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MotoQuest
Tours:
Baviaanskloof Adventure
Seats Available!
October 4th to October 20th, 2009 (16
day dual sport)
Price:
Tour Rider with Double Occupancy: $7,800
Tour Rider with Single Occupancy: $9,500
Couples price: $12,0002009 South Africa: Baviaanskloof Adventure
October 4th – October 20th“Dualsport Adventure!”
Cape Peninsula
Addo Elephant National Park
Vibrant Cultures
Stunning natural scenery
World-class wildlife viewing
The adventure of a lifetime!Join us on a Dual-Sport Biking Adventure through South Africa on BMWs! This is a dirt-oriented ride featuring beautiful coastline, rugged mountain passes, tons of wildlife and great camaraderie! This is a perfect tour for couples, and adventurous riders!
Tour Prices:
Tour Rider with Double Occupancy (shared room): $7,800
Tour Rider with Single Occupancy (own room): $9,500
Couples (1 bike, 1 room): $12,000Motorcycles Available:
BMW F650GS (Included in Tour Price)
BMW F800 GS +$390.
BMW R1200 GS +$460.Payment: A $1,000 Deposit is required to secure booking
Inclusive:
-BMW F650GS (14 days)
-All accommodations (16 nights)
-All Breakfasts
-7 dinners including premier welcome and farewell dinners
-Orientation tour of Cape Town, South Africa
-Cable Car ride to the top of Table Mountain, in Cape Town
-Day Safari at Addo Elephant National Park
-Afternoon game drive in open 4x4 at Assegaay Bosch Game Lodge including traditional South African BBQ or "Braai"
-Local and American Guides on motorcycles
-Staff mechanic
-Support vehicle (carrying spare parts, tools, luggage and extra motorcycle)
-Paramedic with satellite phone for emergencies
-MotoQuest Tours goodie bag (including T-Shirt and Hat!)
-MotoQuest video of tourExclusive:
-Meals on the road (lunches and some dinners)
-Optional Loss Damage Waiver
-fuel
-Alcohol
-Alternative Tours
-Flights: Contact our travel agent: Sally@alaskatravelsource.com, (907) 562- 2213
-Travel insurance
-Tips
-Park permits
-PortagesMAP
Itinerary:
Day 1: Sunday, October 4th: Arrival in Cape Town
On arrival off your international flight, you will be met by our team and transferred into Cape Town. After checking in at the hotel, your day is at leisure to unwind after the long flight.
In the evening, over “sundowners”, meet the team and the other participants while we run through the logistics of our planned adventure. This will be followed by a welcome dinner. After dinner, feel free to explore some of the watering holes around the city, or return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest!Day 2: Monday, October 5th: Day in Cape Town
After breakfast, we head out on an orientation tour of the “Mother City” as she is affectionately known. This includes a cable car ride to the top of Cape Town’s famous 1000-meter (3000 feet) backdrop, Table Mountain. For those who are interested, take a trip to Robben Island (additional cost), which is best known internationally as the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 19 of his 27 years of incarceration. Spend the rest of the day and evening at leisure.Day 3: Tuesday, October 6th
Cape Town to Simonstown (120km: 100% tar 0% dirt)
After breakfast we check out, collect our bikes and ease into our first days riding with a leisurely trip down the visually stunning Cape Peninsula. This is an unforgettable journey to the mythical meeting place of the two great oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic. Breathtaking scenic beauty contrasts with the harsh rugged conditions of the most southwesterly edge of the African Continent. After a visit to the Cape of Good Hope, we continue to Simonstown where we spend the night.
Day 4: Wednesday, October 7th
Simonstown to Arniston (350km: Dirt 20% Tar 80%)
After breakfast we travel east, hugging the False Bay coastline via the seaside towns of the Strand, Gordon’s and Betty's Bay. We meander through vineyards famous for producing world class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wine, to a point overlooking the town of Hermanus, which amongst other things is considered to be one of the best land based whale viewing areas in the world. Spot a whale or two from the top of the mountain, then down into the town we go to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Enjoy lunch in this quaint village before we continue east, mostly on dirt, to the Southern tip of the African Continent at Cape Agulhas.
Overnight in Arniston, which has some of the Cape’s finest swimming beaches.Day 5: Thursday, October 8th
Arniston to Knysna (320km: Dirt 50% Tar 50%)
After bidding this beautiful fishing village farewell we continue by good quality dirt roads through wheat fields, sheep farms and unusually large flocks of blue cranes. We cross the Breede River at Malgas, a truly unique river crossing and continue via Heidelberg and Mossel Bay, along the Garden Route to Knysna the town of wood. From the quiet beauty of its evergreen forests to the soaring beauty of the Heads, Knysna is beauty in abundance. The Heads are the two sandstone sentinels that mark the mouth of the Knysna Lagoon.
