South Africa Motorcycle Tour

This is a 14 day, 13 nights tour, with 12 days motorcycle rental, covering around 1,750 miles.  The start and end point is Cape Town, South Africa.

Day 1: Cape Town
Arrival in Cape Town and collection to the hotel.  Tour Briefing and bike collection.  Enjoy a Welcome Evening Meal on the Waterfront.

Day 2:  Montagu (240 miles)
North to picturesque Paarl.   Bain’s Kloof Pass.  Michel’s Pass to Ceres and on to Touws River.   Gravel roads to Montagu or the paved road via the beautiful Koo Valley.

Day 3:  Prince Albert (200 miles)
Prince Albert via the Swartberg Pass (1,568m) with some gravel roads as part of our route. Prince Albert has beautifully preserved Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings, many of which are National Monuments.

Day 4:  Ride Out to “De Hell” (100 miles)
Relax in Prince Albert or go for the optional dirt road ride out.  Return to the Swartberg Pass then turn down to the Gamkaskloof Valley, on a road known as The Hell by residents of the Great Karoo. This hidden-away valley was declared a World Heritage Site in 1997.  This ride-out is for experienced off road riders only.

Day 5:  Oudtshoorn (100 miles)
Glorious ride over the Meiringspoort Pass en route to Oudtshoorn, with anoption to diver to visit Cango Caves.  Oudtshoorn is South Africa’s ostrich farming capital.  We’ll arrive for lunch and then highly recommend a visit to an ostrich farm (optional at extra cost).

Day 6:  Addo Elephant National Park (250 miles)
Coming over the Outeniqua Mountains, we pass through George and Knysna.  Nature’s Valley and the Bloukrans Pass to Kareedouw before reaching our final destination near the Addo Elephant National Park.

Day 7: Addo Elephant National Park
This morning, we take a 4×4 Jeep Morning Tour today to the Park, which is home to more than 600 elephants, cheetah, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo (included in your price).

Day 8:  Private Game Reserve near Graaff-Reinet (160 miles)
We ride further north into the Karoo to spend the night in a luxury lodge on a Private Game Reserve, approximately 60km from Graaff Reinet. After high tea, we take a safari to see giraffes, antelope, rhinos and cheetah (included in your price).

Day 9:  Wilderness (280 miles)
South-west along the N9, discovering forgotten towns like Aberdeen and Willowmore. From Uniondale, we ride via Prince Alfred’s Pass to the Indian Ocean and to lively, beach side town of Wilderness.

Day 10:  Rest day in Wilderness
Enjoy the beach or the estuary, perfect for walking or water sports.

Day 11:  Arniston (220 miles)
West along N2 through Riversdale, before taking the country roads to the coast and the most southern tip of the African Continent, Cape Agulhas.

Day 12:  Stellenbosch (140 miles)
Riding along the coast on one of the most beautiful roads in South Africa, through Hermanus (if you’re lucky you might spot whales!), past Betty’s Bay and Gordons Bay, before turning north to one of the most famous wine regions in South Africa.

Day 13:  Cape Town (100 miles)
Head south back to the coast to Boulders Beach and its free ranging colony of Africa Penguins, before reaching the Cape of Good Hope.  Then its our final run along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak into Cape Town.  Farewell Dinner.

Day 14:  Fly Home from Cape Town
This is the earliest date to book a flight back home.  Should you wish to have any extra days in Cape Town just ask and we can book them for you (at your cost).

We use a high standard of 4* boutique hotels, luxury guest houses and game lodges.  Many are characterful of the colonial past and tastefully decorated with antiques, have swimming pools and are set in stunning locations.  Some of our favourite places to stay on the tour are:

• Zuurberg Mountain Village, Addo Elephant Park.
• Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve
• De Bergkant Lodge, Prince Albert
• Cinnamon Boutique Guest House, Wilderness

The above are hotels we normally use.  However, we reserve the right to replace them with others of a similar standard.

