Top 7 Areas to Ride Adventure Motorcycles in South Africa
The unique landscape, wildlife and culture make this land an ADV paradise.
1. North-east Lesotho (Sani Pass to Sehlabathebe)
Lesotho, landlocked by three South African provinces, is known as the Mountain Kingdom and is home to the five highest road passes in southern Africa. This is spectacular African alpine territory and the four distinct seasons present different riding conditions and challenges.
The suggested route traverses arguably some of the best “gravel travel” riding in the world. It starts at the legendary Sani Pass, a ribbon of road that snakes up the escarpment of the Drakensberg (Mountain of the Dragons) to link southern KwaZulu-Natal with north-east Lesotho.
The route negotiates some of the highest terrain as it heads west, then south, and finally east over some spectacular gravel passes, most of them more than 10,000 feet above sea level. The route leaves Lesotho at any of three border posts, but allows those so inclined to link up with other routes.
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Very nice write-up! Never knew S. Africa had so many amazing places for ADV riders. Definitely adding this to my bucket list.
Hey Mario
Thanks for the kind words, and yes, South Africa has plenty to offer, much ,much more than an article can describe!
If you’d like to see our wonderful world, come visit my guesthouse and I’ll show u around
Hi Johann
For future reference, where are you based?
Hi Derek
I have just read your article. In one week I will fly from Germany to SA and start a long trip by motorbike to the North of Africa. I would like to ride your suggested trips, if possible in winter time.
Do you have any detailed description or gpx tracks?
Thanks for your help,
wishes
Frank
Great place for motorcycling. Just covered four of the seven places highlighted. You can read about it here: http://motorcyclemeanders.com/south_africa_67.html
Hey Robert
Will definitely take a look at your impressions … happy riding! D
[…] Yet, few things in the life of an adventure rider are more rewarding than camping under the Southern Cross on an African motorcycle safari. Adventure Bikes offer the perfect mode of transportation for observing Africa’s wildlife up close and personal. Watching herds of beasts at a watering hole or scavengers feeding on a carcass is an experience you won’t soon forget, and the network of routes, tracks and trails criss-crossing the land provide some of the world’s finest adventure riding terrain. […]
You forgot the Transkei – some of the absolute best adventure riding in South Africa.
Hi Bruce
You’re so right! Problem is there are so many places to ride, and sometimes not enough space to tell the story. Which are your favorite rides?