South Africa XXL Adventure Tour

Duration
16 days
Difficulty Level
2/3
Location
South Africa
Distance
3100 km

South Africa XXL Adventure Tour

Join us on an unforgettable journey through the most breathtaking parts of South Africa on our classic motorcycle tour. Experience the wonders of the Kruger National Park with thrilling safaris, marvel at the beauty of the Blyde River Canyon, explore the Kingdom of Eswatini, and discover the rich cultural heritage of the KwaZulu Natal Region.

Ride through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. Lucia, marvel at the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, and immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Transkei. Explore the Eastern & Western Cape, witness the stunning Valley of Desolation, and traverse the scenic Route 62 through the picturesque wine country.

Led by our expert local guide, ride in style on the iconic Harley Davidson® motorcycle and embark on a journey filled with thrilling adventures, spectacular sights, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This is a tour that promises to exceed all expectations and create memories to last a lifetime.

Please note: Extensions to Namibia, Mauritius, or Victoria Falls are available upon request, allowing you to further extend your adventure beyond South Africa.

Photos

Included
Motorcycle/Car rental w/unlimited milage
1st choice vehicle model class
Shared room in biker-friendly hotels
Continental breakfast at most hotels
Entrance fees Nat. parks
Welcome meeting
Multi-lingual Tour leader
Transport to rental company
Support van w/ luggage
State min. SLI insurance
Loss damage Waiver
Half-shell helmet
Tour PDF w/route description.
Pictures from the tour
NOT Included
Airfare*
Optional attractions
Vehicle model guarantee
Gas
Security deposit for LDW
Food and beverages
LDW Zero & insurance upgrades
Anything not listed in “Included” above

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival Kruger/Hazyview, South Africa

Welcome to Kruger/Hazyview!

Upon your arrival at Johannesburg/Cape Town Airport, proceed to domestic departures for your onward flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (arrange your own flight). Upon landing at Kruger Airport, our local tour company will greet you and transfer you to your hotel near Kruger National Park. Take some time to refresh before exploring the nearby area at your leisure.

Once all tour participants have arrived, we gather for a welcome reception and refreshments, where you’ll have the chance to meet your fellow travelers and tour leaders. The evening’s agenda includes getting acquainted with each other.

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Day 2: Kruger National Park, South Africa

(Explorer & fun day)

Early this morning, we embark on a full-day safari in Kruger National Park, renowned as one of South Africa’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserves. Home to around 350,000 animals and over 500 bird species, including majestic eagles and vultures, the park offers a chance to encounter the famous Big Five: elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, and leopard. The landscape encompasses mountains, bush plains, and tropical forests, ensuring a varied and captivating safari experience.

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Day 3: Blyde River Canyon – Bourke’s Luck Pothole

(Explorer & fun day)

The Blyde River Canyon stands as a prominent natural wonder in South Africa, ranking as the second largest canyon in Africa. Characterized by its striking red sandstone formations, it hosts a rich array of wildlife, including various fish species, antelope, crocodiles, hippos, and monkeys. Additional highlights on this panoramic tour include the fascinating Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the breathtaking God’s Window.

Later this evening, you will meet your tour leader and guide for the motorcycle tour, who will extend a warm welcome to you. Following a comprehensive tour briefing, we will gather for a group welcome dinner at the hotel.

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Day 4: Hazyview – Mbabane

(Driving day 1: 280km/175 miles)

We collect our motorcycles, which will be conveniently delivered to the hotel. Following a brief orientation, and once everyone is prepared on their bikes, we embark on the extensive adventure tour. Leaving the breathtaking Kruger National Park behind us, we venture southward for a distinctive journey brimming with historical intrigue and enjoyment.

Today’s itinerary traverses picturesque mountainous terrain and fertile agricultural landscapes, leading us to the central and western borders of Swaziland. This landlocked monarchy is renowned for its wilderness reserves and vibrant festivals showcasing traditional Swazi culture. Our destination is the capital, Mbabane, where we will spend the night.

