19 Day South African Motorcycle Safari 

Starting in Pretoria  and ending in Cape Town, this motorcycle Tour takes in all the best Riding that South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho and the Garden Route have on offer.

Our first stop is Bikers Paradise in Mpumalanga. Here we visit waterfalls, awe inspiring view points and ride twisting mountain passes . We then enjoy a Big 5 Safari Into Kruger National Park. Next up we ride into the Mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland and experience the colorful Swazi culture and hospitality before venturing back into South Africa again where we ride off the beaten path to spend a night in the Kwazulu Natal Battlefields.

Next up we ride through the spectacular Drakensberg mountains and Golden Gate National Park to our favorite little village in the mountains called Clarens. Heading South we enter Lesotho and enjoy riding “The Alps of Africa” all the way to Semonkong and spend 2 Nights in a place where time stood still. We have a rest day to meet the Basotho people, admire the Matseluyne Falls and enjoy all Lesotho has on offer before riding back into South Africa Again.

We spend 2 Magical nights in Addo Elephant National Park. Here the Elephant is King and we enjoy an open vehicle Big 5 safari. Next up we ride to Garden Route National Park, Marvel at the Knysna Heads, Get up close and personal with ostriches and ride the tar and gravel mountain passes that the Garden Route is world famous for.

We then ride on the famous Route 62 into the Karoo Desert, stop in at Ronnies Sex shop and get our photos taken at the Southern Most tip of Africa. From here we hug the coastline all the way, visit penguins on the beach and taste wine in the Cape Winelands.

On our final day we enjoy a triumphant ride into Cape Town, Riding all the way to the bottom of Cape Point and then enjoying the famous Chapmans Peak road into the Mother City! 

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Day 0: Arrive in South Africa, Bonus Night
Day 1: Pretoria Day Tour and BIG 5 Safari
Day 2: Dinokeng to Magoebaskloof
Day 3: Magoebaskloof- Panorama Route- Hazyview
Day 4: Safari/Rest Day Kruger National Park
Day 5: Hazview to Swaziland
Day 6: Swaziland to Battlefields
Day 7: Battlefields to Clarens via Golden Gate
Day 8: Clarens to Semonkong, Lesotho
Day 9: Rest Day Semonkong
Day 10: Semonkong to Aliwal North
Day 11: Aliwal North to Addo Elephant Park
Day 12:Safari/Rest Day Addo National Park
Day 13: Addo to Storms River, Garden Route National Park
Day 14:  Storms River to Oudtshoorn
Day 15:Rest Day Oudtshoorn with Optional Swartberg Pass
Day 16: Oudtshoorn to Cape Agulhas
Day 17: Cape Agulhas to Cape Winelands
Day 18: Cape Winelands – Cape Point- Cape Town
Day 19: End of Tour

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Day 0: Arrive in South Africa

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.

Day 1: Day tour of Pretoria and BIG 5 Safari (+-70km) 

Highlights: Township tour and BIG 5 Safari

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 at a local tavern and afterwards we enjoy a guided drive through a BIG 5 nature reserve. Rhinos, giraffes, impala’s and wildebeest can all be spotted. Tonight, we have a welcome dinner around  a roaring fire in an African Boma. Welcome to Africa!  (B,L,D)

Stay in Dinokeng Big 5 Nature Reserve

Day 2: Dinokeng to Magoebaskloof (+-300km)

Highlights: Scenic mountain passes, Magoebaskloof

Today you make your way up North into Limpop province. As we head up north, the roads become mountainous with beautiful views of the rolling hills below.. Enjoy the great twisties and arrive in Magoebaskloof in the late afternoon. Our hotel has breathtaking views of the valley below an we enjoy a scrumptious dinner in the pub (B,L,D)

Riding Mpumalanga

Day 3: Magoebaskloof- Panorama route – Hazyview (+- 270km)

Highlights: God’s Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, The Three Rondavels, Waterfalls, Magical Views Sites

Today we make our 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 viewpoints, rock formations, and waterfalls along the way. The route includes stops at Bourkes Luck Potholes, The Three Rondavels, and God’s Window as well as a waterfall or two. We will arrive in Hazyview in the Late Afternoon. (B,L,D)

The Blyde River Canyon View site

Day 4: Half Day Safari- Kruger National Park (+-50km)

Highlights: Safari, African wildlife

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. There will be an Optional 215 km Twisty Ride that will take you over the Famous Long Tom Pass and to the Gold Mining Town of Pilgrims Resr (B,D)

Leopard @ Kruger National Park

Day 5: Hazyview to Swaziland (+-280km)

Highlights: Kingdom of Swaziland

Today we ride down South and into the Mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland. African Kids wave and smile as we ride on by. Our first stop is Sibebe Rock- This is the 2nd Largest Rock in the world, after Ayers Rock in Australia. We then make our way to our lodge in Ezulwini Valley and down to Mantenga Nature Reserve where we enjoy a tour of a living Swazi Village complete with Swazi Dancers in their colorful traditional clothing. Tonight, we enjoy a candlelit dinner overlooking Execution Rock. (B,L,D)

