Compass Expeditions Motorcycle Tours and Rentals

Motorcycle Tours of South America, Australia, Asia and Major Expeditions - Road of Bones

Follow Us On:
Call +61 3 9747 2379
  • Home
  • Tours
    • South America
    • North America
    • Africa
    • Australia
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Classic Rides
    • Off the Beaten Track
    • Major Expeditions
    • Go Your Own Way
    • Special Events
  • Go Your Own Way
    • Australian Bike Rental
    • South American Bike Rental
    • Self Guided Tours
    • Trip Extensions
      • Australia
      • Europe
      • South America
      • Africa
      • Asia
  • More
    • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
    • Frequent Rider Program
    • It Pays To Have Friends – The Compass Expeditions Referral Program
    • FAQ
    • Ride Grade System
    • Payment Options
    • Travel Insurance
    • Terms and Conditions
      • Compass Expeditions Release and Waiver of Liability
      • Compass Expeditions Excess Reduction Policy (ERP) Summery
  • Free Promotional DVD
    • The Compass Expeditions 2020 Tour Catalogue
  • Contact Us
  • Shop
    • Compass Expeditions Merchandise
    • Books and DVDs
    • Tech and Communications
    • Camping Gear
    • Motorcycle Parts and Equipment
      • BMW R1250 GS Parts
      • BMW F850 Parts
      • BMW R1200 GS – Liquid Cooled Parts
      • BMW R1200 GS 2005-2012 Oil Head Parts
      • BMW F800 GS Parts
      • BMW F700 GS Parts
      • BMW F650 GS Parts
      • BMW R1200 RT Parts
      • Suzuki DR650 Parts
      • Harley Davidson Parts
    • Motorcycle Tyres
    • Workshop Equipment
    • Other items
  • Blog
  • Leopard spotted on Victoria Fall to Cape Town Adventure
  • Charley Boorman Victoria Falls To Cape Town
  • Charley Boorman Victoria Falls To Cape Town
  • Charley Boorman Victoria Falls To Cape Town
  • Charley Boorman Victoria Falls To Cape Town
  • Charley Boorman Victoria Falls To Cape Town
  • Charley Boorman Victoria Falls To Cape Town
  • Charley Boorman Victoria Falls To Cape Town
  • Charley Boorman Victoria Falls To Cape Town

Duration: 18 Days / 17 Nights

Charley Boorman’s Africa Adventure Ride

Victoria falls to Cape Town: Eighteen days of pure African adventure, touring 4 countries through approximately 5000 kilometres

Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho: Starting at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe, riding south through Botswana, South Africa and into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho before experiencing South Africa’s garden route back to Cape Town.

Riding with Charley Boorman is a once in a lifetime experience and offers participants a unique insight to a world far removed from most of us. This epic tide from Victoria Falls to Cape Town, via Lesotho includes Victoria Falls “The Smoke that Thunders” and the Victoria Falls Hotel, Botswana’s Wildlife, The Kingdom in the mountains – Lesotho, The Sani Pass, Spectacular Drakensberg Mountains, Exceptional riding through the Baviaanskloof National Park, Exciting Game drives and Whale watching, the southernmost tip of the continent – Agulhas Point, Chapman’s Peak drive, Cape Town & the Cape Peninsula – finishing as we started, in luxury at the famous Waterfront – The Victoria & Alfred Hotel.
Add the exceptional accommodation including staying at the legendary Victoria Falls hotel, evenings hearing the inside "Long Way" stories with mate Ewan McGregor then it adds up for and incredible unique ride experience through Africa

Yes its seems every man and his dog is offering the Vic Falls to Vic Falls ride these days but the following points should be considered when choosing who to ride with;

* An FGASA trained field guide to enhance your experience, (after all your in Africa, might as well know about what you looking at)
* Recent model, low km, BMW GS model bikes.
* A qualified paramedic along with a comprehensive, professional medical kit (just in case).
* 2 support vehicles with mechanical support, luggage and passenger carrying capacity.
* Outstanding 5 star accommodation and fine dining, EVERY night of the tour.
* Long list of inclusions such as game safaris, sundown cruises and wildlife encounters.
* Experiencing a stay at the wonderful Victoria Falls Hotel.

