This Motorcycle tour takes place in Mpumalanga, (often referred to as Bikers paradise) the Kruger National Park, Kingdom of Swaziland, St. Lucia (Hippo and Crocodile Paradise, Kwazulu Natal Battlefields, the Drakensberg Mountains and Lesotho- the “Alps of Africa”
The ULTIMATE way to see South Africa by MOTORCYCLE in under 2 weeks!
Dates: 04-16 April 2025 | 03 - 15 April 2026
Start: Pretoria (Fly into Johannesburg) End: Pretoria
Mileage: +-2,850km
Countries: South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho
Daily Distance: 200- 500 km (Avg of 350km)
Road Surfaces: 95% Tar, 5% Good hard packed Gravel
Rest Day: 9 Riding days, 2 Rest Days
Difficulty: Easy
Petrol: Included
Accomodation: 3-4 Star Lodges
This exciting motorcycle tour focuses on riding the best roads in the world. We twist our way through spectacular mountain passes, traverse spectacular Kingdoms and ride our way through African Savannah, stopping only to take in the sights, view wildlife and learn more about ancient Cultures.
This Motorcycle tour takes place in Mpumalanga, (often referred to as Bikers paradise) the Kruger National Park, Kingdom of Swaziland, St. Lucia (Hippo and Crocodile Paradise, Kwazulu Natal Battlefields, the Drakensberg Mountains and Lesotho- the “Alps of Africa”
The ULTIMATE way to see South Africa by MOTORCYCLE in under 2 weeks!
Day 0: Arrive in South-Africa Bonus Night
Day 1: Pretoria Day tour and Big 5 Safari by Bike
Day 2: Pretoria to Hazyview
Day 3: Ride the Panorama Route
Day 4: Safari into Kruger National Park
Day 5: Hazyview to Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland
Day 6: Swaziland to St. Lucia
Day 7: Rest Day St. Lucia and Safari into Hluhluwe
Day 8: St. Lucia to KZN battlefields
Day 9: Kzn Battlefileds to Clarens
Day 10: Clarens- Lesotho- Clarens
Day 11: Clarens to Pretoria
Day 12: End of Tour
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.
Welcome to Pretoria
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 in a tavern in the township, followed by visit to a rural motorcycle mechanic shop. Afterwards we enjoy a guided motorcycle ride through a BIG 5 nature reserve. Rhinos, giraffes, impala’s and wildebeest can all be spotted from your motorcycle. Tonight, we have a welcome dinner in an African Boma. Welcome to Africa! (B,L,D
Enjoy a Big Safari by Motorcycle
Today you make your way up into Mpumalanga- an area known to local riders as “Biker Paradise”. As you head up north, the roads become mountainous with beautiful views of the rolling hills below. A highlight is riding Long Tom Pass. Enjoy the great twisties and arrive in Hazyview in the last afternoon. (B,L,D)
Riding Mpumalanga
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 back in Hazyview in the Late Afternoon. Tonight- you will enjoy a traditional African meal and African dances at the Shangana cultural village (B,L,D)
The Blyde River Canyon Viewsite
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. (B,D)
Leopard @ Kruger National Park
Day 5: Hazyview to Swaziland (+-300km)
Highlights: Kingdom of Swaziland
After breakfast, we depart for the Kingdom of Swaziland – the home of the friendly Swazi people. After border procedures (passport and possibly visa required) we weave our way along winding country roads and mountain passes. Today we will visit Swaziland’s own glass factory (Ngwenya Glass) and see the world-famous Swazi candles being handcrafted at Swazi Candles. There are many excellent restaurants, pubs, and craft markets in the Ezulweni Valley where we will overnight at an excellent country lodge, with its own magnificent restaurant on a wooden deck with spectacular views. (B,L,D)
Swaziland
Today we make our way through Swaziland to South Africa’s Zulu Kingdom, the homeland of the proud Zulu nation. In the late afternoon, we arrive in St. Lucia, a world-renowned natural heritage site, with its beautiful secluded beaches, hippos, crocs, whales, endangered turtles, and other wildlife, our home for the next two nights. This afternoon we embark on an exciting sunset river cruise where we see hippos, crocodiles, and other estuary wildlife. Tonight you can explore the many restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that St Lucia has to offer. (B,L,D)
You will get up close with Hippo’s in St. Lucia
Today is dedicated to experiencing African Wildlife! We start the day with an early morning safari into Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park- this park is home to the Big 5 and is the oldest National Park in South Africa and one of the most scenically beautiful landscapes in South Africa. Enjoy your Game Drive in an open safari vehicle before returning to St. Lucia. In the late afternoon, we also enjoy a Lake Cruise to see hippos and crocodiles while enjoying an ice-cold drink. Bliss! (B, D)
Game Drive into Hluhluwe National Park
Time to head inland to the battlefields of South Africa, an area of huge historical significance during the famous Boer-Zulu- British Wars. We arrive at our lodge early in the afternoon, and embark on a tour of the battlefields with a knowledgeable guide who will make them come alive!
