Cape Town, Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls
21-day Motorcycle Adventure
Cape Town, Namibia & Victoria Falls
21-day Motorcycle Adventure from Cape Town to Victoria Falls
Join Our Next Ride
6-26 September 2024
Cape Town, Winelands, Fold Mountains and Great Karoo
Namibian Landscapes, Sossusvlei & Swakopmund
Wildlife and Mokoros Okavango River & Delta
Zambezi River and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Total Distance: 4600 km
Riding Days: 16
Free Days: 5
Average distance: 270 km per day
Riding Time per day: 4-6 hours
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
(tar and gravel/dirt roads, no deep sand)
Clink on the arrows to see the route description for each day
We begin our adventure to Namibi with a taste of some of the best motorcycle riding in Africa. Our ride north from Cape Town today is filled with coastal roads, vineyards and four breathtaking mountain passes. We begin with a ride along the east side of False Bay with great views of the coast before turning inland towards Franschhoek through a beautiful fruit farming region. We then get to experience the famous Franschhoek pass (which you will probably want to go back and do again). We continue north through the town of Wellington and then enjoy a ride on another famous pass through Bains Kloof. Our final leg takes us up two more mountain passes as we ride through more fruit farms and enter the gentle hills of the Kouebokkeveld and our overnight stop in some lovely farm cottages.
Today we get to explore the rugged Cederberg mountains as we ride through the heart of the backcountry on good gravel roads. There are caves and ancient San paintings to explore, or you could just marvel at the rock formations and wilderness landscapes. After passing through the town of Clanwilliam we cross over the mountains on a fun, winding tar-road pass before connecting with the gravel roads again. We ride into the Great Karoo and up an escarpment before arriving at one of our favourite places to stay, in comfortable stone cottages on a working sheep farm.
Our ride today takes us all the way through South Africa's Northern Cape region into Namibia. First though, we get to explore some local canyons carved out by ancient glaciers, and a fun ride down the famous Van Rhyns pass. We then head north through some beautiful semi-desert landscapes through the Northern Cape before crossing the border and arriving at our overnight stop on the banks of the Orange River.
After the tar roads of yesterday's ride, we switch back to some good gravel roads as we encounter Namibia's breathtaking landscapes. We ride past miles of lush vineyards before going on an optional ride along the banks of the Orange River - which is one of my favourite stretches to ride in all of Africa. After that we head north through vast, wide open landscapes towards the Fish River Canyon - second only to the Grand Canyon in size. After a stop to take it all in we have a short ride to our overnight stop at the iconic Canyon Roadhouse.
Today we have a mix of good gravel roads and tar roads that take us to the coastal town of Luderitz. Heading out from the Canyon Roadhouse we ride on some lovely, smooth gravel roads through more of Namibia's big-sky country and vast landscapes. There's plenty of time to stop and simply gaze at the breathtaking scenes that keep unfolding as we ride. The last bit of riding is on a good tar road that descends to the coast past Namibia's famous wild horses and through the old diamond fields.
It's good to get an early start today so we can catch the sun casting its morning light on the old diamond mining ghost town of Kolmanskop. We'll have some time to walk through this fascinating settlement and get some photos of the buildings slowly being overtaken by the drifting sand. We then head back out on the tar road to Aus and a stop for lunch before turning north through yet more breathtaking landscapes to our overnight stop in Helmeringhausen.
We have a shorter ride today to Sesriem, which is where we'll get to explore the famous dunes at Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. On our way we have the option of taking a detour to visit Duwisib Castle built in the early 1900s by a German settler. On our way to Sesriem we descend an escarpment with beautiful views and ride on some more challenging gravel roads before arriving at our comfortable lodge for the next two nights.
It's our first rest day today and we'll have the chance for an early morning drive to see the famous dunes and dry lakes with ancient dead trees at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. After that we have the afternoon to relax in the comfortable lodge with a pool, bar and outdoor restaurant with the best views you'll have over dinner.
