* The guide will be driving a closed air-conditioned support vehicle towing the bike trailer (and for larger groups David will also ride along on one of the bikes plus a second guide will be driving the support vehicle)- and can accommodate either non-riding partners driving along in the support vehicle and / or where motorbikes are not allowed to ride (like in the game reserve we will also visit on the safari) or in less-suitable weather conditions, riders can then ride along with the guide in the vehicle. This means there is a guaranteed seat in the support vehicle even for all of the bike riders!!! The motorcycles are then loaded and towed with on the bike trailer (max 4 bikes per bike trailer).

* This support vehicle will be a late model 8-seater Mercedes Benz Vito 115 CDI 2-wheel drive vehicle with seat belts for each person and 2 front airbags. It can also be used for after riding - hours transport to dinners and activities etc. Note it also has run - flat safety bands in all the tyres.

* Accommodation for a total of 4 nights will be at a combination of superior / excellent up market- and SA Tourism Grading Council-rated 4 star small country – and private game lodges. Rooms will all be en-suite and some even air-conditioned. These 4 lodges are located in the best areas away from the hustle and bustle, and in the case of the private BIG 5 Game Reserve where we will stay over on night 3 it borders the famous Kruger National Park;

* Our guide will provide en-route support from the vehicle, such as detailed road maps & GPS for navigation, assistance with loading / off- loading motorbikes – and luggage on trailer and in the support vehicle, breakdown service if required, refresher towels for washing rider’s hands and faces etc.

* The BMW GS motorbikes will be very well equipped with a variety of accessories – from a Garmin Zumo GPS on the lead bike, to every bike having ABS and heated grips.

* Your luggage will be safely transported in the support vehicle / bike trailer. (Panniers on bike not really necessary but can be added as optional at extra cost).

* Bring your own riding gear and helmet along, or excellent gear can also be purchased here locally. Helmets may be rented here in SA.

I T I N E R A R Y for safari duration of 5 days (duration can be extended for extra activities and / or for larger groups with a collective booking):

Day 1 Johannesburg / Pretoria via Long Tom Pass and Sabie Pass to Country Lodge in Hazyview area:
After the necessary collection & hand-over of the motorcycles at the collection point in the northern suburbs of Sandton in Johannesburg, loading of your luggage into the support vehicle and a bike introduction- & road safety briefing, we depart from Johannesburg to the nearby Pretoria, the handsome jacaranda – graced capital city of SA.

Today’s highlights & route will include:

* Time permitting we will detour from the main road into Pretoria to stop for a brief while for photo opportunities at the Union Buildings, set high above the city centre on Meintjieskop. This magnificent red - sandstone building was designed by Sir Herbert Baker- probably the most innovative architect to have ever worked in SA - to celebrate the coming together of the country’s four colonies in 1910. It has served as SA’s administrative authority since then, and set in beautifully lawned - and landscaped grounds.

* Then on the way out of Pretoria we ride out via the famous Church Street, Pretoria’s main street- which by the way, ranks among the world’s longest urban through-fares: it runs more than 25 km from end to end (west to east).

* We detour briefly to the N4 highway for a few kilometres, before routing away permanently (until day 5) from the highway via Rayton and instead riding the more quiet back roads away from the larger towns along the highway such as Witbank (centre of SA’s richest deposits of coal) and Middelburg (another substantial coal – mining and industrial town and the hub of a thriving farming and ranching area) etc.

* We skirt the large Loskop Dam on the way to our first possible lunch stop (note lunches are not included in the safari price), where good gravel district roads lead the way over the ‘Kortnek Pass’ to the small town of Dullstroom – a famous trout fishing town. Here we have a range of options for a light lunch at a variety of ‘watering points’ (with excellent trout dishes available as well). Interestingly (or jokingly) the town’s slogan is “a small drinking town with a big fishing problem”!

