We asked one of our Lead Guides and Founder Andrew Vaughan about his current favourite four places on our tours.
1. Papkuilsfontein: A Soul-Stirring Stop on the Road to Namibia
I first stumbled across Papkuilsfontein farm thanks to a travelogue post by Charley Boorman, and then explored the area for myself back in 2008. Since then, it’s become the very first place we check for availability when planning a ride to Namibia. It’s more than a stopover. It’s a place that slows time and reminds us why we ride. Here’s what makes Papkuilsfontein unforgettable for me:
- The journey in is half the magic: From the southern end of the Great Karoo, we carve our way along fun gravel roads, then ascend into the high country via Botterkloof Pass. The ride continues over the twisting bends of the Pakhuis Pass, winding through the weathered rock cathedrals of the Cederberg. It's a motorcyclist's dream.
- The old-world charm of De Lande farmhouse: Creatively restored into five elegant rooms, it’s rustic luxury at its finest. The veranda opens up to panoramic views of the surrounding farm — golden light, wide open skies and the sounds of silence.
- Dinner is a ritual here: Each evening we’re treated to their signature lamb shanks, slow-cooked to perfection, and paired with a thoughtfully curated selection of South African wines. It’s hearty, delicious food!
- Top Tier Delicious Breakfast: So good, in fact, that we redesigned our route just to linger longer. Alrie and her team serve what we all agree is the best breakfast of any tour!
- A farewell with throttle and nostalgia: Before we ride on, we make a detour to the incredible vintage motorcycle collection at Protea Motors — hundreds of classic bikes from across the globe. Then it’s back in the saddle, dropping off the escarpment via the stunning Van Rhyn’s Pass.
We include Papkuilsfontein in both our Winelands, Mountains and Magnificent Namibia and Feast of Southern Africa rides — and trust us, it’s a stop that stays with you long after the journey continues.
2. Himeville to Clarens – The Drakensberg, Golden Light, and the Ride Worth Repeating
Living in the Western Cape, I’m pretty spoiled when it comes to scenic roads and unforgettable rides—but there’s one stretch on our Seascapes, Switchbacks & Safaris tour that easily stands shoulder to shoulder with anything the Cape can offer: the stunning ride from Underberg to Clarens.
We trace the eastern foothills of the mighty Drakensberg, climbing the escarpment and sweeping past Sterkfontein Dam into the heart of Golden Gate Highlands National Park. On a recent shoot, we couldn’t help but stop, turn around, and ride it all again—trying to capture that blend of twisting mountain passes, golden rock formations, and the open stillness of the landscape.
It’s the kind of road that begs to be ridden twice. First time, you roll it slow, soaking in the scenery and the light. Second time, you lean into the corners, soaking up the thrill of the corners, hills and descents. I’ve ridden this stretch a bunch of time, but it never gets old. In fact, I can't wait till the next one.
3. Okavango River – Slow Boats, Secret Birds, and Sunset Magic
As a guide on a long ride, I’ll sometimes skip the optional excursions—use the downtime to check over the bikes, enjoy a quiet coffee somewhere, take a breath. But there’s one thing I never pass up: a boat trip from Askiesbos bush camp up the Okavango River.
Sure, it’s a hotspot for tiger fishing, but for me, it’s all about the quiet motoring up the river and the wildlife along the banks. Bee-eaters flicker in and out of their little mud burrows, green herons stalk through the reeds, and fish eagles stretch their wings in the sun. Every so often, if luck's on our side, we’ll spot a Pel’s Fishing Owl perched high in the trees—rare, and always a thrill. And there’s a chance of an elephant lumbering along the opposite bank, a group of hippos snorting in the shallows, or a croc slipping silently into the water.
Even when the animals are lying low, the place is magic. The evening sunset colours and the feeling of being a million miles away from anywhere make this one of my favorite spots on any of out routes. I will never get used to its unique and special wild calm place.
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4. The Uganda Highlands – White Nile Crossings, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Bwindi’s Jungle Trails
This one earns its spot on my list for that unmistakable “Wow! Yup, this is a real-deal motorcycle adventure” vibe. As we wind our way toward Kigali on the Great Lakes and Rift Valley route, we take a detour through western Uganda that never disappoints. We cross the White Nile, kick up dust through Queen Elizabeth National Park (sometimes slowing down for tree-climbing lions literally above the road), and then dive into the twisty, remote dirt tracks and thick tropical greenery of northern Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The ride is pure magic—rivers to ford, dense jungle all around, birds calling through the canopy, and flashes of Colobus monkeys swinging overhead. We wrap it up with an overnight stay in Bwindi, and the next morning, we’re hiking through the forest with a guide to track mountain gorillas. From there, it’s a final ride south into Rwanda, switching to the other side of the road and soaking in the rolling green hills and tea plantations. A perfect finale to an unforgettable ride.
Come ride with us and find your favorite places and experiences in Africa. We can't wait to show you around ...
