Starting in Pretoria we make our way to Lesotho – The “ALPS OF AFRICA” our first stop is Afriski Mountain Resort. In the winter months this is Lesotho’s premiere ski destination, but in Summer it is a Bikers playground. Enjoy amazing Tar mountain passes, The riding here is very similar to riding in the European ALPS, but without all the traffic!
We then ride rural mountain passes of Lesotho past the famous Katse Dam to Semonkong, a little African village hidden away. Here time has stood still and you will see Lesotho Cowboy’s, ox wagons, donkey carts and villagers going about their everyday life. We have a rest day here to see the Maletsunyane Falls , enjoy a donkey pub crawl, hike, Horse ride or fly fish! The options are endless
From Semonkong we make our way back into South Africa again where we explore the Mighty Drakensberg Mountains. There will be an optional bike ride or 4 x 4 trip up the infamous Sani Pass (Depending on the state of this steep mountain pass) to have a beer at the Highest Pub In Africa.
Our next stop is A Private BIG 5 Nature Reserve in Ladysmith. Here we enjoy a Sunset Game Drive, Boma dinner and early morning Game Drive, spotting Lion, Leopard, Elephant,Buffalo and Rhino in the WILD
Next up is the Mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland- we ride through the Valley of Heaven and head north to Mpumalanga- an area known to Local Bikers as “Riding Heaven” In Hazyview we enjoy another Safari into the Kruger National Park and ride the Panorama Route with its waterfalls, view sites and rock formations before the tour ends on Day 13 back in Pretoria again.
What a RIDE!
Please note this tour takes place 80% on Tar and 20% on Good Gravel Roads, with a few technical sections We recommend that you have off-road experience and have done at least one off-road riding course.
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Day 0: Arrive in South Africa- Bonus Night
Day 1: Pretora To Afriski, Lesotho
Day 2: Afriski to Katse Dam- Thaba Tseka
Day 3: Thaba Tseka to Semonkong
Day 4: Rest Say Semonkong
Day 5: Semonkong to Underberg, South Africa
Day 6: Underberg Rest Day
Day 7: Underberg to Ladysmith- Big 5 Safari
Day 8: Rest Day and Big 5 Safari
Day 9: Ladysmith to Swaziland
Day 10: Swaziland to Hazyview, South Africa
Day 11: Rest Day Hazyview-Kruger Safari
Day 12: Hazyview - Panorama Route- Magoebaskloof
Day 13: Magoebaskloof to Pretoria
Day 14: End of Tour
Day 0- Arrive in South Africa
Welcome to South Africa. You can arrive at any time on “day 0” as your 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 Johannesburg airport and transfer you to your hotel in Pretoria- surrounded by shops and trendy restaurants
Day 1- Pretoria to Afriski, Lesotho (+- 460km)
Highlights: Ride the Alps of Africa
Today we make our way to the Kingdom of Lesotho. This whole country is situated in the mountains, giving it the title: "The alps of Africa" After you enter Lesotho you will notice the scenery changes. The roads get steeper and steeper as we make our way up to Afriski Lodge at 3000 Metres. In wintertime, this lodge is Lesotho's Premier skiing destination, but in Summer it is a bikers' playground- with amazing roads, trails, and routes to explore. Tonight we enjoy a dinner around the fire in the Sky View Restaurant and sleep in alpine style chalets. (B,L,D)
Ride up into the Alps of Africa
Day 2: Afriski to Thaba Tseka via Katse Dam (+-200km)
Highlights: Katse Dam, riding the "Heart of Lesotho"
Lesotho feels like a country that has stood still in time. Most of the population lives a simple Subsistence farming lifestyle. The main form of transportation here is Horse or donkey back. As you ride along you will see "Lesotho Cowboys" riding horses, young boys in the mountains taking care of their sheep, and others riding into town with their trusty donkeys to trade corn and livestock. Today's Ride will take us right into the heart of Lesotho as we ride through small mountain villages, crossing over streams, through valleys, and up escarpments. We will enjoy lunch overlooking the breathtaking Katse Dam, a huge man-made dam in the Lesotho Highlands before continuing to the small village of Thaba Tseka- our home for the night. (B,L,D)