* After lunch we ride some more back roads in the area nearby, such as passing the ‘Verlorenvalley’, a Ramsar- wetland which is one of a few remaining protected areas for SA’s endangered crane (a bird) species & also offering protection for a variety of rare orchid species, as well as riding the pretty ‘De Berg Pass’ and ‘Jaap se Hoogte’.

* Lydenburg, a town established in 1850 by the ‘Voortrekkers’ (= the ‘Boer’ pioneers who arrived from the Cape in their ox wagons) and which they named ‘town of suffering’ as a reminder of those who succumbed to malaria in the nearby lower altitude-town of Ohrigstad. From town, we ride the road east to the forest town Sabie which is flanked on the 2 sides by the Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve on the north and the Sterkspruit Nature Reserve on the south.

* Long Tom Pass: one of today’s best bike riding highlights; winding across the Drakensberg (Dutch word for ‘mountains of the dragon’), the Long Tom Pass links Lydenburg to the towns of Sabie and Graskop on the edge of the Escarpment, and is one of the best-known and most scenic passes in the country, and also rich in history. The pass lies on the early wagon route between Pretoria and Lourenco Marques in Mozambique (today it is called ‘Maputo’). A rough track was built in the early 1870’s, but today it is a good paved road. The highest point (where we will stop for some photographs) is 2150 m above MSL (that’s more than 6000 feet)!

From a historical point of view, the pass also greatly contributed; following the defeat of the Boers (= a Dutch word meaning ‘Farmers’) in the second Anglo Boer war in August 1900 in the area nearby, the Boer forces split up in smaller groups- with one of these retreating eastwards over the Drakensberg with their 2 heavy 6250 kg Creusot field guns (which they purchased from the French).These guns were nicknamed “Long Tom’s” by the British.

Several skirmishes were fought along this route from September to December 1900, and historic sites such as the ‘Last Stand of the Long Toms’ (with a replica of the gun on display as the originals were destroyed in the war), ‘Devil’s Knuckles’ (a graveyard of many ox wagons) and the ‘Long Tom Shell Hole’ have been signposted and we will briefly stop at several view points for photo opportunities.

* Sabie: The town’s name is derived from the African name ‘Sabielala’ meaning “Sabie Sleeping Place’. The discovery of gold in the 1880’s - first alluvial and later reef – attracted large numbers of gold miners and fortune seekers here, but the fields were nowhere as rich as those of Johannesburg, and most diggers eventually drifted away. Today Sabie is the centre of one of the largest concentrations of commercial forest plantations in the world, as well as an important tourist centre with many scenic attractions in the area - some of which we will also visit from tomorrow.

* Riding the exciting Sabie Pass road in a downward direction on a good paved surface with stunning views between the towns of Sabie and Hazyview, plus a final short gravel section, bring us to our over first night’s stop. This is at a 4-star Country Lodge situated in the beautiful Kiepersol district, boasting magnificent mountain and valley views together with luxury accommodation and fine dining.

Once here there are a variety of extra activities on offer in the area but for those ‘just’ wanting to relax this is the place to be, like soaking up the sun on the wooden deck surrounding the large swimming pool with superb views and brilliant bird life.

Accommodation and dinner night 1 at a 4-star Country Lodge near town of Hazyview:

You will be accommodated in en-suite Luxury Suites (upgraded from their ‘standard’ rooms which are also available) at this 4-star SA Tourism- graded Country Lodge, offering all the necessary trimmings needed for that well-earned first night’s rest. Set on 50 hectares of indigenous bush, the lodge offers tastefully decorated rooms, each with their own patio from which to enjoy fabulous views.

Dinner is included in the safari price (every night in fact): it will be provided at the lodge’s on–site restaurant (3 course table d’hote country style cuisine using fresh herbs and seasonal produce).

Day 2 “Panorama Route” including Blyde Canyon, Echo Caves and Robber’s Pass to Country Lodge in Mount Sheba Nature Reserve:
After a hearty full Continental and English breakfast at the lodge (in fact all breakfasts included in our safari price for days 2, 3, 4 and 5), we start riding from +- 08H00 for a day full of excellent riding routes, spectacular sights and scenic wonders.

