Join the Ride Down South crew on the tour of a lifetime from Cape Town to or from Victoria Falls with hop on/off points at Windhoek or the Okavango Delta
Route Highlights
Cape Town – Karoo – Orange River – Fish River Canyon – Aus – Kolmanskop Ghost Town – Sossusvlei and Sesriem – Swakopmund – Spitzkoppe – Erindi Game Reserve – Windhoek - Okavango Delta - Chobe National Park - Victoria Falls
Includes: Bike rental + fuel; accommodation in 3-star lodges; breakfasts; cross border fees; tour guide; airport transfers.
Too long, too short, or not quite the right route?
We'd be happy to build a custom route for you.
Day 1: Cape Town to Papkuilsfontein
Ride from Cape Town through 5 mountain passes into the Cederberg Mountains and Karoo and an overnight stay at Papkuilsfontein Farm
Day 2: Papkuilsfontein to Orange River
Today we ride through the northern Cape and Richtersveld to Springbok. We cross into Namibia and spend the first of two nights on the banks of the Orange River.
Day 3: Orange River
Rest day at the Orange River. We get the chance to soak in the beauty of the Richtersveld on the banks of the Orange River. There’s also the chance to go on a 3-4 hour guided canoe trip.
Day 4: Orange River to Fish River Canyon
180km. We ride along the banks of the Orange River and on to the Fish River Canyon along some beautiful gravel roads.
Day 5: Fish River Canyon to Aus
270km. Our route takes us north and west through Namibian big-sky country on good gravel roads to Aus. We stay overnight in a remote cabin at Klein Aus Vista
Day 6: Kolmanskop Ghost Town
Today we visit the fascinating Kolmanskop diamond mining town. On the way back we visit the coastal town of Luderitz and see the local wild horses.
Day 7: Aus to Sossusvlei
375km. Today we tackle the gravel roads as they cross the incredible desert landscapes of the Namib desert and head north to the famous dunes at Sesriem and Sossusvlei
Day 8: Rest day at Sossusvlei
A rest day today as we explore the famous sand dunes at Sossusvlei and visit the iconic deadvlei
Day 9: Sossusvlei to Swakopmund
Back on the bikes today as we cross the Namib desert to the coastal town of Swakopmund. We ride through the spectacular Kuiseb canyon and stop for the best apple pie at Solitaire.
Day 10: Rest day at Swakopmund
Today we get to explore the area around Swakopmund. Activity options include exploring some shipwreck along the Skeleton coast to the north, riding the local dunes on quad bikes, or just enjoying this attractive coastal town.
Day 11: Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe
A short ride along the southern part of the skeleton coast to Henties Bay before we turn inland and cross the Namib desert again to the breathtaking Spitzkoppe rock formations. We have the chance to explore these rock formations in the afternoon.
Day 12: Spitzkoppe to Erindi Private Game Reserve
Another shortish day as we ride a mix of tar and good gravel roads to Erindi game reserve. There are game drives available in the evening and morning - and an active waterhole next to our accommodation.
Day 13: Erindi to Windhoek
After an optional morning game drive at Erindi we ride on a mix of gravel and tar roads to our base at Windhoek.
Day 14: Windhoek to Dqae Qare San Lodge
Today we head east and across the Botswana border, stopping overnight at one of our favourite places. The San community at Dqae Qare Lodge
Day 15: Dqae Qare to Maun
A short ride today as we head for Maun - the gateway to the Okavango Delta. If you're heading into the Delta you may have a flight connection later in the day.
Day 16-17: Exploring the Okavango
There are lots of ways to explore this incredible area. Recommended is a 2 or 3 night stay at Oddballs camp in the Delta, or a visit to nearby Moremi game reserve
Day 18: Maun to Drotsky's Cabins
After a good break we get back on the bikes and head north along the west side of the Okavango River. We stay for two nights on the banks of the river at Drotsky's Cabins
Day 19: Rest day at Drotsky's
The area here is rich with wildlife. Activity options include fishing for Tiger fish, wildlife and birdlife river cruises, or just enjoying the surroundings at Drotsky's
Day 20: Drotsky's to Katima Mulilo
We cross back into Namibia today, riding through a game reserve and then heading east through the Caprivi Strip. We stay for two nights on the banks of the Zambezi River
Day 21: Rest day at Katima Mulilo
Caprivi Mutoya lodge is another favourite. It's a lovely place to relax and enjoy being immersed in African bush life. Activity options include a river birdwatching or fishing trip.
