MOTORCYCLE-TRIPS · SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa: Garden Route Moto Tour
Experience the breathtaking beauty of South Africa on this Garden Route motorcycle trip. You will explore Cape Town and its surroundings, go on safari in Addo Elephant Park, and ride spectacular mountain passes along the route.
The Journey
In the southernmost corner of Africa
This Garden Route motorcycle tour begins and ends in Cape Town. The Mother City wraps up an African welcome in a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a colonial ambiance that makes you forget for a moment that you are in Africa. And then there is the sheer natural beauty of the Western Cape. This tour offers the perfect mix of motorcycling and vacation: the stages are coordinated so that you experience South Africa's coastline while getting to know the cultural and natural diversity of the country.
To kick off, there is time to explore Cape Town and its surroundings, a city that surprises with its variety of attractions, sounds, and experiences. From Table Mountain, it goes over Hermanus, the Mecca of South African whale watchers, to the southern tip of Africa, L'Agulhas. On the way, you will visit the penguin sanctuary near Betty’s Bay.
To the east follows the Garden Route. At the Bloukrans Bridge is the highest commercial bungee jump in the world, a drop of 216 meters. After the Tsitsikamma region, you will reach Port Elizabeth, the largest city in the Eastern Cape Province and the first home of the British settlers who arrived in 1820. In Addo Elephant National Park, you will experience a full-day safari with the chance to see the Big Five: lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, and buffalo.
After that, the route leads inland to Graaff-Reinet in the vast, semi-arid Great Karoo. The Valley of Desolation is the next stop before heading to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. Here, you will learn more about the large birds and explore the world-famous Cango Caves and the region of the Little Karoo.
Then it goes along Route 62 to the vineyards, with a short stop at Ronnie’s Sex Shop, which, despite its name, primarily sells beer, and along the northern slopes of the Langeberg Mountain Range to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa, in the Cape Winelands. Route 62 is considered the longest wine route in the world.
This Garden Route motorcycle tour takes you along some of the most beautiful routes in South Africa. Distance traveled: approximately 2,860 km in total, averaging about 260 km per day.
Key Highlights of the Trip
Key Highlights of the Trip
Arrival in Cape Town
After a night intercontinental flight, there is a warm welcome in Cape Town at the CPT airport. You will be picked up and taken to the accommodation at the foot of the famous Table Mountain. Today there are no official program points, so you have time to relax and get to know the city. Cape Town has a lot to offer: the party mile Long Street, the magnificent V&A Waterfront with its countless shops and restaurants, or a boat trip to Robben Island, where you can visit the prison where Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned for 18 years.
Cape Peninsula Route, approx. 150 km
After breakfast, we pick up the motorcycles and explore the famous Cape Peninsula route. The day's route heads south, away from the city center along the False Bay coast to Simons Town. We visit the Cape Point Reserve with the Cape of Good Hope. The reserve is part of the Table Mountain National Park and belongs to the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the most diverse plant biomes on Earth with over 9,000 plant species, of which 70 percent are found only here. In the afternoon, we travel along the Atlantic coast over the scenic Chapman’s Peak route and return to the hotel via Camps Bay and Sea Point. In the late afternoon, a ride up Table Mountain is on the agenda, if not done already. The view over Cape Town, the Table Bay, and over Robben Island to the horizon is unique.
Clarence Drive to L’Agulhas, approx. 310 km
After breakfast, we follow Route 44, the Clarence Drive, over Betty's Bay to Hermanus. Along with Chapman’s Peak Drive, Clarence Drive is the most beautiful coastal road in the country, with many opportunities for photo stops. In Betty's Bay, we visit the Stony Point Penguin Reserve, one of only two breeding colonies on the African mainland. During the whale migration season from June to November, the chances of sightings in Walker Bay and False Bay are good. Hermanus is considered one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. After lunch, there is a detour along the coast of Walker Bay before heading inland via the former mission station Elim to L'Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, where the two oceans meet.