Before you go

• Access to the GlobeBusters Team for one to one meeting about preparing for the tour and what to expect.
• Motorcycle Tour Travel Pack, including Tour Specific Guidance Handbook & hard copy Michelin / Reise Know How Maps, marked with route.
• Daily hard copy route notes with GPS co-ordinates and information about the hotels, the roads and the sights
• Loan SD Card with open source GPS mapping for the region (suitable for Garmin units), downloadable routes and custom waypoints for hotels, lunch stops, viewpoints etc

En Route

• Transfer from the hotel to/from the bike collection/delivery point.
• 13 nights bed and breakfast accommodation on shared basis (unless you book a Single Room)
• Local overnight hotel parking charges
• 6 evening dinners (three course menus)
• Addo Elephant National Park morning game drive in open vehicle, including National Park Fees & Local Guide
• Sundowner Game Drive at Private Game Reserve near Graaf Reinet, and second optional early morning game drive.

Support Crew

• GlobeBusters Motorcycle Tour Manager to accompany the group.
• Support driver / mechanic, with a Support Vehicle. You can place one piece of luggage of up to 60 litres in the Support Vehicle.

Motorcycle Hire
Where you have chosen to rent a BMW motorcycle, this is organised by us with the local motorcycle rental provider, Motorrad Executive Rentals.   We act as agents for the local rental company and we reserve motorcycles with them in accordance with your booking.  Your rental fee includes:

• 12 days motorcycle rental, including side panniers at no extra charge.
• All motorcycles are fitted with new dual purpose tyres.
• Collision damage waiver and theft protection insurance are included in the price.  There is an excess of ZAR35,000 in case of any damage to the motorcycle. The excess is taken as an online credit card authorisation on departure of rental, and withheld until the motorcycle is cleaned and inspected upon return.
• Should you require a top box or tank bag, please request this on booking.  There is an extra charge and it must be specifically requested
• Should you require a GPS unit, please request this on booking.  There is an extra charge and it must be specifically requested.
• On arrival at the start of the tour, you will be required to sign the local motorcycle rental agreement and provide your credit details as a guarantee against damage.

Your contract for motorcycle rental is with Motorrad Executive Rentals and not with us and you must comply with their terms and conditions for rental.  We act as agent for Motorrad Executive Rentals, and on arrival you will be required to sign the local motorcycle rental contract.  You can request a copy of these terms and conditions from us by contacting us in advance.  You must provide the local provider with valid credit card details with sufficient credit limit as a guarantee against damages up to the insurance excess.  Motorcycles will not be released unless you have a valid credit card that will authorise the damage excess amount.  Please note that on rare occasions the local provider may need to substitute your choice of motorcycle for something equivalent.

Not Included

• Return passenger airline flights or any other travel costs to get to the start and from the finish point for the tour.
• Personal travel, accident and medical insurance (covering matters such as medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation, curtailment, loss or damage to property)
• Motorcycle insurance (unless you have taken the motorcycle rental option)
• Entrance fees to sights and parks, optional local excursions or local activities, (except where stated)
• Lunches, snacks or evening meals (except where stated). Any meals whilst on board ferries.
• Personal spending money, tips, souvenirs or other extras.
• Personal documentation (eg visas, passport), vaccinations, personal taxes, border crossing fees.
• We do not supply riding gear; you must bring a minimum of your own helmet, jacket, trousers, boots and gloves.
• Fuel, oil & other motorcycle consumables, toll road fees, traffic fines.
• Cost of parts, labour or other indirect costs (eg recovery of motorcycle) relating to the repair of any damage to your motorcycle or a rental motorcycle
• Any other item not specifically stated as included in the price.

Flights

For clarity, we do not include your passenger flights.  Once we have confirmed that this tour is a guaranteed departure, it is your responsibility to organise your own flights to and from the destination.  You need to book an outward flight to our start point, Cape Town to arrive no later than midday on 16 October 2024.  The earliest leave date is any time on 29 October 2024 from Cape Town.

Only book your flights once we have confirmed that your tour is a guaranteed departure.  We do not refund flight costs if you have booked flights for a tour that has not been notified as a guaranteed departure.

Should you wish to arrive before the official date date or stay after the official end date, please simply request extra nights at the time of booking and we can make the reservation at our group hotel.

Please also refer to our Booking Conditions.

When you book a motorcycle tour with us, we provide you with Tour Specific Guidance Notes that give you detailed information about what you need to know to prepare and plan your tour, and what to expect when on our motorcycle tour.  Here are some of the questions that we often get asked before a rider makes a booking.   If you wish to meet with us prior to booking to ask more questions, do not hesitate to contact us and we can set up a one-to-one meeting.

