Cape Odyssey Expedition
Ride Beyond the End of the Tar.
The Route
Ten days deep into the Cape's wildest terrain — six mountain passes before lunch on day one, a private ranger-escorted ride through Sanbona Game Reserve, the legendary Swartberg and Seweweekspoort at their gravel best, nights beneath some of the clearest skies on Earth — before the vast plains of the Karoo give way to the Atlantic once more. This isn't a road you drive. It's a road you earn.
Roads carved by mountains, rivers and time.
Why This Expedition
For Riders Who Came to Get Dirty.
Cape Grand shows you the Cape's finest roads. Cape Odyssey takes you somewhere most riders never go — the gravel tracks, forgotten passes and wide-open Karoo that don't make it onto a rental-car itinerary. This is riding as it's meant to be: technical, remote, and entirely on your own terms once the tar runs out.
Departures are kept intentionally small, guided by people who've ridden every one of these passes more times than they can count — the kind of local knowledge that finds a private ranger-led route through Sanbona when the map says there isn't one. If you'd rather keep the adventure on tar, our Cape Grand expedition trades gravel for comfort without losing the spirit.
Day by Day
Ten Days Around the Cape.
A route we've ridden, refined and ridden again — built around the passes, wildlife and coastline that make this loop unlike anything else on the continent.
The Ride
Built for Adventure Riders.
Cape Odyssey is built for riders who want genuine adventure, not just a photo of one. Here's exactly what to expect — no oversell.
Road Surface
Roughly 60–70% gravel across the ten days — real adventure-riding terrain, not just a detour off the tar.
Daily Distance
120–320km most days, with two shorter days built around Sanbona and the Swartberg to savour the terrain.
Technical Difficulty
Moderate to challenging. Loose gravel, occasional river crossings, and long stretches without fuel or phone signal.
Ideal Rider
Riders with some off-road or dual-sport experience who want genuine adventure. New to gravel? Our rider training gets you ready.
Expedition Highlights
The Stories You'll Be Telling for Years.
A Private Ride Through Sanbona
A ranger-escorted route through one of Africa's great wildlife reserves, gravel under your wheels and game roaming free on either side.
The Swartberg, Slowed Right Down
Almost entirely gravel, almost entirely silent — just you, the pass, and views that stop conversation.
Seweweekspoort's River Crossings
Towering cliffs and winding water crossings on one of South Africa's most spectacular gravel roads.
A Sky Full of Stars at Sutherland
Home to some of the clearest night skies on Earth — more stars than most riders have ever seen in one place.
Every Expedition Includes
Authentic Accommodation
Wherever possible, stay on working farms, boutique retreats and carefully selected lodges chosen for their character, hospitality and authentic connection to every journey.
Professional Photography & Video
Professionally captured photography, cinematic films and immersive 360° footage preserve every unforgettable moment for you to relive and share long after the expedition ends.
Flexible Departures
Choose travel dates that suit you, with departures built around rider demand, private journeys available for groups, and every expedition thoughtfully planned around your preferred schedule.
Where You'll Stay
Remote, Not Rustic.
After a day like this, you've earned more than a bed. Expect farm stays in the Karoo where the nearest town is an hour's ride away, guesthouses in Prince Albert and Sutherland with more character than convenience, and evenings around the fire under skies so dark you can see the Milky Way properly, maybe for the first time. This is accommodation that matches the riding — a little wilder, a little further from anywhere, exactly as it should be. Planning a private departure for your riding club or company? Explore our private expeditions.
What's Included
Inclusions & Exclusions.
- 11 nights' handpicked accommodation
- 10 days motorcycle hire
- 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners
- Professional XMoto guide leading every ride
- Dedicated support vehicle with luggage transport throughout the expedition
- Choice of either the Bloukrans Bungy Jump or the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour
- Knysna sunset lagoon cruise
- Airport transfers between Cape Town International Airport and Melkbosstrand
- Comprehensive route planning and detailed itinerary
- Filtered drinking water, coffee and trail snacks
- XMoto expedition T-shirt, cap and sticker pack
- Comprehensive motorcycle insurance (standard excess applies)
- All toll fees
- Professional expedition photography
- Your own digital expedition gallery
- Cinematic highlight video
- 360° riding footage and action clips
- Drone footage (where conditions and regulations permit)
- All applicable taxes
- International and domestic flights
- Fuel
- Personal travel insurance (compulsory)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not specifically listed as included
- Personal purchases and items of a personal nature
- Anything not specifically listed under "What's Included"
Cape Odyssey Expedition Pricing
R110,000 per rider.