Day 6: Friday, October 9th
Free day in and around Knysna
Knysna is the perfect base from which to explore the Garden Route. Take outrides to the surrounding hot spots like Plettenberg Bay, the Outeniqua Forest, etc or simply relax and enjoy activities in and around Knysna. Discover the galleries and flea markets, workshops and buskers on foot. The Knysna lagoon attracts with cruises to the Heads and Featherbed Nature Reserve - a natural heritage site. Visit the beautiful private beach of Noetzie with its magnificent castles, located just east of Knysna. Or how about an ocean safari to view the diverse and plentiful sea life just beyond the breakers? Other adventurous activities include abseiling, canoeing, creeking, deep-sea fishing, diving, hiking, horse riding, whale watching, quad biking, paint balling and much more.
Day 7: Saturday, Oct 10th
Knysna to Jeffrey’s Bay (200km: Dirt 10% Tar 90%)
Check out and continue along an extremely picturesque part of the Garden Route taking in Plettenberg Bay, Natures Valley and the Tsitsikamma National Park. For the brave or crazy, stop off at the Bloukran’s Bridge and undertake the world’s highest commercial bungy jump at whopping 216 meters!!!! Our destination this evening is the world-renowned surf spot, Jeffrey’s Bay, considered by many to be the home of the perfect tube.
Day 8: Sunday, Oct 11th
Jeffry’s Bay to Zuurberg
(160km: Dirt 20% Tar 80%)
After an early surf at Supertubes (for those who are in the mood), we go in search of Africa’s Big 5 wild animals. Heading northeast from Jeffrey’s bay, we bypass Port Elizabeth en route to the Addo Elephant National Park. Addo lies deep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape. We head for the high ground through the old pass to the spectacular location of the Zuurberg Mountain Village. The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area.
This afternoon we will join a qualified ranger for a safari game drive into the national park. Today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 420 elephants, 450 Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. Even more exciting is that for the first time in over 100 years; lion and spotted hyena were reintroduced to the park recently. Here, the evenings are punctuated by the strident howl of the black-backed jackal.
Day 9: Monday, Oct 12th
Zuurberg to the Baviaanskloof
(250 - 300 km: Dirt 60% Tar 40%)
Riding southwest, this is where the backcountry comes into its own as we head into an area known as the Baviaanskloof. The road leads through the rugged beauty of the "Grootrivier" Gorge on its winding path through this pristine conservancy. It rises and descends very steeply in places and encompasses a number of passes including the Combrinks, Holgat, Grasnek and Nuwekloos. These were the last of many passed constructed by Thomas Bain, between 1880 and 1890. It is the longest of the 24 roads he built. He died in 1893. The road has concrete causeways in places to keep the road in place during flash floods. In other places it just follows the river. The area is characterized by extremely diverse landscape due to the region's high geological, topographic and climatic diversity. The colorful cliffs and rock formations are characteristic of the predominant hard sandstone, which is part of the Table Mountain group of sediments. The beauty of the Baviaanskloof is hard to describe. For the adventurous, this vast mountain kingdom offers a unique wilderness experience through stunningly beautiful landscapes found only in the Eastern Cape. Our resting place this evening is an oasis set deep in the Baviaanskloof Mountains known as Sederkloof Lodge.
Day 10: Tuesday, Oct 13th
Baviaanskloof to Prince Albert
(230km: Dirt 75% Tar 25%)
Today we continue west, through the Baviaanskloof and exit via Willowmore along the northern edge of the Groot Swartberg Mountains. We continue through the Great Karoo via Klaarstroom and Meiringspoort and on to the charming town of Prince Albert. Prince Albert lies 650 meters above sea level and has 8000 inhabitants. It is both, relaxed and lively, with many beautifully restored Cape Dutch and Victorian houses. The main commercial activity is Merino sheep farming; however, fruit and olives are also cultivated on the mountain slopes. Some farms have years ago specialized in Angora goats. The Mohair wool of Prince Albert is known to be of the highest quality and is very much in demand.Day 11: Wednesday, Oct 14th
Prince Albert to Assegaay Bosch Game Lodge
(130km: Dirt 70% Tar 30%)
After a sumptuous breakfast we start our day with a journey through the last of Thomas Bains creations, the Swartberg Pass, which leads us down into the ostrich capital of the world, the town of Oudtshoorn. En route we stop in for a visit to the magnificent Cango Caves. After the caves, spend a bit of time in the town and visit an ostrich farm if time and inclination permits. After lunch we continue via the dramatic Rooiberg pass to Assegaay Bosch Game Lodge, an oasis in the wilderness. Here we will be spending two nights with an opportunity to relax, unwind and enjoy the multitude of activities available and even have some laundry taken care of!!