Today’s highlights & route include (the cost of all day 2’s activities / sights / entry fees included in the safari price):

* We will head out back up the mountain to the town of Sabie via the Sabie Pass again (this time in a reverse direction from yesterday), from where we connect with the scenic “Panorama Route” from where there are some spectacular waterfalls and other scenic sights to view.

* Lone Creek Falls – leaps 68m over a sheer cliff, and situated in a picturesque rain forest.

* Sabie Falls just outside of town, plunging down into a deep ravine, and can be viewed from the bridge.

* Mac – Mac Falls: Shortly before reaching the Escarpment, the spectacular Mac - Mac River plunges 56 m into a deep forested gorge. Originally a single-drop waterfall, the crest was split into 2 during the 1870’s by the over- enthusiastic application of dynamite by miners searching for gold. The name ‘Mac Mac’ originated from the large number of Scots that dug for gold in the area.

* Then northwards towards the town of Graskop - known as the “Window of Mpumalanga”. This town developed around the mining settlement which sprung up close to the Escarpment edge. The town is perched on a spur of the Mauchsberg at an altitude of 1493 m - the name meaning ‘grassy peak’ in Dutch / Afrikaans. Today it is also an important forestry town and tourism centre.

(Here optional adventure activities can be done – all time permitting - such as the “BIG Swing”- a tandem / single swing and / or high wire slide - experience a 68 m freefall in less than 3 seconds and / or fly across the gorge on a 135 m high wire slide, 130 m above ground zero!)

This is also the town where we can come back to later for a light lunch stop at the famous ‘Harry’s Pancakes’ after first visiting some more nearby scenic sights mentioned here-after. (Note as before lunch not included in safari price).A big variety of excellent cold - and hot fillings in freshly baked pancakes are offered here!

* The Pinnacle: Situated at the head of the Driekop Gorge, the 30 m quartzite needle rises dramatically out of the fern-clad ravine, created over millions of years when a column of quartzite became detached from the main face of the Escarpment as a result of erosion.

* “God’s Window” – at 1829 m above sea level, it offers one of the most spectacular views in the country (on a clear day one can literally see hundreds of kilometres as far as into the neighbouring country Mozambique). There are dramatic views to the south and east from various strategically placed viewpoints, overlooking the almost sheer 300 m drop into an indigenous forest clad ravine below. Being 250 m higher than the Pinnacle, the total drop to the lands below is approximately 750 m.

Those interested (time permitting and especially being fit enough) can even climb a bit higher along a number of steps and a boardwalk to another stunning viewpoint through a magnificent patch of indigenous rain forest with a lush growth of clivias, ferns, mosses and dwarf yellowwoods with old man’s beard.

* Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and Blyde River Canyon – Covering 27000 ha of grassveld, sour bushveld, eroded quartzite formations and spectacular natural features, the canyon reserve extends from ‘God’s Window’ northwards for 57 km. Within the reserve lie some of SA’s most scenic attractions, including Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Blyde Canyon which we will see further on today.

With a depth of up to 700 m and a length of 32 km, the awesome Blyde River Canyon is one of the top tourist attractions in SA. It is the 3rd deepest (after the Grand Canyon and Fish River Canyon) – and only green canyon in the world.

The Blyde River is dammed in the gorge by a 72 m high wall- the Blyde Dam- which we will see from a distance once at the Three Rondavels later today.

* “Wonder View”: This is the highest point on the edge of the Escarpment at 1730 m and gives a sense of grandeur equalled only by views into the canyon itself.

* Lisbon Falls – in a rugged land of waterfalls, the 95 m high Lisbon is not only the highest but one of the loveliest. When the forestry plantations were first named, many were given names of European capital cities such as Lisbon (as was Berlin Falls below).

* Berlin Falls – this national monument is a 45 m high waterfall in the Waterval Spruit (means ‘waterfall stream’ in Dutch / Afrikaans), and came into being when, over many aeons, the softer rock was gradually worn away.

