Introducing you to some of the most beautiful landscapes that South Africa has to offer. We'll travel along the infamous Route 62 through the Little Karoo and then onto the East Coast to Port Elizabeth before heading back to Cape Town along the Garden Route. This tour in mainly on-road, with some easy gravel road riding in the Little Karoo and into "De Hel".

Highlights:

• Cape of Good Hope
• Ride into "De Hel"
• Ostrich Farm in Oudtshoorn
• Addo Elephant Park
• Valley of Desolation near Graaff-Reinet
• Southernmost Point of Africa Cape L'Algulhas
• Road along the coast between Betty's Bay and Gordon's Bay

day 1/14
City Tour Cape Town

0 miles

Welcome. Almost all international flights arrive in Cape Town before midday. Our tour guide will meet you at the airport and taxi you directly to your hotel where you can freshen-up and perhaps have a light bite to eat. In the afternoon we'll deliver a tour briefing and finalise formalities. Here you'll find out more about the route you'll be travelling, have the chance to meet others on the tour. We've planned a tour of one of the world's most beautiful cities for early evening. We'll be pulling out all stops on your first night and be taking you out to a local restaurant certain to tantalise your taste buds.We'll try to arrange for a local personality to accompany us for the evening to fill us in on local history, geography and answer any other questions that you might have pertaining to Cape Town.

day 2/14
Cape Town - Cape Point - Cape Town

ca. 90 miles

Easing you into it. We'll be leaving the hotel around 9am after breakfast, picking up the bikes and head in the general direction of False Bay. We'll then ride via Fish Hoek and Simon's Town to Cape Point. We'll be making a quick stop at Simon's Town to take a look at the penguins on the Boulders Beach. The Cape Peninsula National Park is but a hop-skip-and-a-jump away from the beach. We'll have a snack at Cape Point, also known as the Cape of Good Hope, before heading back to the city via Scarborough, Kommetjie und Noordhoek. We'll be driving along the world famous Chapman's Peak Drive, which has re-opened on December 20th 2003. Here you'll be afforded breathtaking sea-views and plenty of photo opportunities. We'll be arriving back at the hotel late afternoon, and take you out for a dinner to one of Cape Town's trendy restaurants.

day 3/14
Cape Town - Bain's Kloof Pass - Montagu

ca. 220 miles

Getting on with it. We'll be leaving Cape Town at 9am after breakfast and heading off to picturesque Paarl. Shortly after Paarl, the roads start to get interesting. We'll be crossing the Bain's Kloof Pass and travelling on via Wolseley to Tulbagh. We'll be lunching at one of Tulbagh's nice coffee shops. In the afternoon we'll continue our ride up the Michel's Pass to Ceres, and on to Touwsrivier. We now get the first opportunity to ride on gravel roads (unpaved roads). Alternatively we can take the tarred road via the beautiful Koo Valley. Late afternoon we'll arrive in Montagu, to spend the evening in a lovely Guesthouse. The resident chef will treat us for a scrumptious dinner.

day 4/14
Montagu - Barrydale - Groenfontain - Swartbergpass - Prince Albert

ca. 220 miles

Taking it easy. We'll be leaving again at 9am after breakfast and be travelling via Bonnievale to Swellendam. From there, we'll travel over the Tradouws Pass to Barrydale where we'll once again be travelling on the Route 62, a quick stop for lunch, and then off to Ladismith, and over the Huisriver Pass to Calitzdorp. We turn left, to leave the R62 and continue on gravel roads through Kruisriver and Matjesrivier to the Swartberg Pass. At the pass' summit (at around 1568m) we'll be taking a good break, to enjoy the views. From here it is just a short ride to get to Prince Albert, our destination for the night. We'll be staying at the Swartberg Hotel. You can opt for a guided historical / architectural walk through the town that takes you past beautifully preserved Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings. Of these, 19, including Dennehof, are National Monuments. Other activities include a 'koppie' trail with almost 100 listed plants, fossil hunting and a visit to the delightful Fransie Pienaar Museum. The town is known for its sun-ripened fresh and dried fruit, especially figs and apricots. Karoo lamb, olives, olive oil and homemade cheeses are local delicacies. Needless to say, dinner will be a culinary delight!