Katse Dam, Lesotho
Day 3: Thaba Tseka to Semonkong (+- 220km)
Highlights: Mountain Passes, Semonkong Lodge
Today we continue further into Lesotho. We enjoy more amazing mountain passes as we make our way to Semonkong- our home for the next two nights. Semonkong Village is a lively Trading post- all the Shepards who live in the mountains come into Semonkong to trade Livestock and buy supplies. Our lodge is situated right on the Maletsunyane River overlooking the bridge that leads to the Village. It is a hive of activity hiding away in the Maluti Mountains. Here we sleep in Traditional Sotho Huts with a luxurious twist- Just the right balance between civilization and rustic elegance. Tonight we enjoy a delicious meal and cold Maluti beer in the famous Duck and Donkey Tavern (B, L, D)
More incredible riding
Day 4 Rest Day Semonkong (+-0-50km)
Highlights: World Highest Abseil, Hiking, Waterfalls, pony trekking, fly fishing and more
Semonkong is a perfect place for a rest day- there is so much to see and do. You may wish to attempt the "Worlds Highest Abseil" 186 Meters- over the breathtaking Matlesunyane Falls. Other optional activities include Fly Fishing (In season) Horseback riding, 4 x 4 Tours, Hiking, Village tours, or our favorite: a Donkey Pub Crawl. Ride local donkeys into town and visit local "Shebeens" (Bar/Taverns) for a truly local experience. (B, D)
Hike, Horse Ride to or Abseil down the Maletsuyane Falls
Day 5: Semonkong to Underberg South Africa (+-272km)
Highlights- The rolling foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains
Today we make our way down South through Lesotho and through the Qachas Neck Border post into South Africa again. We make our way to Underberg at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains. Our accommodation for the next two nights is surrounded by rolling green hills and amazing vistas. (B,L,D)
Enjoy riding the foothills of the Drakensberg
Day 6: Underberg Rest Day (+-0-70km)
Highlight: 4 x 4 Tour up Sani Pass and the Highest Pub in Africa
Under-berg lies at the foot of the famous Sani Pass. Today we have organized a day tour by 4 x 4 up this beautiful pass and into Lesotho where we will drink a beer in the Highest Pub in Africa. Sani Pass rises from 1,500 meters to 3,000 meters in just 7km- with steep hairpin bends. The road has really deteriorated over the last few years- making it only suitable for very experienced GS rides who can handle loose rocks, sharp turns and steep drop-offs. Those brave enough can attempt the ascent by motorcycle - and the rest of us will follow by 4 x 4 - which is a very enjoyable experience in itself as we journey high into the clouds past waterfalls and rolling hills. (B,L,D)
The famous Sani Pass
Day 7: Underberg to Nambiti Game Reserve (+-270km)
Highlights: Big 5 Safari
Today we ride right into the Drakensberg Mountains along beautiful mountain roads and wind our way up to Nambiti Game Reserve. As the sun starts to set we enjoy a BIG 5 Game Drive into this incredible wildlife reserve that is home to over 40 species of Game. Keep your eyes open for Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo, and Elephant. On Return to Camp, we enjoy dinner around a crackling fire. (B,L,D)
Big 5 Safari in Nambiti
Day 8: Rest Day and More Safaris
Highlights: Big 5 Safari
Today we enjoy a full day in the African Bush. Up at dawn, we enjoy a sunrise safari- this is the best time of the day to view predators and other wildlife. We arrive back in camp in time for a leisurely brunch followed by an afternoon of relaxation by the pool or in our Safari Style luxury accommodation. In the early evening, we enjoy one last game drive and delicious dinner in the bush boma. (B, L, D)
Big 5 Safari in Nambiti
Day 9: Nambiti to Swaziland (+-330km)
Highlights: Swazi Culture