Join us for what will be an amazing ride!


Download an info kit

Dates & Prices



At a Glance

Tour Highlights

  • Riding with world-renowned motorcycle adventurer, Charley Boorman.
  • FGASA Field Guide – Billy Ward.
  • Victoria Falls “The Smoke that Thunders” and the Victoria Falls Hotel
  • Botswana’s Wildlife
  • The Kingdom in the mountains – Lesotho
  • The Sani Pass
  • The Spectacular Drakensberg Mountains
  • Exceptional riding through the Baviaanskloof National Park
  • Exciting Game drives
  • Whale watching (weather permitting)
  • Agulhas Point – The southern most tip of Africa
  • Chapman’s Peak drive
  • Cape Town & the Cape Peninsula
 

Included

  • Airport Transfers
  • Motorcycle rental – Late model, low mileage, BMWF800 GS, F800 GSA R1200 GS or R1200 GSA.
  • Two support vehicles with passenger carrying ability, trailer, a spare bike, spare parts and Mechanic.
  • Breakfast every day
  • Dinner every evening
  • 17 nights of luxury accommodation in excellent small hotels, remote African wildlife lodges & the 5-star Victoria Falls Hotel.
  • Services of ride leaders (Charley Boorman and Billy Ward) and support vehicle driver (mechanic).
  • Qualified FGASA Field Guide.
  • Services of a qualified paramedic equipped with a comprehensive, professional medical kit.
  • Pre-departure material and route maps
  • Garmin GPS with pre-loaded waypoints for the tour
  • Access to a satellite phone, pay per minute
  • Charley Boorman / Compass Expeditions tour shirt
  • Game Drive – Gondwana Reserve
  • Whale and Shark spotting – Gansbaai
  • Entrances to all National Parks mentioned as included in the itinerary
  • Game Drive – Zuurberg Mountain Village (Addo Elephant Reserve)

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visas (if required)
  • Pre Tour Accommodation (We recommend that you arrive in Victoria Falls no later than the 24th of September)
  • Post Tour Accommodation
  • Fuel
  • Tolls
  • Lunches
  • Personal items
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities

Upgrades

All accommodation is twin or double share, if you would like a single room there will be a single supplement: EUR 1230.00

Our motorcycles are insured and have a damage excess of US$ 1500, this amount will be held via way of a bond on your credit card for the duration of the tour.

Get a Travel Insurance Quote

Itinerary

 

