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Best motorcycle destinations in Africa

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Atlas Mountains
Majestic peaks echo ancient desert horizons
8.5
French military engineers built the road over Tizi n'Tichka in 1936 along an old caravan trail. A 2022 GPS measurement put the pass at 7,234 feet, the highest major pass in North Africa. It links Marrakesh with Ouarzazate across the High Atlas. Snow can fall from November to March.
Highlights:
  • 🐫 Ride a camel across the Atlas desert plateau
  • ✨ Stargaze from Toubkal Base Camp overnight
  • 🏔️ Hike Oukaimeden's alpine trails at sunrise
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
7.6
Chapman's Peak Drive covers 5.6 miles and 114 curves between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. It starts at the Hout Bay fishing harbour and skirts the peak above the Atlantic. The toll road was built during the First World War. Motorcycles count as Category 1 vehicles. Check the current road status before riding.
Highlights:
  • 🍽️ Explore the V&A Waterfront and dine by the sea
  • 🚡 Ride the cable car for breathtaking city views
  • 🥾 Hike to the top of Table Mountain
Swakopmund
Coastal charm meets desert horizons
8.9
Where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic, the city began in 1892. It served as the main harbour of German South West Africa. Benguela Current fog can reach 87 miles inland. Coastal areas see more than 180 days of thick fog a year, so ride with care. Dune activities near Langstrand include quad biking.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Scuba dive among vibrant coral reefs
  • 🐪 Ride camel across the white dunes
  • 🏖️ Sail on the Atlantic coast at sunset
Merzouga
Sahara Dunes, Starry Nights
6.9
Dry riverbeds and desert sections surround Merzouga. One guided tour follows old Dakar Rally routes and rates the riding extremely challenging, aimed at experts. Erg Chebbi's dunes are among the tallest in the Sahara. The village lies about 31 miles from the Algerian border. Take an offroad training course first.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Watch stunning Sahara sunsets over golden sand
  • ⛺ Spend a magical night in a Berber desert camp
  • 🐪 Ride camels across the towering Erg Chebbi dunes
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
Barrier of spears touching sky
7.7
Border posts on Sani Pass open at 6am and close at 6pm. Bad weather often shuts the pass, especially in winter. The 5.6 mile gravel route climbs to 9,436 feet with gradients up to 1 in 3. South Africa generally allows only 4x4 vehicles, so check the rules for motorcycles first.
Highlights:
  • 🦅 Spot eland and bearded vultures soaring above valleys
  • 🖼️ Explore ancient San rock art at Giants Castle Reserve
  • 🥾 Hike the Giants Cup Trail through breathtaking mountain scenery
Garden Route
Scenic vineyards and coastal cliffs
Archaeological finds near Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay and Stilbaai link the area to the origins of human culture. The route runs about 190 miles from Witsand to Storms River. Outeniqua Pass and Garcia's Pass climb to the Little Karoo. Winters rarely drop below 50°F and rain falls year round, so pack rain gear.
Highlights:
  • 🍤 Savor fresh seafood at a coastal village
  • 🏞️ Explore Tsitsikamma National Park’s canopy walkway over cliffs
  • 🚗 Drive scenic Garden Route, stop at Knysna Heads
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