We have chosen our winter for the tour as this is dry and cold at night, warm by day - perfect weather for motorcycling. Also the long grass has wilted giving a much better chance of game viewing. The tour involves 2300 kilometers of travel, some days doing over 500 kilometers per day plus a small proportion of quality gravel roads so will appeal to strong riders. All our bikes are BMW's, the choice being either GS1200, GS1150, F650(twin cylinder) and F650GS. They all have hard side panniers and a top box.
You may opt to arrive a day or two before the tour departure in which case we can book you in at an upmarket bed and breakfast very close to our base and rent you the bike you will use for the tour at a much reduced rate.
| Day 1 |
Most international flights arrive in Cape Town early morning. We meet you at the airport, transport you to your Cape Town accommodation and after you have had time to relax, bring you to our base and issue the bikes. During the afternoon we take you on a short "orientation" tour of Cape Town to familiarise yourself with the bike and to see a little of this wonderful place.
Overnight at Dongola Lodge, Constantia, Cape Town
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| Day 2 |
On this first full day of the tour we set off from Cape Town on an easy ride through the beautiful Cape Winelands and then open wheat growing farms to Clanwilliam nestling under the Cederberg Mountains.
Total of 235 kilometers for the day.
Overnight at Clanwilliam Lodge Hotel, Clanwilliam.
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| Day 3 |
Today the tour leaves the winter rainfall area of the Western Cape and enters the typical desert climate of cold nights and warm, dry days - just perfect for biking. As we progress north the landscape gets progressively more barren, distances between towns greater. This is the area known as Namaqualand (after the indigenous people) and famous for the magnificent yellow and blue desert flowers which bloom after rains. We overnight at Okiep, just outside Springbok, an old copper mining town.
Total of 318 kilometers for the day.
Overnight at Okiep Hotel.
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| Day 4 |
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Today we pass through some of the driest (and in summer hottest) parts of South Africa and Namibia. Hopefully formalities do not take too long as you cross the Orange River and enter Namibia. Being an ex German colony things seem to work particularly efficiently in Namibia, even border crossings. Only 142 kilometers from the border we leave the tar road and head for Ai-Ais in the mighty Fish River Canyon on a good quality gravel road of 72 kilometers. As we descend into the canyon, the scenery is dramatic to say the least.
Total of 322 kilometers for the day.
Overnight at Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort.
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| Day 5 |
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Today is a "rest day". We suggest you take a walk (with plenty of drinking water) along the floor of the canyon. On the other hand you may just like to spend the day in the swimming pool or warm mineral water springs. You may even have the energy to go exploring on your bike.
Overnight at Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort.
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| Day 6 |
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Retracing our ride on gravel for 72 kilometers we regain the tar road at Granau. Again, as you progress north the vegetation gets even more sparse, rock crags and dry river beds are lined with gnarled camel-thorn trees and few habitations exist.
Total of 259 kilometers for the day.
Overnight at Schutzenhaus Guest House, Keetmanshoop.
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| Day 7 |
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As we approach Windhoek which is 1000 meters above sea level, one can feel a slight drop in temperature and an increase in vegetation. The route takes you through the small towns of Mariental and Rehoboth but very little between. May we suggest you visit Joe's Beerhouse this evening where some of the finest kudu, ostrich, crocodile and wart-hog steaks are served together with real German beer.
Total of 482 kilometers for the day.
Overnight at Vondelhof Guest House, Windhoek.
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| Day 8 |
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A Namibian tour without a visit to the famous "Skeleton Coast" would be a let down. Hence the tour turns west just North of Windhoek and descends to the coast via Karibib and Usakos at Swakopmund 287 kilometers away. The sea is swept by the cold north flowing Benguela current and hence subjected to dense and cold fogs in extraordinary contrast to the dry and clear interior. This fascinating town with sand pavements, desert and sea all around, traditional German architecture and salt roads, is well worth a visit.
Total of 273 kilometers for the day.
Overnight at Strand Hotel, Swakopmund.
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| Day 9 |
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An early start is advised as we have a long day ahead to the outstanding feature of the tour - the Etosha National Park and associated game viewing. We retrace the route to Karibib and then in via rolling uplands via Omaruru, Otjiwarongo and Outjo to our destination, the Toshari Etosha Gateway Lodge just 25 kilometers outside the park. As one approaches the park and Etosha Pan, caution is advised owing to an abundance of wild life using the road.
Total of 490 kilometers for the day.
Overnight at Toshari Etosha Gateway Lodge.
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| Day 10 |
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For obvious reasons motorcycles are not permitted in the Etosha Park (...think lions and elephants), hence we spend the day in the park in a game view open vehicle provided by the lodge, hopefully sighting the "big five".
Overnight at Toshari Etosha Gateway Lodge.
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| Day 11 |
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Today we return to Windhoek via Outjo, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja. Again, caution is advised owing to the amount of game on the road. Perhaps a return to Joe's Beerhouse?
Total of 355 kilometers for the day.
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| Day 12 |
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During the morning the bikes are returned and we transport you to the Windhoek airport for your return flight via Johannesburg.
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emarketing by quirk