* Bourke’s Luck Potholes: These magnificent cylindrical potholes (up to 6 m deep) were formed thousands of years ago. Where the Blyde River (meaning ‘joyful’ in Dutch) is joined by the Treur River (meaning ‘sorrow’ in Dutch / Afrikaans), there is a remarkable record of an erosion process by the grinding action of boulders and pebbles caught in the swirling waters. The site was named after a prospector, Tom Bourke, who ironically never had any luck on his claim as the gold–bearing reef lay a short distance to the south of the river.

* The Three Rondavels: Large rocky outcrops – named for their resemblance to traditional African dome-shaped thatched homes. The three peaks are named after three of Chief Maripi’s wives. The viewpoint is at 1380 m ASL and offers stunning views over the Blyde Dam far below in the gorge.

* From here there is more scenic riding and we continue to the main road between Hoedspruit and Ohrigstad, where we detour for a tour of +- an hour of the nearby Echo Caves. It consists of several caves in the dolomite hills at the head of the Molopong Valley, with the largest chamber +- 40 m high and 100 m long. These caves are some of the oldest caves in the world, and now a National Monument.

The caves were named for the echo produced by some of the stalactites when they are tapped- the early local ‘Pedi’ tribe used these caves as a hiding spot from their enemy (the Swazi’s) and guards warned them of approaching danger by hitting against the stalactites.

* Ohrigstad town was founded in 1845 by the Voortrekker pioneers, but the high incidence of malaria forced the inhabitants to abandon the settlement only 4 years later, with some settling in Lydenburg (where we past previously on our day 1). After malaria was brought under control in the area, the town was re-established south –west of the original site. Today it is the centre of a productive fruit and maize – growing area.

* This is also the area where the famous Jock of the Bushveld (a Staffordshire Terrier) travelled through in the 1880’s and several plaques are erected in his memory along this route. We bypass 1 of several of these plaques erected along the transport route which was followed by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and his faithful dog named “Jock - this 1 is near ‘Rusplaas’.

A famous and still very popular children’s story book called “Jock of the Bushveld” was written by Fitzpatrick about his dog and their travels– their transport route from the goldfields of Johannesburg took them even through the very wild Kruger NP and as far as today’s Maputo in Mozambique.

* Robber’s Pass (we ride only a portion today) down to the Mount Sheba Nature Reserve for our overnight stop. This is a winding pass with hairpin-bends and lovely scenery (today an excellent paved surface) - ANOTHER of today’s riding highlights!

During the boom–time of gold panning at Pilgrim’s Rest in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s (see day 3), the coach to Machadadorp via Lydenburg ran twice a week operated by the Zeederberg Company who also provided mule stations (as rest stops) along the way. The mules stationed at Kruger’s Post, halfway between Pilgrim’s Rest and Lydenburg, had the difficult task of hauling the coach and its load of passengers, gold bullion and post up – and down Pilgrim’s Hill, now known as Robber’s Pass.

Twice in history the coach was robbed- the first in 1899 by 2 masked men who escaped with gold valued at that time at 10 000 pounds (a fortune in those days) - and neither the men nor the gold were ever found. In 1912 Tommy Dennison, a well - known character in Pilgrim’s Rest was badly in debt, and his attempt at robbing the coach in the same area was not as successful. The value he robbed was much lower (only finding a case of silver coins) and his horse was recognised in the robbery – leading to an early arrest at the Royal Hotel Pub (which we will see on day 3) while he was paying his 20 pound debt in half-crowns. After serving his 5 yr jail term, he returned and opened the Highwayman’s Garage which we will also see on day 3.

* Mount Sheba Nature Reserve: A paved - and gravel ride down into the valley below the Pass through some beautiful indigenous- and planted forests takes us to our overnight – lodge. Here there are a variety of optional activities on offer (some at extra cost – and all time permitting), like trout fishing, walking trails, tennis courts, mountain biking, a snooker room and table tennis. For those ‘just’ wanting to relax, there is also a cozy pub, and a comfortable lounge with a fire place.