We get back on the bikes today for a ride across the Namib desert to the coastal resort town of Swakopmund. We'll stop for gas and possibly the best apple pie in Namibia at the historic settlement of Solitaire before setting out across the scenic Kuisib canyon and across the desert. You'll feel the cooler air as we approach the coast and enjoy a fun, smooth ride on a compacted salt road to Walvis Bay. We end the day with a short ride along the breaking waves of the Atlantic Ocean as we head north to Swakopmund.
Swakopmund is a scenic, historical, coastal town that is one of the highlights of a visit to Namibia. After the long ride yesterday we get a chance to enjoy and explore the town. One of the best ways to do this is a morning tour of Sandwich Harbour - a spectacular, unique place where the dunes and ocean meet. After returning to town there's a wide variety of restaurants and interesting places to visit in the town
Today's ride is a short one as we explore the southern part of the famous Skeleton Coast. We'll ride next to the cold Atlantic waters past a shipwreck before turning east into the desert at the coastal town of Henties Bay. Soon we'll see the outline of the iconic Spitzkoppe rock formations appear and grow more imposing we get near. In the afternoon we'll have the chance to ride and walk around and up these beautiful rocks, 'Pondoks', and watch the sunset through the famous arch.
After breakfast we leave Spitzkoppe behind and ride along gravel and tar roads to Okonjima Game Reserve. Here we'll stay for a night at the luxurious Plains Camp where you can watch the wildlife visit the waterhole. There are evening and morning guided game safaris where you'll have the chance to see Rhino, Leopard, Cheetah and other endangered animals this top-rated reserve.
After an optional early morning game safari in the park and some more time relaxing in front of the waterhole, we'll set out for the short ride to our destination, Windhoek. We'll unpack the bikes and get ready to leave before enjoying our last dinner together at the famous Joe's Beerhouse
cof
Today we begin the two-leg journey from Namibia to the Okavango Delta. We’ll set out due East from Windhoek on a good tar road as we ride through the eastern part of Namibia past a number of game lodges with the chance to spot antelope such as Eland, Giraffe and Kudu. After we cross the Botswana border we’ll need to be on the lookout for donkeys, cows and other wildlife on the road before we reach our overnight destination of Ghanzi.
cof
After yesterday’s long ride we’ve got a much shorter leg, also on good tar roads, into Maun, the main base for exploring the Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a unique place to experience Africa’s wildlife
You’ll have the option of a two-night fly-in safari experience at Oddballs Camp or a one or two-night 4x4 safari experience into Moremi Game Reserve. Either one of these will be an unforgettable experience of African landscapes and wildlife.
You’ll have the option of a two-night fly-in safari experience at Oddballs Camp or a one or two-night 4x4 safari experience into Moremi Game Reserve. Either one of these will be an unforgettable experience of African landscapes and wildlife.
Today we’ll leave Maun around noon after returning from the Delta. It’s a short-ish ride on tar roads of varying quality to Nata with more chances to see Elephants, Giraffe and if you’re really lucky, a Leopard on the road as we ride.
cof
Our final riding leg of the trip takes us through Chobe Game Reserve with more chances to spot big game from the bike. We’ll cross the border into Zambia followed by a short ride to our base at Livingstone on the banks of the Zambezi river. We’ll aim to arrive by noon which will give you the afternoon to explore the Falls.
You’ll also have the opportunity to catch a helicopter ride in evening or early morning the next day for an incredible aerial view of the Falls.
Our final riding leg of the trip takes us through Chobe Game Reserve with more chances to spot big game from the bike. We’ll cross the border into Zambia followed by a short ride to our base at Livingstone on the banks of the Zambezi river. We’ll aim to arrive by noon which will give you the afternoon to explore the Falls.
You’ll also have the opportunity to catch a helicopter ride in evening or early morning the next day for an incredible aerial view of the Falls.
