although our route is totally paved and ideal for two-up riding, this tour offers exciting off-pavement alternate routes as well. Off-pavement opportunities include South Africa's Swartberg Pass, Prince Alfred Pass, Montague Pass, Swaziland's Saddleback Pass, and many others.
The Route
The route is entirely paved, with a variety of road features. The route over the Swartberg Pass consists of 30 kilometers of gravel and is optional.
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Additional Information
Includes BMW F650GS
Additional charge of $525 for BMW F800GS
Additional charge of $1070 for BMW R1200R
Additional charge of $1200 for a BMW R1200GS or BMW R1200RT
Additional charge of $1500 for a BMW R1200GS Adventure
Additional charge of $2280 for a BMW K1600GT
Additional charge of $2900 for a BMW K1600GTL
Single room supplement - $1425.
Meals: All breakfasts and 12 dinners
Arrival in Cape Town. Airport transfer, motorcycle handover, kickoff meeting and our first dinner together! Accommodations at the luxury V&A Hotel and dinner at a first class restaurant on the Waterfront. Riders arriving early can visit Table Mountain, take a city tour, or enjoy the cafes, restaurants and shopping that the waterfront has to offer.
Cape Town to Cape L'Agulhas (~280 km, 175 miles). Ride the beautiful coastal route through Gordon's Bay, Betty's Bay and Hermanus to Cape L'Agulhas. After a gourmet dinner, enjoy the ocean view from your private balcony.
Highlights: Visit the southernmost point on the African Continent, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean meet.
Cape L'Agulhas to Oudtshoorn (~325 km, 200 miles) Ride South Africa's famous wine route, enjoy beautiful mountain sweepers, and enter the Swartberg Mountains.
Highlights: Tradouws Pass, South Africa's wine route, The Klein Karoo (semi-arid desert), Oudtshoorn (the ostrich capital of he world). Enjoy an overnight stay at a working wine and ostrich farm in the setting of a 4 star Cape Dutch Country House.Oudtshoorn to Knysna (~175 km, 110 miles). Spectacular riding through various mountain passes and valleys.
Highlights: Swartberg Pass, Meeringspoort Pass, Outeniqua Pass, Four Passes, and numerous smaller mountain passes.
Knysna is a small South African town that has consistently been votes "the most popular vacation destination in South Africa".
Highlights: Visit the "Knysna Heads" - the most striking geological feature along the entire southern African coastline. Other options include riding the gravel Prince Alfred Pass, a leisurely train ride along the Indian Ocean to the railroad museum in George, the Knysna elephant sanctuary, or the world's highest bungee jump at the nearby Bloukrans River Bridge. Or stay in town and enjoy the interesting shops and cafes in Knysna.
Knysna to Grahamstown (~ 340 km, 210 miles). An easy, picturesque ride as we ride along the East Coast past the city of Port Elizabeth to the beautiful little town which is home to Rhodes University.
Highlights: Beautiful roads as we leave South Africa's Garden Route and head for the Wild Coast. Stay in a landmark hotel that has hosted such famous South African leaders as Nelson Mandela and president Tabo Mbeki.
Grahamstown to Kokstad (~ 560 km, 350 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”. Landscapes are very pretty, with deep valleys and many scenic overlooks. Our destination is Kokstad, a small rural town in KWa-Zulu Natal Province.
Kokstad to Eshowe (~ 360 km, 240 miles). Ride through Kwa-Zulu Natal Province - home of the Zulu people. 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.Free Day in Eshowe. Visit a Zulu village with a local guide who is knowledgeable about Zulu culture and the surrounding areas. You will have time to visit other attractions near Eshowe in the morning. Possibilities include an aerial boardwalk in the Dlinza Forest, the Zululand historical museum at Fort Nongqay, or the Vukani Museum. Or, use the day for additional riding in the beautiful mountains in the Eshowe area. 
Eshowe to Piggs Peak, Swaziland ( ~ 470 km, 290 miles). Cross into Swaziland and ride the stunning Swazi mountain roads. 
Piggs Peak to Kruger National Park ( ~ 100 km, 62 miles). Spend two nights in one of the most popular game parks on the African continent. Spending the nights 'IN" the park (as opposed to visiting it for a few hours during the daylight hours) provides the unique opportunity to do game drives after dark as well as during the day. Most of our guest are able to spot all five of Africa's "Big Five" during their stay (Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino, and Cape Buffalo). Enjoy luxury game lodge accommodations and dining under the African skies.
Free Day in Kruger National Park. The free day in Kruger National Park is certainly one of the most important highlights of the Southern Cross Adventure. You'll enjoy both morning and evening game drives, including a "sundowner" game drive. Enjoy you favorite drink as you enjoy the sun setting over the African bush.
Kruger National Park to Sandton. ( ~ 450 km, 280 miles) Enjoy an easy ride to Johannesburg and, on to Sandton. We'll have a final celebration dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in the Sandton area.Departure from Johannesburg. Breakfast and airport transfer.
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 R1200R | Seat Height: 800 mm / 770 mm Seat Height: 31.5 inches / 30.3 inches Dry Weight: 198 kg / 437 lb Fuel Capacity: 20.5 Liters / 5.4 Gallons Displacement: 1170 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,500 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,750 New Zealand: $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 R1200RT | Seat Height: 840 mm / 820 mm Seat Height: 33.07 inches / 32.28 inches Dry Weight: 229 kg / 505 lb Fuel Capacity:33 Liters / 7.1 Gallons Displacement: 1170 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,500 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,750 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 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 BMW K1600GT | Seat Height: 810 mm / 780 mm Seat Height: 31.9 inches / 30.7 inches Dry Weight: 249 kg / 549 lb Fuel Capacity: 24 Liters / 6.3 Gallons Displacement: 1649 cc Damage Deposit: Europe (except Spain and Portugal): $3,500 Spain and Portugal: $3,000 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 BMW K1600GT/GTL | Seat Height: 750 mm / 780 mm Seat Height: 29.5 inches / 30.7 inches Dry Weight: 321 kg / 707 lb Fuel Capacity: 27 Liters / 7 Gallons Displacement: 1649 cc Damage Deposit: Germany: $2,500 Spain: $3,000 |
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.