South Africa is one of the most exciting places in the world to ride an adventure motorcycle. The roads are open, the jaw-dropping landscapes change constantly, and the mix of coastlines, mountains, and remote regions means riders can relish a thrilling new challenge every day.
At Motor Adventures, we know all this firsthand. Our expert journey planners designed the Sea to Summit 10-day tour to take our guests through the best areas to ride adventure motorcycles in South Africa, from paved roads to mountain passes, and everything in between.
If you have any questions for us as we go, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for the answers you need. But for now, let’s get started on our picks for the top places to ride adventure bikes in South Africa!
Sani Pass – The Ultimate Mountain Challenge
The Sani Pass is one of the most famous mountain roads in Southern Africa. It climbs from South Africa into Lesotho and peaks at 2,876 metres above sea level. It’s hardly a surprise, then, that Lesotho is often known as “the Kingdom in the Skies”. The pass is steep, rocky, and unpredictable, just the way we like it.
If you’re riding with us, we’ll tackle this pass near the end of the Sea to Summit tour. Think of it as the pièce de résistance! You’ll cross into Lesotho, stop at the highest pub in Africa, and earn serious bragging rights. The Sani Pass is a must for any adventure rider looking to tick off South Africa’s best adventure bike destinations.
Chapman’s Peak – Short but Spectacular
This one’s a classic. Known locally as “Chappies”, Chapman’s Peak Drive is a short, winding stretch of road along the Atlantic coastline near Cape Town. The route totals around 9km (5.5 miles), but the road is cut into Chapman’s Peak sheer face, which itself plunges into the South Atlantic Ocean.
The curves, the cliffs, the views — it’s all world-class. Enjoy the 114 curves in the road and the spectacular 180° views of the stunning coastline. The route is fully paved and ideal for easing into the ride. You’ll hit this early in the Sea to Summit tour, and it sets the tone perfectly. Smooth riding, big energy, unbeatable scenery.
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The Garden Route – Coastal Riding at Its Best
The Garden Route runs along the southern coast from Mossel Bay to Storms River. It’s one of the most scenic regions in South Africa, with forests, lagoons, and dramatic ocean views around every turn. The roads are in great condition and twist nicely through the awe-inspiring terrain. If all that wasn’t enough, National Geographic even described it as “the ultimate road trip”!
It’s not technical riding — it’s about enjoying the flow, taking in the views, and stopping in places like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. A highlight for any rider looking for comfort, beauty, and a lot of riding time.
On the Sea to Summit tour, we ride the Garden Route between Wilderness and Knysna, one of the most picturesque sections of this iconic journey.
Wilderness – Calm, Open Roads and Big Skies
Just inland from the Garden Route is Wilderness, a peaceful area with lakes, rolling hills and quiet roads. Huge waves roll in from the Indian Ocean, crashing against long, sandy beaches that stretch for miles. And beyond the town inland, steep green hills and mountains create a beautiful backdrop.
This is a slower-paced section of the ride where you can stretch out, take a breather, and enjoy the rhythm of the road. It isn’t the most technical part of the trip, but it’s a favourite for many riders because of the space, the scenery, and the sense of freedom.
It’s exactly what adventure bike riding in South Africa should feel like.
Looking for more peace of mind before booking your dream adventure tour in South Africa? Don’t miss our reviews! See how highly our previous guests rated their time on the road with Motor Adventures.
Baviaanskloof – Real Off-Road Territory
If you’re looking for something more remote and rugged, Baviaanskloof delivers. This is a long gravel road through a wild, isolated valley — it’s part of an official UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most rewarding rides in the country.
Babbling streams occasionally cross this rocky off-road route, presenting one of the most challenging sections of our Sea to Summit tour. It’s not easy, but it’s not meant to be. Baviaanskloof is proper adventure riding, and that’s why it’s part of our Sea to Summit route.
Our carefully chosen route also passes by the Addo National Park, famous for its elephant herds — keep your eyes peeled for sightings!
Rhodes – The Remote Highlands
Tucked away in the Eastern Cape mountains, Rhodes is a remote village surrounded by gravel passes and mountain roads. It’s quiet, high up, and rarely visited. In fact, Rhodes is renowned as the only village in South Africa without asphalt roads, so this really is perfect for riders who like the route less travelled.
On our Sea to Summit tour, we head into Rhodes before making our way up the Sani Pass. It’s a different kind of riding — less speed, more focus, and plenty of reward. If you’re looking for South Africa’s best adventure bike destinations, Rhodes deserves a spot.
And for an extra touch of authenticity, our accommodation in Rhodes is a quaint 2* family-run local inn with a pleasant country garden!
Private Game Reserve – Two Wheels, Big Beasts
Not every motorcycle tour includes a safari on a private game reserve — but ours does. After all, what would a visit to South Africa be without a safari? When we arrive at the reserve, we meet a resident warden in their 4×4. They then lead our convoy of motorcycles through the reserve to the lodge, but we may have to make unexpected stops as rhinos and other wildlife cross our path! Naturally, they have the right of way.
But this is just a warm-up for an unforgettable safari adventure in open-topped 4x4s. This exhilarating experience will deepen your connection with the spectacular wilderness all around you. It’s a totally unique experience that blends adventure riding with a classic African safari.
It’s not just about the roads here — it’s about the stories you’ll tell when you get home.
Ready to Ride on Our South Africa Adventure Motorcycle Tour?
There’s a reason we call our South Africa adventure motorcycle tour Sea to Summit — this trip shows you everything from gorgeous ocean views to breathtaking alpine passes. It’s an action-packed 10-day group ride through some of the top places to ride adventure bikes in South Africa, led by experienced guides and backed by full support.
Read the full Sea to Summit South Africa adventure motorbike tour itinerary to find out more about this one-of-a-kind experience.
And if you’re looking for something with more flexibility and scope for personalisation, consider our Kingdom of Lesotho and South Africa private adventure bike tour. While this tailor-made option has a sample itinerary designed by our expert trip planners, it’s also customisable to better suit your pace and preferences.
Either way, you bring the spirit of adventure, we’ll handle the rest. Have any questions? Please just contact us. We’re here to help however we can.