6-26 September 2024
8-21 May 2025
6-26 September 2025
Tour Price:
Rider:
Honda Transalp 750: ZAR 145000
Honda CRF1000: ZAR 145000
Pillion: R43000
Single Supplement: R9800
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 CRF1000 or Transalp 750 motorcycle
2 x soft 30 liter pannier bags
Fuel
20 nights accommodation in 3 & 4-star lodges (and one night in a safari tent)
1 Game Drive Safaris
Sossusvlei & Deadvlei Tour
Airport transfers
Tour guide
Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance
Motorcycle border fees
Excess luggage storage
Support vehicle with luggage space and spare bike (for group of 6+ riders)
Excluded:
Flights
Visas
Some optional activities
Accommodation at origin and destination outside of tour dates
Lunches, drinks and dinners
Reserve and sightseeing entry fees
Personal Insurance (Accident/Medical)
Our Motorcycles
Our fully owned and lovingly cared-for fleet of Honda Africa Twin CRF1000 and Transalp 750 motorcycles are built to handle the African roads we ride with ease
Accommodation
Accommodation is in comfortable 3 and 4-star lodges and in permanent safari tents in a few places. We've refined our choice of lodges over the years to give you a comfortable place to rest after a day's riding, with great food, views and experience of local culture.
Michael Durham
lead guide
Michael Durham is a motorcycle adventurer who loves being out on the open road, showing fellow adventurers the wonders of South Africa, and other parts of Africa. He is an all-round nature lover and discoverer and outdoors junkie. Michael lives in Cape Town, but travels often. He has spent most of his life riding bikes, from MX and Enduro bikes, street bikes and then on to adventure bikes. He loves spending time exploring back roads, mountain roads and 'roads' nobody was supposed to travel! He is a hiker, swimmer, dad, doggy dad, and "gotta be outdoors" person. He has been on a number of Ride Down South adventures this past year, and will be hosting riders from around the world on many more in 2024. "My experience of riding in Southern Africa has led me on this path of doing what I love and what motivates me every day - the pleasure of sharing our beautiful region with our guests in the best way possible - on two wheels."
Andrew Vaughan
owner
Andrew Vaughan is the owner, chief mechanic, email answerer and new route explorer at Ride Down South. Andrew formed Ride Down South in 2016 after returning from a two-wheeled adventure with a friend to Kigali, Rwanda. Having seen how awestruck his Canadian friend had been by the experience of riding a motorcycle through some of Africa's most scenic spots, it seemed natural to see if there was a way to share that with other fellow motorcyclists. Andrew is a qualified mechanical engineer with work experience in the aviation industry. He spent a few years at UK-based Rolls Royce Plc where he worked on the design of turbofan engines. Andrew is also a qualified career coach and runs an education non-profit called This Better Work. His biggest motorcycling adventure was a 30 000km ride from Vancouver, Canada to Cape Town via Russia, Eastern Europe and Africa on a Kawasaki KLR 650 in 2007.
Andrew and Mike aren't just great guides, they're also just really great people
-- 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
A motorbike tour in Southern Africa wasn't on my list of priorities...
... 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. Mike is the perfect tour leader, cool, calm and very knowledgeable about the country and things in general. Thanks Andrew, Mike and the team, looking forward to doing it again.
Owen Holcombe // Cambodia
Over the last 8 years of touring our rides have been, thankfully, trouble-free. We know these roads well and are able to brief the group on any hazards. However we do always rely on our riders exercising common sense and riding within 70% of their skill limit. The usual medical complaints are upset stomachs which are usually quite easily remedied.
Our lead guide, Michael, is a qualified wilderness first responder and level-3 first aider. We also carry a full first-aid kit with us.
In the event of a medical emergency our tours we are also supported, via phone, by an on-call doctor.
We also carry a SPOTX satellite device for emergencies in remote areas, and if necessary we can activate the SOS feature. This initiates emergency search and rescue.