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Day 5: Mbabane – St Lucia

(Driving day 2: 370 km/230 miles)

Today, we journey eastward towards the coast before veering southward towards the South African border. Along the way, you have the opportunity to visit a candle workshop (optional), where intricately crafted animal and geometric candles are handmade. Swaziland’s vast sugar cane production in the lowlands will be evident throughout the route.

Upon crossing the border into South Africa, our path leads us to St. Lucia, a designated World Heritage Site renowned for its unique estuarine system and wetland reserve. Here, you’ll encounter a plethora of wildlife including crocodiles, hippos, and numerous bird species.

For an added adventure, consider joining the “Hippo & Wildlife 4×4 Night Safari” in the St. Lucia Sanctuary (optional).

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Day 6: Lucia - Indian Ocean - Crocodiles and Hippos

(Explorer & fun day)

Today is a day for you to tailor to your own preferences, whether you opt to relax by the pool or take a refreshing swim in the nearby Indian Ocean. Later in the afternoon, you have the opportunity to embark on a Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake St. Lucia. During this excursion, you’ll have the chance to observe hundreds of hippos up close, along with crocodiles and various other species.

Tour Tip: Consider signing up for the “Hippo & Croc” boat cruise on Lake St. Lucia to enhance your experience amidst stunning scenery.

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Day 7: St Lucia – Drakensberg

(Driving day 3: 460 km/288 miles)

Our journey today leads us inland towards the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, the highest in South Africa, reaching heights of over 3,000 meters. Along the route through the KwaZulu-Natal region, you’ll pass through several small towns, with the main industries being sugar cane and logging (timber). Before reaching the mountains, we’ll traverse the Natal Midlands, often referred to as the Midlands Meander. This scenic area is renowned for its charming restaurants, arts and crafts, and even boasts a budding wine-producing scene.

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Day 8: Drakensberg – Sani Pass - Kingdom of Lesotho

(Explorer & fun day)

Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure at the hotel. Take advantage of the facilities available, whether it’s lounging by the swimming pool, indulging in a spa treatment, hitting the golf course, or exploring the scenic hiking trails in the nearby nature reserve.

Tour tip: Consider embarking on an adventure to the Sani Pass, the only road granting access to the top of the Drakensberg from South Africa. This renowned route climbs 1,322 meters vertically to an altitude of 2,876 meters, bordering Lesotho, a landlocked country in South Africa. Join a tour from the hotel in 4×4 vehicles, where you’ll journey to the summit of the pass, visit a local Basutho Village, and enjoy lunch at the highest pub in South Africa.

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Day 9: Drakensberg – Queenstown

(Driving day 4: 520 km/325 miles)

Today, we set our course towards the southern region of the Drakensberg mountain range, traversing through the foothills of the Eastern Cape. Along the way, we’ll journey through a landscape dominated by commercial and subsistence farming, passing by numerous small towns and hills adorned with traditional African mud huts. Our destination is Queenstown, renowned as the commercial, administrative, and educational hub of the thriving farming district that surrounds it.

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Day 10: Queenstown – Graaff-Reinet

(Resting day or driving day 5: 310 km/195 miles)

We embark on a journey through the picturesque Little Karoo region, making our way to the historic town of Graaff-Reinet. Renowned as one of South Africa’s oldest and best-preserved towns, Graaff-Reinet boasts over 200 meticulously restored Cape Dutch and Victorian-style buildings. Our adventure includes a visit to the Camdeboo National Park, where we ascend to the Valley of Desolation via winding roads offering breathtaking vistas. Along the way, keep an eye out for various antelope species like kudu and red hartebeest, as well as the majestic black eagle soaring overhead. Arriving in Graaff-Reinet in the early afternoon, we’ll have ample time to explore the town’s charm or unwind poolside.

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Day 11: Graaff-Reinet – Oudtshoorn (Western Cape)

(Driving day 6: 340 km/213 miles)

Nestled beyond the mountains lies the town of Oudtshoorn, a place that would have remained a tranquil hamlet were it not for the proliferation of expansive ostrich farms. While the days of the feather industry’s splendor have faded, they’ve given way to a thriving trade in ostrich meat and leather. Our journey includes a visit to an ostrich show farm, where we’ll gain insight into the significance of these fascinating birds in today’s industry. As evening descends, we’ll gather for a traditional South African Ostrich BBQ, known as a braai, expertly paired with locally crafted wines—a culinary experience that epitomizes perfection.