Day 12: Thursday, Oct 15th
Free day at Assegaay Bosch Game Lodge
After breakfast enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Relax and unwind in awesome surroundings or take an out-ride it any direction, the options abound. For the energetic, perhaps take an early morning walk into the gorge. Optional activities include: Clay Pigeon shooting, a massage in the comfort of your chalet, visit the local town. Afternoon nature / game drive in open 4X4 vehicles, ending up with sundowners on top of the mountain. Return to the lodge for a traditional South African bar-b-que or “braai”Day 13: Friday, Oct 16th
Assegaay Bosch Game Lodge to Ceres
(320km: Dirt 60% Tar 40%)
This morning we bid farewell and travel through Van Wyksdorp, and onto the Route 62. There are similarities between Route 62 and America's Route 66. Both were developed to link rural towns and villages to major centre’s and both were replaced by highways diverting traffic along more direct roads. Route 62 is now emerging from hibernation to delight the discerning visitor wanting to explore the best of the Western Cape. No biking trip would be complete without a visit to Ronnie’s Sex Shop. Ronnie painted the name "Ronnie's Shop" on this cottage next to the R62, planning to open a farm stall to sell fresh produce and fruit. His friends played a prank on him by changing the name to "Ronnie's Sex Shop". Initially angry about the involuntary name change, Ronnie left the name and continued fixing the dilapidated building. His friends would stop by for a chat, having a few beers. During one of these evenings, someone suggested: "Why don't you just open a pub?" Ronnie's Sex Shop has had visitors from all over the world, judging by the graffiti, it has also become a regular pit stop for bikers, the local farmers and people traveling this road regularly. From here we make our way to Ceres, which is nestled in a fertile valley at the base of the Witzenberg mountains on the edge of the Warm Bokkeveld, Ceres is the perfect base from which to attack the Cedarberg area.
Day 14: Saturday, Oct 17th
Ceres to Oudrif
(230kms: Dirt 90% Tar 10%)
After juicing up the bikes we travel North into the Cedarberg Mountains which stretch for approximately 100 km. The highest peaks are around 2000 meters (6000 feet). Of special interest are the many weathered sandstone formations, which create a spectacular stage. The Cedarberg derives its name from a species of cedar trees, which grow at an altitude of between 1067 and 1372 meters. Today the mountain range is a proclaimed wilderness area. It is a superb recreational area with caves, bushman painting, waterfalls, stunning view sites and astonishing formations such as the Wolfberg Arch and Maltese Cross. This is some of the best riding terrain in the country. A real treat for those who love uninhibited wilderness riding and awesome views. On route we travel through Wuppertal, a most attractive little oasis in a very rugged wilderness. Maybe stop and buy a pair of genuine “veldskoen” before we continue on to Oudrif, a masterpiece in sustainable design and operation. Prepare to be blown away by Bills cooking out here in the most rustic and beautiful setting on the banks of the Doring River.Day 15: Sunday, Oct 18th
Oudrif to Franschhoek
(320kms: Dirt 40% Tar 60%)
We travel south along the Olifants River and as we move closer to Cape Town, we leave the rustic wilderness feel of the country and enter the equally beautiful Winelands of South Africa. We pass through many small farming towns and heavily cultivated areas as we travel en route to Franschhoek or the French Glen as it was originally referred to. More than three centuries ago about 200 French Huguenots, having escaped religious persecution, settled in the Berg River Valley and founded the community of Franschhoek. With its fine balmy summers and the majority of its rainfall in winter, the French Huguenots recognized the potential of the region for wine production and fruit growing. Today it is considered the food and wine capital of the Cape.Day 16: Monday, Oct 19th
Franschhoek to Cape Town
(120km: Dirt 0% Tar 100%)
As the end of our trip approaches we take the day to explore the area at a leisurely pace. There is something for everyone in and around these Winelands towns. Apart from the natural beauty and host of activities on offer, the region is also steeped in history and museums and art galleries abound. It also has a great café culture where you can sit out on the street corner and watch the town go by. After a relaxing day we return to Cape Town and deliver our motorcycles safely back to the rental agency. After that we check into the hotel and freshen up in time for our farewell dinner.Day 17: Tuesday, Oct 20th: Departure Day
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, check out of the hotel and if time permits, spend time doing last minute shopping, relaxing or whatever takes you fancy before transferring to Cape Town International Airport for your flight homeTo Book This Tour:
To secure a spot in this years' South Africa: Baviaanskloof Adventure, please fill out and send in our Registration Form with a $1,000 deposit.
