Coastal South Africa Tour
South Africa
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Starting in Pretoria, this tour will wind through the twisting mountain passes of Mpumalanga to the Kingdom of Swaziland and past to the Indian Ocean at St. Lucia. After viewing hippos, crocodiles, and other estuary wildlife, we'll make our way to Cape Town hugging the South African coastline.
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We can accommodate 12 bikes (plus pillions). We have a no-cancellation policy, so even if we only have one person, the tour still goes ahead! However, in order to have a support vehicle with a spare motorcycle, there must be a minimum of three motorcycles. If there are fewer than three riders, the tour will instead include boxes and a tank bag for luggage and equipment.
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Tour Details
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Location:
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Pretoria, South Africa to Cape Town, South Africa (JNBSA3)
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Terrain:
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Both paved and unpaved roads (90% paved, 10% off-road)
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Duration:
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17 days (including arrival and departure)
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Riding days:
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11 days
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Route length:
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Approximately 2,410 miles (3,880 km)
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Motorcycles:
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BMW R1200GS, BMW R1150GS, BMW F650GS*
*the BMW F650GS is not recommended with a pillion rider
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Group size:
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1 - 12 riders
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Accommodations:
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16 nights in 3-4 star bed & breakfast lodges
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Highlights:
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Mpumalanga (biker's paradise), Kruger National Park, Kingdom of Swaziland, St. Lucia (world heritage site), Oribi Gorge, Hole in the Wall, The Garden Route, Cape Winelands, Cape Town
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Tour Dates
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Want other dates?
Contact us
with the dates
that interest you!
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Scheduled tours:
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March 20, 2010 - April 5, 2010
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August 21, 2010 - September 6, 2010
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October 30, 2010 - November 15, 2010
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Tour Price
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Renting a BMW R1200GS
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Price for a single rider
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ZAR 50,160
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Price for 2UP sharing (per person)
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ZAR 46,500
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Price for 1UP sharing (per person)
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ZAR 29,800
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Renting a BMW R1150GS
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Price for a single rider
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ZAR 45,700
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Price for 2UP sharing (per person)
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ZAR 42,000
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Price for 1UP sharing (per person)
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ZAR 27,580
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Renting a BMW F650GS
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Price for a single rider
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ZAR 41,170
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Price for 2UP sharing (per person)
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ZAR 37,500
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Price for 1UP sharing (per person)
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ZAR 25,330
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Currency: ZAR - CURRENCY ASSISTANT >
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 Ready to ride? Book here
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*20% deposit due upon booking. Total amount due 6 weeks prior to tour start.
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Itinerary
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 Day 1:
Arrival in South Africa
You will arrive at the OR Tambo International Airport (shuttle service from Johannesburg International Airport or Cape Town International Airport included in tour price), where a Sama representative will transfer you to your Pretoria Lodge. There will be a welcome dinner at the lodge and after the Tour briefing.
Day 2:
Pretoria to Hazyview (250 mi / 400 km)
We leave for Hazyview taking the scenic route via De Berg Pass (highest tar road in Mpumulanga) and the Long Tom Pass. Hazyview is right in the heart of Mpumulanga and makes an ideal base for exploring the magnificent surroundings.
Day 3:
Panorama route (155 mi/250 km)
Magical views and winding mountain passes will make today one of the highlights of the tour, along with Gods Window, Berlin & Lisbon falls, Bourkes Luck Potholes, Animal Rehab Centre, etc. Tonight you will enjoy an evening festival at the Shangaan Cultural Village, a true African experience which includes dances and a delicious traditional meal.
Day 4:
Kruger National Park
Today we will bid goodbye to the motorcycles and board a game viewing safari vehicle which will transport us into Kruger National Park. This world famous wildlife reserve is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and cape buffalo) and is roughly the size of a small country. We will have a full day to spot lions, elephants, birds and many other species of animals.
Day 5:
Hazyview to Swaziland (186 mi / 300 km)
After breakfast we depart for the Kingdom of Swaziland, home of the friendly Swazi people. After border procedures (passport and possibly visa required) we weave our way along winding country roads and mountain passes. Today we will visit Swaziland's own glass factory (Ngwenya Glass) and see the world famous Swazi candles being handcrafted at Swazi Candles.