Day 1: Your Victoria Falls airport transfer will take you directly to our joining hotel. Our hotel is the just a few minutes walk away from the actual falls and the famous Bungee Jump over the great Zambezi river. The town of Victoria Falls sits on the border with Livingstone in Zambia and is a fabulous place to hang out for a couple of days. There are so many activities you could do, we’d recommend you plan a day or two here before starting you tour – you won't regret it.
Day 2: The day will start with an overview of your bike, we then leave Zimbabwe and head into Botswana. The border crossing is small, but can still be tedious and slow – such is the way of Africa – it’s African Time or TIA as they say! Borders are never easy, but certainly an experience!
Day 3: Long straight roads are the order of the day today. We're heading south towards the South African border post at Martins Drift.
Day 4 & 5: We continue our ride south and cross the border at Martins Drift into South Africa. Once in South Africa we'll be riding through the Waterberg Mountain Range, through Limpopo Provence. Two nights will be spent at the Irene Country Lodge allowing us to to visit the nearby Dinokeng Reserve legendary for its Big 5 game.
Day 6: Today we will cross the border into "The Kingdom in the Mountains", Lesotho, which is essentially an alpine country with an alpine climate!
Day 7: Himeville is today's destination via the renown Sani Pass and reputedly the highest pub in Africa. The route is full of adventure and although short in distance, it can take a long time to ride.
Day 8: Today we’re now heading to the only ski resort in South Africa – Tiffindell. The off road route up to the lodge can be challenging, but we have a few options on it. We’re still very close to Lesotho – just meters away from the sheep fence that separates the two countries, as our route skirts right along the southernmost border of the Kingdom.
Day 9: Leaving Tiffendell we exit via an easier gravel route to the lovely village of Rhodes. We're now heading southwest towards the coast riding through predominantly farmland tracks. Our overnight stay is Hogsback.
Day 10: We'll visit a private motorcycle collection before continuing on our journey, starting on pavement to Fort Beaufort and then gravel to Alicedale. We overnight at the Zuurburg Mountain Village and visit Addo Elephant Park where a safari has been organized.
Day 11: Leaving Addo we enjoy a breathtaking, and at times challenging, ride through the stunning Baviaanskloof National Park
Day 12 & 13: This is a spectacular day of off-roading south, via the wonderful Prince Albert Pass, to the famous seaside resort of Knysna situated on the renowned Garden Route via the . We spend 2 nights here in our boutique 5 star hotel allowing time to relax or explore the surrounds, including a wonderful motorcycle museum
Day 14: Travelling along some of South Africa's famous garden route and riding through the Western Cape, our destination is the relaxing 11,000 ha Gondwana Game Reserve where another game drive is awaiting.
Day 15: We leave Gondwana the same way we entered, but this time turning to the west at the Herbertsdale / Mossel Bay junction. Our overnight stay is in the picturesque seaside village of Arniston perched above the roaring Indian Ocean.
Day 16: Leaving Arniston we ride to the southernmost tip of the African continent, Cape Agulhas. From the Cape we continue onto Gaansbai keeping an eye out for whales and possible sharks, and the road of course, before reaching the Marine Hotel, our spectacular hotel perched high on a cliff that overlooks Walkers Bay in Hermanus. A whale watching excursion is included, weather permitting.
Day 17: Today we have a fantastic ride along the coast to Cape Town. Before we arrive at our destination we'll get the chance to get up close and personal with the cheetahs at Cornellskop. As we close in on Cape Town we'll ride the famous Chapman's Peak Drive, awesome tar and even better views. Enjoy a celebratory meal & drinks with your new mates and Charley after an amazing & unique ride experience.
Day 18: Spend some time exploring Cape Town or depart for home.

Ride Details

Ride Profile


 

For more information on our Ride Grade system please CLICK HERE

25% of this ride is on pavement; some sections of pavement can be potholed and narrow.
75% of this ride will be on dirt. Most dirt is hard packed, although there are sections that can have loose gravel, sand and can be rutted.
    Some off-road experience is essential for this tour, we highly recommend that if you do not ride off-road regularly that an Off Road Skills course would be of benefit to develop or polish your bike handling skills before this tour.
    On the more difficult sections pillions can travel in the support vehicle, space permitting.
    Please see "Info Kit" for a more thorough route description. 

    Tour Start/End

    Tour Start: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
    Tour End: Cape Town, South Africa 

    Climate

    Starting off in Zimbabwe the days will be HOT mid 30’s Celsius / mid 90’s Fahrenheit, but with little to no rain. Riding further south into South Africa the temperatures will drop to the mid 20’s Celsius / mid 70’s Fahrenheit, but with an increased chance of rain and stormy conditions as we near the coast. It will be cold in the evening and as low as 6 Celsius / 43 Fahrenheit overnight especially in Tiffendell, South Africa.

    Accommodation

    • 17 nights of superior accommodation in luxury hotels and lodges.
    • Our accommodations range from small family run hotels through to 5 star hotels. 
    • A flexible attitude is needed as standards are not always what we are accustomed to.
    • All accommodation is on a twin share basis. If you are traveling alone we will pair you up with another solo traveler. However, if you prefer single accommodation a single supplement is available: EUR 1,230.00 

    Meals

    • On every day of the tour we include breakfast: 17 Breakfasts
    • We include mentioned dinners in reliable restaurants we have used many times before: 17 Dinners

    Important Information

    • All riders must have a valid motorcycle license and at least two years riding experience.
    • It is a requirement that all clients have appropriate insurance for this type of expedition.
    • An experienced and qualified medic will be joining us and we always carry an extensive medical kit in case of injury’s, large or small.
    • We will be utilizing two support vehicles to carry all of our luggage, equipment and other gear as well as to accommodate pillion passengers who may wish to have some time off the bike.  This means that the bikes will be traveling light without the weight of any luggage to be worried about.
    • Billy “Biketruck” Ward, Charley’s Manager and good friend, who has recently qualified as an accredited FGASA Field / Bush guide will be on hand with all sorts of information and knowledge of the region and the wildlife that we will encounter along the way.
     
