Adventure in South Africa

It is our only tour in South Africa: a 10-day adventure tour with 8 riding days, on a loop from Cape Town along the coast, Route 62, the Klein Karoo and the Great Karoo, then the Cape winelands. It is a tour of landscapes and dirt roads rather than a safari. It asks more of you than Rwanda, rated Intermediate, and has less off-road than the Raid in Maasai Lands in Tanzania, where two thirds of the route are off pavement.

The level is Sustained: you need to ride regularly, have some off-road experience and good physical fitness. About 391 miles are on dirt roads, close to 40% of the route, spread over 6 of the 8 riding days. The most technical dirt section comes on day 4, heading into the Klein Karoo. Rain can make it harder, and some stages are far from medical help. A one-day off-road training course is a good way to prepare.

About 994 miles over 8 riding days, from 90 to 174 miles a stage. The longest, on day 3, includes 81 miles of dirt road to Cape Agulhas and on to Barrydale; on days 3 and 6, we head out early. On day 5, the climb over the Swartberg Pass, at about 5,250 ft, depends on the weather. The last two stages, to the wine country and then around the Cape Peninsula, are easier riding.

On day 2, lunch is at Betty’s Bay, next to a penguin colony. Day 3 leads to Cape Agulhas, the southern tip of Africa, and day 5 stops at an ostrich farm. On day 7, a jeep ride goes looking for wildlife in a remote reserve, followed by a braai, the local barbecue, in the evening. Day 8 crosses Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, in the heart of the wine country, and the last riding day takes in the Cape of Good Hope.

A Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, at ease on pavement and dirt alike, maintained by our mechanic with spare parts on hand. Passengers are welcome, at $3,890 per passenger, as long as you are both comfortable with long days and hours on sometimes rough dirt roads. Luggage travels in the support vehicle. If in doubt, talk to your travel advisor before booking.

An English-speaking motorcycle tour leader leads the way on riding days. An experienced mechanic and the support vehicle driver follow with your luggage and the gear. There are no more than 10 motorcycles, or 12 participants counting passengers. If anything urgent happens, our team in France can be reached around the clock.

$4,690 per rider and $3,890 per passenger. The price includes the motorcycle, gas, tolls, the team, lodging, all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 10 and transfers from Cape Town airport. You pay for your flights, the international driving permit, drinks, entrance fees for visits, tips and a $708 deposit per motorcycle. The $41 registration fee only applies to your first trip with us.

The season runs from September to March, through the southern spring and summer; we avoid the Cape winter, which is colder and wetter. Next departures: November 5 and 18, 2026 (full), February 6 to 15, 2027, September 26 to October 5, 2027, and February 12 to 21, 2028. Other dates are possible on request from your travel advisor. Expect 50 to 77°F, cooler in the evening: bring a warm layer and rain gear.

The tour starts and ends in Cape Town. You fly into the international airport, where we meet you on day 1 and drive you to your hotel downtown. You meet the tour leader at the end of the day, so make sure you arrive in time. On day 10, your return transfer is timed to your flight, which sometimes leaves a few hours to enjoy the city.

A passport with two blank pages, valid for at least 30 days after you leave South Africa. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days. Bring your motorcycle license and an international driving permit, required in South Africa. Every traveler must also fill in an online customs declaration before entering and before leaving. Check the State Department’s South Africa page for the latest entry rules. Your luggage travels in the support vehicle: bring a soft duffel bag. We stay in standard to comfort hotels and guesthouses. Our list of documents for South Africa covers the rest.