RETZA - 7 Days Cape to Karoo Tour

Activity Description

THIS TOUR HAS IT ALL!
Welcome to our exhilarating 7-day/6-night Coast-2-Karoo motorcycle tour! Get ready for a remarkable journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, unique experiences, and unforgettable memories!

This tour will take you from the windy and coastal region of Cape Town and Hermanus all the way to the dry dessert area of the Klein Karoo! Experience the rich diversity of South African culture and landscapes and ride on some of the most picturesque coastal roads in the world on this 7 day / 6 nights tour.

Our multi-day day tour offers you the best of riding experience by providing a balance of smooth tar roads and challenging gravel roads. Join us on an unforgettable trip that leaves you with new memories, fantastic experiences and many new friends in South Africa!

Fixed Tour Dates 2025:

Tour 1: 20.01.-26.01.2025 (Monday to Sunday)
Tour 2: 02.03.-08.03.2025 (Sunday to Saturday)
Tour 3: 26.10.-01.11.2025 (Sunday to Saturday)

Private tour departures on request.

QUICK FACTS:

7 days/ 6 nights, including 7 riding days
6-10 riders
1500km
Mix of tar and gravel
Difficulty level: 4 out of 10
Best Season: September till April

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: CAPE PENINSULA EXPLORER (200km)

Today marks the beginning of your motorcycle adventure! We meet at RETZA at 8:30am where you’ll complete all formalities and receive the route briefing for the day. Then it’s time to start your adventure! Embark on an awe-inspiring Cape Peninsula tour, tracing the coastline along Boyes Drive. Visit the historic Simon’s Town, home to a charming naval base, and marvel at the adorable African penguins on Boulders Beach. Continue your ride to Cape Point and the legendary Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge. Along the way, enjoy the breathtaking views from Misty Cliff and navigate the winding roads of Chapman’s Peak. Your day concludes riding through the picturesque Hout Bay, and finally, the trendy beachfront of Camps Bay, before we lead you up on Signal Hill for stunning views over Cape Town.

DAY 2: CAPE TOWN TO HERMANUS VIA CLARENCE DRIVE (280km)

Bid farewell to Cape Town as you journey along a 150km route, experiencing the stunning Clarence Drive and its panoramic mountain-ocean views.
En route, stop at Rooi Els, home to a free-roaming penguin colony. Your day ends in Hermanus, renowned for its whale watching opportunities. Enjoy a coastal walk and keep your eyes peeled for sightings of these magnificent creatures.

DAY 3: HERMANUS TO BARRYDALE (280km)

Today’s ride continues to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, where the two oceans meet in a fierce embrace. From here, you cross the hand-pulled Malgas Ferry and navigate gravel roads, immersing yourself in the rugged beauty of the landscape. Traverse the captivating Tradouw Pass after which we reach our destination for the day: the charming and artsy village of Barrydale. Don’t miss the chance to visit the famous Ronnie’s Sex Shop, a quirky and iconic roadside pub.

DAY 4: BARRYDALE TO OUDTSHOORN (320km)

Today’s route will take you on the Route 62, a famous route renowned for its scenic beauty. As you ride through the winding roads, you’ll pass through rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint little towns like Ladismith and Calitzdrop, known for its hotsprings. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and keep your eyes peeled for photo opportunities. We will stop for quaint pad stalls and occasionally take you off the tar road for some gravel adventures.

DAY 5: OUDTSHOORN TO MATJIESFONTEIN (270km)

Wake up to the call of the wild and embark on an early morning game drive, surrounded by the natural splendor of the region. After this exhilarating safari, we will get ready for the day. Today’s ride takes you to Matjiesfontein, a charming village frozen in time. Your journey is a blend of gravel roads and smooth tarmac, offering a diverse riding experience. After lunch, we will ride through Seven Weeks Port, a beautiful gravel pass that will lead you through stunning mountains on either side.

DAY 6: MATJIESFONTEIN TO FRANSCHHOEK (250km)

Bid farewell to Matjiesfontein and set your course toward Franschhoek, a picturesque valley surrounded by vineyards and mountains. We leave the dry dessert area of the Karoo and head back to the lush and green area of the Winelands, riding partially on the N2, before we turn inland into smaller farm roads and gravel roads. The route leads us via Theewaterskoof dam, one of Cape Town’s main water reservoirs. From here, encounter the captivating Franschhoek Pass, a winding road that offers panoramic views of the valley below. We stop on top for a picture opportunity and to take in the mesmerising view over the valley. Upon arrival in Franschhoek, indulge your senses in a delightful wine tasting experience, savoring the rich flavors of the region. Later, enjoy a dinner, pairing exquisite wines with French cuisine.

