Roof of Africa Motorcycle Tour

Lesotho, Africa's most mountainous country and the start of an intense 11 Day motorcycle Safari. During the following days, we will transvers the fabled "Roof of Africa" route across the spine of this country, through the mountains of Maluti across the to the highest roads on the continent. Then it's down the fabled Sani Pass, dropping some 1800 meter in 20 km, and a drive to the Wild Coast, for three days of biking though coastal forests, open plains and near the most remote beaches in South Africa - the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, and is world that is breath-taking in its diversity. Mountains, passes and dirt tracks, with out-of-the-way accommodation, the entire safari covering some 2000 km. The route has been planned to showcase what beautiful motorcycling routes are available in Southern Africa. The support vehicle (with motorcycle trailer) normally follows the routes. The terrain is variable but always on small roads and tracks. This route enables us to get to the most beautiful, remote and challenging places in Southern Africa, giving our biker guests a chance of experiencing the heights of our stunning mountains, the thrills and challenges of mountains passes with the serenity and challenge of the ocean. Our specially built spacious Four-Wheel Drives supports all manner of motorcyclists, and a purpose built trailer allows us to access roads and tracks not easily reachable-allowing us to use many of the back-routes and quieter roads and passes, and our unmatched guides ensure a uniquely personal experience-something different to a simple bus or self-drive "tour" - and a highlight of this motorcycle trip is the unspoilt wilderness of the Wild Coast, the scenery of the Lesotho Highlands and the remote Baviaanskloof.

Tour costs:

2 Riders: U$10550-00 per person
4 Riders: U$7300-00 per person
6 Riders: U$6250-00 per person
8 Riders: U$6315-00 per person
10 Riders: U$5900-00 per person
12 Riders: U$5560-00 per person

Tour code: MC-LWB

This tour runs on a request basis, minimum number of guests is FOUR.

Departure point is OR Tambo International Aiport, Johannesburg. Guests are required to be at the arrivals area by 08H30 on day 1.


• Day 1:
• Guests arrive in Johannesburg and will be met by a Wilderness Dawning guide and taken to a lodge in Magaliesberg area to freshen up. Your guide will go through an entire briefing section before we leave on a 2-3 hour ride in the afternoon, enabling riders to get used to the motorcycles and general riding conditions in South Africa. This ride will be led by our guide and we will take in a unique opportunity to interact with Elephants. We then overnight in the Magalieberg area.
  
  (L,D: Overnight Chalets)
  
  160 kilometres tarred conditions
• Day 2:
• We have an early start and trailer the bikes from Hartebeestpoort to the outskirts of Gauteng, en-route to Lesotho. Bikes are unloaded and we take a thrilling ride to Malealea Lodge, situated in the rugged mountains of Western Lesotho, Africa's mountain kingdom. When one enters these valleys and shear rock faces, one cannot be humbled as the Basotho's themselves were. Lesotho is a world without fences. Breathtakingly beautiful scenery abounds and every season has unique attractions. . After ascending a rough track, we finally reach our first rustic mountain base at Malealea (1970m), nestled in the aptly named "Valley of Paradise" in the foothills of the Thaba-Putsoa range where the air is clean and pure.
  
  (B,L,D: Overnight Chalets)
  
  400 kilometres tarred conditions, 40 kilometres dirt conditions.
• Day 3:
• Today's spectacular route takes us through the mountains of Lesotho, the views are simply breath-taking and excellent for magical riding, although be warned, the mountain passes are high and twisting! The vehicle will be within reach for any motorcyclists who want to take a break. Our plan for today is to ride to the Mountain town of Thaba-Tseka and then on to Katse Dam. The route is some 300 km long, of uphill and downhill, river and bridge crossings and some technical dirt roads.
  
  (B,L,D: Overnight Chalets)
  
  300 kilometres tarred and dirt mountainous terrain conditions
• Day 4:
• We make our way back to Thaba-Tseka and ride further along this remote and invigorating road to the remote mountain village of Ha Rafolatse. Again, we will leave early in the morning and keep up a steady pace .There are many lookout points as we bike northwards. Some parts of the route reach a height of 3250m. The mountain tracks here are not well utilized, allowing for some stunning riding, although strenuous. We will cross the source of the Senque River before starting our descent past Thaba Ntlenyana (3482m) the highest point in Southern Africa. From here it's downhill to Sani Top Chalet located on the very edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment where the views of the surrounding landscape are stunning. Our night stop here is home to the highest licensed pub in Southern Africa at 2874m and with its unique setting and colourful history, it has an atmosphere all of its own.
  
  (B,L,D: Overnight Chalets)
  
  220 kilometres tarred and dirt mountainous terrain conditions
• Day 5:
• Before the Sani Pass from South Africa was built; the bridle path was the only means of trade between South Africa and the interior of Lesotho. It was only on 26 October 1948 that Geoffrey Edmunds, an ex-RAF Spitfire pilot and adventurer, and a labour gang and their ponies, pulleys, plenty of rope and many jerry cans of petrol later, drove to the top of the pass for the first time! A dramatic 1000m descent down the Sani Pass takes us back into South Africa.
  
  (B,L,D: Overnight Chalets)
  
  40 kilometres technical dirt and mountainous terrain conditions
• Day 6:
• We ride east towards to Indian Ocean and the stunning coastline of the fabled Wild Coast an area of undulating hills, lush forest and spectacular beaches. Tonight we'll stay at backpacker type accommodation in the remote town of Port St Johns.
  