Accommodation and dinner night 2 at 4-star country lodge in Mount Sheba Nature Reserve:

Accommodation en-suite at luxury 4-star SA Tourism- graded Country Lodge. With private patios and panoramic views, the beauty of the surroundings can also be enjoyed from the comfort of the rooms – all rooms also with fire places, private porch or balcony, TV and room safes.

Dinner included in safari price – it will be provided at the lodge’s on –site restaurant (extensive a – la – carte menu with silver cutlery etc.).

Day 3 Mount Sheba Nature Reserve to Pilgrims Rest and to BIG 5 Wildlife Lodge:
In the morning after a full breakfast at the lodge, we will head out back up the mountain to connect with the Robber’s Pass again and to ride the best and final section of the Pass down into Pilgrim’s Rest town for a more detailed visit of the historic town, before our next overnight stop later the afternoon in the private BIG 5 Game Reserve for the first of our wildlife spotting - activities.

Today’s highlights & route include:

* Riding the rest of the beautiful Robber’s Pass down into Pilgrim’s Rest town, tackling its many and varied curves (some hairpin bends), and then arriving on the other side, triumphant, victorious after a sublime ride, and having some great tales to tell!

* Then into the famous and authentic – now disused gold-mining village of the late 1800’s & early 1900’s called “Pilgrim’s Rest”. This little village with its colourful history is probably the most picturesque and charming spot in the area.

In 1873 alluvial gold was discovered in a stream which flows through the valley- and the news spread like wild – fire, sparking one of the biggest gold rushes of the time. Before long the town was bursting out of its seams. Nowhere else in the world was gold ever mined in more beautiful surroundings.
Mining continued until 1972, and today the town is a living museum, preserved in the exact architectural style of the gold rush period. The town has several museums, including the Diggings Museum which gives demonstrations of gold panning (a tour of +- 45 min’s here HIGHLY recommended). Great gift and curio shopping available here and we can visit some of the other interesting sights here - like the Highwayman’s Garage, the Royal Hotel, the Miner’s House Museum (called “Alanglade”– designed in the early 1900’s by the same Sir Herbert Baker that designed the Union Buildings in Pretoria that we saw on day 1; this is the mansion that was built for the General Manager of the Transvaal Gold Mining Estates), Robber’s Grave, etc, etc.

NOTE: Some of the above sights & visits are time- permitting as we do not want to miss the afternoon game drive later today at the BIG 5 game lodge. Note cost for 45 minute Diggings tour at Pilgrims Rest included in safari price.

* We ride via the good gravel Vaalhoek district road to- and over the Caspersnek Pass, before joining up with the tar road between Ohrigstad and Hoedspruit and briefly stopping at “Die Skoen” – a building shaped like ‘old Mother Hubbard’s Shoe’. A lunch- stop can be fitted in here, or more options are available on the way to the game lodge in the town Hoedspruit later today.

* Abel Erasmus Pass and Strijdom Tunnel: Get ready for spectacular views on this pass taking us down to the real ‘Lowveld’ and the warmer wildlife region of the Kruger NP, with the Olifant's River (meaning ‘elephant’ in Dutch / Afrikaans) meandering like a brown snake far in the valley below. Some great curio – shopping is available at the tunnel, which was named after a Prime Minister of the previous political era of SA ( the1950’s).

* Into the town of Hoedspruit (Afrikaans word meaning ‘hat stream’) – and on the way there, we ride the scenic road nestled at the feet of the majestic Drakensberg escarpment. The town is surrounded by beautiful game – rich countryside and has a distinctive rural charm. Famous private game lodges are abundant in the areas such as Klaserie and Timbavati etc., where very few fences divide the estates and most have open access to the Kruger NP enabling wild animals to roam freely across large areas.

