Ride South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania
Embark on the 35-Day Cape Town to Kilimanjaro Motorcycle Tour, a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you from the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa to the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania This incredible motorcycle tour offers a unique combination of thrilling motorcycle rides, stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re an experienced rider or an adventurous first-timer, this tour has something for everyone.
Dates: 30 June- 04 August 2025 | 30 June - 04 August 2026
Start: Cape Town, South Africa End: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Mileage: +-8,000km
Countries: South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania
Daily Distance: 200- 550 km (Avg of 400km)
Road Surfaces: 95% Tar, 5% Good hard packed Gravel
Rest Day: 23 Riding days, 12 Rest/Safari days
Difficulty: Intermediate
Petrol: Not Included
Accomodation: 3-4 Star Lodges, Hotels, Bungalows
South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zambi, Malawi and Tanzania
The Cape to Kilimanjaro tour is an unrivaled motorcycle adventure that is not offered commercially by any other motorcycle touring company in Southern Africa.
The tour covers 8,000km, travels through 6 African countries, visits several of the best wildlife parks in the world and Iconic destinations such as Victoria Falls, Lake Malawi, Zanzibar Island and the foothills of Kilimanjaro
Day 0: Arrive in South Africa
Day 1: Cape Town- Cape Point- Cape Winelands
Day 2: Cape Winelands to Oudtshoorn via Route 62
Day 3: Rest Day Oudtshoorn- Optional Ride over Swartberg pass
Day 5: Oudtshoorn to Storms River Mouth
Day 5: Storms River to Addo Elephant Park
Day 6: Addo to Elliot
Day 7: Elliot to Sani Pass
Day 8: Rest Day Sani Pass and 4 x 4 Tour into Lesotho
Day 9: Sani pass to Clarens via Golden Gate
Day 10: Clarens to Pilanesberg National Park
Day 11: Pilanesberg Rest Day and Half Day Safari
Day 12: Pilanesberg to Tuli Block, Botswana
Day 13: Tuli Block to Nata
Day 14: Nata Chobe National Park, Botswana
Day 15: Rest Day Chobe National Park
Day 16: Chobe to Victoria Falls
Day 17: Victoria Falls rest Day and Helicopter flight
Day 18: Victoria Falls to Lusaka, Zambia
Day 19: Lusaka to Chipata
Day 20: Chipata to South Luangwa National Park
Day 21: South Luangwa Rest Day
Day 22: South Luangwa to Lake Malawi
Day 23: Lake Malawi Rest Day
Day 24: Lake Malawi to Karonga
Day 25: Karonga to Utengule Coffee Farm, Tanzania
Day 26: Utengule to Iringa
Day 27: Iringa to Dodoma
Day 28: Dodoma to Karatu
Day 29:Safari into Serengeti and Ngorogoro (Day 1)
Day 30: Safari into Serengeti and Ngorogoro (Day 2)
Day 31: Safari into Serengeti and Ngorogoro (Day 3)
Day 32: Karatu to Arusha (Kilimanjaro)
Day 33: Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar
Day 34: Rest Day Zanzibar- Tour of Stone Town
Day 35: End of Tour
Welcome to South Africa. Today is a bonus night, so you can arrive anytime as the tour only officially the next day. Cape Town is such a beautiful city with so much to see and do that we are sure you would enjoy a couple of extra days in the city before the tour starts to ride the cable car up Table Mountain, visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years or go wine tasting in the Cape Winelands. Your hotel for the night is situated at the V&A Waterfront and tonight we enjoy a tour briefing and fill out all the paperwork followed by a welcome dinner (D)
We start off our tour of Africa with one of the most scenic rides you will ever take- over Chapman’s peak all the way to Cape Point Peninsula. From here we ride coastal roads all the way through Simons Town and then head inland to the beautiful Cape Winelands where we enjoy an evening surrounded by beautiful mountains and Vineyards. (Meals included: B,L,D)
The Breathtaking Cape Winelands
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 stop in at Diesel and Creme to enjoy world famous milkshakes and enjoy a photo stop at Ronnies Sex Shop. Tonight we sleep in Oudtshoorn- The Ostrich Capital of South Africa and home to Bikers Paradise (B,L,D)
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
Today we ride the beautiful mountain passes of the Garden Route- choose between the gravel or tarmac options. We will stop for Lunch in Knysna with breathtaking views of the Knysna heads, before making our way to Storms River Mouth in the Garden Route National Park. In the early evening light enjoy a walk along the suspension bridges between the sea cliffs. Tonight the tour guides will create a special Braai (BBQ) for the group (B,L,D)
Today we make our way to Addo Elephant Park. Addo is famous for its large herds of Elephants as well as other unique wildlife. This Afternoon we jump onto a Safari Vehicle and enjoy a BIG 5 Safari, looking out for Zebra, Lion, Elephant, Rhino and more (B,L,D)
