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RIDE IN AFRICA MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE TOURS
Phone: +27 11 888 20 56 Fax: + 27 11 782 78 68
Cell: +27 79 108 28 18
Cell: +27 79 108 28 18
Description
18 Days of Whale Watching splendour along the South African Coastline
South Africa has become renowned for great whale watching over the years. This is because the whales like to feed and give birth in the warm and nutrient rich waters along the South African coast line, while migrating to their next destination. This tour of SA combines motorcycle riding with 7 out of 10 of the best Whale Watching Sites in Africa, and some of SA's most beautiful destinations ensuring that you have the whale watching time of your life!
Dates:
More Dates available on request
Day 1: Arrive in South Africa
Distance: 0-50km
Highlights: Day Tour of Pretoria
You will be met at JHB International Airport by a Ride in Africa representative who will transfer you to your Pretoria Lodge, where your motorcycle awaits. For those arriving early, a tour of Pretoria on motorcycle will be arranged. There will be a welcome dinner at the lodge and after the Tour briefing, the evening will be spent making new friends and enjoying the African evening.
Day 2: Pretoria To Hazyview
Distance: 400km
Highlights: Scenic mountain passes, Long Tom Cannons
After a delicious breakfast we leave for Hazyview taking the scenic route via De Berg Pass (highest tar road in Mpumulanga) and the Long Tom Pass. Hazyview is right in the heart of Mpumulanga and makes an ideal base for exploring the magnificent surrounds. Tonight you have the choice of either dining at the hotel's excellent restaurant or many other excellent restaurants in Hazyview.
What to expect
on a Guided Tour
Group size:
Ranges from 5-10 Bikes
Accomodation:
3-4 star Accomodation
Tour Guide:
Accompanies the
group at all times
Back Up vehicle:
follows the group
to carry luggage
Dates:
There is a guided tour
departing every month
of the year
Day 3: Panorama Route
Distance: +- 250km
Highlights: Gods Window, Moholoholo Rehab Centre, Bourke's Luck Potholes, The Three Rondavels, Waterfalls, Magical Views Sites
Waterfalls, magical view sites and Winding Mountain Passes will make today one of the highlights of the tour - Gods Window- Berlin & Lisbon falls- Bourke's Luck potholes- Animal Rehab Centre etc. Tonight you enjoy an evening festival at the Shangaan Cultural Village, a truly African experience which includes dances and a delicious traditional meal
Day 4: Optional Kruger National Park
Distance 0-50km
Highlights: Optional Safari, African wildlife
Today we will bid goodbye to the motorcycles and board a game viewing Safari vehicle which will transport us into the Kruger National Park. This world famous wildlife reserve is home to the BIG 5 and is roughly the size of a small country. The vastness of the park allows ample opportunity to view wild animals in their natural habitat. We will have a full day to spot lions, elephants, birds and many different species of animals. This Safari is an optional activity (Budget 80USD) - for those of you who don't want to go on a Safari - there are many other exciting optional activities available: You can ride the spectacular roads of Mpumalanga all over again, go quad biking, river rafting, bridge swinging, enjoy an African Day Spa or just relax by the pool back at the hotel.
Day 6: Swaziland to St. Lucia
Distance: +- 350km
Highlights: Relaxing drive through African Countryside
Today we make our way through Swaziland to South Africass Zulu Kingdom, homeland of the proud Zulu nation. In the late afternoon we arrive in St. Lucia, a world renowned natural heritage site, with its beautiful secluded beaches, hippos, crocs, whales, endangered turtles and other wildlife, our home for the next two nights. This afternoon we embark on an exciting sunset river cruise where we see hippos , crocodiles and other estuary wildlife . Tonight you can explore the many restaurants, pubs and cocktail bars that St Lucia has to offer.
Day 7: St. Lucia Rest Day
Distance: +- 0-50 km
Highlights: Many Exciting Optional Activities
St Lucia has so much to offer that we suggest an action packed day undertaking one of the many optional activities on offer e.g. Whale watching & turtle tours (in season).Full and half day game drives are also available into the magnificent Umfolosi/Hluhluwe game reserve. You can also visit a Zulu cultural village . As all activities are extremely popular, to avoid disappointment Ride in Africa, prefers to pre-book activities for you.
Day 8: St. Lucia to Shelley Beach
Distance: +- 350 km
Highlights: Relaxing on Shelley Beach
After breakfast we travel down the Kwazulu Natal coastline through Durban to the South Coast holiday town of Shelley beach - We arrive relatively early and you can spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach. The energetic can book a boat ride to go out and spot more whales or hire a kayak and do some wave surfing.
Day 9: Shelley Beach to Coffee Bay
Distance: +- 450 km
Highlights: The Wild Coast
After an early breakfast it is time to head for the Wild Coast - where our famous Madiba - former president Nelson Mandela - was born. You will see why this region is called the Wild Coast- endless un-spoilt sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see make this destination well worth a visit.
Day 10: Coffee Bay Rest Day
Distance: +- 0-50 km
Highlights: Hole in the wall, relaxing on the beach
This morning there will be an optional ride to Hole in the Wall- along the most spectacular dirt road that meanders up and down beautiful winding mountains overlooking the sea. The rest of the day may be spent relaxing on the beach, learning to surf or taking part in any of the adventurous activities on offer. Sit back relax and let the Wild Coast sink in!
