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While many of us love a good road trip, there is something about taking to the open road on a motorbike, with the wind rushing all around you and the sights unobscured by a vehicle, that is addictive.
The freedom that comes with motorcycle tours in South Africa is only something you can understand if you’re a biker. It is almost indescribable, unless you’ve experienced it yourself. While this is not the sort of tour every traveller will be comfortable with, there’s no doubt that if you are an avid biker, this is the holiday that dreams are made of.
Motorcycle tours in South Africa include numerous routes through some of the country’s most iconic places, like the winding mountainous roads of the Western Cape and, further to the north of the country, the picturesque Drakensberg Mountains. Some motorcycle tours even cross over into Lesotho, making for one epic ride.
And with the options of self-drive, guided, and the more adventurous off-road style tour options, no matter what your tastes are, there’s a tour that will hook you.
If this is just the sort of holiday you’ve been daydreaming about, in this guide, we’re going to help you plan by giving you the insider information you need to know.
Does ATC Offer Motorcycle Tours?
Yes, we do!
Our Motorcycle Tours in South Africa are designed just for enthusiasts who want an authentic road trip that takes them through the best parts of South Africa’s Western Cape, but which also gives them a bit of an adventure.
Our 11-day tour is a masterful mixture of scenic rides and enlightening experiences, starting in the Mother City, Cape Town, and winding through the iconic Garden Route.
You’ll tackle exhilarating mountain passes like Robinson Pass and Meiring’s Poort, spot wildlife in Addo Elephant National Park, and simply sit and marvel at the lush bush that is Tsitsikamma Forest.
Highlights of this tour include a full-day safari, penguin-spotting at Betty’s Bay, and soaking in the panoramic views from Knysna Heads.
Add to that some wine tastings in Robertson and Stellenbosch, plus a visit to an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, and you’ve got a journey that is heart-pounding rides one moment, and pure relaxation the next. What more could you ask for?
This is what our tour itinerary looks like at a glance:
- Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town, settle in, and prepare for the ride.
- Day 2: Explore Cape Town, including a Table Mountain visit.
- Day 3: Ride to L’Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa.
- Day 4: Journey to Mossel Bay, with coastal views aplenty.
- Day 5: Cruise to Knysna, pausing at the stunning Knysna Heads.
- Day 6: Head to Addo for wildlife adventures.
- Day 7: Full-day safari in Addo Elephant National Park.
- Day 8: Ride to Oudtshoorn for an ostrich farm experience.
- Day 9: Travel to Robertson for wine tasting and relaxation.
- Day 10: Return to Cape Town via Stellenbosch’s vineyards.
- Day 11: Depart with memories to last a lifetime.
The price for this tour starts from ZAR 66,840.00 per person sharing.
It includes a BMW F750GS motorcycle, top case and panniers for your convenience, 3 and 4-star accommodation, 10 breakfasts and 4 dinners, a road map, personalised souvenir peak cap, toll fees, a registered tour guide on a motorcycle, airport transfers, park entrance fees (for Tsitsikamma Coastal Park, Stony Point Penguin Sanctuary, and Table Mountain National Park), and activities like a Table Mountain visit, wine tastings, Cango Caves tour, ostrich farm visit, and an Addo Park safari.
It is an all-around joy ride of a lifetime, and for any motorcycle rider, this is one holiday you’ll love every moment of.
Why Is a Motorcycle Tour Special?
Motorcycle Tours in South Africa are special because, on the one hand, you have the freedom of being out on the open road, and on the other, you have an itinerary that’ll keep you grounded and ensure that you visit all the best attractions.
There’s something enduringly feel-good, and dare we overuse the word, freeing, about driving winding roads with the ocean on one side and mountains on the other, feeling every twist and turn as you move with your bike.
Unlike a car, being on a motorbike really places you in the moment; smelling the flowers and fynbos, hearing the waves, and connecting with the landscape, as you have more freedom to stop at various places along the way.
This tour isn’t just about the ride; it’s about learning more about South Africa, from its bustling cities and townships to its ancient, serene vineyards.
Just imagine the stories you’ll tell your friends and family back home after conquering mountain passes and spotting elephants on safari.
Motorcycle tours in South Africa are special because they give you the most authentic and exhilarating way to experience a country that is underrated as a travel destination and yet worth spending your time seeing.
What Motorbikes Are Provided?
Our Motorcycle Tours in South Africa feature the BMW F750GS, a reliable and versatile bike built for both slightly off-road terrains and smooth tar roads. But it’s always best to ask the tour company you are considering planning a tour with what kind of transport they provide, as some motorcycle tours can be “piggyback” tours, meaning you ride passenger on the back.
When it comes to motorcycles being provided, you should do your research on the bike and go with the tour that provides bikes which have responsive handling and a comfortable design, so that you are prepared for those long rides through varied landscapes.
Each of our bikes comes with comprehensive insurance, unlimited mileage, a top case, and panniers for your gear.
While helmets and riding gear aren’t included, we ensure your bike is ready to tackle the Garden Route’s curves or Addo’s dusty trails, so that you ride with confidence knowing you’re on one of the best bikes for the job.
How Many People Can Take Part?
All motorcycle tours in South Africa are different.
Our tours are designed for intimacy and connection, so we keep our tours relatively small, with 6 to 12 riders.
This ensures that you have a personalised experience, allowing you to bond with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy the guidance of our registered tour guide.
Whether you’re a solo rider or travelling with a partner, the group size will give you a sense of camaraderie as well as flexibility. The pace of the tour is set in a way that no one feels hurried, uncomfortable or left behind. Although such tours are technically self-driving trips, this is not a race; it’s a holiday.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Go on a Motorcycle Tour?
South Africa’s climate makes motorcycle tours in South Africa a year-round delight, but certain times of the year are better than others, and that’s spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), especially if your tour is taking place in the Western Cape.
During these months, temperatures are mild (15-25°C), rainfall is low, and the landscapes are simply full of colour, with wildflowers blooming along the Garden Route and all shades of greenery to be seen in Tsitsikamma.
Summer (December to February) brings warmer days, which are perfect for coastal rides, but you must expect occasional showers. Winter (June to August) can be cooler, especially in the mountains, but the clear skies will treat you to crisp, stunning views.
We recommend booking in March or October for the best weather and fewer crowds. To get the best dates, you should always check availability well ahead of your intended travel dates.
Don’t let South Africa’s incredible roads pass you by.
Motorcycle Tours in South Africa with ATC will give you a hassle-free experience at a competitive price, taking you through mountain passes, having you sipping local wines, and giving you more than enough time to spot wildlife.
