I was chatting to my mate Johan Kriek, a tour operator with umpteen years of experience, and bemoaning the fact that, whilst there are plenty of organised tours for adventure riders who enjoy getting their wheels dirty, nobody seems to cater for roadies who appreciate the journey rather than seeing how quickly they can get to their destination.
I’m talking about a tour with no egos and no pressure to ride like your hair is on fire. Just good roads, good company and the simple pleasure of traversing our beautiful corner of Africa and taking in the sights from the saddle. A tour for distinguished motorcyclists, if you will.
Well, the next thing, this lands in my inbox…
“Distinguished Motorcycle Tours offers premium, slow-paced journeys created specifically for the discerning, mature rider. Each itinerary is carefully designed to showcase the natural beauty of Southern Africa, with accommodation selected to reflect the character of each destination.
“Daily distances are planned with comfort in mind, prioritising the pleasure of the journey over speed. Whether you ride a classic cruiser, modern tourer or adventure bike, all reliable motorcycles are welcome. Gravel roads are avoided wherever possible, allowing riders to enjoy a relaxed and memorable touring experience.”
Six-Day Eswatini/Swaziland Motorcycle Tour and Safari
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a compact and culturally rich destination that lends itself perfectly to a motorcycle tour from South Africa. Think excellent roads, big-game reserves, ancient mountains and vibrant local traditions.
Please note: The tour requires a minimum of six motorcycles and accommodates a maximum of 10.
Day One (350 km)
The tour departs from Gauteng and travels through Carolina before reaching the Oshoek Border Post.
After completing the border formalities, riders enter Eswatini and stop at Ngwenya Glass for lunch. From there, the route passes through the capital, Mbabane, before continuing to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
Special permission has been arranged for the motorcycles to enter the sanctuary and travel directly to the overnight accommodation.
Mlilwane is Eswatini’s pioneering conservation area and an example of what can be achieved when passion, vision and action come together. Established on what was once a successful multipurpose farm, the sanctuary was dismissed by some as an “impossible dream” before being proclaimed in 1961. Today, it is one of the Kingdom’s most popular ecotourism destinations.
The name Mlilwane means “Little Fire” in siSwati and was inspired by the lightning strikes that frequently caused fires on Mlilwane Hill. It later came to represent the small spark that ignited Eswatini’s conservation movement.
The evening ends around a campfire said to have been burning continuously for more than 50 years—the perfect setting in which to share a cold one after the first day’s ride.
Day Two (238 km)
The route leaves the sanctuary along its newly paved access road before joining the MR3 highway. Near Manzini, riders turn south and travel through the rolling hills of Nkwene towards Nhlangano, where the group will refuel and stop for lunch.
From Nhlangano, a highly scenic section of road winds through Hlatikulu, offering dramatic mountain views before descending onto the flat plains alongside the Lebombo Mountains—the natural border between Eswatini and Mozambique.
The day ends at KaMsholo Nature Reserve, where the group will spend the night.
Day Three (90 km)
After two days in the saddle, Day Three offers a slower start, with the group departing KaMsholo at approximately 10h00. A relaxed 90 km ride through Eswatini’s beautiful Lowveld leads to Hlane Royal National Park.
Hlane Royal National Park was proclaimed in 1967, six years after the establishment of Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, under the instruction of King Sobhuza II. The name “Hlane” means “wilderness” in siSwati.
Covering approximately 22,000 hectares, Hlane is known for its ancient hardwood habitats, diverse vegetation, abundant birdlife and impressive populations of big game. The park was once a royal hunting ground and is now home to species including rhino, lion, elephant, vultures and marabou storks.
Riders can end the day with an optional 2.5-hour sunset game drive, stopping at a scenic location to watch the sun disappear over the African wilderness. The game drive is not included in the tour price.
Day Four (130 km)
The day begins with an early-morning activity before the tour continues through northern Eswatini, passing the region’s extensive sugar-cane estates on the way to the sugar-cane museum.
After visiting the museum, the group rides to the Mananga Border Post and crosses back into South Africa.
The highlight of the day is lunch at the one and only Carlos, a Lowveld favourite known for its Portuguese prawns and chicken.
After lunch, it is a short ride to Boulders Safari Lodge, where riders can cool off in the rock pool and watch the sun set over the untamed Lowveld wilderness.
Day Five (210 km)
Day Five takes riders onto the Mpumalanga Panorama Route, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s finest motorcycling roads.
The route climbs more than 1,000 metres from the subtropical Lowveld onto the high-altitude escarpment, passing through the popular riding towns of Sabie and Graskop.
Lunch is planned at Harrie’s Pancakes in Graskop before the tour continues past the Sudwala Caves and on to the picturesque village of Kaapsehoop, where the group will spend its final night.
Day Six — Scenic Route (305 km) or Direct N4 Route (232 km)
The scenic return route crosses the Great Escarpment, following winding river valleys and passing expansive wetlands before opening into the African bushveld.
From Belfast, a subalpine highland town often wrapped in mist, the route passes the Steenkampsberg Grasslands and Wetlands. This protected highland ecosystem offers riders the chance to spot all three of South Africa’s crane species—the blue, grey crowned and wattled cranes.
From there, the tour continues through Stofberg and Groblersdal. As the air becomes warmer, the landscape gradually changes to hardy acacia trees, wild aloes and vast, sun-drenched vistas.
The journey concludes in “Bronkies”—Bronkhorstspruit—where riders say their goodbyes and, hopefully, begin planning the next adventure.
Tour Details
Total distance: Less than 1,500 km
Tour price: R8 350 per rider in single-occupancy accommodation / R4 995 per pillion in shared accommodation
Included:
- Professional tour leader
- Single-occupancy accommodation with en-suite facilities
- All breakfasts
- A carefully planned six-day route
Excluded:
- Border fees
- Park entrance fees (a valid SANParks Wild Card is accepted where applicable)
- Museum entrance fees
- Optional activities
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Drinks
- Gratuities
Please note: No backup vehicle will accompany the tour, so riders will need to carry their own luggage.
Motorcycles
Classic motorcycles, cruisers, tourers and adventure bikes are all welcome, provided they are reliable and roadworthy.
The tour will take place predominantly on tar roads and will be conducted at a relaxed pace.
Your Tour Leader
With more than 40 years of experience in the saddle and an established track record as a tour operator, Johan Kriek understands what goes into creating a memorable motorcycle journey.
Distinguished Motorcycle Tours is his latest venture, created for riders who appreciate a slower, more considered style of travel. Johan invites riders to step away from the demands of everyday life, reconnect with their passion for the open road and rediscover the simple pleasure of the journey.
Contact: [email protected] / 083 305 8083
Tour itinerary, pricing and information were supplied by Distinguished Motorcycle Tours. Please confirm dates, availability, costs and final arrangements directly with the organiser.