  (B,L,D: Overnight Backpackers)
  
  400 kilometres tarred and dirt conditions
• Day 7:
• The Haven hotel, Wild Coast. Continuing south we cross the Xora river and head inland through Cwebe Nature Reserve and Mbashe river. The reserve contains a dense subtropical forest brimming with flora and fauna as well as sections of grassland and a long stretch of wonderful dune-filled shore lying in the shadow of Mbashe lighthouse. Our final destination is our coastal hotel the Haven, its grounds regularly grazed by zebra and wildebeest.
  
  (B,L,D: Overnight Hotel)
  
  200 kilometres tarred and dirt conditions)
• Day 8:
• We turn our back on the Indian Ocean and head inland, journeying towards our accommodation in the Addo Elephant Park, that lies some 400 km to the west. We ride through the area of the Sunday River Valley and late that afternoon we relax and enjoy our surroundings beneath the dazzling blanket of an African night sky. There will be time to go on an open-vehicle game drive in this National Park, home to over 450 elephants, as well as Cape buffalo, black rhino and the almost exclusive flightless dung beetle. The park covers a staggering 360,000 ha that encompasses a marine reserve providing sanctuary to the world's largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and the second largest population of African penguins. The park currently boasts 5 of South Africa's 7 biomes and, aside from its famous Elephants, it also includes habitats that provide a haven for Leopard, Lion, Great White Sharks and Southern Right Whales, as well as a rich heritage of archaeological and historic sites.
  
  (B,L,D: Overnight Chalet)
  
  450 kilometres tarred and dirt conditions
• Day 9:
• After an early morning game-drive in Addo , we depart the park mid-morning, and head out towards the mountain wilderness area of Bavianskloof, making our way on the remote back-roads small towns like Patensie to our accommodation which is situated in the unspoilt Gamtoos River Valley. The Baviaanskloof is nestled between the Baviaans Mountain range in the north and the Kouga Mountain Range in the south. This 192 000 ha conservation area, recently awarded World Heritage Site status, is home to an amazing diversity of habitat types and species. From Forest Yellowoods to Karoo flowers, thickets and Proteas, the Kloof is an off-road bikers paradise. Numerous motorcycle and 4x4 trails are a must-see, as is the San Art which adorns the pristine cliffs.
  
  (B,L,D: Overnight Lodge)
  
  200 kilometres dirt conditions
• Day 10:
• Baviaanskloof Mountains and passes. We drive along the remainder of Baviaanskloof, the name of which translates roughly as "cliffs for baboons". This route takes us through the most remote passes and rivers in the Cape, well away from the regular tourist routes. Baviaanskloof is only accessible by Four-Wheel-Drive or off-road bike.
  
  (B,L,D: Overnight Lodge)
  
  200 kilometres tarred and dirt conditions
• Day 11:
• After a final breakfast on the deck, we transfer to George Airport. Arrangements end.
  
  (B)
  
  While we endeavour to ensure the itinerary runs as advertised, Wilderness Dawning reserves the right to change this due to unforeseen circumstances or external influences beyond our control. E&OE
  
  
  

Included:

Use of specially modified 4x4 vehicles, Professional Guide. Meals as specified (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner).Accommodation on a share basis. South African and Lesotho National Parks and Game Reserves entrance fees. Use of hired Motorcycles; support vehicle/vehicles and motorbike trailer. Group Size 4-12.Motorcycle guide rides with group each day while the support vehicle and guides are available to provide back up or assistance if needed. All luggage is transported in the support vehicle/vehicles.

Excluded:

All airfares, mineral water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, activities in Addo Elephant National Park and Malealea, any gratuities, any personal expenses, visa fees, departure taxes. Travel Insurance (compulsory).Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers. All safety gear (compulsory).All energy supplements. All private motorcycle transport before and after tour. Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers. , all insurance excesses for motorcycles*.

Notes:

All motorcycles hired on our holidays are serviced frequently and are checked over and tested thoroughly by experienced BMW motorcycle mechanics before each tour commences. Motorcycling, of course, is an active pursuit and to maximise your own personal protection in case of a fall, we strongly recommend that you wear complete protective gear compromising of boots, padded pants, jacket, body armour, gloves and a high quality helmet. None of this equipment can be hired locally. Climatic conditions in Southern Africa are generally warm, but we do recommend that full rider gear is worn at all times. Owing to the very personal nature of this gear, riders are urged to bring their own gear with them. A full safety briefing and motorcycling advice will be provided by your tour leader at the start of your tour. This briefing will also include details of what to do should you encounter any minor technical problems with your motorbike.

*Insurance cover is included in all rates quoted. A deposit of U$2000.00 will be required (held by means of a credit card authorization) on every motorcycle. Each guest retains his/her motorcycle for the duration of the safari. This amount covers the standard excess of U$2000.00 and will apply for each and every claim in excess of U$2000.00. Deposits will be refunded once the motorcycle has been cleaned and inspected on return. All riders must be in possession of a valid International rider's license, valid for the class of motorcycle to be rented. Licenses are to be produced prior to the handover of the motorcycle. All riders are to be at least 25 years of age. The insurance will cover all damages incurred as a result of an accident. An excess of U$2000-00 will apply for damages in excess of this amount. Damages of a lesser nature will be billed according to the repair cost and will be deducted from the deposit paid. Accidents which require repatriation from beyond the South African border will be for the account of the rider. Damage as a result of reckless or negligent use of the motorcycle will be for the account of the renter.