day 5/14
Prince Albert - "De Hell" - Prince Albert

ca. 100 miles

It's hell. Today is certain to be one of the tour's highlights. After breakfast we'll head back up to the Swartberg Pass at around 10am. We'll be taking a right and be heading off down Gamkaskloof to a place better known as the Hell. This is one of the most isolated areas in South Africa. This is also the place, where your off-road riding skills come in handy, for some of the road to "De Hell" you need to be standing on your pegs, so please make sure that your thighs muscles are in good order. Should you not feel confident riding on this road, you can always opt to go down to "De Hell" in our support vehicle, this is certainly recommended for passengers travelling with you. After a good lunch, some rest in the valley, and possibly a swim in one of the rock pools, we'll head back to Prince Albert, for another night at the Swartberg Hotel.

day 6/14
Prince Albert - Meiringspoort - Oudtshoorn

ca. 100 miles

Feathers and eggs. Today we'll be travelling to South Africa's ostrich farming capital, Oudtshoorn. This will be a sightseeing day. We recommend taking in a visit to an ostrich farm and if you're under 80 kg's, interested parties could even trade in their motorcycles and try their hand at riding a feathered friend. Alternatively we'll be taking in a tour of the renowned Cango Caves. These are ancient underground caves with breathtaking rock formations called stalagmites and stalactites. We'll be staying in hospitable Oudtshoorn for the evening. We can arrange for interested parties to visit a crocodile or even cheetah farm! Simply ask!

day 7/14
Oudtshoorn - Outeniqua Pass - George - Knysna - Oudtshoorn

ca. 160 miles

Pearl in the oyster. Today we'll be heading off to the coastal town of Knysna, well known for its seafood and especially for its oysters. We'll be lunching at the Knysna Waterfront, taking in the views of the Lagoon. If you are interested in the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe (which is a steam train running between George and Knysna), you can take a ride on the train. In the afternoon, we'll be travelling back to Oudtshoorn, riding along the coast past Sedgefield and Wilderness. Once again, we stay at the same guesthouse in Oudtshoorn, but take you out for a dinner to town.

day 8/14
Oudtshoorn - Knysna - Tsitsikamma Park - Port Elizabeth

ca. 250 miles

Coming over the Outeniqua Mountains for the 2nd time, we'll be passing through George and Knysna and then hit the Knysna Forest. You can expect to see Outeniqua yellowwood trees draped with Old Man's Beard lichen - an imposing and impressive sight. We'll be taking a look at a particularly big, old specimen at Diepwalle forest station: the 'King Edward VII' tree. It was so named in 1924 on a visit by the Empire Parliamentary Association. The tree is an estimated 600 years old, is 39m high and the bole's circumference is 6m. Thereafter, we'll be passing through Nature's Valley and the Bloukrans Pass. From Kareedouw we'll go down past the Langkloof Mountains. We'll lunch in a typical farm stall, before heading off to Port Elizabeth (via the Gamtoos Valley), where we'll be staying in a charming hotel.

day 9/14
Port Elizabeth - Addo Elephant Park - Port Elizabeth

ca. 100 miles

There be elephants. We'll be leaving early this morning to get to the Addo Elephant Park. Motorcycles will be left at the entrance and the park will be discovered by four-wheel drives. The park is home to more than 350 elephants, leopards, rhinoceros and Cape Buffaloes. The park also boasts a myriad of other wildlife and at least 400 different bird varieties. We'll head back to the guesthouse again in the early evening. Port Elizabeth is often referred to as 'the friendly city' and the evening can be spent meeting the locals over sun-downers (taking cocktails while watching the sunset) at festive beachfront pubs.

day 10/14
Port Elizabeth - Graaf-Reinet

ca. 160 miles

We'll be leaving Port Elizabeth today and making our way back into the Karoo to visit Graaf-Reinet - one of South Africa's oldest towns. It was founded in 1786 and named in honour of Bouverneur Cornelis Jacob van der Graaf and his wife, Cornelia Reinet. Here, we'll be visiting the Valley of Desolation, which is in the nearby mountains. We'll be spending the evening in the Drostdy Hotel in Afrikaans style. Graaf-Reinet is often referred to as the Jewel of the Karoo. The town centre, comprising 200 buildings, was lovingly restored as is now considered a national monument.

day 11/14
Graaf-Reinet - Knysna

ca. 280 miles

This is the first day of our return journey to Cape Town. We'll be revving our engines once again and this time, along the N9, discovering forgotten cities like Aberdeeen and Willowmore. Once we get past Willowmore, our road will be more interesting again, passing Uniondale and Avontuur, we are riding via the Prince Alfed's Pass to the Indian Ocean. Our destination today is Knysna, where we'll enjoy an evening meal together.

