At GS Adventures, we pride ourselves on crafting custom tours that cater to our clients’ dreams, and we had the privilege of doing just that for Sam, all the way from Hawaii, USA. A seasoned motorcycle traveller with countless miles across the globe, Sam reached out to us to arrange a once-in-a-lifetime adventure across the southern continent of Africa. We knew we could deliver, and what a journey it turned out to be!
From Johannesburg to Namibia
After some initial planning chats to understand what Sam wanted from this adventure, the journey kicked off with an exhilarating ride from Johannesburg, South Africa, heading straight into Namibia. Two days of long highway riding brought us to the land of endless horizons, where the scenic beauty of Namibia welcomed us with open arms.
Exploring Namibia: Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei & Beyond
Starting in the south, we made our way to the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world. From there, we ventured north through the iconic Namib Desert, with a stop at Sossusvlei to witness its surreal dunes, before riding to the coastal charm of Swakopmund. After a brief visit to the coast, it was back into the desert, navigating vast, sandy stretches and endless dirt roads as we headed northeast toward the Caprivi Strip, our gateway into Botswana.
Namibia’s roads are a biker’s paradise, especially if you love long, unending dirt roads that stretch beyond the horizon. Despite some sandy and corrugated sections, the GSA 1200 bikes handled everything effortlessly, and we clocked nearly 4,000 km in Namibia alone!
Botswana: Wildlife and Wilderness
Crossing into Botswana, the landscape transformed from arid deserts to bushveld plains, known for its abundant wildlife. As the ultimate safari destination, Botswana didn’t disappoint. Sam enjoyed a relaxing river cruise on the Zambezi and a thrilling game drive, where he was lucky enough to spot four of the Big Five. He also visited Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, witnessing the majestic but dry falls, a rare sight due to the late dry season.
The roads in Botswana were mostly paved, smooth, and dotted with wildlife sightings—elephants and antelope almost became a regular sight on our rides. After soaking in the sights, it was time to head south to our next adventure.
Lesotho: The Mountain Kingdom
From the vast deserts and plains of Namibia and Botswana, we rode south into the Kingdom of Lesotho, where the scenery changed dramatically. Twisting mountain roads, cooler temperatures, and stunning peaks welcomed us. The temperatures dropped from a sweltering 37°C to a refreshing 18°C, a much-needed break from the heat. We navigated through Lesotho’s rugged landscapes, tackling its winding dirt roads as we descended towards South Africa’s Garden Route.
The Garden Route: South Africa’s Coastal Gem
No trip through southern Africa would be complete without experiencing the Garden Route. This stunning stretch of coastline in South Africa offered us incredible mountain passes, lush forests, and breathtaking ocean views. Although the weather threw some cold and rainy days our way, we pushed through, and Sam even made it to the southern tip of the African continent, an unforgettable milestone. Our final ride brought us into the vibrant city of Cape Town, our journey’s end.
A Grand Total of 8,500 KM in 26 Days
Crossing 5 countries over 26 days, this epic journey spanned 8,500 km of diverse landscapes—from deserts to coastlines, wildlife reserves to mountain peaks. It was an adventure that showcased the very best of southern Africa.
A big thank you to Sam for choosing GS Adventures to lead you on this unforgettable journey.
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