Karoo ۰ West coast ۰ Namaqualand

Motorcyles Used:

KTM 1290 ADVENTURE R

KTM 1190 ADVENTURE R

KTM 690 Enduro R 

The main route for the trip starts in Sutherland. With Kaleo guest farm, Clanwilliam, Doring bay, Groenriviermond, Kamieskroon and Nama bike camp being the main stops, in that order, before ending back at Sutherland.
The terrain over the 7 days differs immensely. From flat and endless plains to majestic mountains, with great mountain passes for riding, and some west coast scenery where sea food lovers will enjoy this part of the trip.
As things don’t always go to plan the route had to be altered but is explained in the full day to day ride report. The route mostly consists of gravel roads and some 4x4 tracks where caution must be taken. Always ensure to do some research on the roads mentioned in this report as the level of difficulty varies for each rider and bike combo.
Bikes used in this trip is listed with their modifications and tyre combo of choice as well as a comment section by the riders that joined Just Bike tyre along on this trip.

Day 1: 280km Sutherland ۰ Tankwa national park ۰ Tankwa Padstall ۰ Kaleo guest farm 

At the start of our planned route we had to make some alterations due to unexpected, but welcome, heavy snowfall. The original plan was to start in sutherland and follow the route summary as stated above (Sutherland ۰ Tankwa national park ۰ Tankwa Padstall ۰ Kaleo guest farm ).  The icey conditions of sutherland and the surrounding area forced us to tow the bikes to Kaleo guest farm. This route is still an option if you encounter  drier conditions.

Day 2: 209km Kaleo guest farm۰ Dorp op die berg ۰ Wupperthal ۰ Clanwilliam 

The days ride took us to Wupperthal via the Eselbank Pass and did not disappoint as we were welcomed by beautiful scenery. Keep in mind that the Eselbank pass is a 4x4 track, although we encountered no issues and our 1190 rider rode 2 up through the pass, ensure to do your own research.
Coming from the south, Just past Eselbank town you will see a sign for Eselbank waterfall on your right hand. Ensure to stop and walk to the Eselbank waterfall and you will be rewarded with some beautiful scenery.
Wupperthal has a genuine leather factory that can be visited but unfortunately was closed during our visit. With some time on our hands before heading to Clanwilliam via the pakhuis pass, we opted for a round trip through Biedouw valley

Day 3: 192km Clanwilliam۰ Het Kruis ۰ Elandsbay ۰ Lamberts Bay ۰ Doring Bay 

Heading to the west coast of South Africa. Our plan was just to reach the coast, with as much gravel road as possible, to do a day of coastal view riding. Lunch at Isabellas in Lamberts bay harbour was the highlight of the day.    **Take note a permit must be arranged to ride from Lamberts Bay to Doring Bay on the coastal road. Ensure to read on updated sources regarding the permit requirements at the time of your trip.**

Day 4: 158km Doring Bay ۰ Lutzville ۰Groenrivier mond 

This section of the trip we expected some soft sand riding and just after Brandsebaai the track becomes extremely sandy and is not recommended for larger heavy bikes. With our trip we did not make it to our destination of Groenrivier mond due to unforeseen circumstances.  We wild camped a few km just past Brandsebaai.  **Always stick to local rules and close all gates at all times. Please clean up your camp and leave the camping spot as you have found.**

Day 5: 260km Groenrivier mond ۰ Garies ۰ Hondeklip Bay ۰ Soebatsfontein ۰ Kamieskroon

Due to day 4 route being altered we had to cut out Hondeklip Bay on day 5. The coastal route straight to Hondeklip bay is an extremely sandy 4x4 track and was not an option with the larger heavy bikes. We routed to Kotzesrus then Garies for a refuel stop and continued to Kamieskroon via Soebatsfontein through the Namaqua national park.

Day 6: 255km Kamieskroon ۰Leliefontein ۰ Nama Bike Camp

Great days riding ahead with the destination, Nama Bike Camp, a fun spot to end the day with a great bar and atmosphere.  On your way to Nama Bike Camp you should consider to take one of the most scenic passes on the trip, Langkloof pass. Langkloof pass is on the gravel route from Leliefontein to where in connects back with the N7. Plenty of farm gates will be encountered, be sure to keep them as you have found them. 

Day 7: 328km Nama Bike Camp ۰ Clanwilliam ۰Cederberg wilderness Area  ۰ Sutherland

Google maps will route an option north of Tankwa to Sutherland, but due to the season of our trip the Doring river crossing was flooded. We therefore opted for a route south through the Cederberg wilderness area to avoid crossing the Doringrivier.
Uitkyk Pass in the Cederberg wilderness area is another scenic pass of the trip. **Due to the weather in the start of the trip we ended at Kaleo Guest farm**