Today we make our way into the Magical Kingdom of Swaziland. This landlocked country is home to the warm Swazi nation and ruled by a king with 17 Wives! Tonight we sleep in Ezulwini Valley (Known to Locals as "The Valley of Heaven") Our lodge overlooks the famous "Execution Rock" There is an optional waterfall and Village tour available to experience more of the famous Swazi culture. (B,L,D)
The rolling hills of Swaziland
Day 10: Swaziland to Hazyview (+-300km)
Highlights: Bulembu Pass, Maguga Dam
Today is an absolute treat- we get our craft fix by visiting the Swazi Candle Factory and the Ngwenya Glass Factory and then we ride beautiful roads up past Maguga Dam and over the Bulembu Pass into South Africa again. We will arrive at our hotel in Hazyview in the late afternoon. This area is known to local bikers- as riding paradise and over the next few days you will find out why! (B,L,D)
Swazi Reed Festival
Day 11: Kruger Park Safari and other Optional Activities (0-50km)
Highlights: Kruger National Park
This morning we enjoy a Big 5 Safari into the Famous Kruger National Park. On arrival back in Hazyview, you will have the whole afternoon free to explore and relax. You may wish to book a microlight flight, ride elephants, go river rafting, or just enjoy a cold beer at the pool. (B, D)
Another exciting safari
Day 12: Tour of Waterfalls and Panorama Route (+-200km)
Highlights: Blyde River Canyon, Gods Window, The 3 Rondavels
Today we enjoy a great ride through the Panorama Route. This ride takes us around the rim of the "Blyde River Canyon" This is the largest "Green" Canyon in the world and every 20km or so there is another great view site or waterfall to look at. We visit Blyde River Canyon, Lone Creek Falls, The 3 Rondavels, and Bourkes Luck Potholes. In between, we enjoy Twisting Mountains Passes and beautiful roads, returning back to our hotel in the late afternoon. Tonight- we will enjoy a traditional African meal and African dances at the Shangana cultural village (B, L, D)
Forest Falls
Day 13: Hazyview to Pretoria (+-450km)
Highlights: Long Tom Pass and Dullstroom
Today we enjoy some more great riding over the Famous Long Tom Pass. We stop in the trout fishing town of Dullstroom for lunch and then make our way back to Pretoria. Tonight we go out to one of the best restaurants in Pretoria to celebrate the end of an amazing tour. We trust that you will take home unforgettable memories of the places you have been and the people that you met along the way on this once in a lifetime trip. (B,L,D)
Elephant Crossing
Day 14: End of Tour
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.
Please note that we can book any post/pre-tour accommodation and activities for you. Click here for add-on tours.
2024 Pricing
Riding 1up sharing on an F750GS: ZAR 85,270
Riding 1up sharing on an F850GS: ZAR 86,350
Riding 1up sharing on an R1250GS: ZAR 99,260
Riding 1up sharing on an R1250GS ADV: ZAR 104,110
To bring a pillion, add: ZAR 31,970
For Single supplement, add: ZAR 5,700
Prices quoted in South African Currency- ZAR.
Scroll down for an instant quote- and choose your currency with the Orange Currency tool on the right
This tour includes 13 Nights of 3-4 Star Accommodation
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 BnBs, or places that have a good atmosphere, exceptional staff, and all the modern amenities.
Examples of Hotels on the 19 Day South African Safari 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
Semonkong Lodge
This is a one-of-a-kind luxury lodge located in one of the most remote countries in the world- Lesotho. Situated in a small village, on the river, this lodge is a hive of activity, relax on your balcony as you watch Basotho herdsman riding their horses down into town with their pack donkeys and sheep. Enjoy a cozy evening at your fireplace in your stone-walled chalet. Dine on delicious homemade bread and other delectable treats at the Duck and Donkey Pub
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.