Questions? Please contact us at:MotoQuest Tours
P.O. Box 1392
Girdwood, AK 99587
www.MotoQuesttours.com
info@motoquesttours.com
1-800-756-1990/(907) 272-2777
Information:
Travel: Arrive and depart from Cape Town South Africa (CPT)
For any other travel options, please contact us at: 1-800-756-1990 for advice.
You may also reach our travel agent Sally at: Sally@alaskatravelsource.com, or (907) 562- 2213. Just tell her you are part of the MotoQuest South Africa Tour.Money: South African Rand
Please note that some meals are not included in the tour price. We recommend that you budget about US$50.00 per day for food (this is just an estimate of expenses and is not including adult beverages.)Arrival day:
Send us your travel information so we know when and where to meet you. Please be prepared to show your current motorcycle driver’s license and international driver’s license. You will also be required to leave a damage deposit for the rental motorcycle. The deposit for the motorcycle is payable by credit card only, and is taken on the departure of a rental. The deposit is withheld until the motorcycle is returned to the rental agency, cleaned and inspected.Visa/Passport:
A Visa is not required for entry into South Africa. Your passport must not expire 6 months from the date of entry.Riding in South Africa:
Left side of the roadAdditional motorcycle liability reduction:
Optional Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) for bike damage is $25.00 per riding day (cost not to exceed $300). When you purchase this agreement, you will be responsible for the first $2,000 of bike damages. If you decline this option you are responsible for all expenses. (Please note that the LDW does not cover personal property damage or bodily injury.) We recommend that you contact your motorcycle insurance carrier to see if you are covered for rental motorcycles.Arrival day:
Send us your travel information so we know when and where to meet you. Please be prepared to show your current motorcycle drivers license.
Tours
We offer exceptional tours focusing on different areas of the world for different comfort levels. All tours include airport pick-up/drop-off, motorcycle rental, guides, support vehicle, mechanical support, welcome and farewell dinners, video of tour, detailed itinerary/maps packet, MotoQuest “swag bag” and a high staff-to-guest ratio, insuring the best personal service possible. Everyday there is a hot shower, great food, and a comfortable bed waiting for you at the end of the trail.
Tour Size
6 - 10 riders. We have a large staff-to-guest ratio. This way your adventure is personalized and safety is maximized.
Gear
Bring riding gear that is warm and waterproof (a riding suit with pads is best). Recommended items to bring: Stout water-proof boots, rain gear, a warm hat, rain-proof gloves (2 pair), hiking shoes, bug spray, full-faced helmet, swim suit, and a good camera are the things you need on the trail.Our Staff
We pride ourselves in giving you quality service. All staff are experienced riders, trained in first aid, and love sharing motorcycling. Since many of the roads we travel are far from help and out of cell phone range, our expertise in motorcycle maintenance, backcountry first aid, and knowledge of out-of-the-way places will greatly enhance your motorcycle tour. Our guides carry satellite phones for emergency use. The full-time support vehicle makes it possible for you to focus on the ride, the fresh air and the scenery. Leave the logistics to us!
Payment
At the time of reservation $1000 deposit is due to guarantee your spot on the tour. The deposit will be applied to the total price of the tour. The balance is due 60 days prior to tour departure date. We accept personal checks, Visa, MasterCard and money orders (sorry, we do not accept American Express or Discover).
Cancellation Policy
You must give a full 60 days notice to receive a refund for a tour. On cancellations with less than 60 days notice, your deposit is forfeited as a cancellation fee and the remaining balance paid can be transferred to another party or another tour, subject to availability. Cancellations with less than 30 days notice, will forfeit 50% of total tour price as cancellation fee and the remaining balance paid can be transferred to another party or another tour, subject to availability. If your participation in the tour is terminated for any reason at anytime during the tour, no refund will be given.Kitty
Riders will be asked to put money into a kitty at the beginning of the tour, to be used by the group as a whole for gas and other group-oriented activites such as lunches, dinners, park entry fees, water stops, etc. Voluntary participation in this system has proven to make group riding run smoother and ultimately make your tour with us more pleasurable!
Register Online
Fill out and fax/mail in our Registration Form
(requires adobe reader)
email: Info@motoquesttours.com
Telephone: 1-800-756-1990 or +1 (907)
272-2777
Fax +1 (907)
272-2777
skype: motoquesttours
Bikes Available for this tour:
