Day 1 Cape Town
On this your arrival day in Cape Town you will be met by a company representative at the airport and then be transferred to our hotel situated in Camp’s Bay, 20 minutes drive away by car. During the day you will be free to explore Cape Town and surrounds at your leisure or simply just relax around the hotel. For those who choose the former Cape Town offers a wide range of sights, sounds and activities to keep you busy. Check out the links below to see what is on offer.
In the evening we all meet up in the bar for a welcome drink and a chance to get to know the other members of the tour and the Moto Aventures staff. This will be followed by the tour briefing held in one of the hotels conference rooms. At the tour briefing we will be dealing with all the practical aspects relating to the tour, be giving a brief summary of the route to be taken and information in general about travelling by motorcycle in Southern Africa. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. The briefing will take approximately 45 minutes and is mandatory for all riders and pillions taking part.
After the briefing we all gather for supper after which you can either indulge in the abundant night life of Camp’s Bay or simply retire to your room for some rest before the start of your adventure.
Day 2 Cape Town – Franschhoek
On this our first riding day we aim to have breakfast at around 08:00, after which you will have time to get changed into your riding gear and finalize your packing. We all meet up outside the hotel at 09:00 to pack our gear into the tour assistance vehicle and then transfer into Cape Town. We will be collecting our motorcycles at the BMW Pavilion at the V&A Waterfront a 10 minute drive away from Camp’s Bay.
By 10:30 we should all be equipped and ready to leave. Today’s route will start us off heading south along the Atlantic Seaboard along the famous Chapman’s Peak drive and then on to the Cape of Good Hope, the most south-westerly point of Africa and a suitable start to our journey. The beautiful coastal roads we follow are squeezed in between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains of the peninsula, offering you some spectacular views along the way. As we enter the Good Hope Nature Reserve keep your eyes peeled for baboons and ostrich along the road. Cape Point lighthouse is a good place to take in the views of the surrounding area and also has a nice coffee shop and restaurant.
After leaving the Cape of Good Hope our route carries us on around the peninsula heading back north towards Cape Town, this time along the shores of False Bay. We pass through the scenic Simon’s Town and Fish Hoek before reaching the popular beach resort of Muizenberg. From Muizenberg it’s on across to Gordon’s Bay where we once again hug the coastline, carrying on towards Hermanus the point where we finally leave the ocean and start heading inland into the beautiful Cape Winelands.
The Cape Winelands have long been famous for producing some of the world’s finest wines. Our first night on the road will be spent in the town of Franschhoek, home to the Huguenot Monument and by many believed to be situated in the most beautiful valley of the Winelands. Arriving during the late afternoon you should have plenty of time to take in some of the stunning mountain views and the endless rows of grape vines. There are many famous winery’s situated around the town, most offering wine and cheese tasting to visitors. Supper is served in the hotel restaurant looking out over the valleys.
Day 3 Franschhoek – Nieuwoudtville
From Franschhoek we continue north through the Wine lands, eventually reaching the end of the asphalt road just outside the town of Ceres. The gravel track we now take winds its way through the beautiful Citrusdal Mountain’s towards the town carrying the same name just off the main highway. Taking a secondary road from here we head towards Clanwilliam, were there are various options for those wanting a bite to eat or just a quick coffee break. On this your first introduction to gravel tracks on the tour your guide will be available at all times to give you help and advice should you need or want it.
The afternoon’s route takes us from Clanwilliam up over the Pakhuis Pass, which once reached affords the onlooker some spectacular views over the surrounding country side. We are now entering into the southern parts of the region known as Namaqualand. Namaqualand is a semi-desert environment; however in the spring (July to September) depending on the rains, a miracle occurs. As the rains soak in, millions upon millions of flowers emerge in a phenomenal explosion of colour which transforms the landscape into a wonderland of beauty. Making your way through this natural wonder will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your trip.
Passing through valley after valley covered by flowers we eventually reach the farm of Papkuilsfontein where our second night will be spent. Papkuilsfontein is truly a place of beauty and tranquillity and that coupled with excellent hospitality makes for a very relaxing and enjoyable stay. Should you care for a short excursion the areas highest waterfall is situated on the farm just 6 km away. Sitting on the edge of the sheer cliff watching as the water thunders over the rim will surely be a suitable end to your day.
