ADV Pulse

NEWSLETTER
Get ADV Pulse delivered by email
Sign up for ADV Pulse Weekly

Newsletter

Get ADV Pulse delivered by email
Sign up for ADV Pulse Weekly

Connect With Us

Follow On Facebook:

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.


ADVERTISEMENT

Author: Derek Alberts
ADVERTISEMENT

Related Stories

Related Stories

Notify me of new posts via email

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

11 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Mario P.
Mario P.
November 15, 2014 10:12 am

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

Derek
Derek
December 25, 2014 2:07 am
Reply to  Mario P.

Hey Mario
Thanks for the kind words, and yes, South Africa has plenty to offer, much ,much more than an article can describe!

Johann +27 (83 325 325 2)
Johann +27 (83 325 325 2)
December 18, 2014 5:10 pm

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

Derek
Derek
December 25, 2014 2:08 am

Hi Johann
For future reference, where are you based?

Frank Pusch
Frank Pusch
July 8, 2016 8:06 am
Reply to  Derek

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

Philip Instagram (#goliat_4x4_overlander)
Philip Instagram (#goliat_4x4_overlander)
January 30, 2020 11:01 pm
Reply to  Frank Pusch

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

Robert Crick
Robert Crick
December 19, 2014 5:02 pm

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

Derek
Derek
December 25, 2014 2:10 am
Reply to  Robert Crick

Hey Robert
Will definitely take a look at your impressions … happy riding! D

trackback
Dealing With Wildlife On Your African Motorcycle Safari » ADV Pulse
February 27, 2015 8:52 am

[…] 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. […]

The love guru
The love guru
February 22, 2017 7:04 pm

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

Derek Alberts
Derek Alberts
February 28, 2017 2:14 am
Reply to  The love guru

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?

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch: Testing The Lighter, Faster, Next-Gen Himalayan 450

After a strong six-year run, the Himalayan 411 platform has been completely o...

Riding In The Shadow Of Giants On California’s Redwood Coast

With the year's most intense heat wave looming on the horizon, the thought ...

Mosko Moto Unveils ‘Trail 16L’ Minimalist Bags With Expandable Design

If you want to take a few things with you on the trail, but not too much, a...