Day 6:
Swaziland to St. Lucia (217 mi / 350 km)
Today we make our way through Swaziland to South Africas Zulu Kingdom, homeland of the proud Zulu nation. In the late afternoon we arrive in St. Lucia, a world renowned natural heritage site, with its beautiful secluded beaches, hippos, crocodiles, whales, endangered turtles and other wildlife. This afternoon we embark on an exciting sunset river cruise where we see hippos, crocodiles and other estuary wildlife.
Day 7:
St. Lucia Rest Day
St. Lucia has so much to offer that we suggest an action packed day undertaking one of the many optional activities on offer e.g. whale watching & turtle tours (in season). Full and half day game drives are also available into the magnificent Umfolosi/Hlhluwe game reserve. As all activities are extremely popular, to avoid disappointment, Sama prefers to pre-book activities for you.
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Click here for more photos!
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Day 8:
St. Lucia to Oribi Gorge (217 mi / 350 km)
We travel down the Kwazulu Natal coastline through Durban to the South Coast holiday town of Port Shepstone, where we head inland via a beautiful mountain road to the spectacular Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve.
Day 9:
Oribi Gorge to Coffee Bay (280 mi / 450 km)
After an early breakfast it is time to head for the Wild Coast, where our famous Madiba (former president Nelson Mandela) was born. You will see why this region is called the Wild Coast - endless unspoilt sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see make this destination well worth a visit.
Day 10:
Cofee Bay Rest Day
This morning there will be an optional ride to Hole in the Wall, along the most spectacular dirt road that meanders up and down beautiful winding mountains overlooking the sea. The rest of the day may be spent relaxing on the beach.
Day 11:
Coffee Bay to Port Alfred (385 mi / 620 km)
After an early breakfast we bid the rolling hills and sea cliffs of the Wild Coast farewell and make our way inland following the N2 to East London. We continue along the coastal road to Port Alfred, a beautiful little coastal town with stunning sea views.
Day 12:
Port Alfred to Knysna (280 mi / 450 km)
Today we follow the coastal route to Knysna where we will be based for the next 3 nights. En-route, those brave enough will have the opportunity to bungee from Bloukrans, the highest bungee in the world-214 metres of pure adrenalin.
Day 13:
Knysna to Garden Route to Knysna (155 mi / 250 km)
Today we enjoy the spectacular scenery and twisting mountain passes of the world famous Garden Route. Around every corner, there is a breathtaking view. We visit an Ostrich farm and the Cango Caves to explore underground wonders, returning to Knysna in the late afternoon.
Day 14:
Knysna Rest Day
There is so much to do! You can go on a boat cruise, marvel at the Knysna heads, embrace the beautiful evergreen Knysna forest, meet the Knysna Elephants or simply relax and enjoy the pubs, restaurants and shops.
Day 15:
Knysna to Franschoek (280 mi / 450 km)
After an early breakfast we make our way over the Outeniqua Pass to the start of Route 62. The road winds through the Swartberg Mountains and beautiful foothills in their valleys. This area is famous for its Winelands. In the late afternoon we arrive in Franscoek, a picturesque village in the midst of vineyards.
Day 16:
Franschoek to Cape Point to Cape Town (155 mi / 250 km)
Today we ride through South Africa's Mother City. As we enter the city you will be amazed at the views of Table mountain. We start with a ride over Chapmans peak, a beautiful, twisting road with cliffs on one side and clear blue ocean on the other. Next up is a stop at Boulders Beach to laugh at the antics of the penguins surfing in the waves. After that we make our way to Cape Point, the most South-westerly point of Africa (look out for whales!). Tonight we sleep in Cape Town and go out for our farewell dinner at one of Cape Town's best restaurants.
Day 17:
End of tour
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. Tranfers will be arranged to the airport.
Note: We reserve the right to make changes.
Ready to ride? Book here
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Terrain: 90% paved, 10% off-road.