    Get a Travel Insurance Quote

    Bikes

    Our late model BMW GS bikes are well maintained and with low mileage. On tour with us will be a mechanic and our support vehicles have the capacity to carry a bike if required.

     

     

    BMW R1200GS
    • 1200cc Twin cylinder boxer engine
    • Seat height 90cm (35In) Approx.
    • Inner Leg Curve 195cm (78in) Approx
    • Heated Hand Grips
    • BMW style accessory power socket
    • Engine protection bars
    • Bash plate
    • Dual purpose tyres


     

     

    BMW F800GS
    • 800cc Parallel twin cylinder engine
    • Seat height 88cm (34In) Approx.
    • Inner Leg Curve 193cm (76in) Approx
    • Heated Hand Grips
    • BMW style accessory power socket
    • Engine protection bars
    • Bash plate
    • Dual purpose tyres 
     
    BMW F750GS
    • 853cc Parallel twin cylinder engine (de-tuned)
    • Seat height 81cm (32In) Approx.
    • Inner Leg Curve 183cm (72in) Approx
    • Heated Hand Grips
    • BMW style accessory power socket
    • Engine protection bars
    • Bash plate
    • Dual purpose tyres 
     
     
    BMW F850GS
    • 853cc Parallel twin cylinder engine 
    • Seat height 86 cm (33.8 In) Approx.
    • Inner Leg Curve 190cm (75in) Approx
    • Heated Hand Grips
    • BMW style accessory power socket
    • Engine protection bars
    • Bash plate
    • Dual purpose tyres
     
     
    BMW R1250 GS
    • 1254cc Parallel twin cylinder engine 
    • Seat height 85 cm (33.5 In) Approx.
    • Inner Leg Curve 187cm (73.5in) Approx
    • Heated Hand Grips
    • BMW style accessory power socket
    • Engine protection bars
    • Bash plate
    • Dual purpose tyres
     

    Trip Extensions


    TRIP EXTENSIONS – AFRICA

    Africa is such a fantastic destination for motorcycling but there is so much more on offer than fantastic roads and exceptional vistas.

    Use the form below to let us know how we can assist in extending or enhancing your African adventure.

    Contact us using the form below:













    Insurance


    TOUR AND EXPEDITION TRAVEL INSURANCE

    At Compass Expeditions we work hard to make sure that your motorcycle tour runs smoothly and safely. Your welfare is of primary concern to us and we know that we cannot control every situation on the road or while you are traveling.

    Accidents happen, luggage is lost and tour or flight cancellations can occur, so it is our policy that all participants of Compass Expeditions tours have an appropriate level of travel insurance to cover the unforeseen. This is not only compulsory when joining a Compass Expeditions motorcycle tour, but it makes sense.

    We have sourced a number of companies that will provide you coverage in the event of an accident and/or other losses, depending on the policy selected and better still will give all Compass Expeditions customers a 10% discount off the advertised rates when purchasing through the our website, (this offer is not available over the phone). Compass Expeditions does not endorse, recommend or guarantee payment in the event of a claim from any of the insurers mentioned. We do know that they will offer a policy for clients riding a motorcycle OVER 250cc (including our bikes). This is a critical point to ensure when purchasing a policy. Compass Expeditions are offering this information as a service only to ensure all our clients are properly protected.
    seven-corners-logo

    Seven Corners:
    These policies cover clients located in the United States of America at time of purchase for travel outside of the United States on a Compass Expeditions Ride/Expedition. It works in conjunction with your US Health Care. Please click below to be directed to their website to obtain your quote.