What riding experience do I need?
This tour in mainly on-road.  There are around 20% of good gravel roads in Klein Karoo and an optional gravel road ride “De Hell” to Gamkaskloof Valley.  If you do not want to ride on this type of road surface, we have delightful paved road options.   Traffic conditions are generally light once away from Cape Town.  It is common to see baboons and other wildlife on or near the roads on some parts of the tour.  We consider the riding conditions to be straight forward for a good, competent road rider.

If you want to try the gravel roads, you’ll enjoy them more, if you have had some off road skills training such as  Adventure Bike Training (www.adventurebiketraining.co.uk ) or Off Road Skills (www.offroadskills.com).

Do I have to ride in a group?
We do not make you ride in convoy.  We offer you the freedom to decide how you would like to ride.  We give you a road book, with recommendations for lunch or coffee stops, fuel stops and hotel information.  You also get an SD card with mapping, custom routes & GPS co-ordinates to download to your GPS.  You can use these tools to self-navigate.  Most riders prefer to have this freedom, so they can stop where they want and for how long they want without feeling under pressure.  However if you prefer to ride with our Motorcycle Tour Manager, then you can do this.  They will give you a time to start in the morning, so please be prompt and ready to ride with them.  Each day you can change between riding on your own, or with a small group of other riders or with the Tour Manager.  We like to have a very flexible approach.

What is the average group size?
Our groups are normally between 8 – 10 riders (some riders will have passengers), up to a maximum of 16 riders.  8 riders is the minimum number to confirm the guaranteed departure of the tour.

Is this ride suitable for a passenger?
Absolutely.  This is a popular trip for couples and we always have couples riding two-up on this tour.  Your passenger needs to also be an experienced tourer, used to long distance riding.  Your passenger must ride the motorcycle each touring day – there is no option to sit in the support vehicle as this is only for participants who are ill or injured, or unless the road conditions are too difficult for a rider and passenger to attempt two-up.  You are able to place luggage (see below) in the Support Vehicle and the standard of accommodation is also very good.

Is there a Support Vehicle?
Yes, this tour operates with a local support vehicle and driver. The support vehicle will carry one piece of luggage per person (maximum 60 litres).  You must ensure that your bags are suitable to be packed into the support vehicle, and that they are dustproof and waterproof.  Hard suitcases or bags with wheels are not suitable for en route, but you can store these at the hotel in Cape Town.

Tell me about motorcycle rental
Riders must be age 25 years and older, with a valid, full motorcycle licence.  We work with the local motorcycle rental agency, Motorrad Executive Rentals based in Cape Town, who are BMW Approved.  We act as an agent for them and your contract for the motorcycle rental is with them and not with us (you can request a copy of the contract from us in advance).  Your rental fee includes:

• All motorcycle rentals include side panniers at no extra charge.
• They are also fitted with new dual purpose tyres for the start of your tour.
• Should you require a top box, tank bag or GPS unit please request this on booking. There is an extra charge and it must be specifically requested.
• All motorcycles have third party and CDW insurance subject to an excess of  ZAR35,000.
• On arrival at the start of the tour, you will be required to sign the local motorcycle rental agreement and provide your credit details as a guarantee against damage.  You must ensure you have sufficient credit limit for the damage deposit.

You are free to book motorcycle rental direct with Motorrad Executive Rentals and not through us. Their details can easily be found via google.

What documents do I need?
You will need your original documents as follows:  Passport, Driving Licence, International Driving Permit.  Please ensure that your passport has at least two blank pages when you arrive and that the expiry date is at least 6 months after the date you fly home.  In addition, you must have travel and medical insurance.

Do I need visas for travel?
At time of writing, UK, USA and most EU Citizens do not require a visa in advance of travel.  This information is provided in good faith.  However, as visa requirements are dependent on your nationality and can be complex, with constantly changing requirements, we would direct you to a visa specialist if you need specific help.

It is your responsibility to have the correct visas in place prior to travel.  Please check what requirements are necessary for your nationality.

What about flights?
For clarity, we do not include your passenger flights.  Once we have confirmed that this tour is a guaranteed departure, it is your responsibility to organise your own flights to and from the start and end point. We do not refund flight costs if you have booked flights for a tour that has not been notified as a guaranteed departure.