Day 4 Nieuwoudtville – Noordoewer
Fully rested and after a hearty breakfast we once again hit the open roads. We ride to the sleepy town of Loeriesfontein where we stop for a break before heading out on the well prepared gravel tracks that make up most of the days riding. The roughly 250kms to Springbok, the next major town, wind through scarcely habited open farmlands, an occasional pick-up truck or water tower the only signs of human life. As with the previous day, provided the season is right, you will be treated to the endless plains of wildflowers for which this whole area of Namaqualand is famous.
At Springbok we join the main highway for the next leg of today’s riding to the South Africa/ Namibia border at Noordoewer, formed by the mighty Orange River. Before crossing over we regroup so as to handle the border formalities faster and more efficiently.
From the town of Noordoewer it’s a further 50 km following the river downstream to reach our nights’ accommodation at the Norotshama River Resort where you will be staying in chalets right on the banks of the river.
Day 5 Noordoewer – Vogelstrausskluft
Day five and its back on the gravel for today’s ride which will take us past one of Namibia’s premier natural wonders, The Fish River Canyon. During the day we will visit the hot springs at Ai-Ais and take in the breathtaking canyon views from the various viewpoints along the way.
The Fish River is, at 650 kilometres, the longest river in Namibia. Its source lies in the eastern Naukluft Mountains and it runs south-west of Ai-Ais into the Orange. The canyon, situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River, is one of the most impressive natural beauties in the southern part of Namibia and with a depth of up to 550 metres it is one of the largest canyons in the world. The enormous gorge meanders along a distance of approximately 160 kilometres through the fissured Koubis massif all the way down to Ai-Ais and it is along here that we will stop at various points to take in the views.
Our nights’ accommodation is at the Vogelstrausskluft Lodge situated approximately 150 km from the main lookout point of Hell’s Bend. Depending on when you arrive during the afternoon there are a number of optional activities on offer. Those include nature and game drives; sunset drives down to the canyon and quad biking to name but a few. The lodge which opened in spring 2006 offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and to end the day a delicious buffet dinner is served looking out over these vast Namibian plains.
Day 6 Vogelstrausskluft – Sesriem
From one natural wonder to the next… deep canyons to vast sand dunes. To make the most of this day it is advisable to leave fairly early in the morning. Having enjoyed the vast views of Fish River Canyon the day before it is now time to head towards another of Namibia’s natural wonders, the famous red dunes at Sossusvlei. To get there will take us along tracks bordering the massive Namib Naukluft Nature Reserve and the private Namibrand Reserve. The Namib-Naukluft Park is one of the largest and most varied national parks in Africa, covering much of the central Namib Desert and the Naukluft Mountains. It offers some of the most beautiful landscapes we travel through with plains of golden grasslands stretching as far as the eyes can see with herds of antelope species grazing by the side of the road.
We should be arriving at our accommodation at the Desert Homestead during the early afternoon to allow you to take part in the afternoon sun downer drives that depart for the dunes situated inside the park. Seeing the massive dunes change colour as the sun goes down is a truly awesome sight not to be missed.
The Desert homestead is a warm and friendly place immersed in the golden plains and tucked up against a range of hills. If you prefer to see the dunes the following morning on the bikes there are plenty of other activities to keep you occupied during the afternoon including horse riding and game drives. Supper is usually served outside on the terrace under the stars.
Day 7 Sesriem - Swakopmund
Ever enjoyed breakfast sitting on a sand dune? Well, that’s how we like to start our days when at Sossusvlei. If you want to join then it’s an early start so as to be out by the dunes before sunrise. For those not so early risers breakfast is of course served as usual at the lodge. Another activity we highly recommend is to take the early morning hot air balloon flight over the dunes. Soar across the sands as the sun rises and sets the dunes on fire.