day 12/14
Rest day in Knysna

ca. 0 miles

Today we're not going anywhere, because today is a day of rest and pure relaxation. Knysna is set on a Lagoon, whilst being bordered by the Outeniqua Mountains. Renowned for it tranquil sea and beautiful Lagoon, Knysna has become an internationally sought after holiday resort. Knysna is also surrounded by many rivers and natural lakes and lagoons. This makes it a great spot for water sport enthusiasts. You can opt for hiking, dolphin and whale-watching, hang-gliding, paragliding, horse riding, mountain-biking, scenic drives, a boat trip on the Lagoon, day tours, ferry cruises, angling, boating and other water sports - simply ask and we will gladly provide further details.

day 13/14
Knysna - Mossel Bay - Malgas - Arniston

ca. 220 miles

Our next destination is Mossel Bay. Shortly thereafter, we'll leave the N2 and travel to Riversdale. Just before we get to Swellendam, we turn left to cross the Breede River at Malgas on a legendary ferry. From there, we'll travel on minor roads to Arniston, which is our final destination for the day. Not far from the southern-most point of Africa, you can enjoy a lovely dinner at one of the towns fish restaurants. Arniston used to be a Fishermen's village, many of the old fishermens cottages are still standing, some of them being utilised as self-catering units. We are staying at the Arniston Hotel for the night, right on the beach.

day 14/14
Arniston - Cape L'Algulhas - Hermanus - Cape Town

ca. 200 miles

This is our last day and we'll be making our way back to Cape Town, but not before having seen Africa's southern-most point, Cape Agullas. Thereafter, we'll head onto one of the world's most famous whale watching destinations, Hermanus. From Hermanus we'll be driving along the cost, travelling on one of the most beautiful roads in our country, past Betty's Bay, on to Gordon's Bay, and Somerset West and then to our final destination Cape Town.

This is where you will return the motorcycles. We will then either transport you to the airport or to your hotel or guesthouse. Please remember to let us know whether you would like to stay an additional night/s in Cape Town and we will make the arrangements for you. This will need to be paid for by you.

Safari Facts
 
Rate 2012 per driver depending on bike used:
BMW F650GS/2 @ € 4100
BMW F800GS @  € 4500
BMW R1200GS @ € 4650

Rate per pilion: € 2800

Single Supplement: € 440
Start in Capetown/South Africa
End in Capetown/South Africa
Tour in english/german
luggage transport service: min. 6 participants needed
Accommodation: Twin rooms ensuite in 3 to 4 * hotels and lodges

Departure Dates 2012/2013:

04.11.12 - 17.11.12 

10.02.13 - 23.02.13

03.11.13 - 16.11.13

Included in the tours price is:

Airport transfer
You will be met at the airport upon arrival and taken to your hotel. We will also arrange for you to be taxied to the airport on departure.

Accommodation
You'll be staying at some of the top hotels and guesthouses South Africa has to offer. However, we've chosen some of the places not due to the number of stars that they have but due to their historical or novelty factor. We've worked hard to make certain that you, our customer, have the best possible experience while on tour with us and our choice in accommodation is no exception. After a long day in the saddle there is nothing better than a long soak in the hot tub or a 'sun-downer' under the African sky.

Catering
South Africa is well known and respected for its excellent cuisine and eateries. You can expect a scrumptious breakfast and delicious dinner per day except when otherwise indicated in the daily tour description (e.g. breakfast not included on day of arrival and dinner not included on day of departure). Please also note that drinks are not included in the tour price.

The Motorcycles
Our business model is based on return business through customer satisfaction. Therefore, we wouldn't dream about sending you to places like The Hell in just any old jalopy. We are able to offer the choice between a BMW F650GS/2, a BMW F800GS, a BMW R1200GS and a BMW R1200GS Adventure. For our Cape Town - Johannesburg tour a BMW R1200R and a BMW R1200RT can be selected as well. The machines are brand new and in 'mint' condition. Our motorcycles are used for one season only and then replaced with the newest models available. We pride ourselves on the condition of our motorcycles. They are regularly serviced by BMW and parts like tires are replaced habitually. BMW's Client Service facilities in South Africa are extremely professional and like the machines, at the top of their class.

Unlimeted mileage
All our tours include unlimited mileage, there are no additional charges at the end of your trip.

Insurances
Collision damage waiver and theft protection insurance are included in the price. Please note! A damage deposit is required at the time you collect the motorcycle. The deposit is to be paid by credit card authorization on departure of rental, and withheld until the motorcycle is cleaned and inspected upon return. Please check our current rate card for the actual damage deposit amount, which varies according to the motorcycle model chosen.