Today we make our way into the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg Mountains and to the top of Barkley pass to spend the night at 1990metres above sea level at the beautiful Mountain Shadows Hotel (Meals: B,D)
Explore the Southern Drakensberg Mountains
Today we make our way further into the mountains to Sani Pass where we sleep at the foot of Lesotho in a beautiful country Lodge (Meals: B,L,D)
Riding to the base of Lesotho the Mountain Kingdom
Today is a rest day, so sit back and relax as you are whisked up the infamous Sani Pass is a 4 x 4. This Road rises from 1500m to 3000m in just 8km of hair pen bends. At the top of the pass we enter the Mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho and enjoy a Beer at the highest pub in Africa before making our way back down again (Meals: B,L,D)
Today we make our way up through the Drakensberg moutains to the Artists Village of Clarens. We stop in at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and then meander Nottingham road to Sterkfontein Dam. In the We then ride through Golden Gate National Park with its beautiful rock formations that glow golden in the afternoon light. Make sure to look our for Zebras, Wildebeest and other antelope. Tonight we enjoy a meal in Clarens and optional beer tasting at the Clarens Brewery
Today we make our way past the outskirts of Johannesburg and into the North west province of South Africa- where we spend 2 Magical nights in the Pilanesberg National Park. At Pilanesberg National Park you can spot leopards, rhinos, elephants, lions, Cape buffaloes, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hippos, hyenas crocodiles and the Cape wild dog. (Meals: B, L, D)
Enjoy 2 Nights in the Pilanesberg National Park
Today is all about enjoying the breathtaking wildlife of the Pilanesberg. Up with the sunrise- you can take part in an optional Game Drive to see the BIG 5. We enjoy a scrumptious brunch on return to our lodge. Spend the day relaxing around the pool. This afternoon their is another Sunset Game Drive into the park- which is a great opportunity to spot nocturnal animals. On return to our African style Lodge, enjoy dinner around a roaring fire in the boma (B,L,D)
Time to Relax on Safari in the Pilanesberg
Today we cross over into Botswana and spend the night at a beautiful lodge located on the Limpopo River in the Tuli Block (B,L, D)
After an early start, we make our way through Botswana towards Nata. Nata is on the outskirts of the Makgadigadi Pans-the largest salt complex in the world. This afternoon we are transported to the Makgadigadi Pans in a Safari Vehicle for a sunset tour of the pans- breathtaking views and African wildlife awaits. (B, L, D)
Today we make our way to Chobe National Park, right on the border of Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Botswana is a truly wild country, there are no fences and we often see elephants right on the side of the road on this leg of the trip. We will arrive at Chobe National Park in the early afternoon. This is a river paradise and the only place in Africa where you can do a BIG 5 Safari by boat! (B,L,D)
Enjoy a well deserved lie in today- and a day at leisure in our lovely hotel on the Chobe River. You may wish to book an optional game drive into Chobe National Park or enjoy a massage at the hotel. This afternoon we board a boat for a BIG 5 safari on the water. You will literally see hundreds of elephants as they come down to the river to drink, swim and play! Enjoy a drink and another beautiful African sunset as the boat gently floats downstream (B,D)
Today we make our way into Zambia the 4th country on our tour! We ride to our hotel which is situated on the Zambezi river. Along the way we will pass bicycles carrying huge loads of wood, coal and maize, dodging Elephants and other wildlife to get their supplies at the Zambian border! The sheer amount of tumbling water of the Victoria Falls creates a constant mist cloud which can be seen from our Hotel grounds. Tonight we enjoy friendly Zambian hospitality at our lodge (Meals: B, L, D)
You have the whole day free to enjoy all the activities that Victoria Falls has on offer. Included in the tour price is a Helicopter flight over the falls (This is known as The Flight of Angels and is the best way to see the Falls). Other optional activities include: canoeing down the Zambezi, riding elephants or enjoying river rafting on the mighty Zambezi. There are also tours available where you can swim either above or below the tumbling waters of the falls! (Meals: B, D)
Views from the Flight of Angels- included in Tour Price
Today we make our way through the beautiful Zambian country side to our trendy hotel which is situated Lusaka- Zambia’s buzzing metropolis and capital city (Meals: B,L,D)