Today’s destination is Namibia’s premier beach resort Swakopmund. During the summer (northern hemisphere winter) holidays and long weekends thousands of Namibian's flock to this part of the coast to get away from the oppressive heat of the inland. The track we follow continues on from the previous day, just outside the border of the nature reserve so still lots of chance to spot wildlife. We climb two windy mountain passes, bizarre rock formations and Namibia’s supposedly highest sand dune, Dune 7, just outside Walvis Bay.
Swakopmund is surely a great contrast to the vastness of the interior. It has been described as a little piece of Germany in Africa so don’t be surprised when you come across German bakeries and breweries along the streets. We spend the night in style at the classic Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre. True to its name this hotel features a Casino, Gym, Cinemas, various shops and health centres to name but a few and the beach of course, is only a short walk away.
Day 8 Swakopmund – Vingerklip
Namibia’s Atlantic coast is renowned for the very heavy early morning fogs it produces. These usually burn of during the morning so not too much to worry about as long as you carry your extra jacket. From Swakopmund we follow the coastal road (track) north towards Henties Bay passing through terrain that can only be described as barren. At Henties Bay we leave the Atlantic for the last time and turn inland again. Rising over the horizon in front of us will be the Brandberg Massive and on a clear day one can just make out another of Namibia’s famous mountain peaks the Spitzkoppe some 100 km to the South east of our track. We are now entering Damaraland.
Damaraland roughly occupies the area from Swakopmund up to Sesfontein and from the coast inland to Omaruru and Outjo. It is yet another of Namibia's very scenic areas, and we should be able to see plenty of wildlife along the way. At the small mining town of Uis we stop to refuel and have a break before setting out towards the Brandberg once again. For those interested Namibia’s most famous rock painting “The Brandberg White Lady” lies within this mountain range, but does require a 1.5 hour guided walk. If you choose to do it its well worth the effort and you will also get a nice view of Namibia’s highest mountain, the 2573m high Königstein.
During the afternoon we take leave of the Brandberg and proceed towards our accommodation for the next two nights at the stunning Vingerklip Lodge. One of our favourites, this lodge is set on a slight rise overlooking the strange geological feature known as Vingerklip, or Finger Rock, a 35 metre-high striking pinnacle of rock and natural obelisk balancing vertically on its own.
The lodge is built to blend in with the surrounding landscape, with two pools and a bar overlooking the surrounding country side. This is one of our favourite stays on the trip. As of the coming spring 2007 a new restaurant, The Eagles Nest, will be open set on a cliff top some 600ft above the lodge allowing us to have supper virtually in the sky with breathtaking 360° views to the horizon and the lodge below.
Day 9 Vingerklip
There are two choices today, the simpler of these being to just stay at the lodge for a relaxing day off by the pool, or there is the possibility of doing a loop on the bikes out from Vingerklip to see the rock engravings and geological features around Twyfelfontein.
The major attraction of Twyfelfontein ("doubtful spring") in Damaraland is the profusion of prehistoric rock engravings, over 2500 of them dating back at least 6000 years. Also, there is the nearby Burnt Mountain an eerie charred mound of volcanic debris and the bizarre volcanic rock formation known as the Organ Pipes, which bears this name for reasons apparent as soon as you see them.
On the way back to Vingerklip we pass the Petrified Forest containing the remains of huge pre-historic fossilized tree trunks deposited here millions of years ago. There are 20 minute guided walks for those interested.
We all regroup back at the lodge during the afternoon for yet another relaxing evening.
Day 10 Vingerklip – Etosha
We take leave of Vingerklip and make our way due north towards one of the world’s largest and most spectacular Nature Parks, The Etosha National Park. This is yet another of the highlights in Namibia. Occupying over 22,000 square kilometres in area, and protects over 100 mammal species, over 300 bird species, some 16 species of reptiles and amphibians, one fish species and zillions of bugs. Its centre is dominated by the vast Etosha Pan, an enormous dried up lake, now a vaguely greenish-white salt pan which from a distance looks like the sea.
We aim to reach our accommodation at Mokuti Lodge during the early afternoon. Due to laws prohibiting motorcycles into the park the only way to see it is to take part in either the evening or morning (or both) game drives arranged by the lodge. This we can assure you is an excellent way to see all the wildlife that Etosha has to offer. As you move from water hole to water hole expect to see everything from Lions and Elephant to herds of zebra, Gnu, Springbok and other antelope species. In Etosha it seems everywhere you look there is wildlife to discover.