Overberg to Mossel Bay, approx. 320 km
Next, we head east towards Mossel Bay, past grain fields and through the gentle hills of the Overberg, with a coffee break near Swellendam. The fifth oldest city in South Africa lies at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. Mossel Bay was already listed in the Guinness Book of Records in 1992 as a place with the second mildest climate in the world and marks the unofficial beginning of the Garden Route. The accommodation is a few kilometers outside, nestled in the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains. On the R328, the impressive Robinson Pass begins, winding over the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo. Along the way, we frequently stop to admire the landscape and the coastal towns.
Mossel Bay to Knysna, approx. 200 km
In the morning we explore the panorama along the Robinson and Outeniqua Passes before reaching George. From there, we follow the section of the N2 Garden Route to Knysna. The natural beauty along the Garden Route and the peaceful atmosphere at the Knysna estuary attract visitors from far away. The estuary is located in the center of the city, guarded to the south by the impressive Knysna Heads. A detour there offers panoramic views of the lagoon and coastline. A boat trip through the river estuary is a great way to enjoy the scenery. In addition, there are the Knysna Waterfront and Thesen Island with their variety of restaurants, all within walking distance from the hotel.
Via Port Elizabeth to Addo, approx. 350 km
A relaxed day in the saddle takes us, where possible, along rural back roads. The stage runs on the N2 through the heart of the Garden Route. We pass through parts of the native Tsitsikamma forests and stop at the impressive Bloukrans Bridge, where the highest commercial bungee jump in the world plunges 216 meters down. After lunch and a short hike through the Tsitsikamma National Park to the Storms River Mouth, we continue on to Port Elizabeth. Formerly known as Algoa Bay, the city is still referred to by locals as the friendly city. Here, in 1820, the first 4,500 British settlers landed in Southern Africa. After a brief city tour, we head to Addo near the Addo Elephant National Park. In the evening, we have dinner together at the lodge.
Full-day safari in Addo Elephant Park
After breakfast, we will be picked up for the full-day safari in the Addo Elephant National Park. An experienced ranger will accompany us and tell us about the park's flora and fauna. Addo is home to the Big Five: lion, buffalo, rhinoceros, elephant, and the elusive leopard. The park is also known for its large elephant population. Since it also includes a vast marine conservation area where southern right whales and great white sharks can be found, Addo is the only reserve that houses the Big Seven. Around 6:00 PM, we will be back at the lodge, where we will again have dinner together.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Great Karoo to Graaff-Reinet, approx. 360 km
We say goodbye to the coastal region and ride inland on our motorcycles. We spend most of the day on expansive roads with little traffic as we traverse the remote landscape of the Eastern Cape. We reach the Great Karoo, a semi-arid, vast area reminiscent of the American Wild West. Passing through the border town of Jansenville, we finally arrive at Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in South Africa with numerous national monuments and museums. We continue to Nieu-Bethesda, famous for Helen Martins and her Owl House with 300 exhibits. A good place for a lunch break before heading back to Graaff-Reinet, where in the late afternoon the ride to the Valley of Desolation awaits, with views over Spandau Hill and the plains of the Great Karoo.
Towards Swartberge to De Rust, approx. 435 km
The journey through the southern plains of the Great Karoo continues. We bid farewell to Spandau Hill and head towards Aberdeen, passing extensive farmland and sheep herds. The road leads south towards the distant Swart Mountains, which change their color throughout the day. After 175 km of flat Karoo plain, we arrive in Willowmore, famous for coffee and cake at the Sophies Choice Coffee Shop, a true oasis. From here, we head to De Rust, the northern gateway to Oudtshoorn. If time permits, we make a short detour to the picturesque Meiring’s Poort gorge, one of only two natural passes through the Swartberg mountain range. After a stop in Klaarstroom, we return to De Rust, where we will spend the night.
