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Namibia/South Africa Tour - 16 Day Tour

This international motorcycle tour takes you from the fertile Western Cape Winelands in South Africa, past the picturesque Cederberg Mountains, in to the near desert conditions at the Orange River border of South Africa and Namibia. In Namibia we visit the huge and desolate Fish River Canyon, the coastal resort of Swakopmund plus game viewing in the world renowned Etosha National Park where elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard can be seen as well as many others. Finally we visit the characterful ex German capital of Windhoek with its beer strubles and fine restaurants.
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 3300 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), F650GS and F800GS. 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

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. Overnight at Clanwilliam Lodge Hotel, Clanwilliam. Total of 235 kilometers for the day.

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 at Okiep Hotel. Total of 318 kilometers for the day.

Day 4
	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. Overnight at Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort. Total of 322 kilometers for the day.

Day 5
	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.

Day 6
	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. Overnight at Schutzenhaus Guest House, Keetmanshoop. Total of 259 kilometers for the day.

Day 7
	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. Overnight at Vondelhof Guest House, Windhoek. Total of 482 kilometers for the day.

Day 8
	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. Overnight at Hotel Garni Adler, Swakopmund. Total of 273 kilometers for the day.

Day 9
	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. Overnight at Toshari Etosha Gateway Lodge. Total of 490 kilometers for the day.

Day 10
	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". The Etosha Pan is one of the finest game viweing places in the world. Overnight at Toshari Etosha Gateway Lodge.

Day 11
	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? Overnight at Vondelhof Guest House, Windhoek . Total of 417 kilometers for the day.

Day 12
	Today we retrace the route to Keetmanshoop and the Schutzenhuis Guest House. This involves 509 kilometers of travel through open and deserted country. If on a non guided tour, check your petrol situation frequently as filling stations are few and far between. Overnight at Schutzenhuis Guest House, Keetmanshoop. Total of 509 kilometers for the day.

Day 13
	Returning to South Africa over the Orange river at Nakop we cross the dramatic Blydeverwacht Plateau with its vivid desert colours. Via Uppington we proceed in suddenly green and fertile surroundings thanks to the Orange River, to the Augrabies Falls National Park where we overnight. The Falls, where the Orange River thunders over a cliff and through a deep gorge, are a must. Overnight at Augrabies Falls National Park. Total of 513 kilometers for the day.

Day 14
	Today the route crosses the area known as 'Bushmanland, vast, open and with shallow lakes during the wet season. In the summer they are dry and were used by Sir John Cobb to test for his world speed record. Currently another British team is about to use them again for their world land record speed attampt. Overnight at the Dorphuis country lodge, Calvinia. Total of 424 kilometers for the day.

Day 15
	Via Nieuwoudville, the Vanrhyn pass, Clanwilliam, Citrusdal and Malmsbury, we return to Cape Town. Overnight at Dongola Lodge again.

Day 16
During the morning the bikes are returned and you have a chance to explore Cape Town's famous "Waterfront" area before we bus you to the airport for your flight home.