- Contact us to check availability, get any more information you'd like and get our payment details
- Fill in our pre-tour survey
- Pay the tour deposit. To reserve a spot we need a 10% deposit. The deposit is fully refundable up to 30 days before the tour starts. The balance of the tour payment is due 30 days before the tour start date. We'll send an invoice with payment details on request.
Total Distance: 4600km
Riding Days: 16
Free Days: 5
Average distance: 270 km/day
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
(tar and gravel/dirt roads, no deep sand)
Clink on the arrows to see the route description for each day
We begin our adventure to Namibi with a taste of some of the best motorcycle riding in Africa. Our ride north from Cape Town today is filled with coastal roads, vineyards and four breathtaking mountain passes. We begin with a ride along the east side of False Bay with great views of the coast before turning inland towards Franschhoek through a beautiful fruit farming region. We then get to experience the famous Franschhoek pass (which you will probably want to go back and do again). We continue north through the town of Wellington and then enjoy a ride on another famous pass through Bains Kloof. Our final leg takes us up two more mountain passes as we ride through more fruit farms and enter the gentle hills of the Kouebokkeveld and our overnight stop in some lovely farm cottages.
Today we get to explore the rugged Cederberg mountains as we ride through the heart of the backcountry on good gravel roads. There are caves and ancient San paintings to explore, or you could just marvel at the rock formations and wilderness landscapes. After passing through the town of Clanwilliam we cross over the mountains on a fun, winding tar-road pass before connecting with the gravel roads again. We ride into the Great Karoo and up an escarpment before arriving at one of our favourite places to stay, in comfortable stone cottages on a working sheep farm.
Our ride today takes us all the way through South Africa's Northern Cape region into Namibia. First though, we get to explore some local canyons carved out by ancient glaciers, and a fun ride down the famous Van Rhyns pass. We then head north through some beautiful semi-desert landscapes through the Northern Cape before crossing the border and arriving at our overnight stop on the banks of the Orange River.
After the tar roads of yesterday's ride, we switch back to some good gravel roads as we encounter Namibia's breathtaking landscapes. We ride past miles of lush vineyards before going on an optional ride along the banks of the Orange River - which is one of my favourite stretches to ride in all of Africa. After that we head north through vast, wide open landscapes towards the Fish River Canyon - second only to the Grand Canyon in size. After a stop to take it all in we have a short ride to our overnight stop at the iconic Canyon Roadhouse.
Today we have a mix of good gravel roads and tar roads that take us to the coastal town of Luderitz. Heading out from the Canyon Roadhouse we ride on some lovely, smooth gravel roads through more of Namibia's big-sky country and vast landscapes. There's plenty of time to stop and simply gaze at the breathtaking scenes that keep unfolding as we ride. The last bit of riding is on a good tar road that descends to the coast past Namibia's famous wild horses and through the old diamond fields.
It's good to get an early start today so we can catch the sun casting its morning light on the old diamond mining ghost town of Kolmanskop. We'll have some time to walk through this fascinating settlement and get some photos of the buildings slowly being overtaken by the drifting sand. We then head back out on the tar road to Aus and a stop for lunch before turning north through yet more breathtaking landscapes to our overnight stop in Helmeringhausen.
We have a shorter ride today to Sesriem, which is where we'll get to explore the famous dunes at Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. On our way we have the option of taking a detour to visit Duwisib Castle built in the early 1900s by a German settler. On our way to Sesriem we descend an escarpment with beautiful views and ride on some more challenging gravel roads before arriving at our comfortable lodge for the next two nights.
It's our first rest day today and we'll have the chance for an early morning drive to see the famous dunes and dry lakes with ancient dead trees at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. After that we have the afternoon to relax in the comfortable lodge with a pool, bar and outdoor restaurant with the best views you'll have over dinner.
