Motorbike adventures on the Garden Route and Karoo

You ride the bike yourself, not as a passenger.

Motorbike adventure riding on the Garden Route and Karoo puts you in control of a dual-purpose motorcycle, guided by a local rider who knows the routes intimately. You get briefed and fitted with full safety kit before the ride. The guide leads you through viewpoints and terrain accessible only by bike. Private transportation, bottled water, snacks, jacket, helmet and all fees are included.

The experience

The motorbikes are the draw here: big adventure bikes that most travelers either don't have the license to ride, can't afford to insure, or simply lack the expertise to handle on unfamiliar terrain. You'll be briefed on the bike and the route, kitted out with a jacket and helmet, then ride alongside your guide through the Garden Route and Karoo. The guide lives and rides this area every weekend and knows the routes intimately, so you reach viewpoints and follow paths that only make sense on a motorcycle. The feeling is freedom and adventure, not sightseeing from a window.

The Garden Route sits in the second mildest climate in the world after Hawaii, according to Guinness Book of Records. The Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma indigenous forests mix Cape Fynbos and temperate forest, and nearly 300 bird species inhabit the range of habitats from fynbos to forest to wetlands. On a motorbike you move through these landscapes at a pace that lets you see and feel them, not just pass through.

The day is a full day of riding. Your guide speaks English or Dutch, picks you up, and provides all the gear, water and snacks you'll need. No separate park fees or insurance worries. Those are included. You need a valid motorcycle license and at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The ride is demanding but the reward is a perspective on South Africa most visitors never get.

What’s included

• Private transportation and pickup.
• a full briefing and safety kit with jacket and helmet.
• the motorbike itself.
• an experienced local guide who speaks English or Dutch.
• bottled water and snacks throughout the day.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

AgesAdult (18 to 69 years) · Senior (70 years) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by About Afrika

Is this one for you?Book this if you hold a valid motorcycle license and want to ride the bike yourself rather than sit as a passenger. The guide's local knowledge and the intimate routes make this suited to riders who can handle a big adventure bike on varied terrain and want to move through the landscape at a pace a car cannot reach.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Dutch.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride these bikes?

Yes, you need a valid motorcycle license. The bikes are large adventure motorcycles, and the guide will brief you on handling before the ride begins, but licensing is a requirement.

What's the climate like on the Garden Route when I'm riding?

The Garden Route has the second mildest climate in the world after Hawaii. You'll ride through Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma indigenous forests where temperate forest and Cape Fynbos mix, with nearly 300 bird species across the habitats you pass through.

Will I ride alone or with other people?

You ride with one experienced local guide who lives and rides in the area. The guide leads the route and knows the viewpoints and terrain intimately, having ridden these areas every weekend.

What safety gear do I get?

You're fitted with a jacket and helmet before the ride. The guide briefs you on safety and the bike itself, and all protective equipment is included in the booking.

What's included in the day, and what do I need to arrange separately?

The booking includes private transportation, bottled water, snacks, the jacket and helmet, the motorbike, the guide, and all fees and taxes. Breakfast and lunch are not included, so plan meals before or after the ride depending on your route and timing.