African Explorer
Starting in South Africa we make our way up to Zimbabwe where we visit Hwange National Park and the world famous Victoria Falls. Next up is Zambia where we explore the African way of life before travelling into the small African Country of Malawi and spend a couple of days on the shore of the Lake of stars where we can go sailing or enjoy diving or snorkeling in the fresh water paradise. From Malawi we ride on into Mozambique.
This African country has a fascinating mixture of African and Portuguese culture. Here we visit the Bazaruto Archipelago with its white sandy beaches and tropical blue oceans. We have a couple more tropical stops as we make our way down the Mozambique coastline and into the Kingdom of Swaziland.
The mountain passes here are any bikers dream come true and the fun continues as we travel back into South Africa and ride the Blyde River Canyon with its amazing views. Here you enjoy a Safari into the World Famous Kruger National Park to spot Lions, elephants, Rhinos and other exciting African Wildlife. The tour then continues to Pretoria, the Capital city of South Africa, where the tour comes to an end.
TOUR INFO
Duration: 23 days, Jun 27th to Jul 19th 2012
Tour start/end: Pretoria
Accommodation: 23 nights & 1 bonus night
Single Supplement: US$ 1200
Ride days: 17 (Bikes are available on the rest days if desired)
TOUR Highlights
Hwange National Park
Victoria Falls
Bakota Gorge
Zambian Village Tour
Lake Malawi
Bazaruto Archipelago
Mozambiquan beaches
Swaziland mountain Kingdom
Panorama Route (Bikers Paradise)
Kruger National Park
This ride is suitable for off-road novice and two-up riding.
95 % of this ride is on pavement, however there is the option of some off road riding if preferred
Total distance: 6300 km / 3910 miles
Days on bike: 17 (Bikes are available on the rest days if desired)
THE RIDE
Week One
On Arrival into South Africa you will be met by a friendly Compass representative who will pick you up from the airport. Spend the first couple of days relaxing and unwinding and getting to know Pretoria, the capital city of South Africa- a guided half day motorcycle tour of Pretoria is included as well as a welcome braai (Barbeque). From Pretoria we travel up in the Northern regions of South Africa where we enjoy an evening getting to know the vibrant Venda Culture. Then we ride even further north right up into Zimbabwe where we take a Guided Big 5 Safari into Hwange National Park. From here it is a leisurely ride to Victoria Falls, where you can spend two days enjoying everything this amazing adventure destination has on offer. The Falls are known to Locals as “Mosi Au Tunya” or “The Smoke that thunders” and the sheer volume of water will take your breathe away. At Victoria Falls, we have included a sunset cruise on the Zambezi river and there are many other exciting optional activities to choose from including: The flight of angels (Helicopter flip over the falls) Bungee Jumping, White river rafting, walking with lions and lots of African Craft shopping.
Week Two
From Zimbabwe we cross “The most beautiful border crossing in the world” over the falls, into Zambia where we enjoy a Zambian Village tour and learn more about the Zambian way of life. We spend an evening overlooking the Zambezi River at Bakota Gorge with its breathtaking views, before continuing up into Zambia. Watch out for people, chickens and goats in the road- you are in the REAL Africa now. We reach the Malawi border on day 11 and make our way to Lake Malawi- also known as the “Lake of Stars” The tropical waters of Lake Malawi are reportedly the habitat of more species of fish than those of any other body of freshwater on Earth, making it a top diver location. We have a rest day here for you to dive, snorkel, sail or just relax before we follow our route into Mozambique, a country famous for its tropical beaches and Portuguese food and culture.
Week Three
In week three, we arrive at Vilanculos, an absolute highlight of the entire trip. Vilanculos is situated on the Bazaruto Archipelago- a network of protected tropical islands with prolific sea and mammal life. You have a whole day free here to enjoy the swaying coconut palms and delicious seafood. We recommend a sailing trip around the Archipelago. The diving and snorkeling here is also out of this world. Leaving Vilanculos behind we take a relaxed ride down Mozambique’s coastline stopping in at Tofu and Bilene before riding into the Small Mountain Kingdom of Swaziland. Enjoy riding beautiful twisting mountain passes before entering South Africa once again. Here we ride the Panorama Route known to locals as “Bikers Paradise” Every few kilometers we stop to see a waterfall or view site. On your final rest day you get to enjoy a half Day Safari into the world famous Kruger National Park. On day 22 we return to Pretoria where this Amazing Motorcycle Safari will come to an end.
TOUR INCLUDED
21 Days motorcycle rental
24 nights Accommodation in 3-4 star lodgings
22 Breakfasts
18 Lunches
7 Dinners
Back up vehicle
Tour guide on a motorcycle
Day Tour of Pretoria
Venda Dancing and Boma Evening
2 Half Day Safaris into Hwange National Park
Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River
Zambian Village Tour
Half Day Safari into Kruger National Park
Free shuttle service to and from the Johannesburg international airport
TOUR NOT INCLUDED
Petrol and toll fees
Visas and cross border fees
International and local flights
Items of a personal nature
All items not mentioned in “Price includes”
All meals other than those specified in “Price includes”
All Entrance fees other then those specified in “Price includes”
Drinks
