Riders often dream of taking one of the bucket list trips at RIDE Adventures, and one of the destinations we'd like to feature today is a glimpse at a South Africa motorcycle tour. While you might not need additional reasons to go on an amazing adventure like this, here are 10 more to-pardon the pun-get your engine humming, presented by Simon and our crew based in South Africa.
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#1 Victoria Falls – The Smoke That Thunders
The mighty Zambezi River, where 5 million cubic meters of water fall every minute. The locals know it as “The Smoke That Thunders,” a world heritage site – need we say more.
#2 The Best White Water Rafting In Africa
This river run is on the planet’s top 10 list. It’s definitely the wildest one-day water run in the world. Clients consistently rate this as the best adrenaline activity they’ve ever experienced in their lives – you will not be disappointed.
#3 Earth's Largest Elephant Herds
Thousands of elephants still roam freely both in the wild, and in National Parks and preserves. An encounter with these giants will leave you captivated and reconnect you with nature in a way that no other can. If you can time your visit to preserves like Chobe National Park, the daily "commute" of these magnificent animals can be witnessed up close as they cross sections of flood plains together. Watching the trunks of the little ones reach up like snorkels looking for air is a heart-melting occasion to see in person.
#4 The Kalahari and First Race
The Bushmen of the Kalahari, the San, were the first inhabitants in Southern Africa and have survived for the past 20,000 years in this arid region. Their way of life is endangered and fast disappearing, but you can still experience their culture and remarkable connection with nature first hand.
#5 Namibia’s Namib Naukluft Desert
Perhaps the most stunning scenery in Southern Africa, the Namib Naukluft covers almost 50,000 km², and is one of the largest conservation areas in Africa and lays claim to the oldest desert on Earth.
#6 Dune 45 and Dead Vlei
Climbing the world’s highest sand dune in Sossusvlei is a slog but the view will leave you breathless. Bring a camera, because Dead Vlei pan, with merely the skeletons of trees over 500 years old, is considered by many to be more starkly beautiful than Sossusvlei. Sacrificing a little sleep to catch the morning light here is well worth it.
#7 The Fish River Canyon
We know it’s second to Arizona’s Grand Canyon in terms of size, but it's the largest canyon in the southern hemisphere and approaching the Fish River Canyon from the north is like driving across the Red Planet.
#8 The Cederberg Mountains and Rock Art
The burnt orange of the Cederberg Mountains dominates the landscape. Jagged sandstone rock formations, and ancient San and Khoi rock art, make this area truly spectacular. It's also home to the elusive endangered Cape Leopard and the highest winery in Africa. For motorcycle riders completing our Southern Africa Experience route, this makes for some of the most incredible riding and scenery possible to finish a motorcycle trip with.
#9 Cape Town
The "Mother City." The "World's Most Beautiful City." Cape Town has many names. Rest assured that few fail to fall in love. Table Mountain, the blue sea, clear sky, green vineyards, cosmopolitan vibe, and tradition steeped in history are just a handful of the many reasons to visit.
#10 The Winelands
Constantia, Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek; the names roll off one's tongue. The wine ranks among the world’s best, as does the food. The art, culture and architecture, both Cape Dutch and modern, only add to the reasons to visit the winelands.
Incredible, isn't it? As if that wasn't enough to convince you and your riding friends to take a South Africa motorcycle tour, check out our list of motorcycle trips in Africa for more details. Happy riding!
