Cape Karoo Adventure
Nine days of South Africa's finest tar — Cape Peninsula, Route 62 and the wide-open Karoo, on a BMW GS.
Overview
A premium guided BMW GS tour through the most spectacular corners of the Western and Eastern Cape — from the cliffs of the Cape Peninsula to the endless horizons of the Karoo. You ride, we handle everything else: a BMW-certified guide leads the way, a support van carries your luggage, and your nights are spent in hand-picked boutique and 4-star stays.
The route is built around legendary roads — Chapman's Peak Drive, Clarence Drive along the Whale Coast, Route 62, the Tradouw and Meiringspoort passes, and the Franschhoek Pass — strung together at a relaxed pace with a genuine rest day in Oudtshoorn.
It's the feeling of a high-end European BMW tour, in a destination that delivers more for less: the same premium machines and guiding, with South Africa's lower accommodation and operating costs. Easy tar roads throughout make it ideal for two-up riding and first-time visitors.
Day-by-day itinerary
01Arrival & Cape Peninsula≈ 180 km+
Route: Camps Bay → Hout Bay → Chapman's Peak → Noordhoek → Simon's Town → Cape Point → Cape Town
Arrival, bike collection and briefing, then a relaxed shakedown ride around the Cape Peninsula to settle onto the bike.
Overnight: Cape Town (V&A Waterfront)
02Cape Town to Hermanus≈ 220 km+
Route: Cape Town → Gordon's Bay → Clarence Drive → Betty's Bay → Hermanus
The spectacular Clarence Drive coastal road and the Whale Coast (Southern Right whales are seasonal, roughly June–November). A shorter day to ease in.
Overnight: Hermanus
03Hermanus to Oudtshoorn≈ 340 km+
Route: Hermanus → Swellendam → Tradouw Pass → Barrydale → Route 62 → Oudtshoorn
The historic Tradouw Pass, the start of Route 62 (the world's longest wine route) and the Little Karoo.
Overnight: Oudtshoorn
04Rest Day — OudtshoornRest day+
Route: Optional riding
Cango Caves, ostrich farm, pool & spa, an optional guided ride or local wine tasting. A genuine rest day.
Overnight: Oudtshoorn
05Oudtshoorn to Graaff-Reinet≈ 330 km+
Route: Oudtshoorn → Meiringspoort → Beaufort West → Graaff-Reinet
Meiringspoort — a stunning tar pass winding along the gorge floor through the Swartberg — wide Karoo scenery and the Valley of Desolation at sunset.
Overnight: Graaff-Reinet
06Graaff-Reinet to Prince Albert≈ 290 km+
Route: Graaff-Reinet → Aberdeen → Beaufort West → Prince Albert
Wide-open Karoo riding, historic Karoo villages and excellent flowing GS touring roads.
Overnight: Prince Albert
07Prince Albert to Franschhoek≈ 320 km+
Route: Prince Albert → Oudtshoorn → Route 62 → Montagu → Franschhoek
Route 62, the Cape Winelands and the Franschhoek Pass.
Overnight: Franschhoek
08Franschhoek to Cederberg≈ 280 km+
Route: Franschhoek → Wellington → Tulbagh → Citrusdal → Cederberg
Mountain roads, vineyards and a remote adventure atmosphere.
Overnight: Cederberg
09Cederberg to Cape Town≈ 250 km+
Route: Cederberg → Clanwilliam → Piketberg → Cape Town
Return motorcycles, farewell lunch and airport transfers.
What's included
- ✓BMW GS rental
- ✓BMW-certified tour guide
- ✓Support vehicle
- ✓Luggage transported daily
- ✓Airport transfers
- ✓4-star / boutique accommodation
- ✓Daily breakfast
- ✓Welcome dinner
- ✓Farewell dinner / lunch
- ✓Drinking water & snacks
- ✓Route support & emergency assistance
Not included
- ✕International flights
- ✕Visas
- ✕Travel / medical insurance
- ✕Lunches & most dinners
- ✕Drinks
- ✕Fuel
- ✕Activities & entry fees (e.g. Cango Caves, wine tasting)
- ✕Personal expenses
Pricing
per rider
per rider
own room
Per rider, sharing a twin/double room. In line with premium European BMW tours — but more competitive: South Africa delivers spectacular scenery at lower accommodation and operating cost.
Gallery
Route map
Interactive route map slot (FLYTORIDE route-map) — to be embedded.
FAQ
What licence do I need?+
A full motorcycle licence valid for the bike's category. Bring your physical licence and an International Driving Permit; we confirm requirements with your booking.
Which bike will I ride?+
The BMW GS adventure fleet — current R1300 GS where available, R1250 GS where applicable. Tell us your height and preference and we'll match you.
What should I pack?+
Your own riding gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, boots), layers for cool Karoo mornings and warm afternoons, and casual evening clothes. A full packing list is sent before departure.
Single or shared room?+
Prices are per rider sharing a twin/double. Travelling solo or want your own room? Add the single supplement.
What fitness or experience level is needed?+
Easy — the whole route is good tar, suitable for confident road riders, two-up riding and first-time visitors to South Africa. No off-road skills required.
What's the weather and best season?+
The Cape and Karoo ride well much of the year. We'll advise on the season for your dates — and whale season on the coast runs roughly June–November.
Ride with us
Message Warren Venter — they'll walk you through dates, bikes and the details.
Warren Venter · Tours & training · South Africa