Cape Motorcycle Tours

Karoo Tour: 8 Days (+/- 1120 km)

Day 1: Cape Town

Most international flights arrive in Cape Town before noon. You will be met at the airport and transferred directly to your hotel/guesthouse where you can freshen-up and perhaps have a light meal. In the afternoon we will have a tour briefing and finalize formalities & paperwork, discuss the route you will be travelling and meet others on the tour.

Day 2: Ceres

Distance: +/- 180 km Tar roads

Collect motorcycles to depart at 10 am for Ceres via Bains Kloof and Mitchell’s Pass.

Day 3: Ceres - Die Mond

Distance: +/- 150 km 50 km Tar 80 km good and 20 km rough Gravel with some Sand.

After breakfast leave Ceres through Theronsberg Pass, to Karoo Poort and the banks of the Doorn River.

Day 4: Die Mond – Middelpos

Distance: +/- 130 km Gravel road with one tight gravel mountain pass

After breakfast backtrack to R355 and South to the R354 through the Tankwa National Park up Ganaga Pass to Middelpos.

Day 5: Middelpos – Sutherland with detours

Distance: +/- 120 km Gravel and Tar Road

After breakfast leave for Sutherland, home of the SALT (South African Large Telescope, to be visited for those interested)

Day 6: Sutherland – Matjiesfontein

Distance: +/- 110 km Tar road with mountain pass.

After breakfast depart from Sutherland through the Karoo for the historical town of Matjiesfontein for overnight in the Colonial style Hotel .

Day 7: Matjiesfontein - Barrydale

Distance: +/- 180 km Gravel and Tar roads

After breakfast leave on N1 highway for Laingsburg then through the “Sewe Weeks Poort” down to Ladysmit and Barrydale for overnight.

Day 8: Barrydale – Cape Town

Distance: +/- 250 km Tar roads

Depart early through Montagu Pass and Ashton then on to Worcester, Du Toits Kloof Pass and Cape Town to arrive at motorcycle depot midday.

De-brief and transport to airport for those that are flying out, for those that are staying on for a few *extra days, arrangements to their hotel.

*It is essential to let us know whether you would like to stay any additional night/s in Cape Town and we will make the arrangements for you. This must be paid for by you.

Included

7x accommodation at 3 and 4 star hotels/guesthouses,
BMW Motorcycle, Tour guide on motorcycle,
Entrance fees and *luggage transport
meals: 7x breakfast, 7x dinner

*minimum 6 participants required to offer this service

Included in the Tour price:

VAT
VAT is included in all prices quoted.

Airport transfer
You will be met at the airport upon arrival and taken to your hotel. We will also arrange for you to be taxied to the airport on departure.

Accommodation
You'll be staying at selected hotels and guesthouses in South Africa depending on the areas that we travel through. We select the best accommodation available in the areas we travel through in order for you to enjoy and remember.

Catering
South Africa has a large variety of excellent cuisine and eateries. Breakfast and dinner is included each day except breakfast on day of arrival and dinner on day of departure. Please also note that drinks are not included in the tour price.

Motorcycles
We are able to offer a choice between a BMW F650/2 GS, BMW F800 GS, BMW R1200 GS and BMW R1200 GS Adventure. Our motorcycles are in mint condition and well maintained with low mileage. BMW's Client Service facilities in South Africa are very professional and of high standard. Please note that panniers, top boxes, tank bags etc. is not included in the tour price and are rented separately.

Unlimited mileage
All our tours include unlimited mileage, there are no additional charges at the end of your trip.

Insurance
Insurance cover is included in all rates quoted on our standard rate chart. A deposit of R 12 500.00 will be required (held by means of a credit card authorization) on every rental. This amount covers the standard excess of R 12 500.00 and will apply for each and every claim in excess of R 12 500.00. Pannier use will attract an additional deposit of R 2 500.00. Deposits will be refunded once the motorcycle has been cleaned and inspected on return.

Luggage transport*
We generally have a vehicle that accompanies us on these trips, in which your luggage is transported. We will gladly transport one piece of luggage per person, collecting it before your departure and delivering it to your hotel or guestroom on arrival. Pillions can also travel in the vehicle for the more difficult stretches or on request as well.
*this service requires a minimum of 6 participants

Excluded from the Tour price:

Your flight ticket
Please note that South Africa has become an very popular holiday destination and international flights are often fully booked so please book well in advance. Take this into consideration when planning your Tour.

Return flight ticket
Ensure that you book your return flight for the evening of the day that the Tour ends, that is of course, if you are not staying longer. It is also recommended that your arrival flight is before noon on the start date.

Single room surcharges
Most South African accommodation establishments offer double rooms only. Single rooms are available on request for a surcharge. Should you require a single room, 20% surcharge is added to the respective tour price.

Panniers/Luggage
Panniers, Top boxes, Tank Bags etc. are rented separately.

Drinks
We do not place any restrictions on the amount you drink. South Africa is a hot country and everyone should drink to suit his or her needs. Please note that drinks are excluded from the tour price.

Tips
Tips are accepted in South Africa. The norm in restaurants is usually around 10%. It is also customary to tip the assistants in fuel or petrol stations around R2.

Petrol/ Gas/ Diesel
Petrol in South Africa is quite affordable. However, it is important to note that petrol cannot be purchased via credit card or travelers cheques and most petrol stations have a strictly ‘cash only' policy.

Personal
Personal excursions and trips over and above mentioned in the tour are not covered in the tour price.

Travel Insurances
Although it's not pleasant to think about, it is something that unfortunately needs to be addressed. What would happen in case of emergency? We would like to minimize the risk by strongly recommending a insurance package that includes:

o Trip cancellation insurance

o Travel medical cover

o Accidental death cover

Protective Gear
Climatic conditions in Southern Africa are generally warm, but we do recommend that full rider gear is worn at all times. Owing to the very personal nature of this gear, riders are urged to bring their own with them. A limited number of helmets, gloves and jackets are available for hire.