We get back on the bikes today for a ride across the Namib desert to the coastal resort town of Swakopmund. We'll stop for gas and possibly the best apple pie in Namibia at the historic settlement of Solitaire before setting out across the scenic Kuisib canyon and across the desert. You'll feel the cooler air as we approach the coast and enjoy a fun, smooth ride on a compacted salt road to Walvis Bay. We end the day with a short ride along the breaking waves of the Atlantic Ocean as we head north to Swakopmund.
Swakopmund is a scenic, historical, coastal town that is one of the highlights of a visit to Namibia. After the long ride yesterday we get a chance to enjoy and explore the town. One of the best ways to do this is a morning tour of Sandwich Harbour - a spectacular, unique place where the dunes and ocean meet. After returning to town there's a wide variety of restaurants and interesting places to visit in the town
Today's ride is a short one as we explore the southern part of the famous Skeleton Coast. We'll ride next to the cold Atlantic waters past a shipwreck before turning east into the desert at the coastal town of Henties Bay. Soon we'll see the outline of the iconic Spitzkoppe rock formations appear and grow more imposing we get near. In the afternoon we'll have the chance to ride and walk around and up these beautiful rocks, 'Pondoks', and watch the sunset through the famous arch.
After breakfast we leave Spitzkoppe behind and ride along gravel and tar roads to Okonjima Game Reserve. Here we'll stay for a night at the luxurious Plains Camp where you can watch the wildlife visit the waterhole. There are evening and morning guided game safaris where you'll have the chance to see Rhino, Leopard, Cheetah and other endangered animals this top-rated reserve.
After an optional early morning game safari in the park and some more time relaxing in front of the waterhole, we'll set out for the short ride to our destination, Windhoek. We'll unpack the bikes and get ready to leave before enjoying our last dinner together at the famous Joe's Beerhouse
cof
Today we begin the two-leg journey from Namibia to the Okavango Delta. We’ll set out due East from Windhoek on a good tar road as we ride through the eastern part of Namibia past a number of game lodges with the chance to spot antelope such as Eland, Giraffe and Kudu. After we cross the Botswana border we’ll need to be on the lookout for donkeys, cows and other wildlife on the road before we reach our overnight destination of Ghanzi.
cof
After yesterday’s long ride we’ve got a much shorter leg, also on good tar roads, into Maun, the main base for exploring the Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a unique place to experience Africa’s wildlife
You’ll have the option of a two-night fly-in safari experience at Oddballs Camp or a one or two-night 4x4 safari experience into Moremi Game Reserve. Either one of these will be an unforgettable experience of African landscapes and wildlife.
You’ll have the option of a two-night fly-in safari experience at Oddballs Camp or a one or two-night 4x4 safari experience into Moremi Game Reserve. Either one of these will be an unforgettable experience of African landscapes and wildlife.
Today we’ll leave Maun around noon after returning from the Delta. It’s a short-ish ride on tar roads of varying quality to Nata with more chances to see Elephants, Giraffe and if you’re really lucky, a Leopard on the road as we ride.
cof
Our final riding leg of the trip takes us through Chobe Game Reserve with more chances to spot big game from the bike. We’ll cross the border into Zambia followed by a short ride to our base at Livingstone on the banks of the Zambezi river. We’ll aim to arrive by noon which will give you the afternoon to explore the Falls.
You’ll also have the opportunity to catch a helicopter ride in evening or early morning the next day for an incredible aerial view of the Falls.
Our final riding leg of the trip takes us through Chobe Game Reserve with more chances to spot big game from the bike. We’ll cross the border into Zambia followed by a short ride to our base at Livingstone on the banks of the Zambezi river. We’ll aim to arrive by noon which will give you the afternoon to explore the Falls.
You’ll also have the opportunity to catch a helicopter ride in evening or early morning the next day for an incredible aerial view of the Falls.