* A short drive from Hoedspruit brings us to the entrance gate of the private Balule Nature Reserve. Here we load the motorcycles on the bike trailer and tow them with the support vehicle. This is necessary with all guests riding inside the safety of the support vehicle as we do not want you to be chased by the ‘cats’ (lion, leopard, cheetah etc.) and other dangerous Big 5 animals like buffalo, rhino, elephant etc. inside this BIG 5 reserve whilst riding the bike.

Soon after, we will arrive at the 4-star rated BIG 5 safari lodge in time for a welcome drink before boarding the 4 x 4 safari game viewing vehicle for a +- 3 hr afternoon & evening game drive.
Savour the essence of Africa at this lodge situated adjacent to the Kruger NP in this large BIG 5 nature reserve- combining intimacy with nature, comfort and hospitality. A thatched lapa overlooks a waterhole where guests may watch the animals come to drink.

Game drives and foot safaris reveal a variety of wildlife and birds, and at night the sounds of lion, hyaena and jackal create the ambience of Africa, as you enjoy superb campfire dinners. Apart from the 2 included safari vehicle game drives we will have here (the first 1 already the afternoon & evening on day 3 & the second 1 tomorrow morning on day 4), another exciting activity included here is a morning guided foot safari at the lodge (see tomorrow morning). What also adds to this special experience is a ‘dancing-singing-drumming’- performance by lodge staff before dinner in the open-air traditional ‘boma’ tonight.

Accommodation and dinner night 3 at a 4-star private BIG 5 Game Lodge:

This 4-star rated lodge where we overnight tonight, offers BIG 5 wildlife - with day-and night game drives in open game viewing vehicles with a qualified / experienced ranger / tracker. In selecting this lodge we have placed emphasis on up-market luxury accommodation, excellent food and guided game drives. Guests are accommodated in rustic thatched en-suite Rondavels with an attractive Afro - ethic theme, set amongst shady trees and a sparkling pool. Electricity is supplied in all units. Whether sipping sundowners on a game drive or relaxing beside the sparkling pool, guests soon discover that here the accent is on comfort and unobtrusive attentiveness.

Dinner included in safari price is provided at the game lodge in their ‘boma’– here meals are a culinary delight!

Day 4 Private BIG 5 Game Lodge to cheetah – and wild dog centre to wine land lodge near Hazyview:
* On day 4 after the morning's +- 3 hr game drive activity and breakfast, there is an exciting guided game walk at the lodge before we finally depart from the lodge.

* After exiting the Balule Nature Reserve (where we off - load the bikes again from the trailer and you can then safely ride the bikes further!), we return via Hoedspruit before we reach the Kapama Endangered Species Centre where we will stop for a guided tour and game drive of +- 1.5 hrs.

Here you will be able to see the endangered cheetah, including the even more rare and beautiful King cheetah, the endangered wild dog, and other rare birds (such as the ground hornbill and various vulture species) and endangered antelope (such as the valuable sable and tsessebe etc.). (Note the cheetah and wild dog are the 2 animals added to the BIG 5 making it possibly a BIG 7 safari!) The cost of this tour/ game drive is included in the safari price.

Depending on the scheduled time of the cheetah / wild dog tour, you can have a light lunch (own cost) at the centre before- or after the tour.

* Riding via local towns such as Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge to Hazyview, and then again a short section of the exciting Sabie Pass road to our over last overnight stop between Hazyview and Sabie. This is ‘way out on the wine route’ – at a 4-star lodge with an extraordinary location: overlooking the Sabie River Valley, and beyond to God’s Window & the Drakensberg, and with its own vineyard - SA’s most northerly vineyard!

Once we have checked - in at our overnight - lodge, there are a variety of things to see and do, like shopping in their very different wine shop (also with locally brewed ‘Hops Hollow Beers’), bird watching, or walking in the 22 hectares of malaria free indigenous bush & looking for small game such as vervet monkeys, banded mongoose, the very rare red duiker, bushbuck and even caracal etc., or ‘just’ relaxing on the veranda.