≈ $6,778 USD · $9,483 AUD · £5,032 GBP · €5,823 EUR, twin-share
Ten unforgettable days exploring South Africa's wildest gravel roads, remote mountain passes, wildlife reserves and the vast landscapes of the Karoo.
Compare every motorcycle option below, then reserve your seat — it's confirmed the moment your deposit lands.
- Premium adventure motorcycle matched to your riding style
- 11 nights' handpicked accommodation
- Meals throughout the expedition
- Professional guide & support vehicle
- Signature XMoto experiences
- Professional media package
Need help choosing the right motorcycle?
Every rider is different. Explore our complete motorcycle fleet to compare comfort, riding position, off-road capability, seat height and who each motorcycle is best suited for before selecting the perfect bike for your expedition.
View Our Motorcycle Fleet →Our expedition pricing is based on twin-share accommodation, where riders share a room with another guest.
Guests who prefer the comfort and privacy of their own room may add a Single Supplement.
Simply select the Pillion Option when booking. Your accommodation will then be based on a private room shared exclusively between you and your pillion.
- Single Supplement: R9,625
- Add Pillion: R35,000
- All bookings are confirmed and charged in South African Rand (ZAR)
- Prices in other currencies are indicative only and may vary at time of booking
The Road Less Travelled
60–70% Gravel. 100% Adventure.
Follow the complete Cape Odyssey route across remote mountain passes, endless gravel roads, wildlife reserves and the vast landscapes of the Karoo.
Before You Ask
Frequently Asked Questions.
Do I need previous off-road riding experience?
Some off-road or dual-sport experience is strongly recommended. Cape Odyssey is roughly 60–70% gravel, including loose surfaces and technical sections — this isn't a first motorcycle tour.
What percentage of the route is gravel?
Roughly 60–70% across the ten days, ranging from smooth gravel roads to more technical sections like the Swartberg and Seweweekspoort.
What's the technical difficulty like?
Moderate to challenging. Expect loose gravel, occasional river crossings and long stretches without fuel or phone signal — riders should be comfortable managing a loaded adventure bike off tar.
What motorcycle licence do I need?
A valid motorcycle licence is required. International riders should also carry an International Driving Permit — let us know your country of origin and we'll confirm exactly what you need.
Can I bring my own motorcycle?
Pricing includes a premium rental motorcycle capable of handling the gravel sections — browse our motorcycle fleet to see what's available. If you'd prefer to bring your own adventure-capable bike, get in touch — we can usually accommodate it.
What's included in the price?
Accommodation, meals, motorcycle hire, a professional guide, support vehicle and signature experiences along the route. See the full Inclusions & Exclusions above for the complete list.
When's the best time of year to ride Cape Odyssey?
March to October avoids the Karoo's peak summer heat, when daytime temperatures can soar past 35°C. Winter nights in Sutherland and Prince Albert can drop below freezing, so layers are essential year-round.
What's the weather like?
Big swings. Hot, dry days across the Karoo and cold nights at altitude — Sutherland regularly records some of the coldest temperatures in South Africa after dark.
How much luggage can I bring?
Pack light — soft luggage only, one bag per rider, transported by the support vehicle so your bike stays unloaded for the ride.
Can I bring a pillion passenger?
Yes, though gravel riding two-up is more demanding on both rider and bike — talk to us about your pillion's experience before booking so we can advise honestly.
How many riders join each departure?
Group sizes are kept intentionally small and flexible — our pre-planned departures run with a minimum of eight riders, small enough that your guide knows your name and riding style by day two.
Let's Start the Conversation
Every unforgettable expedition begins with a conversation.
Whether you're interested in one of our signature expeditions or would like us to create a completely bespoke African adventure, we'd love to hear from you.