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Day 12: Oudtshoorn – Touws River

(Driving day 7: 350 km/219 miles)

Embarking on Route 62 this morning, we delve into one of South Africa’s most renowned thoroughfares, likened to the iconic Route 66 in the USA—albeit on a slightly smaller scale, yet equally captivating. Stretching as the world’s longest wine route, Route 62 boasts wineries crafting some of the finest port wines. Our journey is punctuated with stops at quintessential biker haunts like Ronnies Sex Shop, the Diesel & Creme Diner, and the Karoo Saloon, all owned by enthusiastic Harley Bikers eagerly anticipating our arrival. In the afternoon, our route guides us over two scenic passes and through the historic town of Montagu, famed for its bountiful fruit farms and production of delectable dried fruits.

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Day 13: Touws River - Stellenbosch

(Driving day 8: 325 km/203 miles)

This morning kicks off with an exhilarating ride over our first mountain pass, offering breathtaking vistas of the wine country as we traverse the narrow and winding Bian’s Kloof Pass. Following this scenic route, we’ll stop for a delightful lunch at a winery, where you can indulge in some light wine tasting. In the afternoon, our journey continues over the du Toits Kloof Pass and the picturesque Franschhoek Pass. The renowned Cape Winelands, with its charming villages of Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch, are merely an hour’s drive away from Cape Town. This region, steeped in history from Dutch and French colonization, is celebrated for its production of exquisite wines. As we navigate through a few more challenging mountain passes, we eventually arrive at the heart of the Winelands region.

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Day 14: Stellenbosch – Cape Town

(Driving day 9: 160 km/100 miles)

We set off from the historic town of Stellenbosch, established by Dutch settlers. Renowned not only for its wine industry but also for its array of historical Cape Dutch architecture and the prestigious Stellenbosch University. Our journey leads us towards False Bay, tracing the coastline to the Cape of Good Hope, and passing through charming fishing villages along the way.

The Cape of Good Hope, initially navigated by explorer Bartholomeu Diaz in 1488 in pursuit of a new eastern trade route around the southernmost point of Africa, awaits our exploration. Returning to Cape Town, we traverse the breathtaking Chapmans Peak Drive, taking in the scenic beauty and passing through popular coastal destinations such as Hout Bay, Camps Bay, and Clifton, arriving just in time for a delightful lunch.

Your final two nights will be spent in Cape Town once more. This afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps indulging in a meal at one of the V&A Waterfront’s many restaurants.

A recommendation: Savor a sunset cruise aboard a catamaran, followed by a delectable seafood dinner at one of Cape Town’s finest restaurants.

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Day 15: Cape Town

(Explorer & fun day)

Make the most of your final day in Cape Town by indulging in activities tailored to your preferences. For a guided exploration of the city’s rich history, consider joining us on a bus tour led by an expert guide. This tour will take you to iconic landmarks such as Green Market Square, Company Gardens, and the vibrant Bo Kaap neighborhood. Weather permitting, you’ll also have the opportunity to ascend Table Mountain, one of the newly designated Seven Natural Wonders of the World, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views.

Alternatively, you may opt to explore the bustling V&A Waterfront, stroll along the lively Long Street, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Green Market Square, or relax on the picturesque beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton.

The choice is yours to make, ensuring your last day in Cape Town is truly memorable.

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Day 16: Departure Cape Town - Home travel

As our journey through South Africa comes to an end, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for choosing to explore with Explorify.

As you prepare to return home, we wish you a safe and pleasant journey. Know that the memories created during our time together will remain cherished.

Should your travels lead you to other corners of the world, whether it be the United States, South America, Asia, Oceania, or Europe, we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you on another Explorify tour. Until then, safe travels and farewell.

Please note: While this program serves as a general outline of activities and experiences on the tour, deviations may occur. Rest assured, our dedicated tour leaders will strive to deliver the program as described, with the flexibility to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. We are committed to enhancing your experience, so be prepared for delightful surprises along the way.

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South Africa XXL Adventure Tour