DAY 7: FRANSCHHOEK TO CAPE TOWN (130km)

As your incredible adventure draws to a close, embark on a 130km ride back to Cape Town. Traverse the Helshoogte Pass, pass through Stellenbosch, and reach Philadelphia. Before arriving in Cape Town, we explore the West Coast, a region offering a striking contrast to previous landscapes. Enjoy the iconic view of Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand as you reflect on your incredible journey. The day ends back in Cape Town, where we return our motorcycles and check into our hotel for the last time. To celebrate this adventure, we conclude the day with a sunset sail and a dinner, before we bid adieu.

Arrangements

Duration152 hours

WhenFIXED DEPARTURE TOUR DATES 2025 Tour 1 20.01.-26.01.2025 Tour 2 02.03.-08.03.2025 Tour 3 26.10.-01.11.2025 Please contact us for private tours and alternate tour dates.

Where9 Factory Road, Corner Brickfield Rd Salt River. Cape Town

WeatherNo weather restrictions. Cape Town can experience strong wind and gusts which require extra attention of the rider and cautious riding. Depending on the seasons, it can be rainy or cloudy, however, this usually doesn't last longer than a day. In case of any severe weather conditions, RETZA has the right to adapt or change the route to ensure the best outcome for our guests.

What to WearProtective motorcycle gear (Jackets & Pants) Closed ankle high shoes, Boots or Motorcyle boots Motorcycle Gloves Buff / Scarf Sunglasses If rainy: rain gear

Things to BringHere is our recommended packing list: A duffel bag or soft panniers that can be strapped to your motorcycle - we offer the rental of saddle bags at R200 per day. Motorcycle helmet Motorcycle gear (jacket, pants, gloves) Motorcycle boots or closed boots/high ankle shoes - NO Sandals! Layers are your best friend! The Western Cape often has 4 seasons in a day, hence make sure to bring something for hot & sunny, windy, chill evenings and a little bit of rain. A wind cheater, long-sleeve A headlamp or torch (we do face load-shedding at times) Comfortable pants Comfortable shoes or sandals to change into Sunscreen A buff - for riding and at night Personal toiletries (shower gel and shampoo are often provided by the hotel) Any medication you might require personally Electronics / Technology: You are welcome to bring your GoPro and cameras on the tour. Our mechanics will gladly assist you with the fitment. If you have a USB mobile phone charger for motorcycles, this can be fitted on the bike prior to the tour.

Guests or SpectatorsNo spectators, all paying guests

Requirements

Minimum Age18 years

Minimum Height0.0 m

Maximum Height0.0 m

Fitness LevelAverage

QualificationsLicence

Maximum Weight0.0 kg

CertificationNone Required

Experience LevelIntermediate

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

GUIDED TOURS
All our tours are accompanied by a qualified & trained tour guide who will take you to the unbeaten paths of South Africa, and show you its history and secrets for a truly local experience.

The experience includes:

A welcome Coffee at RETZA,
Royal Enfield Classic 500cc for the tour, Fuel for the ride,
6 night accommodation (shared/Twin room), Upgrade to single room is available at extra cost
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner,
Toll Fee (Chapman’s Peak), Malgas Ferry, 1 x Game Drive, Wine Tasting, Visit to Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
A certified Tour Guide as lead rider on his/her own Royal Enfield motorcycle,
A map of the route.
Support vehicle and on-tour mechanic for groups >6 riders,
And 7 days of unforgettable memories.

Exclusions

Visa, International flights, Meals others than specified, Alcoholic beverages (other than wine tasting), Tips, Personal expenses, gifts, Entrance fees to activities (such as whale watching) and sights (Cape Point National park, Table Mountain) not specified in inclusions, Any damages to the bike. A Security Deposit of R15,000 is due upon tour begin. The personal excess is R15,000.

RENTAL GEAR:
We can provide additional motorcycle gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, mobile phone holder and saddlebags) on request and at an additional rental fee.

Notes

DAMAGES: the motorcycle is rented out as is, i.e. after a detailed check by the RETZA staff and the customer and the signage and approval of its condition. Any damages found upon its return will be considered new and are chargeable. Any issues encountered during the rental period must be immediately informed to RETZA who will advise on the next steps.

Here are our Cancellation & Refund Terms!

Refund for rentals:
> 4 weeks: 100%
4-2 weeks: 50%
2-1 week: 25%
less than 7 days: non-refundable

Refund for 2h, half days & 1 day tours :
> 2 week: 100%
2-1 week: 50%
less than 7 days: non-refundable

Refund for multi-day tours (>7 days):
> 6 weeks: 100%
4-6 weeks: 50%
2-4 weeks: 25%
less than 2 weeks: non-refundable

We are happy to assist with any add-ons and extensions bookings for your Cape Town stay, to make sure you have a wonderful time!
We offer on request and at additional charge:
*Custom Tours

Additional tour activities and attractions (Paragliding, Zip-Lining, Scuba Diving, Table Mountain, Shark Cage Diving, Bungee Jumping, Private Game Reserve, Wine Tastings, and lots more!)
Private tours and alternate dates on request.