Top 7 Areas to Ride Adventure Motorcycles in South Africa

The unique landscape, wildlife and culture make this land an ADV paradise.

Published on 11.13.2014

1. North-east Lesotho (Sani Pass to Sehlabathebe)

motorcycle tour South Africa Sani Pass into Lesotho

The north-eastern region of Lesotho is an adventure rider’s dream. (photo courtesy Flickr/Vaiz Ha)

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.

KLR motorcycle touring lesotho South Africa

Road conditions in Lesotho vary from fair to ferocious.

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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 11 Comments Tags: KZN Midlands, Lesotho, Sani Pass, South Africa, Swartberg Pass

Author: Derek Alberts

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11 thoughts on “Top 7 Areas to Ride Adventure Motorcycles in South Africa”

Mario P. on November 15, 2014 at 10:12 am said:

Very nice write-up! Never knew S. Africa had so many amazing places for ADV riders. Definitely adding this to my bucket list.

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- Derek on December 25, 2014 at 2:07 am said:
  
  Hey Mario
  Thanks for the kind words, and yes, South Africa has plenty to offer, much ,much more than an article can describe!
  
  Reply ↓
Johann +27 (83 325 325 2) on December 18, 2014 at 5:10 pm said:

If you’d like to see our wonderful world, come visit my guesthouse and I’ll show u around

Reply ↓
- Derek on December 25, 2014 at 2:08 am said:
  
  Hi Johann
  For future reference, where are you based?
  
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  - Frank Pusch on July 8, 2016 at 8:06 am said:
    
    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
    
    Reply ↓
    - Philip Instagram (#goliat_4x4_overlander) on January 30, 2020 at 11:01 pm said:
      
      My wife and I compete in all the BMW GSTrophy Events here in South Africa, so you can imagine how we love our GS.
      
      We are planning to tour Europe for the whole month of June 2020 every year on a GS and then store it untill the next year.
      
      We need assistance in finding a good condition 2016-2017
      
      BMW R 1200 GS ADVENTURE
      With panniers, top box, Quickshifter and GPS
      
      We have a sponser in Germany to assist with reg and insurance.
      
      Is this something you will be able to help us with?
      
      Philip.oxford1969@gmail.com
      
      Reply ↓
Robert Crick on December 19, 2014 at 5:02 pm said:

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

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- Derek on December 25, 2014 at 2:10 am said:
  
  Hey Robert
  Will definitely take a look at your impressions … happy riding! D
  
  Reply ↓
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The love guru on February 22, 2017 at 7:04 pm said:

You forgot the Transkei – some of the absolute best adventure riding in South Africa.

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- Derek Alberts on February 28, 2017 at 2:14 am said:
  
  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?
  
  Reply ↓