Today is a very scenic ride through the Zambian highlands. Although it is scenic it is also very long and we only arrive at our hotel in Chipata in the late afternoon. Along the way, we pass thousands of Zambian people going about their daily business- trading chickens and coal piled up high on their bicycles. (B,L,D)
You see Crazy Loads on Bicycles in Africa
Today we make our way a short distance north to the South Luangwa National Park- an icon in Zambia. We sleep at a wildlife camp on the banks of the Luangwa River in Zambia. South Luangwa National Park is a world-famous safari destination and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa! Our Lodge is situated right in the wild and we often have elephants walking right through the camp! In the late afternoon we enjoy a sunset safari and enjoy nocturnal sightings (B,D)
Today we have the whole day free to relax and enjoy the wildlife. We are up bright and early to enjoy a Sunrise Safari into the Park. South Luangwa is famous for its Leopard Sightings. There is a high concentration of Leopards here with 1 Leopard per 4 square kilometers, so seeing these majestic cats is almost guaranteed! On return to the lodge we enjoy time at leisure around the pool and a lovely Lunch. This afternoon we ride back to Chipata to get ready for our ride into Tanzania. (B,L,D)
Elephant exploring the camp @ South Luangwa
Today is a great highlight of the trip as we finally reach Lake Malawi, the third-largest lake in Africa and the eighth-largest lake in the world. The tropical waters are reportedly the habitat of more species of fish than those of any other body of freshwater on Earth, making it a top diver location. Ngala Beach is an African beach paradise and our hotel overlooks the peaceful waters of the lake. Enjoy a sundowner while watching African Dhows sail in with the day’s fishing (B,L,D)
Enjoy a rest day on the shores of this beautiful lake. There are many water based activities to partake in, including: snorkeling, Kayaking, fishing or a day trip on a boat. This is truly is a magical place! Sometime during the day, a tour of the fishing village will be organized – an eye-opening experience. (B,D)
Today we enjoy more riding through Malawi. There are bicycles everywhere and you will see the friendly Malawian people going about their daily lives, selling fresh produce at the market, displaying their daily catch and thousands of kids walking to school. Tonight we spend a last night on on the breathtaking Lake Malawi (B,L,D)
Lake Malawi fishing Canoe with Lamps for night fishing
Today, we bid Malawi and the friendly Malawian people a fond farewell as we make our way further north to cross the Malawi/Tanzanian border into Tanzania and travel to the edge of the Great East African Rift Valley, where we spend the night on a working coffee farm! Here the farm comes alive in June and July when it is harvesting time. We will arrive in the late afternoon- but there should still be time to enjoy a coffee tour and taste the Untengule coffee. (B,L,D)
Tanzania is home to Kilimanjaro (The highest Mountain in Africa and the second highest mountain in the world) as well as some of the best Safari Parks in the world. Today we ride up into Tanzania’s Scenic Southern Highlands and spend our night on a farm in rural Tanzania. (B,L,D)
Today’s ride is very scenic and as ride up and over several beautiful mountain passes, enjoying the scenery of rural Tanzania. Tonight, we sleep in Tanzania’s official capital city- Dodoma. Our hotel is situated is the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city- a welcome oasis with a pool, bar and restaurant (B,L,D)
Heading further north through Tanzania, we arrive in Karatu- Right in the heart of the Safari Circuit. Karatu is situated on the edge of Ngorogoro Crater and surrounded by National Parks and Wildlife. We enjoy a night in a wonderful African Lodge as we prepare for our up-coming Safari (B,L,D)
Our Lodge in Karatu, on the edge of the Safari Circuit
Today we are up bright and early to start our 3 day/2 Night Safari into the spectacular Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks. The Serengeti is world renowned for its large lion population and its one of the best places in Africa to view prides in the wild. Approximately 70 large mammal and 500 bird species are found there. This high diversity is a function of diverse habitats, including riverine forests, swamps, kopjes, grasslands, and woodlands. Blue wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, and buffalos are some of the commonly found large mammals in the region. Tonight, we sleep in a luxurious camp in the middle of the wild plains- fall asleep to the sound of Lions roaring in the distance. (B,L,D)
Prepare yourself for an amazing East African Safari