6-26 September 2024
8-21 May 2025
6-26 September 2025
Tour Price:
Rider:
Honda Transalp 750: ZAR 145000
Honda CRF1000: ZAR 145000
Pillion: R43000
Single Supplement: R9800
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 CRF1000 or Transalp 750 motorcycle
2 x soft 30 liter pannier bags
Fuel
20 nights accommodation in 3 & 4-star lodges (and one night in a safari tent)
1 Game Drive Safaris
Sossusvlei & Deadvlei Tour
Airport transfers
Tour guide
Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance
Motorcycle border fees
Excess luggage storage
Support vehicle with luggage space and spare bike (for group of 6+ riders)
Excluded:
Flights
Visas
Some optional activities
Accommodation at origin and destination outside of tour dates
Lunches, drinks and dinners
Reserve and sightseeing entry fees
Personal Insurance (Accident/Medical)
- Contact us to check availability, get any more information you'd like and get our payment details
- Fill in our pre-tour survey
- Pay the tour deposit. To reserve a spot we just need a 10% deposit. The deposit is fully refundable up to 30 days before the tour starts. The balance of the tour payment is due 30 days before the tour start date.
Our Motorcycles
Our fully owned and lovingly cared-for fleet of Honda Africa Twin CRF1000 and Transalp 750 motorcycles are built to handle the African roads we ride with ease
Accommodation
Accommodation is in comfortable 3 and 4-star lodges and in permanent safari tents in a few places. We've refined our choice of lodges over the years to give you a comfortable place to rest after a day's riding, with great food, views and experience of local culture.
Medical & Emergency
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
Michael Durham
lead guide
Michael Durham is a motorcycle adventurer who loves being out on the open road, showing fellow adventurers the wonders of South Africa, and other parts of Africa. He is an all-round nature lover and discoverer and outdoors junkie. Michael lives in Cape Town, but travels often. He has spent most of his life riding bikes, from MX and Enduro bikes, street bikes and then on to adventure bikes. He loves spending time exploring back roads, mountain roads and 'roads' nobody was supposed to travel! He is a hiker, swimmer, dad, doggy dad, and "gotta be outdoors" person. He has been on a number of Ride Down South adventures this past year, and will be hosting riders from around the world on many more in 2024. "My experience of riding in Southern Africa has led me on this path of doing what I love and what motivates me every day - the pleasure of sharing our beautiful region with our guests in the best way possible - on two wheels."
Andrew Vaughan
owner
Andrew Vaughan is the owner, chief mechanic, email answerer and new route explorer at Ride Down South. Andrew formed Ride Down South in 2016 after returning from a two-wheeled adventure with a friend to Kigali, Rwanda. Having seen how awestruck his Canadian friend had been by the experience of riding a motorcycle through some of Africa's most scenic spots, it seemed natural to see if there was a way to share that with other fellow motorcyclists. Andrew is a qualified mechanical engineer with work experience in the aviation industry. He spent a few years at UK-based Rolls Royce Plc where he worked on the design of turbofan engines. Andrew is also a qualified career coach and runs an education non-profit called This Better Work. His biggest motorcycling adventure was a 30 000km ride from Vancouver, Canada to Cape Town via Russia, Eastern Europe and Africa on a Kawasaki KLR 650 in 2007.
Andrew and Mike aren't just great guides, they're also just really great people
-- 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
A motorbike tour in Southern Africa wasn't on my list of priorities...
... 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. Mike is the perfect tour leader, cool, calm and very knowledgeable about the country and things in general. Thanks Andrew, Mike and the team, looking forward to doing it again.
Owen Holcombe // Cambodia
- Contact us to check availability, get any more information you'd like and get our payment details
- Fill in our pre-tour survey
- Pay the tour deposit. To reserve a spot we just need a 10% deposit. The deposit is fully refundable up to 30 days before the tour starts. The balance of the tour payment is due 30 days before the tour start date.
Contact Us
Get in touch with us to explore your ride
Chat via Whatsapp
or fill out this contact form.
Email: andrew@ridedownsouth.com
