Garden Route Odyssee
Into the Wilderness
An epic ride connecting the vibrant Garden Route to the remote beauty of the Karoo
An epic ride connecting the vibrant Garden Route to the remote beauty of the Karoo






9 days / 8 nights
6-12 riders
Mid October till End of April
Royal Enfield Classic 500cc
1700 km
5 out of 10
Cape Town, South Africa
Safari Game Drive, Wine Tasting, Penguin Viewing, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Sunset Sail/Whale Watching
Certified English speaking Tour Guide, support vehicle for luggage & spares, Mechanic, Back-up motorcycle
30%-40% easy gravel/off-road
Embark on an exciting motorcycle tour that unveils the captivating landscapes, rich wildlife, and diverse cultures of South Africa.
Our tour is your gateway to experiencing the absolute best that the Western Cape has to offer. From the rhythmic crash of ocean waves to the awe-inspiring grandeur of majestic mountains, from traversing desert landscapes to meandering through lush, sun-drenched vineyards – this is your ticket to a whirlwind of unforgettable moments.
Prices are for tours with 6-12 riders. For tours with 6 or more riders, we provide a support vehicle with on-tour mechanic. For tours with less riders, the luggage will be carried by each rider on the motorcycle. Tours are also available on request and as private tour.
We meet at RETZA at 8:30am where you’ll be introduced to your loyal companion, the Royal Enfield bike, your tour guide and your ride companions.
After a welcome coffee and a detailed tour briefing, you will 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, we 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.
Road Condition: Tarmac & 10% easy gravel | Highlights: Clarence Drive, Rooi Els Penguins, Hermanus Whale Watching from the shore
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, your motorcycle adventure ventures into the rugged beauty of South Africa with a 300km route that includes tar and some easy gravel roads.
Start your day with an optional Marine Big 5 boat tour in Gaansbai, where sharks and whales make appearances in the bay. After the exciting 2.5-hour experience, journey through the quaint town of Elim to reach Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa.
A unique highlight awaits: crossing the Breede River on a hand-pulled ferry. As we navigate the challenging yet rewarding Troudow Pass, you’ll find yourself captivated by the untamed landscape.
Our day’s journey concludes in the artsy town of Barrydale, offering a distinctive ambiance that you won’t forget.
Road Condition: Tarmac & easy gravel Mix | Highlights: Elim Village, Cape Agulhas, Handpulled Ferry, Tradouw Pass
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s 260km journey along the famous R62 route promises some of the most stunning scenery in the country. We make a stop at Ronnie’s Sex Shop, a quirky pub and international landmark, creating an exciting fusion of riding and unexpected cultural encounters.
From here, we ride inland onto the graded gravel roads that take us further into the heart of the Klein Karoo, passing by farms and mountain passes, and some marvellous. landscapes. Watch out for the occasional wildlife such as Ostriches, Kudu and Springboks that you will spot on your route.
Road Condition: Tarmac roads & Gravel, some off-road
Highlights: Route 62, Ronnie’s Sex Shop, Oudtshoorn, Wildlife
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a hearty breakfast, we make our way towards the famous Garden Route. Although the ride is short in km, it is a stunning route that will take you through incredible backroads and scenery.
The Montagu Pass is a magnificent 17km gravel pass that connects the Klein Karoo with the Coast. While the tarred Outeniqua pass is the modern and fast access highway, we will take the “old route” for its charm and adventure. km journey along the famous R62 route promises some of the most stunning scenery in the country.
One we reach Wilderness, we stop for lunch and enjoy the coastal breeze and amazing views of the long stretched beaches! It’s a piece of heaven for many.
The day concludes with the stunning ride along the ocean along Kleinkrantz and Sedgefield as we head to Knysna, your final destination for the day.
Road Condition: Tarmac roads & Gravel, some off-road
Highlights: Montagu Pass, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Seven Passes, Knysna
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a breather on this leisure day in Knysna.
You can recharge or explore at your own pace, with optional activities that range from serene rides to Knysna Heads and Buffelsbay to adrenaline-pumping adventures like paragliding, seal snorkeling and kayaking.
Those keen to join a local right, we will lead you on a leisurely ride to the Knysna Heads, Buffelsbay and Plettenberg, showing you the highlights of this area.
Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the area or indulge in local flavors during a gin tasting session.
Road Condition: Tarmac roads
Optional Activities: Local ride, Ziplining, Tandem Paragliding, Kloofing, Tsitsikamma Park, Kayaking, Knysna Gin Tasting, Knysna Brewery Visit
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start the day with a beautiful gravel ride through the Prince Alfred Pass which takes you through breathtaking landscapes towards Uniondale, a true motorcycling enthusiast’s dream.