Miscellaneous travel expenses
Entry fees into parks, as mentioned in the tour description, are covered by the tour price, if at least 6 participants are booked on the tour.

Maps
We will provide you with a map of South Africa at the beginning of the tour.

Luggage transport*
We generally have a vehicle that accompanies us on these trips, in which your luggage is transported. We will gladly transport one piece of luggage per person, collecting it before your departure and delivering it to your hotel or guestroom on arrival. Pillions can also gladly travel in the vehicle for the more difficult stretches or on request as well.
*this service requires a minimum of 6 participants

Tour guide
A bilingual German|English speaking tour-guide will lead every tour. All our tour-guides are registered with the relevant tour guiding authorities as well as associations, and have had comprehensive training. Our tour-guides also possess an excellent general knowledgeble of South Africa and have done in-depth research on the routes and sites that they will be taking you on. Owner of the safari company will always be available in Cape Town and will often guide the tours himself.

Extras
1. Introduction to South Africa's traffic rules and regulations and the operation of the BMW motorcycle (in case you are not familiar with the machines).
2. First Aid travel kit will be available in the accompanying vehicle.

Excluded from the tours price is:

Return flight ticket
We understand that most of our clients prefer to make their own flight arrangements. The safari company has therefore decided not to include this in the tour package. If however, you would like an all-inclusive package with return flights, simply drop us a mail with the request and we'll gladly provide you with a revised price. Please note that South Africa has become an extremely popular holiday destination and international flights are often fully booked months in advance so please let us know well in advance should you require this service.

Single room surcharges
Most South African accommodation places offer double rooms only. Single rooms are available on request for a surcharge. Should you require a single room, please take note that a surcharge applies.

Drinks
We wouldn't want to place any restrictions on the amount you drink. South Africa is a hot country and everyone should drink to suit his or her needs. We usually have soft drinks and mineral water available for purchase in the accompanying vehicle.

Tips
Tips are gladly accepted in South Africa. The rule in restaurants is usually around 10%. It is also customary to tip the assistants in fuel or petrol stations around R2. In the cities, locals will come up to you and offer to look after your vehicle or motorcycle. This is not out of the ordinary. We ask that you make certain that the guard is wearing some sort of official vest and it is customary to tip them a maximum of R5 - dependent on the length of time you are away. For example, you leave the motorcycle for an hour R1 will suffice.

Petrol/ Gas/ Diesel
Petrol in South Africa is quite affordable. However, it is important to note that petrol cannot be purchased via credit card or travellers cheques and most petrol stations have a 'strictly cash only' policy.

Toll Fees
Most roads in South Africa are toll free though.

Personal
We've put together a highly entertaining tour for you. Sometimes however, a certain guest is interested in visiting a place not included in the tour. Personal excursions and trips over and above mentioned in the tour are not covered in the tour price.

Travel Insurances
Although it's not pleasant to think about, it is something that we unfortunately do need to address. What would happen in case of emergency? We would like to minimise the risk by strongly recommending an insurance package tailormade for our tours. The insurance package would include:

• Trip cancellation insurance
• Travel medical coverage
• Accidental death coverage

Protective Gear
Please bring your own protective clothing. We recommend lightweight clothing since it can get really warm in summer. A jersey or pullover should suffice for when it does start to get a little cooler. Also remember to bring a light raincoat of sorts since a sudden afternoon downpour is not unheard of.

Motorcycle luggage
The motorcycle luggage is not included in the tour price. Panniers, tank bags and top boxes are available for hire.

Gloves
We do rent out gloves to interested parties and have a small collection available in the shop. We strongly recommend that you wear gloves. The South African sun is particularly strong and without gloves you will have a painful sunburn within an hour.

Helmet
It is compulsory to wear a helmet in South Africa. We strongly recommend that you bring your own helmet with you to South Africa. Experience tells us that there is nothing more irritating than a journey in an ill-fitting helmet. We do offer a very small selection for rent in our shop.