Day 11: Coffee Bay to Port Alfred
Distance: +- 450 km
Highlights: Port Alfred Mariner
After an early breakfast we bid the rolling hills and sea cliffs of the Wild Coast farewell and make our way inland following the N2 to East London. We continue along the coastal road to Port Alfred, a beautiful little coastal town with stunning sea views and good places to eat.
Day 12: Port Alfred to Knysna
Distance: +- 450 km
Highlights: Bloukrans Gorge and world's highest bungee jump (optional)
Today we follow the coastal route to Knysna the start of the famous Garden Route where we will be based for the next 3 nights. En-route, those brave enough will have the opportunity to bungee from Bloukrans, the highest bungee in the world-214 metres of pure adrenalin.Tonight you can chose one of the many excellent pubs and restaurants Knysna has to offer for your dinner.
Day 13: Knysna- Garden Route- Knysna
Distance: +- 250 km
Highlights: Garden Route, Ostrich farms, Cango Caves and spectacular mountain passes
Today we enjoy the spectacular scenery and twisting mountain passes of the world famous Garden Route. Around every corner, there is a breathtaking view. We visit an Ostrich farm where you can ride ostriches, feed them or buy their HUGE eggs. Later we visit the Cango Caves to explore underground wonders, returning to Knysna in the late afternoon
Day 14: Knysna Rest Day
Distance: +- 0-50 km
Highlights: Exploring Knysna, relaxing on the beach or sailing to the Knysna Heads
Knysna is a truly beautiful place and is ideal for a rest day. There is so much to do! You can go on a boat cruise, marvel at the Knysna heads, embrace the beautiful evergreen Knysna forest, meet the Knysna Elephants or simply relax and enjoy the pubs, restaurants and shops. Another option is to re-explore the beautiful routes and twisting mountain passes in the area.
Day 15: Knysna to Hermanus
Distance: +- 450 km
Highlights: Route 62, Folding Mountain Passes, the Cape Winelands
After an early breakfast you make your way over the Outeniqua pass to the start of Route 62. The road winds through the Swartberg Mountains and beautiful foothills in their valleys. This area is famous for its Winelands. Arrive at Hermanus where you will be based for the next 2 nights. Hermanus is known as the Whale Capital of South Africa, famous for its land based whale watching (You can see whales right off the footpaths along the cliffs). There are many remarkable opportunities to view the gentle giants up close.
Day 16: Hermanus Rest Day
Distance: +- 0-50 km
Highlights: Whale watching
Spend your day relaxing and enjoying Hermanus. The tour happens right in the middle of the Whale Festival, so the whole town goes whale mad! You can spend your day walking along the beautiful cliff paths and viewing whales a stone throw away. There are also many great restaurants and shops in town!
Can't spot any whales? - Don't despair, there is a Whale Crier, a man who walks up and down the cliffs all day, blowing a kelp horn to notify visitors when the whales are spotted in the bay.
Day 18: End of tour
Distance: +- 0-50 km
Sadly your tour of South Africa has come to an end. We guarantee that you will take home loads of awesome photographs and fond memories of South Africa and the warm people you have met. Transfers will be arranged to the airport.
Pricing
BIKE
|
PILLION
|
RIDER
|
RIDER,SINGLE
|
F 650 GS
|
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R 1150 GS
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R 1200 GS
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Price includes:
15 Days motorcycle rental
15 nights Accomodation in 3-4 star lodgings
Tour guide on a motorcycle
Back up vehicle
14 lunches
16 Breakfasts
3 Dinners
Day Safari into Kruger National Park
Shangana Evening festival
Hippo and croc sunset cruise in St. Lucia
Entrance fees to Cango Caves and Cape Point Nature Reserve
Free shuttle service Johannesburg international airport and to the Cape Town International Airport
Price does not include
Petrol and toll fees
Visas and cross border fees
International and local flights
Items of a personal nature
All items not mentioed in "Price includes"
All meals other than those specified in "Price includes"
All Entrance fees other than those specified in "Price includes"
Drinks
Map of Whale Watching Tour - 18 Days
Day 5: Hazyview to Swaziland
Distance: +-300km
Highlights: Kingdom of Swaziland
After breakfast we depart for the Kingdom of Swaziland - the home of the friendly Swazi people. After border procedures (passport and possibly visa required) we weave our way along winding country roads and mountain passes. Today we will visit Swaziland's own glass factory (Ngwenya Glass) and see the world famous Swazi candles being handcrafted at Swazi Candles. There are many excellent restaurants, pubs and craft markets in the Ezulweni Valley where we will overnight at an excellent country lodge, with its own magnificent restaurant on a wooden deck with spectacular views.
Day 17: Hermanus- Cape Point- Cape Town
Distance: +- 250 km
Highlights: Explore the beautiful coastal roads and attractions of Cape Town
Today its time to ride through South Africa's Mother City. As we enter the city, you will be amazed at view of Table Mountain. We start with a ride over Chapmans Peak, a beautiful twisting road, with cliffs on one side and clear blue ocean on the other. Next up is a stop at Boulders Beach to laugh at the antics of the penguins surfing in the waves. After that we make our way to Cape Point- the most South-Westerly point of Africa (look out for whales). Tonight we sleep in Cape Town and go out for our farewell dinner at one of Cape Town's best restaurants.