As you arrive back at the hotel after your drive, sit down to a delicious buffet supper followed by sundowners at the poolside bar. Should you care for it there is the possibility to visit the onsite reptile park or watch wildlife orientated screenings in the conference hall.
Day 11 Etosha – Grootfontein
Your day, should you choose to do so, can start with a morning game drive just in case you missed anything on the previous evenings drive, the morning being an excellent time to spot animals in the park.
As the game drive ends and breakfasts have been completed we set out once again. Along the way today we drive through dense bush studded with giant Baobab trees, the tree God apparently planted upside down and the biggest one in Namibia is on our route. Watch out for warthogs and Springbok crossing the road though. Another sight for you to visit is the Hoba Meteorite, the world’s largest just outside of Grootfontein.
We reach Roy’s Lodge during the afternoon allowing time for a visit to a traditional San bushman village out in the Kalahari savannah. Roy’s Camp offer rustic chalets, pool, outdoor bar and a thatched restaurant which serves delicious meals. After supper why not gather around the open bonfire for a few drinks and maybe a sighting of the camps tame Eland who likes to eat carrots from the guests hands.
Day 12 Grootfontein – Ndhovu
After breakfast it’s a long stretch heading north east up through the area known as Kavango Land to the town of Rundu. Here we join up with the Kavango River and follow it as it makes its way down to the desert plains in Botswana. The Kavango Region is dominated by the Kavango River and its broad flood plains, which makes the area considerably greener than the rest of Namibia. The river forms a natural border between Namibia and Angola for more than 400km and is the lifeline to the Kavango people who live on its banks. The track we follow runs right along the river’s edge for about 220km.
Our nights camp Ndhovu sits right on the banks of Kavango River bordering a nature reserve. You will be staying in luxury en suite safari tents, all looking out over the river. Hippos are the order of the day in this area so expect to be kept awake well into the night by their barking. It is also not uncommon to have them grazing on the lawns around the tent, so watch your step.
The optional sunset river cruise offered by the lodge comes highly recommended. It’s hard to imagine a better way to end the day than cruising on the river, beer in hand, spotting herds of hippos, crocodiles the occasionally elephant and hundreds of species of birds.
Day 13 Ndhovu – Victoria Falls, Livingstone
The Caprivi Strip - the wettest part of Namibia and previously virtually impassable during the wet season is where we are headed to start off with. We are aiming for the border post at Katima Mulilo which as with the South Africa/ Namibia border is marked by a mighty river, The Zambezi. Katima Mulilo, the capital of the Caprivi, is one of Namibia's most remote towns but as far as towns go there's not much to see. Once custom formalities have been cleared, it’s straight down the road to Livingstone and The Victoria Falls, “The Smoke That Thunders”. Watch out for those famous Zambian potholes along the way though!
The Victoria Falls are situated on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and are roughly 1.7 km (1 mile) wide and 128 m (420 ft) high. They are considered a remarkable spectacle because of the peculiar narrow slot-like chasm into which the water falls, so one can view the falls face-on. It is described by the Kololo tribe living in the area as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ - ‘the Smoke that Thunders’ and in encyclopaedias as ‘the greatest known curtain of falling water’. We also like to consider it the adrenaline and adventure capitol of Africa with a range of activities aimed at your wilder side. For more details on what’s on offer check out the links below.
This our last night on the tour is spent at The Waterfront a lodge situated as the name implies right on the banks of the river just a few kilometres upstream of the falls. Supper is served on the deck built right on the river and the well stocked bar is an excellent place to gather and celebrate a successful end to the tour.
Day 14 Victoria Falls, Livingstone
On this your final day of the tour breakfast is served as usual at the lodge. Depending on your travel arrangements you are then free to explore the falls and surrounding area. Transfers to the Livingstone airport are included and will be arranged for you.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
South Africa
Namibia
Zambia
Motorcycle Tours
Wildlife Viewing
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