From De Rust to Oudtshoorn, approx. 100 km
Today is a short day in the saddle. From De Rust we ride to the Highgate Ostrich Farm and join an entertaining and informative tour of the ostrich farm. Afterwards, there is lunch in or near Oudtshoorn before a one-hour tour of the Cango Caves. Both visits are relaxed, and the caves are also suitable for those who are not fond of enclosed spaces. An option for the adventurous is crossing the Swartberg Pass. The pass road is a national monument and for many a bucket-list drive. It is scenically spectacular but consists of gravel and requires experience on loose surfaces. In the Little Karoo, temperatures reach up to thirty degrees, so taking a break by the guesthouse pool is also a good choice.
R62 to the wine region to Robertson, approx. 320 km
After breakfast we take the R62 and thus the famous Route 62 towards Robertson. Along the way we make a photo stop at the notorious Ronnie’s Sex Shop, which has plenty of beer but no sex. Next, we stop for coffee in Barrydale, where we recommend Diesel & Crème, before stopping for lunch in or around Montagu. In the afternoon we reach the Breede River Valley with its wineries around Robertson.
Mountain passes to Franschhoek, approx. 200 km
No motorcycle trip is complete without picturesque mountain passes. Today is the day for that, as we ride towards Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Franschhoek celebrates the contribution of the French Huguenots who arrived at the Cape in 1688. The Franschhoek and Wellington region offers motorcyclists a whole range of mountainous roads. The Hellshoogte Pass and Bains Kloof are very popular among local riders and both are on the day's agenda. We stop in both Franschhoek and Stellenbosch for coffee and lunch. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa and a prime example of Cape Dutch architecture. We will spend the night in Franschhoek.
Franschhoek → Cape Town, approx. 200 km
In the distance, Table Mountain awaits our return to Cape Town. From Franschhoek, we cross the popular Franschhoek Pass before heading over the Viljoen Pass to Grabouw and finally down the Sir Lowry Pass. Around 3:00 PM, we set off to the motorcycle rental to return the rental motorcycles. The drive back to the city falls on a Friday afternoon, so we try to avoid the rush hour traffic. Once the motorcycles are returned, the rental station arranges a taxi back to the accommodation.
Departure from Cape Town
On the last day, some still have time for shopping in the city. If you want to visit more interesting places, talk to your guide; he will gladly give you tips on how to make the best use of your time. Of course, we also help you with an extension in Cape Town. All those departing today will be taken to the airport. Safe travels and see you at the next motorcycle adventure.
Want a detailed description of all tour days?
Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.
from
Price Options
Additional Options
Trip includes
- Rental motorcycle Suzuki DL800DE with top case and side cases
- Full insurance for the motorcycle
- Unlimited kilometers
- 13 overnight stays in 3- and 4-star accommodations
- Meals: 13x breakfast and 5x dinner
- Road map and personalized souvenir cap
- Toll fees
- Registered local tour guide on the motorcycle
- Airport transfers
- Entry fees for national parks: Tsitsikamma National Park, Camdeboo National Park with Valley of Desolation, Stony Point Penguin Reserve, Table Mountain National Park with Cape Point
- Activities: Table Mountain cable car ticket, wine tasting, Cango Caves tour, ostrich farm tour, day safari in Addo Elephant National Park
- Travel protection certificate (insolvency protection according to BGB §651r) is mandatory for all OVERCROSS trips.
-
Every morning breakfast and on five evenings also dinner.
-
In the base price you ride a Suzuki DL800DE with top case and side boxes. Models from BMW, Honda, and Yamaha are available for an additional charge.
-
The route runs on paved roads. The only gravel stage is the optional ascent to the Swartberg Pass near Oudtshoorn, which requires experience on loose surfaces.
-
No, a support vehicle with a driver is not included in the price of this trip.
-
Yes, a refundable deposit of 25,000 ZAR is due for the motorcycle, which you pay in advance via a secure payment link.
Terms and Conditions of OVERCROSS
Similar Adventures
Send request
How did you
hear about us?
