It's been said that 'four wheels move the body, but two wheels move the soul'. When it comes to exploring on a motorcycle, South Africa has everything a rider needs to have their soul moved. From dusty backroads to first-class highways and unique two-wheeled adventures, here are reasons why motorcycling in South Africa should be on your bucket list.

1. You can reach the top of the world

Sometimes the ride is as much about the destination as it is about the journey. The southern Drakensberg area is renowned for serving up incredible views. However, none will beat the views up Sani Pass.

The ride from Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal to the Lesotho border at the top of Sani Pass is a mere 21.3km. But the snaking roads take you from 1 544m and rise

1 332m vertically to get you to 2 876m at the summit (note that from 2500m onward headaches and vomiting may present itself). With numerous hairpin bends and unpredictable winds to keep you on your toes, it’s not for beginners. Gruelling? Yes. Worth it? Totally. Don't forget your passport in case you'd like to pop over the border.

2. Our clubs have hearts of gold

Thanks to Hollywood, biking clubs have earned a bit of a tough reputation. Not in sunny South Africa, however. Our motorcycle clubs are the driving force behind charity rides that bring in support for important causes, such as children’s hospitals.

One of the favourite biking events on the calendar is the Toy Run, held in Cape Town and Gauteng, which is usually held by clubs in the lead-up to Christmas. The charity event has been running for over 37 years and draws thousands of riders together, collecting up to 15 000 toys for children every year. There aren't many places in the world you see men and women in leathers with Kermit the Frog, teddy bears and other soft toys strapped to their bikes.

3. We’ve got Alfie Cox

When you're talking motorcycling legends, Alfie Cox is up there with the best. The cross-country rally hero has achieved three podium positions in previous competitions, nine stage wins in the Dakar Rally under his belt and is a nine-time winner of the Roof of Africa race.

If you have a taste for thrills, Alfie offers riders personal adventure tours. The five-day enduro tour takes you off-road along some of South Africa's most picturesque routes. If the two-wheel tour isn't enough to get your heart racing, the adventure includes shark diving and a safari.

4. You can mix things up

Every rider will have a dream bike, but sometimes variety can make the trip even more memorable. In South Africa, it's very easy to rent a range of two-wheelers, or you can join a tour that supplies the transport.

Looking for power? Johannesburg's Due South offers tours on BMW's and Can-Am Spyders. Old school? Cape Sidecar Adventures allows you to ride a vintage model Chang Jiang CJ750 around the peninsula so you could share the experience with someone special hitching a ride in the sidecar.

5. We’ve got coastal roads galore

There's something special about driving along the coastal road. If sea air and sightings of dolphins and whales are your speed, South Africa has plenty to offer. One of the most iconic stretches of coastal road is the 300km Garden Route, kicking off at Mossel Bay and ending at Storms River.

The information contained in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

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