Accommodation and dinner night 4 at 4-star country lodge / guest house near town of Hazyview:

En-suite at luxury 4-star SA Tourism- graded lodge near Hazyview. This is the ideal getaway base after we explored the region to relax and unwind. Family friendly and owner - managed establishment.

Dinner included in safari price – it can be provided at our overnight lodge on basis of dinner take-away ‘Tapas Platters’ eaten in your own accommodation units (prepared from their 2006 ‘DINE AWARD’ Top 100 on-site lunch restaurant) or we can go to 1 of many other restaurant - options in nearby town for our farewell dinner.

Day 5 Wine land lodge near Hazyview to Traditional Cultural Village and back to Pretoria via Nelspruit:
* After a full breakfast we depart to the Shangana Cultural Village near Hazyview for a tour of +- an hour (the cost of this tour is also included in the safari price), where the residents of this traditional village invite guests to share in the way of life of the Shangaan people. The picturesque village is set in the shade of ancient trees in a reserve of forest and grassland. You can also browse in their beautiful craft market for interesting locally made art and craft.

* Note as an optional extra activity- and time permitting (you can save time by not doing the above village tour), you can also go on an Elephant Excursion at the nearby “Elephant Sanctuary’. Here a ‘Trunk-in-Hand’ Program is available throughout the day, and with pre-bookings essential an additional ‘Elephant-Back Ride’ and ‘Elephant Brush Downs’ are also available.

* Further note: should you wish to have a more extensive ‘Sundowner Elephant Experience’ which includes walking, feeding, riding and touching the elephants, AND / OR a separate Hot Air Balloon Ride (actual flying time +-1 hour), there won’t be enough time on this 5th day for that – so you will need to extend the safari by another day. Please pre-enquire if interested - and please note such an extended safari duration must suit all the participants in your booking group.

* Then it is off to the town of White River- lying amidst an intensive agricultural area where tropical fruit, citrus and vegetables are produced.

* Then to Nelspruit- the Mpumalanga Province’s capital; a good looking town of broad, attractive, tree-lined streets, after which we ride further along the picturesque Montrose Pass and Schoemanskloof Pass.

* Then it is finally ‘back home James’ to Sandton Johannesburg – (returning to the same collection point on day 1) via Machadodorp, Middelburg and Witbank along the N4 free way. Lunch will be possible on the way (excluded from price), before we reach our final destination in the late afternoon.

After riding some stunning roads and seeing an incredible variety of sights and animals, this is the END OF THIS WONDERFUL MOTORCYCLE SAFARI with many happy memories!! Although you return your motorcycle to us here - we hope you will return to our country again soon to join us for another of our safaris!

Climate and best times to ride:
* Although this safari is available at all times during the year – with each season having its special benefits to visit, the best times are when it is not too cold, so the ideal time is from September to May each year.

Even our winter time (June, July and Aug) should be good as it does not rain during that time, and bikes are fitted with heated grips and the riding on days 2 to 5 are done mainly in our ‘Lowveld’-area where the day – time temperatures are very comfortable (sometimes as much as reaching low 30 degrees Celsius).

* Bear in mind - spring and summer months in South Africa are September to February, and autumn and winter months are March to August.

Departure Dates for 2007 & 2008:
We are flexible and do not have fixed scheduled departure dates – however it is best to schedule this safari from a Monday to a Friday as weekends are sometimes too busy on some of these tourist routes.

We also kindly request that you book as far as possible ahead of your planned time as these areas can get very busy and often are booked as much as a year in advance for times of the year.

What makes us different to other motorcycle tour companies?

* Each motorcycle rider and their non-riding partner/s have a guaranteed seat in the support vehicle.

