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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

4. The Tankwa

Riding South Africa Ouberg Pass Tankwa
The desolation of the Tankwa is a magnet for adventurers.

The vastness of this surreal landscape has elevated this scorched region onto the “must do” list of adventure riders thirsting for an otherworldly voyage.

Located in the most arid of South Africa’s province, the Northern Cape, this is a harsh land devoid of creature comforts and suitable only to the most intrepid of adventurer. The rewards are humbling – a deep silence, soul-stirring solace and stupendous night skies in an ancient land of layered sandstone hills and a long-gone rivers.

Motorcycle camping South Africa Tankwa
The unspoiled reaches of the Tankwa strike a chord with adventure riders that enjoy remote camping.

And yet, the parched land is a treasure trove of hundreds of plants and wildlife not found anywhere else in the world. The detail may escape a rider on two wheels, but the unforgiving ambiance of this land God made in anger certainly won’t.


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Author: Derek Alberts
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11 Comments
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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?

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