Meeting Day: The enchanting allure of the Karoo beckons, and as we gather at our exquisite accommodation nestled along the serene banks of the majestic Orange River near Colesberg, the anticipation of the adventure ahead fills the air. Tonight, we are treated to a delectable Karoo dinner, a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize our taste buds while providing the perfect opportunity to forge connections and get to know our fellow adventurers. 

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As the evening unfolds, the SA Adventure team, a group of seasoned explorers, will regale us with their vast knowledge and experiences, offering a comprehensive overview of the upcoming tour. Their wealth of expertise and captivating tales from past motorcycle odysseys will transport us to distant lands and ignite our wanderlust. We will also delve into the rich history of this particular corner of the Karoo, gaining insights that will deepen our appreciation for the region.

After an evening of camaraderie and enlightenment, we retire to our luxurious, first-class rooms. The comfort and elegance of our accommodations ensure a restful night's sleep, allowing us to awaken refreshed and ready for the extraordinary journey that awaits us in the morning.

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Tour Day 1: Before we kick off our thrilling day of riding, we will host a brief workshop on off-road riding skills. This session will provide you with essential tips to build a robust base for the off-road portions of our trip. Once we're set, we'll mount our motorcycles and start our journey on some incredibly picturesque gravel roads, making our first stop at the wall of the largest dam in South Africa, Gariep. Following this, our route will predominantly be on gravel back roads that take us to the historic village of Nieu-Bethesda. Although these gravel roads don't pose significant technical challenges, the stunning landscapes and encounters with wildlife are sure to captivate you.

 

At a farm located just 7 kilometres away from Nieu-Bethesda, we will indulge in a delectable and authentic Karoo lunch, expertly prepared by the talented Hester. Here, we will also have the opportunity to delve deeper into the captivating world of Karoo fossils, guided by our knowledgeable host JP. Prepare to be amazed as we witness the largest collection of Karoo fossils in South Africa. Additionally, we will explore the remarkable cave shelters on the farm, which house ancient paintings left by the San bushmen hundreds of years ago. This fascinating afternoon on the farm will be followed by our arrival in Nieu-Bethesda, where we will check into our splendid guest houses, offering a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience.

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Tour Day 2: Nieu-Bethesda offers a plethora of experiences, and we are thrilled to have decided to extend our stay here for two days. We will begin the day with a hearty breakfast, fuelling us for the exciting activities ahead.

 

After breakfast, we hop on our bikes and embark on an off-road excursion around the famous Compassberg, a captivating pointed mountain that greets visitors as they enter Nieu-Bethesda. As we explore, we will keep our eyes peeled for some “stone men”, adding an element of adventure to our ride. Along the way, there will be ample opportunities to capture the beauty of Karoo windpomps and landscapes through our cameras.

 

Returning to Nieu-Bethesda in time for lunch, we will have the option to embark on a tour of the renowned Owl House, a masterpiece created by the talented artist Helen Martins. During this exclusive viewing, we will have the chance to explore the camel yard and house, immersing ourselves in the magical ambience while learning about the histories and stories behind each sculpture.

 

After our tour of the Owl House, we will have the opportunity to visit the James Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre. Here, Andries, the local fossil expert, will share his vast knowledge about the peculiar creatures that once roamed the Karoo plains a staggering 150 million years ago, predating even the most famous dinosaurs. Andries will lead us down to the river, where we will witness un-excavated sites containing actual fossils still embedded in the sediment. This thrilling fossil adventure will provide us with a deeper understanding of the ancient history of this region.

 

Following our fossil exploration, you will have some free time to further explore the village until dinner time. This is the perfect opportunity to discover the hidden gems and unique charm that Nieu-Bethesda has to offer. As the day draws to a close, we will indulge in a delectable Karoo meal at an award-winning restaurant, ensuring a memorable and satisfying end to our day in Nieu-Bethesda.

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Tour Day 3: After a fulfilling breakfast in Nieu-Bethesda, we will embark on an exhilarating off-road ride towards Graaff-Reinet, a charming place that holds the distinction of being the fourth oldest town in South Africa. Our journey will take us through the magnificent Camdeboo National Park, where we will witness an awe-inspiring sight that will leave us in awe - the Valley of Desolation. From this vantage point, we will be able to imagine the once grand inland swamp that has now transformed into the vast and arid Karoo landscape. The sheer beauty of the Karoo will take your breath away.

 

Continuing our journey, we reach Graaff-Reinet, where we will indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the town's fantastic restaurants. Once satiated, we have the opportunity to visit a nearby Agave farm and learn from owner Tim Murray about the thriving craft Tequila or Agave Spirit industry in Graaff-Reinet. Tim will guide us through the farm, sharing his knowledge and expertise while giving us the chance to taste some of the finest Karoo Agave drinks.

 

With our senses awakened, we will hop back on our motorcycles and make our way to our luxurious accommodations, where we can relax and unwind. As evening falls, we will head out to one of the many renowned restaurants in town to enjoy a delectable dinner, savouring the flavours and atmosphere that Graaff-Reinet has to offer. It’s a perfect end to an extraordinary day of exploration and indulgence.

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Tour Day 4: The final day of our Karoo adventure promises to be nothing short of epic. As we embark on our motorcycles, we will soak in the breathtaking Karoo scenery and traverse carefully selected gravel back roads, leading us to a hidden gem - an abandoned old Boer War hospital in Deelfontein, brimming with a rich history that will leave you in awe. The sheer mystique of this place will captivate your imagination.

 

After exploring this strange but astonishing place, we make our way to the town of De Aar, where we will have a lunch stop at Olive Schreiner House. Olive Schreiner (24 March 1855 – 11 December 1920) was a South African author, anti-war campaigner and intellectual. She is best remembered today for her novel The Story of an African Farm (1883), which has been highly acclaimed.

 

It's back to our lodge on the banks of the Orange River for our last night together on this adventure. As we gather around the dinner table, we will reflect on the incredible experiences and camaraderie we have shared throughout this off-road motorcycle adventure. It will be a time to integrate all the memories, laughter, and stories we have accumulated along the way, creating lasting bonds and cherished moments. With hearts full and spirits high, we will bid farewell to the Karoo, knowing that this remarkable journey will forever hold a special place in our hearts.