Ride to the Kwazulu Natal Battlefields
After Breakfast we are on the road again, making our way to Clarens, just outside of Lesotho. En-route we stop off at some tourist attractions with lots of photo opportunities. As we pass through the Drakensberg Mountain range, you will notice how diverse South Africa’s landscape is. The roads along this stretch are very enjoyable! In the afternoon we will arrive at Golden Gate National Park. The Golden Sandstone cliffs in this park are remarkable and the beautiful road twisitng through, will leave you breathless. Tonight we sleep in Clarens, a beautiful little town, hidden in the mountains.
Golden Gate National Park
Today we ride the ALPS OF AFRICA! After an early start, we enter the Lesotho border and make our way towards Katze Dam (a huge man-made dam that forms part of the Highlands water project which supplies water to South Africa in times of drought) The road to the dam has more turns within 80km than any other road in Africa. A motorcycle riders’ dream. The condition of the road is excellent with very little traffic. The Katze Dam is truly eye-opening! After lunch, we return along the same road arriving back at the hotel in the late afternoon.
Ride the Alps of Africa- High up into the Mountains
Time to head back to Pretoria. After breakfast, we start the journey back! It is a nice ride through the interior of South Africa. The bikes will be returned in the late afternoon and in the evening we will have a get-together where everybody can reminisce about the previous day’s riding. (B,L,D)
We take the back roads back to Pretoria
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. You ay wish to extend your motorcycle tour with one of our Add on Tours. Spend a few days in beautiful Cape Town, fly to Victoria Falls or enjoy a 3 Night Safari into Kruger National Park. (b)
2026 Pricing
| MOTORCYCLE | RAND | USD$ | AUD$ | POUND | EURO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW F800GS | R98 870 | $5 710 | $8 660 | £4 250 | € 4 860 |
| BMW F900GS | R102 170 | $5 900 | $8 950 | £4 390 | € 5 030 |
| BMW R1300GS | R109 100 | $6 310 | $9 560 | £4 690 | € 5 370 |
| BMW R1300GS ADV | R113 090 | $6 540 | $9 910 | £4 860 | € 5 560 |
| Pillion/Passenger, add | R43 520 | $2 520 | $3 810 | £1 870 | € 2 140 |
| Single Supplement, add | R10 690 | $620 | $940 | £460 | € 530 |
Prices are quoted Riding 1 up, on a sharing basis. If you would like your own private room please add the single supplement. If you would like to bring a pillion/passenger- add the pillion price. Please note that we charge for our Tours in our local currency- The Rand. The other currency’s are an estimate only take on the 25 September 2025 For up to date exchange rates please use a currency converter or visit www.xe.com
Price Includes:
Price does not include:
Pure riding pleasure on every route. The new parallel-twin engine of the F 800 GS offers more peak power with an improved torque curve. Thanks to the optimised power curve, the F 800 GS reaches its peak power of 64 kW (87 hp) at 6,750 rpm earlier, with a simultaneously increased maximum torque curve of 91 Nm at 6,750 rpm.
895cc | 64 kW (87 hp) at 6,750 rpm
Seat Height: 815mm
Low Version: 760mm
Low Seat: 790mm
Comes with:
ABS | ESA| RIDER MODES | CRUISE CONTROL
Every night you will have your own Private room with an ensuite bathroom. You can choose to share with your partner or another rider on the tour. Otherwise you can select our “Single Supplement” to get your own room throughout the tour.
All Accommodation has been handpicked by Sama Tours- we only use high-standard accommodation in good locations. We love African Lodges, Boutique Hotels and BnB’s, or places that have a good atmosphere, exceptional staff, and all the modern amenities.
Examples of Hotels on the 12 Day Ultimate African Experience Tour include:
City Lodge Hotel, Pretoria
This is a great City Hotel. Surrounded by shops, restaurants and cocktails bars (all within walking distance) This is a great starting hotel where you can relax and get over any jetlag you may have. It is close to all Pretoria’s Main Attractions as well as Sama Tours headquarters. Modern Amenities include: Wifi | Laundry | Room Service
Mantenga Lodge, Swaziland
On arrival enjoy a fresh glass of juice while enjoying views of Execution Rock. Thr rooms are beautifully appointed and the staff are the friendliest in Africa. Enjoy a delicious dinner on the wooden deck while the chef serves up Flame grilled meals that tantalise our tastebuds
Isandlwana Lodge, Kwazulu Natal Battlefields
Everyone comments that this is one of their favourite hotels, Perched high up on the hillside with breathtaking views of the Battlefields, this luxurious hotel checks all the boxes
Protea Hotel Clarens
Situated across the road from the Clarens Brewery and within walking distance of the town square, this hotel is a firm favourite. There is a beautiful bar and swimming pool with views of the Golden Sandstone mountains that Clarens is famous for
Please note that well the above hotels are our first choices, we don’t always get availability on the dates we need. In this case, we source hotels next door or nearby that are of the same high standard and quality or better.