From here, we continue our ride through the stunning mountains towards your destination, Oudtshoorn where we offer the choice of a night safari or an early morning safari, a chance to witness South Africa’s wildlife in its natural habitat.
Road Condition: Tarmac & Off-road Mix | Highlights: Prince Alfreds Pass, Uniondale, Game Drive Safari (Night or morning)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your day with an exhilarating morning game drive safari with lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo are more…, immersing yourself in the wonders of wildlife.
Depart Oudtshoorn and navigate gravel roads before rejoining the R62 route.
We then pass through the awe-inspiring Seven Weeks Poort, nestled in a stunning mountain valley. The last bit of your journey continues for 20km on the N1 Highway towards Matjiesfontein, a quaint historical town with inviting attractions like the Old Post Office, a historical Car Museum, and an old British train station.
Road Condition: Tarmac & Off-road Mix
Highlights: Game Safari, SevenWeeksPoort, Matjiesfontein, Historic Car Museum
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This 300km journey sees us transition from the arid Klein Karoo desert region to the green and lush area of Franschhoek.
The Franschhoek Pass adds an extra layer of excitement with stunning views over the valley before we descend into the town itself.
Franschhoek is renowned for its vineyards, South African wine, and culinary delights.
Here, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in wine tasting, a wine cellar visit, or simply stroll through the French-historical town, indulging in culture and flavors.
Road Condition: Tarmac & Off-road Mix | Highlights: Route 62, Montagu, Franschhoek Pass, Theewaterskloof Dam
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our journey kicks off with a easy ride through the famous winelands of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, including the beautiful Helshoogte Pass.
From here, we head south for our highlight of the last day, the mesmerizing Cape Peninsula.
We ride through the charming coastal towns of Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, and Simonstown. Here, you’ll have the chance to visit the famous penguins of Boulders Beach.
As we follow the 130km route, we journey past Cape Nature (Cape of Good Hope) and the stunning Misty Cliffs, before the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive beckons, offering thrilling twists and turns with mesmerizing views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Your day concludes in the picturesque Hout Bay, and finally, the trendy beachfront of Camps Bay and a last ride up on Signal Hill with stunning views over Cape Town city, before we head back to RETZA where you will return your Royal Enfield motorcycle at the end of the tour.
Road Condition: Tarmac
Highlights: Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch, Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Simons Town, Boulders Beach, Misty Cliffs, Chapman’s Peak, Camps Bay, Signal Hill
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Yes! To ride any of our 500cc Royal Enfield motorcycles, a valid motorcycle license is required. We do allow a Learner’s License and Full Licenses.
Absolutely! All our motorcycles are equipped with a pillion seat.
When booking your rider ticket, simply add the add-on ticket for a pillion passenger to your booking.
Here is our recommended packing list:
We meet at 8:30am at RETZA.
After a warm welcome and hot coffee, we complete all the formalities, check and setup your motorcycle for the tour, and conduct the tour briefing for the day.
We start the day early to allow us plenty of time for our leisurely ride (60-80kmh)and many stops on route and to ensure you have a rich and wonderful experience.
Yes! This tour can be booked for any date, starting with one rider to larger groups.
We also offer fixed departure days, if you’d like to join a set tour date.
For groups of 6 riders or more, we include a support vehicle and on-tour mechanic that will carry extra spare parts and all the guest luggage.
For group sizes less than 6 riders, the luggage will be transported on each motorcycle. You are welcome to bring your own duffel bag or saddle bags, or to hire one of RETZA’s Saddlebags (R200/day).
For groups of 6 riders or more, we include a support vehicle and on-tour mechanic that will carry extra spare parts and that carries all the guest luggage.
For group sizes less than 6 riders, the luggage will be transported on each motorcycle. You are welcome to bring your own duffel bag or saddle bags, or to hire one of RETZA’s Saddlebags (R200/day).
We’ve handpicked quaint and privately owned accommodation that we personally have tested and love to stay in.
All stays are on 3*-4* level, ensuring cosy comfort, great views and amazing hospitality by a lovely team!
All rooms are twin rooms and on sharing basis. Changes to double rooms are possible and if you prefer your own room, you can book the single room upgrade.
Here is our recommended packing list:
We are here to answer all your questions! If you can’t find the information below, please contact us via email, WhatsApp (+27 73 787 0071) or Social Media.