Sibebe Rock, Swaziland

Day 6:  Swaziland to Kwazulu Natal Battlefields  (+- 290km)

Highlights: Tour of the Anglo Zulu Battlefields

Entering South Africa Again we make our way to the battlefields of the powerful Zulu Nation. Our Lodge for tonight is off the beaten track in rural South Africa. We enjoy about 40km of good gravel roads and arrive in time for lunch. This afternoon we take a tour of Isandlwana Battlefield with a local guide who make the battlefields come alive as he shares his local knowledge with us. (B,L,D)

Good Hard Packed Gravel leading to the Battlefields

Day 7: Battlefields to Clarens (+-340 km)

Highlights: Drakensberg, Golden Gate National Park, Clarens

Today we enjoy more great riding as we get to the Drakensburg Mountains. We ride Twisting mountain roads that take us up into Golden Gate National Park and enjoy breathtaking views of the Golden Sandstone Cliffs. This afternoon we will arrive at the Artists Village of Clarens. Enjoy a walk around this cozy little town, taste some beer at the local brewery and tonight we  enjoy a lovely pub meal (B,L,D)

Ride the Drakensberg Mountains

Day 8: Clarens to Semonkong, Lesotho (+-276 km)

Highlights: Ride your 3rd African Country- The Alps of Africa

Today we ride the ALPS of Africa! Up early we ride into the Kingdom of Lesotho. This whole country is situated in the mountains. The main form of transportation is horseback as most of the country is only accessible via small mountain paths. That said- the roads that they do have, are a true work of Art. We spend the whole day riding beautiful twisting mountain passes that take us high up into the Mountains.  There is hardly any traffic! This afternoon we get to Semonkong Lodge- our home for the next 2 Nights where we sleep in luxurious stone cottages complete with Fire Places. After a warm shower we hit the Donkey Tavern and enjoy Maluti Beer! (B,L,D)

Riding Lesotho- The Alps of Africa

Day 9: Rest Day Lesotho (0-50km)

Highlights: Waterfalls, Mountains, Village Life, Donkey Pub Crawl

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)

Semonkong Falls

Day 10: Semonkong to Aliwal North, South Africa (+- 290 km)

Highlights: Amazing mountain Passes

Today we make our way down South through Lesotho and through the Qachas Neck Border post into South Africa again. En route we enjoy hundreds of twisties that will make you smile from ear to ear. Tonight we sleep in a small town called Aliwal North and enjoy South African Hospitality at its finest (B,L,D)

More Beautiful Riding through Lesotho

Day 11: Aliwal North to Addo Elephant Park (+- 440 km)

Highlights: Big 5 Safari Time

Today we enjoy the backroads of the Eastern Cape as we make our way down South to Addo Elephant National Park. We sleep right on the edge of the Park, so close you can hear the lions roaring. This afternoon enjoy exploring our camp, visit the waterhole, and enjoy another great African dinner under the stars. (B,L,D)

Addo Elephant National Park

Day 12: Rest Day Addo Elephant Park  (+- 0-100 km)

Highlights: Big 5 Safari and South African BBQ

Today we jump onto a Safari Vehicle and enjoy a full day spent In Addo Elephant National Park. We enjoy a Traditional Braai (bbq) Lunch and then hop back on the game viewer for some more wildlife viewing. Addo is famous for its large herds of Elephants as well as other unique wildlife.  (B,L,D)

 You are in the wild here

Day 13: Addo to Storms River (+- 250 km)

Highlights: Tsitsikamma, Suspension bridges, Storms River Mouth and riding the Garden Route

Today we follow the coastal route to the start of the famous Garden Route. We ride into the Tsitsikamma National Park and sleep in wooden cabins overlooking Storms River Mouth with crashing ocean below. You will have the whole afternoon free to explore this beautiful National Park. Storms River is the start of our famous “Otter Trail” and you can walk part of the hike down to the breath-taking suspension bridges between the sea cliffs. For those brave enough there is an optional Kayak adventure up the Gorge (B,L, D)

Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridges

Day 14: Storms River- Knysna- Oudtshoorn  (+- 260km)

Highlights: Knysna Heads, Garden Route Mountain Passes

Today we ride the world-famous Garden Route. Our firsts top is the spectacular Bloukrans Gorge. Bloukrans is home to the world Highest Bungee Jump- 216 Meters of pure Adrenalin. Next up we ride into Knysna and marvel at the beautiful Knysna Heads. From here riders can either take the dirt or tar route into the Mountains. Both options include unbelievable views and spectacular mountain roads- that the Garden Route in Known for. We will arrive in Oudtshoorn- the Ostrich Capital of South Africa- in the late afternoon. This will be our home for the next two nights. (B,L,D)

Riding breathtaking mountain passes

Day 15: Oudtshoorn Rest Day: (0- 250 km)

Highlights: Garden Route, Ostrich farms, Cango Caves and spectacular mountain passes