Day 22: Katima to Vic Falls
Our last day of riding as we cross back into Botswana, ride through part of Chobe Game reserve and finally arrive at Victoria Falls.
Day 23: Exploring the Falls
There are lots of ways to see the falls: walks along the Zambian and Zimbabwean banks, a helicopter ride or a full or half-day rafting trip.
Day 24: Depart
If you're not staying on for a bit we'll transfer you to the airport for the journey home.
Tour Price:
Honda XRV 750: ZAR 98000
Honda CRF1000: ZAR 105000
Notes:
1) Prices in South African Rand. Click here to convert to your currency.
2) Prices are for minimum of four riders for the full tour. Please contact us for rates for smaller groups.
Click to download our T's & C's
Included in the price:
Honda Africa Twin XRV 750 or CRF1000 motorcycle
Fuel & Oil
Support vehicle with spare bike and trailer
Airport transfers
Accommodation
Breakfast and some dinners
Tour guide
Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance
Motorcycle border fees
Emergency evacuation to local medical center
Unlimited Mileage
Excess luggage storage
Excluded:
Flights
Visas
Activities – e.g. game drives
Accommodation at origin and destination outside of tour dates
Lunches, drinks and some dinners (details on request)
Reserve and sightseeing entry fees
Personal Insurance (Accident/Medical)
Accommodation includes comfortable 3-star lodges (usually twin rooms). For those who prefer lodge accommodation or single rooms we will happily upgrade these for you. Contact us for details.
Ride one of our Honda Africa Twin XRV 750 or CRF1000 motorcycles.
The Honda Africa Twin 750 is an excellent all-round motorcycle that can handle anything that Africa presents us. Strong, reliable and fun to ride, our bikes are fully owned and expertly maintained. Read more about our fleet here
The Honda Africa Twins were everything a person could need to travel the rugged terrain. I own a BMW F800gs, and was still blown away by the maneuverability of the AT and it’s ability to tackle a variety of conditions. Andrew’s knowledge of the mechanical aspect of the bike and riding expertise provided a completely worry free traveling experience."
Ryan - Kelowna, Canada
In the event of a medical emergency our tours are supported by:
1. A level 3 first aider on tour
2. An on-call doctor provided by SATIB
3. SPOT satellite emergency evacuation
4. If required we can arrange to have a medic on tour
All our rides are led by our lead guide and company owner Andrew Vaughan. Andrew is a qualified adventure tour guide licensed in South Africa and has about 105000 km (65000 miles) of motorcycle guiding experience over the last 12 years. Andrew is a qualified mechanical and materials engineer and has been riding adventure motorcycles since 2007 when he and friend rebuilt two Kawasaki KLR650's and then rode them from Vancouver to Cape Town via Siberia, the Middle East and Africa.
-- a joy to ride with and also a joy to hang out with. They ran my tour without a hitch and made sure we stopped at all the best secret spots. When I booked this motorcycle trip I wanted the trip of a lifetime. I got it and then some. Wow. What an experience!
Will Elliot // San Francisco
... but when invited by a friend to join him on a Cape to Kalahari tour I decided to give it a go. It turned out to be a very memorable experience, which has left me with the burning desire to see more of Africa. If you want adventure, mateship and a real sense of achievement; just do it! The bikes are classics, strong, and well maintained. The food is sensational, whether it be at restaurants or by the campfire. Andrew is the perfect tour leader, cool, calm and very knowledgeable about the country and things in general. Thanks Andrew, Drew and the team, looking forward to doing it again..
Owen Holcombe // Cambodia
Contact Us to Explore Your Ride
