South Africa: fine wine and vast open spaces

Romain, how was the 2019 season?

I have been in Cape Town leading our South Africa motorcycle tour since October. The seasons are the other way round here, so I arrived when the austral summer was starting. I’ve already lead three groups, along with our mechanic and driver, Kevin. He knows the route like the back of his hand and keeps our Royal Enfields in top nick.

Do you have any favourite moments during this tour?

Of course, there are plenty! I particularly love day six when we leave Knysna along the coast and head to Oudtshoorn. The day starts riding through the forest and then we gradually reach a different landscape, ending the day in the arid Little Karoo desert. A superb track takes us to Harold and Angie’s riverside lodgings: Angie’s G Spot. It's such a unique place and everyone wishes they could stay at this slice of paradise a little longer. The next day, we leave Oudtshoorn and the ride up the Swartberg Pass is amazing. It goes without saying that Cape Town is another must, a city nestled between Table Mountain and the ocean at the end of Africa. There are pretty neighbourhoods with lots to see, although I prefer getting out of the city and surfing in Muizenberg.

What do the riders love most about this tour in South Africa?

I think most riders hold fond memories of the ride up the Swartberg Pass, as it is accessible to everyone and affords spectacular views. Riders enjoy the pace of the tour, as it is well balanced and we spend our days riding great tracks that are not too challenging. The accommodation is much more comfortable than what’s available in the Himalayas or Mongolia, which is great for unwinding and getting a good night’s sleep after riding all day.

What type of rider would you recommend this tour?

I think that Cape Province wins everyone over with its approach to life: charming accommodation, good wine and the famous South African braais barbecues. Animal lovers will be delighted because we spot a wealth of springboks, zebras and giraffes on our way. When we compare this tour with our Asian tours, like for example our motorcycle tour in Bhutan, we must admit that South Africa is a totally different ball game. The Western Cape is a rich province with standards similar to those in the United States, for example. This motorcycle tour in Cape Province is perfect for road trip lovers. Our riders come to feel the pleasure of riding a Royal Enfield across vast open spaces with breathtaking landscapes.

Photo credits: Sophie Squillace & François Combes

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