Today is a rest day- but there is so much to see and do. We will have a guided tour of the Cango Caves with its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and a tour of a working Ostrich farm- where you will get to feed, touch and hug Ostriches. For those that would like to do some more exciting dirt riding, there will be an optional ride over the famous Swartberg Pass, This is a bucket list ride for Adventure Bikers the world over. This Afternoon-relax and enjoy the warm Karoo Hospitality that this area is known for. This evening we will be treated to a traditional Os­trich Braai (BBQ) that will tantalize your taste buds. (B,D)

Feeding Ostriches in the Garden Route

Day 16: Oudtshoorn to Cape Agulhas (+- 350 km)

Highlights: Route 62, Folding Mountain Passes, The Southern Most Tip of Africa

After an early breakfast, we make our way to the start of Route 62. The road winds through the Swartberg Mountains and beautiful foothills in their valleys. We make our way down to Cape Agulhas- the Southernmost tip of Africa at 34° S and 20° . Here the ice-cold waters of the Atlantic ocean meet the warm Indian Ocean, creating a turbulent mixture of untamed beauty. There is always a party at Cape Agulhas, as we celebrate reaching the most south­ern point of Africa- there are great photo opportunities at the Southern most tip! (B,L,D)

Cape Agulhas- The Southern Most Tip of Africa

Day 17: Cape Agulhas to Cape Winelands (+- 300 km)

Highlights: Cape Winelands

Today we make our way to Cape Winelands. En- Route we will stop in at Hermanus- the whale-watching capital of South Africa and also at Bettys Bay where we will get up close to penguins living on the beach. The Cape Winelands is a beautiful landscape of vineyards, mountains and fruit farms. The riding is also world-class with some exciting mountain passes. Tonight we will sleep in the heart of the winelands and enjoy some local wine tasting. (B,L,D)

Taste the best wine in the Cape Region

Day 18: Cape Winelands- Cape Point- Cape Town (+- 180 km)

Highlights: Cape Point, Chapmans Peak, Simons Town, Coastal Roads, Signal Hill

Today we make our way to Cape Town, South Africa’s Mother City. Today is the highlight of the trip as there are beautiful coastal views with twisting roads cut into the sea cliffs virtually all the way. We start the day with a ride to the “Simonstown”- a working navy base. After that we make our way to Cape Point- the most South-westerly point of Africa (with views of the Cape Peninsula). Next up we ride the famous Chapmans peak drive past False Bay and then head over Signal hill into Cape Town, where we celebrate the end of an amazing tour at one of Cape Town’s best restaurants. What a ride! (B,L,D)

Arriving in Cape Town with amazing views of Table Mountain

Day 19: End of tour (+- 0-50 km)

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. (B)

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2024 Pricing

2025 Pricing

Understanding the Pricing

All prices are quoted per motorcycle based on riding 1 up and sharing accommodation. If you would like to bring a passenger add the “Pillion price” to the base price OR if you would like your own room, add the “Single Supplement price” to the base price to get your total.

Please note that we require Payment in our local South African Currency (ZAR). The USD, AUD, and POUND  pricing are Estimations only. For up to date exchange rates, please visit www.xe.com
Exchange Rates Generated on 21 August 2024

Price Includes:

• 18 Days motorcycle rental
• 19 night’s Accommodation in 3-4 star lodges
• ALL PETROL and Toll Fees
• Tour guide on a motorcycle
• Back up vehicle
• 19 Breakfasts, 15 lunches, 18 Dinners
• Big 5 Safari into Dinokeng
• Half Day Safari into Kruger National Park
• African Dances and Village Tour
• Tour of the Anglo Zulu Battlefields
• Big 5 Safari into Addo Elephant Park
• Ostrich Farm Tour and Ostrich Braai (bbq)
• Entrance fees to Storms River Mouth
• Entrance fees to Cango Caves and Cape Point Nature Reserve
• Free shuttle service Johannesburg international airport and to the Cape Town International Airport
• Sama T-shirt
• Guide book with detailed itinerary and area information
• South African map book
• All Taxes
• Motorcycle Insurance (Excess Payable)
• The two wheel time of your life!!
•  

Price does not include:

• Local and International Flights
• Visas (Note American, Australian and British citizens do not require visas for South Africa or Swaziland)
• Drinks
• Items of a personal nature
• Activities and meals not listed in “Tour Includes”

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This tour includes 19 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

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

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

Storms River Mouth Rest Camp

Here we stay in beautiful well-appointed chalets or wooden cabins, each featuring amazing sea views. Take a walk down to the Suspension Bridges between the sea cliffs and enjoy a delicious meal at the oceanside restaurant. This is a National Park so you will be surrounded by wildlife including monkeys, Dassies, and small antelope

President Hotel, Cape Town

This is a beautiful fresh and sunny hotel with incredible ocean views. It has a great central location in Sea Point, walking distance from the promenade and a quick taxi ride to the VA Waterfront. The Hop on Hop off Cape Town City Sightseeing bus leaves from just across the road.

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.