Safari-Fakten
 
Preis/Fahrer € 4100                                                                                     
Preis/Sozius  € 2800

Fahrzeug  BMW F650GS/2 oder BMW F800GS oder BMW R1200GS (Extrakosten € 400 oder € 550)
Start in Kapstadt/Südafrika 
Ende in Kapstadt/Südafrika 
Mahlzeiten 13 x Frühstück und 13 x Abendessen
Unterkünfte Zweibett-Zimmer mit Bad/WC in 3 bis 4 Sterne Hotels, Lodges
Tour in Englisch-/Deutschsprachiger Motorrad-Guide
Gepäckservice ab 6 Teilnehmern
inbegriffen Übernachtungen, Mahlzeiten, Leih-BMW-Motorrad inkl. unbegrenzten Kilometern, Modell aus dem aktuellen Jahr, Scheckheft-gepflegt; Haftpflicht- und Vollkaskoversicherung mit Selbstbeteiligung von max. ZAR 10000; Eintrittsgelder für Höhepunkte laut Reiseausschreibung; 
Nicht inbegriffen Benzin, Schutzbekleidung, Schutzhelm, Handschuhe, Visakosten, Reiseversicherung, Flüge, Abfluggebühren, Dinge des persönlichen Bedarfs, Getränke und dazu buchbare Leistungen; Einzelzimmerzuschlag € 440

Abfahrtstermine 2010/2011/2012:
31.10.10 - 13.11.10
06.02.11 - 19.02.11
20.11.11 - 03.12.11
05.02.12 - 18.02.12

Im Reisepaket enthalten sind:

Flughafentransfer
Sie werden bei Ankunft in Kapstadt abgeholt und zum Hotel gebracht. Bei Abreise bringen wir Sie selbstverständlich auch wieder rechtzeitig zum Flughafen. Sie brauchen sich um nichts zu kümmern.

Übernachtung
Sie schlafen in 3 und 4 Sterne Hotels/Guesthouses in Doppelzimmern mit Dusche oder Badewanne und WC. Bei der Auswahl der Hotels/Guesthouses haben wir uns besonders große Mühe gegeben. Nach einem harten Tag im Sattel eines Motorrads hat man das Verlangen nach einem Ort, an dem man sich gründlich waschen, ausruhen und erholen kann, daher sind die schönsten Häuser gerade gut genug! Viele der Übernachtungsplätze haben einen eigenen Swimmingpool.

Verpflegung
Die Küche in Südafrika ist ausgezeichnet. Auf der gesamten Reise ist, pro Tag, ein Frühstück und ein Abendessen (ohne Getränke) im Preis enthalten, ausser wenn dies in der Reisebeschreibung anders ausgewiesen ist (z.B. Anreisetag: kein Frühstück, Abreisetag: kein Abendessen).

Die Motorräder
Wir stellen, abhängig vom gebuchten Motorrad, eine BMW aus dem aktuellen Line-Up bereit. Die Maschinen sind neu, top gepflegt und optisch sowie technisch in bestem Zustand. Nach jeder Saison werden alle Motorräder durch neue Modelle ersetzt. Eine Haftpflicht und Vollkaskoversicherung sind eingeschlossen. Der Selbstbehalt beträgt R10,000 pro Schadensfall wenn Sie mit Koffer mieten, und R7,500 wenn das Motorrad ohne Koffer gemietet wird. Der Selbstbehalt muss bei Übergabe der Motorräder über eine Kreditkarte hinterlegt werden.

unbegrenzte Kilometer
Bei unseren Touren sind alle Kilometer im Preis enthalten, für Sie bedeutet das keine zusätzlichen Kosten am Ende Ihrer Reise.

Sonstige Reisekosten
Wir übernehmen alle Eintrittsgelder für Besichtigungen, die im jeweiligen Reiseprogramm vorgesehen sind.

Kartenmaterial
Eine Straßenkarte von Südafrika wir Ihnen bei Beginn der Reise zur Verfügung gestellt.

Gepäckbeförderung und Sitzplatz im Begleitfahrzeug
Im Normalfall ist ein Begleitfahrzeug dabei, hier werden Ihre Koffer transportiert. Der Transport von 1 Koffer pro Teilnehmer ist im Preis der Reise erhalten. Sie werden Ihr Gepäck am Abend im Hotel/Guesthouse, in Ihrem Zimmer, vorfinden Sollten jedoch eine Sozia oder ein Sozius mitfahren wollen, können wir das, auch für Teilstrecken, möglich machen. Dieser Service gilt für Gruppen von mehr als 6 Teilnehmern.

Reiseführung
Jede Tour wird von einem englisch- und/oder deutschsprachigen Reiseführer begleitet. Alle Reiseleiter sind offiziell registrierte Tour-Guides, die über eine entsprechende Ausbildung verfügen und sich in allen Fragen zu Südafrika gut auskennen.

Extras
Einführung in den südafrikanischen Verkehr und die Bedienung der BMW Motorräder (falls nicht ohnehin schon bekannt). Erste-Hilfe-Koffer mit den wichtigsten Medikamenten wird im Begleitfahrzeug mitgeführt.