Up and with sun, we once again have a full day to explore the wild plains of the Serengeti. We will arrive back at Camp mid morning to have a delicious bush brunch. Today we also visit a traditional Masai homestead to see they way the indigenous people of the Serengeti live in harmony with the wild animals who share their land. You will get to meet the locals and see their fascinating Jumping Dance. In the late afternoon we will venture out of camp again to enjoy another Game Drive to see nocturnal animals in their natural Habitat. (B,L,D)
Today is a major highlight of the Safari as we drive down into Ngorongoro Crater. This caldera is 610 metres deep and its floor covers 260 sqaure kilometers. 25,000 large mammals live within this crater, making for unbelievable wildlife viewing in a confined area. After an amazing morning of wildlife viewing we head back to our lodge, where our motorcycles are waiting for our final few days of riding! (B,L,D)
An Incredible Day of Wildlife Viewing
Today we make our way across Tanzania to Moshi at the foot of the Kilimanjaro Mountain. We enjoy a ride through the Kilimanjaro Foothills and arrive at our lodge in the early afternoon. Tonight we celebrate the end of our motorcycle journey with a Tanzanian Feast- dinner will be served with more than twenty assorted Tanzanian dishes, which you can wash down with some local brew, while we are entertained by traditional drumming and Dancing.(B,L,D)
Welcome to Paradise. This morning we take a flight to “Spice Island” (approx. 1 hour) On arrival in Stone Town you will have the opportunity to look around, and see the local spice markets, beautiful Arabic Architecture and boutique shops on a city tour. In the early afternoon, we will have a transfer to our resort in Nungwe- on the northern tip of Zanzibar. The Sama Team has never seen water this blue before!! You have two nights to enjoy this wonderful beach resort. There are many different restaurants and cocktail bars to choose from (B)
Azure waters await you in Zanzibar
You have a whole day free to explore this beautiful island. If you would like to go scuba diving or take an African Dhow snorkeling trip – today is the best time to do it. Other optional activities include: Spa Treatments, Spice Plantation Tours, Swimming with Dolphins, Visiting the Monkey Sanctuary. Otherwise you may just enjoy to spend the day relaxing on the beach. It is also possible to rental a small dirt bike (<250cc) and explore the island on two wheels. (Meals included B)
Swimming with horses in front of our hotel
Day 35 – End of Tour
All good thing must come to an and!. Transfers wills be arranged to the airport.
You may however wish to extend your stay in Zanzibar and spend more time relaxing on its beautiful beaches- after all you have earned it after riding 8000km from Cape Town to Kilimanjaro! (B)
2025 Pricing
Riding 1up sharing on an F800GS: USD 18,910.00
Riding 1up sharing on an F900GS: USD 20,130.00
Riding 1up sharing on an R1300GS: USD 21,240.00
Riding 1up sharing on a R1300GS ADV: 21,610.00
To bring a pillion, add: USD 8,050
For Single supplement, add: USD 2,150
Prices quoted in USD – US DOLLARS
Price includes:
Price does not include:
Motorcycles Available include All the latest Model BMW GS motorcycles, including:
All our motorcycles are less than 2 Years old. They are maintained daily and serviced regularly through an accredited BMW Motorrad Mechanic, ensuring a hassle free ride through South Africa
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.
This expansive 35-day journey is packed with excitement, culture, and awe-inspiring views. Here’s why this tour is the ultimate adventure:
This 35-day adventure is all-inclusive, so you can focus on enjoying the journey. Your tour includes:
Book Your 35-Day Cape Town to Kilimanjaro Motorcycle Tour Today and experience the beauty, excitement, and adventure of Africa like never before.
This tour is an “Expedition” and has some challenging aspects. We recommend only doing this tour if you are a seasoned rider. Conditions in Malawi and Tanzania can be rough with lots of traffic, potholes, and livestock on the road. You need to be a confident rider. We recommend being bike-fit as there are some longer days in the saddle (up to 8 hours of Riding) needed to cover over 8,000km Through Africa. However, rest days are scheduled regularly to give the tour a good balance. The border crossings can also be long and frustrating, so patience is key.
Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure? Our guided motorcycle tours offer you the chance to explore South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes with the guidance of experienced professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, our tours cater to all skill levels. With our expert guidance, you’ll have the op
Our Guided Motorcycle Tours are Group tours led by a tour guide on a motorcycle and followed by a backup vehicle. We have scheduled departures every month of the year. The Group size varies from 3- 12 Motorcycles.
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