    Travel Cover for Australians:
    This policy covers all our Australian clients when participating in a Compass Expeditions ride. Please click on the “Get a quote” button below  to be directed to our quote form. We will set up the quote for you and get back to you with options and prices for your travel insurance policy.

    button-get-a-quote


    Testimonials


     
     
    An unbelievable ride with some amazing people, thanks to Compass Motorcycle Tours, my brother from another mother Billy Ward, Mr. Adventure motorcyclist Charley Boorman, Hugo Peñasco, my Mexican brother, and our nurse Sarah for making the ride of a lifetime! 
     
    Paul, Canada
     
    My husband and I just finished the Victoria Falls to Cape Town trip with Charley Boorman and Billy Ward. This was the best trip I have even been on! We saw parts of Africa that few will see. Well planned, excellent accommodations, excellent support from the Compass Team. I would not hesitate to travel with them again!
     
    Shelli, Canada
     
     
     
    These guys have their s$#% together! Joined compass for the Victoria Falls-Cape Town trip 2017 with Charley Boorman and Billy Biketruck, Sarah and Hugo. Great leaders, great group of people. Ive done a few of these types of trips and this was by far the most organised, well thought out and hilarious expeditions I have ever been on. Congratulations guys, well done.
     
    Craig, Australia
     
     
    I must say that the trip exceeded expectations!
    I am well travelled and as such not a statement I use lightly.
     
    It's several years since my last Compass trips to both Argentina to La Paz and the second trip bottom of Chile to Pucon.
     
    The Charley factor was indeed a draw card but how refreshing to find out how down to earth and friendly the whole team was.
    The pace was perfect, challenging days, a couple of days doing miles to get to the next destination and great accommodation and food along the way.
    The team was highly professional and all worked to ensure safety and fun combined.
     
    The group as a whole were well integrated by trip end and new friendships were made.
     
    I can also highly complement Hugo and Sarah for doing a great deal of work in the background and never a moment's complaint.
     
    Billy was great fun and really engaged, never a dull moment and always well prepared and ensured a comprehensive briefing.
     
    Charley was a pleasure to travel with and he was happy to share his personal connections that made the trip extra special, motogp in the man cave , a visit to ex SA champion at his  off road bike museum and an unforgettable lunch at a winery .
     
    I really think you have a winning format and all involved should be congratulated!
     
    I will look to book other trips with you but you have set a high benchmark!
     
    Possibly Cape Town to Vic Falls next year?
     
    Please pass on my thanks to all.
     
    Kind regards
     
    Neil, UK
     
     
     
    I wanted to congratulate you and your company on the huge success of the African adventure last year. From Charley and Billy to Sarah and Hugo , you hit it out of the park!!  WELL DONE!
     
    John and Holly, USA
     



    Terms and Conditions

    Compass Expeditions

    Motorcycle Tours of South America, Australia, and Asia


    Head Office (Australia)

    Address:
    2/21 Glenville Drive,
    Melton,
    Victoria,
    3337,
    Australia

    Tours

    • South America
    • North America
    • Africa
    • Australia
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Classic Rides
    • Off the Beaten Track
    • Major Expeditions
    • Special Events

    Rentals

    • Australian Bike Rental
    • South American Bike Rental

    About Us

    • Frequent Rider Program
    • Sponsorship

    More

    • FAQs
    • Terms & Conditions: International Tours
    • Terms & Conditions: Australian Tours
    • Travel Insurance
    • Payment Options
    • Our Ride Grade System
    • Home
    • Tours
    • Go Your Own Way
    • More
    • Free Promotional DVD
    • Contact Us
    • Shop
    • Blog

    © Compass Expeditions - All Rights ReservedPrivacy | Sitemap Developed by - WD3 Web Hosting

    Compass Expeditions 2022 tour dates coming soon

    Finally – The news you have all been waiting for.

    “It’s now with the greatest of pleasure that we can announce that, like the legendary Phoenix, Compass Expeditions has arisen from the ashes and will once again offer world renowned, unique, exciting motorcycle tours across the globe.” – Mick McDonald

    Read the full story here:  Like a Phoenix from the ashes….

    Out of concern for the safety of our riders and crew until the  COVID-19 situation is under control, we have no plans to run tours in 2021.

    However, stay tuned for our  2022 tour dates and details which will be released as soon as possible.

    Follow us on Facebook and sign up for our monthly newsletter (on the Home Page) to keep informed.