This is sometimes necessary for adverse weather conditions, and / or if a rider / pillion is ‘tired’, or where the motorcycle can not be safely ridden, such as in the BIG 5 game reserve we visit on days 3 & 4. It also means that non-riding partners that are often left behind at home whilst the ‘boys are out playing’, can now also join their partners on the same safari also experiencing the same holiday and routes etc;

* Space for at least 4 bikes on the bike trailer towed by support vehicle;

* Small mostly personal / own groups;

* Fridge (12V and 220V) in support vehicle for your own cold drinks en - route;

* Very high standard of en-suite lodge accommodation;

* Personal service and guiding by owner of this safari company David Malan, and his attention to detail.

INCLUDED in price:

* Use of late model BMW F 650 GS OR R 1200 GS bike for duration of safari for each rider, with bike’s insurance cover, on unlimited kilometres - basis and all fuel and top-up oils for entire duration. Bike fitted with ABS (can be de-activated for off-roading) and heated grips;

* Accommodation for a total of 4 nights will be at a combination of superior / excellent up market- and SA Tourism Grading Council-rated 4 star small country – and private game lodges;

* All 4 breakfast meals consisting of your choice of either continental – or full English breakfast;

* All 4 dinners;

* VAT at 14% and tourist levy where applicable;

* 2 Guided game drives and 1 guided morning walk at private BIG 5 game lodge;

* Entry fees included for all Panorama Route activities and sights such as the waterfalls and Echo Caves etc. (day 2) as well as the Diggings tour at Pilgrims Rest (day 3), game drive and tour at Endangered Species Centre (day 4) and at Cultural Village (day 5);

* A professional, experienced and knowledgeable RSA registered tour guide with an air-conditioned closed support vehicle towing the bike trailer will accompany you for full duration of the safari, assisting you with road side support, directions, luggage transport, all accommodation and breakfast / dinner arrangements, the bike, a space on trailer for each bike, breakdown service if required, when riding during the days en-route - towels for washing faces and hands (from support vehicle en-route) and a seat inside the support vehicle for each guest, etc.;

* Our advice and assistance with arrangements, GPS / maps or directions provided where required etc.;

* For support vehicle passengers all toll road fees and cost of transport included;

* Introduction to RSA’s traffic laws and the operation of the BMW motorcycle on the first day.

EXCLUDED from price:

* The price for the extra security deposit / excess for insurance per each bike will be advised upon further request. Note this will be authorized from your credit card the morning of departure, and is additional to the actual safari price, BUT will be refunded upon satisfactory return of the bike at end of the safari;

* Toll fees etc. for bike (minimal);

* Own drinks;

* Optional extra days and for any additional tours the cost of entrance fees and activities;

* International and local airfare and travel documentation where applicable;

* Lunches (this won't be much, but we specifically exclude these so you have greater choice and flexibility en-route and can choose from a variety of establishments);

* Personal purchases and laundry;

* Any new taxes introduced, travel insurance (cancellation, medical coverage etc. highly recommended), tips, other items not mentioned;

* Own riding gear and helmet (- can be purchased here, and helmets can also be rented here but we strongly recommend you bring your own);

* Extra luggage systems on bike. Note not really needed with support vehicle accompanying riders all the time transporting your luggage.

WHAT THE SAFARI COSTS for total of 5-days / 4 nights guided and fully supported Motorcycle Safari, inclusive of all items listed above (pricing on basis of minimum of 4 guests on at least 2 bikes required- valid until end June 2008):

* Price per each bike rider on a BMW F650 GS and basis 2 persons sharing accommodation is GBP 799 p/p/s or you can pay in USD then $ 1598 p/p/s.

* Price per each bike rider on a BMW R1200 GS and basis 2 persons sharing accommodation GBP 955 p/p/s or you can pay in USD then $ 1910 p/p/s.

* Price per each NON- riding partner like pillion / support vehicle passenger (so all except own motorbike) and basis 2 persons sharing accommodation: GBP 485 or USD 970 p/p/s. Note a pillion rider is also defined and charged the lower price as a non-riding partner. If you choose to supply / rent your own choice of motorcycle then this lower fee will apply to bike riders as well.

* Extra price for single accommodation preferred (rider or pillion): Please enquire.