You need to book an outward flight to our start point, Cape Town to arrive no later than around midday on the official start date.  The earliest leave date is any time on the official end date from Cape Town.  You are responsible for your own journey between the airport and the group hotel.  Should you wish to arrive before the official date or stay after the official end date, please simply request extra nights at the time of booking and we can make the reservation at our group hotel.

What will the weather be like?
It is spring time in South Africa.  In Cape Town, average temperatures are normally warm and pleasant during the day at around 20-21C, but can be chilly in the evening or early mornings.  There can be light showers on the coastal areas.  Inland in the Klein Karoo, temperatures are normally higher at around an average high of 26C during the day.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather
http://www.worldclimate.com/

What about my health when I am abroad?
You need to be physically fit and healthy and also take the necessary health precautions.  It is essential for you to consult your doctor or travel clinic for up-to-date medical travel information prior of travel, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. For up-to-date medical advice you may wish to use the Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad “MASTA”  https://www.masta-travel-health.com/, the NHS website  http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx  or NaTHNaC https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/.

You will be obliged to disclose any medical condition or medication that you are taking to GlobeBusters in advance and to your Tour Manager at the start of your Tour, for health and safety purposes. We provide you with our Emergency Details Form for this purpose and to collect information about who to contact for you back home in the event of an emergency.

Please note that some regions on this route do not have the same level of medical infrastructure nor consistent medical standards that you may be used to.  In particular, emergency services often may be a long distance away, with no co-ordinated response, or sometimes no medical response available within reasonable times. Please do not book this trip if this unduly concerns you.

First Aid Training
It is not a requirement to be first aid trained to participate in this expedition. However, we do strongly recommend that you consider doing a motorcycle first aid course.  If you, or a rider you are with, are involved in any accident, whilst not riding with or not close to the support team, having first aid skills may make a significant difference to an injured party.

Travel / Medical Insurance
It is a condition of you travelling with us that you are adequately insured.  Your insurance policy must cover you for the costs of any medical expenses, medical treatment or repatriation needed, due to injury or illness on this trip, including those that occur whilst motorcycle touring, either as the rider or a passenger.  It is important that your insurance company understands that the MAIN PURPOSE of your trip is motorcycle touring, using your own large capacity cc motorcycle or a rental motorcycle.  Your insurance must cover you for the full duration of the trip and for participating in game drives, as well as any other optional adventurous activities you may wish to do.

In addition, we strongly recommend that your insurance policy has cover for loss or damage to your personal belongings, delay at your outward or homeward point of departure, personal liability, overseas legal expenses and cancellation and curtailment.

We also strongly recommend that you take out your travel insurance at the time of paying your deposit for your trip as cover will commence for pre-departure cancellation from the policy issue date. This will therefore provide cover should you have to cancel your trip for an insured reason such as illness or serious injury. We do not refund your deposit simply because you failed to take out insurance in sufficient time.

Official Travel Advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) monitors overseas destinations and provides destination travel advice for UK nationals. GlobeBusters monitors the advice from the FCDO and any decisions taken regarding a Tour’s safety and security will use the vast experience of the company’s 17 years of operating as well as the FCDO advice. In the interests of your safety and security, changes may be made to your tour based on any FCDO warnings given.

We strongly recommend that you read the information about the country you are planning to visit to be fully informed – each country has a summary and general information as well as advice on safety & security, local laws & customs, entry requirements and health, and road conditions. See https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa.

If you are not a UK national please make sure you have checked your own country’s travel advice for your destination/s: The US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov Canadian Foreign Affairs: www.voyage.gc.ca Australian Government Travel Advice: www.smartraveller.gov.au NZ Government Travel Advice: www.safetravel.govt.nz.

What about local currency?
The base currency for this trip is any major currency.  All can be readily exchangeable for the local currency, the South Africa Rand (ZAR).  It is easy  to get local currency from ATMs using your debit / credit card in all towns and cities.  Cards are readily accepted by hotels, restaurants, fuel stations.  The websites below will give you the current rates of exchange.

http://www.oanda.com/
http://www.travelex.co.uk/

Minimum Numbers
We require a minimum number of 6 riders on this tour.  If we do not have this number of bookings, then we reserve the right to cancel the tour. If we have to cancel the tour we will provide you a minimum of 84 days notice prior to departure.