So, while we admit this inherent flaw in the article, we’ve attempted to pique your interest and help you dust off the old Geen Sand. Let’s go for a ride.
For anyone visiting or exploring South Africa, our stunning natural landscapes are a big attraction. For that reason, we made it our main focus in choosing this collection.
Here are seven of the most beautiful motorcycle road trip routes in South Africa. Included are a few short day trips as well as extensive multi-day expeditions.
Prince Alfred's Pass is the longest accessible mountain pass in the country. So, why not take advantage?
It starts in the beautiful beachfront town of Knysna, right in the heart of the Garden Route National Park. You’ll cruise past mountain edges, lush forests, streams, and waterfalls. Side note, you can also access this pass from Plettenberg Bay. Finally, you’ll end your journey in Uniondale, a small Klein Karoo town.
The pass is notorious for its winding roads and sharp turns. It’s perfect for experienced off-road bikers. When you need a break, relax in the serene rock pools nearby. Or you can meditate on the calming sounds of the Die Kerf waterfalls.
Gravel and dirt, with some potholes and “sinkplaat”. Best for adventure or dual sport bikes.
Around 80 kms, 3 hours.
Bain’s Tearoom
Angie’s G Spot or the Outeniqua Trout Lodge
Burchell’s Farm
Middle Keurbooms Conservancy
Forest Legends Museum
The Midlands Meander runs from Pietermaritzburg to the Drakensberg in the west. Bikers will cross the gorgeous rolling hills and curve around the surrounding mountains.
This popular sightseeing route will force you to take it slow. Stop often to experience the amazing culture, arts, cuisine, and scenery en route. Need some energy for the road? Visit Chocolate Heaven for the finest Belgian chocolate in the country.
For route advice and updates, join the dedicated Midlands Motorbikers Facebook group.
Good condition, paved or tarred. Suitable for all bikes, but a cruiser or tourer is best.
80–160 km, 6+ hours.
Nottingham Road Brewing Company
Abingdon Wine Estate
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
Karkloof Nature Reserve
Caversham Mill & Waterfall
Who knew there was a bikers hub in the flat lands of the Free State? But, if you head east you can enjoy an exhilarating ride through the Golden Gate National Park.
You’ll kick off your trip on the R712 between Clarens and Harrismith. You can finish at Harrismith after 73 km or Bethlehem after 52 km. Or take a full 127 km trip to Fouriesburg.
Plan your ride for the late winter to see the snow-capped Drakensberg. Ready to stop for a meal? Turn it into a living museum tour and head to the Basotho Cultural Village for a traditional feast.
Tarred and paved. Use any bike that can handle steep roads.
73 km to Harrismith, 2 hours.
Basotho Cultural Village
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Sterkfontein Dam
Blou Donki Art Gallery
Tobias Art Gallery
Every true biker knows a real motorbike road trip lasts days, not hours. This is it– the top biking route in Mpumalanga.
You’ll experience three mountain passes on this route: Long Tom, Kowyn's, and Robber’s. Look out for the “Twenty-Two”, a series of winding roads that will test your bike and your wits.
You’ll start in Sabie, a forest town featuring waterfalls and surrounding mountains. The adventure ends after 1,300km in Ohrigstad. For a meal, visit the Loco Restaurant to meet other fellow bikers. The Sudwala Caves are a must.
Dirt roads are suitable for adventure bikes. Road bikes can work if you bypass the trickier dirt roads.
1 300 km, usually 4 days.
Pinnacle
God’s Window
Long Tom, Robber’s and Kowyn's mountain passes
Sudwala Caves
Graskop Hotel
Canimambo Restaurant
Riding the Sani Pass is akin to a black belt in the martial arts. Even skilled bikers consider it the mother of all mountain pass routes.
It’s gorgeous but steep, with a formidable 2800-metre-high summit. The route starts outside of Lesotho in Underberg. Then it's a gradual climb to Mokhotlong.
Ride through in winter for snowy peaks. Come in Spring to see the indigenous wildflowers. There's no better place for a celebratory drink than the Sani Mountain Lodge. It's the highest pub in Africa.
Gravel, but dangerous during rainy seasons. Off-road and adventure bikes work best. Choose something light with good ground clearance.
110 km from N3 turn off to Underberg, 43km up Sani Pass to Lesotho border. 2 hours.
Sani Pass Lodge
Sani Mountain Lodge
Afriski Mountain Resort
Hodgson’s Peak South
Sani Lodge Backpackers
No list of the best motorcycle routes in SA would be complete without Route 62. It's a South African classic, starting in Cape Town and ending in Port Elizabeth.
The journey takes bikers through the Cape Winelands and Klein Karoo. You’ll pass spectacular mountain passes, world-class vineyards, and charming villages and towns.
Plan to spend some time in Oudtshoorn, Montague, Calitzdorp or Barrydale. Exploring the eccentric landmarks and eateries is a core part of the Route 62 experience.
For a cheap but delicious meal, visit Die Handelshuis in Calitzdorp. Make sure you try their homemade ostrich pie.
Well-maintained tar roads, suitable for any bike.
850 kilometres, 4 days at a relaxed pace.
Franschhoek Pass
Karoo Art Hotel
Calitzdorp Station Bar
Groot Swartberg Nature Reserve
Railway Museum in Matjiesfontein
Do you want to escape from civilization and lose yourself in the wilderness? Head to Eastern Cape’s overlooked Baviaanskloof route.
Baviaanskloof runs from Patensie to Willowmore. Bikers will manoeuvre challenging terrain. From rocky cliffs and river crossings to steep mountain passes.
Off-road biking masters will love this 200km route. The reward for your hard work is the jaw-dropping landscape. You'll be in the centre of Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Avoid this route during the rainy season when the river crossings are extra deep. If the rain catches you, stop to see the Makkedaat Caves or the enchanting Geelhoutbos Forest.
There are minimal amenities and no cell phone reception. But an escape from normality might be exactly what you need.
Small thing to note, this pass has been open and closed on off for the last who knows how long. Many have sneaked around the barriers and gone exploring, but be very careful if you do decide to go ahead.
Some parts are difficult to navigate. The mountainous parts are perfect for adventure and off-road bikes under 800cc.
210 km, 8 hours.
Combrink’s and Holgat Pass
Poortjies
Geelhoutbos Forest
Makkedaat Caves
Doodsklip
Like we said, you’ll never run out of exciting routes and towns to explore in South Africa. To avoid the blazing summers and icy winters (as well as the majority of the rain on the coast), try to plan your trip for spring and autumn. But you can ride throughout the year with the right bike and gear for the weather.
Navigating the rough terrain can be tricky, but transporting your motorcycle across the country doesn't have to be. Wise Move offers long-distance motorcycle transportation to bring your bike and gear to you.
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