BONAFIDE YEAR END CAMP OUT
Join us in the Midlands for the ultimate year-end campout with Bonafide Moto Co. Set on a private farm, this weekend is all about motorcycles, open roads, and good times. Expect plenty of riding every day, long lunch at Salt Slab, evenings around big fires, and braais that bring everyone together. It’s the perfect way to close out the year—two wheels, good food, and great company.
December 12 - 15th
DATES:
Johannesburg
START/END:
Swimming in dams, riding Sani Pass, Lower Lotheni, bonfires every night, camping under the stars, and it’s all focused around local cuisine and eating like a viking.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Adventure Bikes, 4x4’s, Dual Sport, Scramblers
TRANSPORTATION:
3 nights camping accommodation, breakfast & dinners, barrel racing, goodie bag with event merch, one helluvah good time!
INCLUDES:
BONAFIDE YEAR END CAMPOUT
There’s no better way to wrap up the year than out on the bikes, gathered around the fire, and sharing the kind of moments that remind us why we ride. The Bonafide Moto Co Year-End Campout will take place on a private farm in the heart of the Midlands, giving us the perfect base for a weekend of adventure and connection.
Each day will be packed with riding—dusty gravel tracks, winding country roads, and open stretches made for throttle therapy. We’ll stop in for a long lunch at Salt Slab, enjoy braais back at camp, and make sure the fires burn big every night. This isn’t just a ride; it’s a chance to reconnect with the brotherhood, celebrate the year that’s been, and welcome what’s ahead with full throttle.
Whether you’re chasing the thrill of the ride, the taste of a good steak cooked over the coals, or the camaraderie that only comes from gathering under the stars, this campout delivers it all. Bring your bike, bring your appetite, and bring your stories—it’s going to be one for the books.
THE VENUE
For this year’s Bonafide Moto Co Year-End Campout, we’re setting up at the one-of-a-kind Saint Verde farmhouse in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Overlooking the rolling Dargle Valley, Saint Verde is more than just a venue—it’s a space that feels alive, with whimsical charm and endless character at every turn.
Originally built in 1887 and lovingly restored by Sharon and Neville Trickett, the farmhouse blends history with a bohemian edge. Think exposed yellowwood floors, Carrara marble, slate walls, and eclectic decor collected over a lifetime. The gardens are just as impressive, spilling with greenery that pays tribute to the property’s name—an affectionate nod to the “Patron Saint of Green.”
Saint Verde gives our campout a base that’s as inspiring as the riding itself. It’s where we’ll gather after long days on the bikes, fire up the braai, and enjoy the kind of connection that makes weekends like this unforgettable.
THE RIDING
The Bonafide Campout is built around one thing—riding. From fast and dusty barrel racing at the Turn & Burn arena to long-haul adventure rides through some of the most iconic routes in South Africa, this weekend has it all. We’ll tackle the legendary Sani Pass, take in the raw beauty of Lower Lotheni, and spend time exploring the hidden gravel tracks and backroads that make the Midlands such an incredible playground for two wheels.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, sharpening your skills, or just soaking in the views along the way, every ride adds a new chapter to the weekend. It’s throttle therapy at its finest—equal parts challenge, camaraderie, and pure fun.
ITINERARY
Actual stops and locations are subject to change.
Fire
At the Bonafide Campout, the riding may be what brings us together, but the nights around the fire are what make it unforgettable. Each evening, we’ll gather around big, crackling campfires—sharing stories, laughter, and a few cold ones under the open sky. It’s a chance to slow down after a full day on the bikes, connect with old friends, and welcome new ones into the brotherhood. The flames will burn late, the conversations will run deep, and the memories will stick long after the weekend ends.
Swimming
After a long day of riding and adventure, there’s nothing better than cooling off in the dam at Saint Verde. Fed by fresh mountain water, the dam is the perfect place to wash off the dust, dive in, and recharge your body. Whether you’re taking a quick dip or just floating in the stillness, it’s a refreshing reset surrounded by the natural beauty of the Midlands—a reward that makes the day’s effort even sweeter.
Barrel Racing
Get ready to test your skill and speed with some good old-fashioned barrel racing—on two wheels. At our Turn & Burn location, we’re swapping horses for horsepower, tearing around barrels in the dirt with nothing but balance, throttle control, and grit to carry you through. It’s fast, it’s loose, and it’s guaranteed to get your heart pumping. Whether you’re out to claim bragging rights or just want to throw some dust and have a laugh, barrel racing on bikes is as wild and fun as it gets.
Sani Pass
Riding motorcycles up Sani Pass is a bucket-list experience—an ascent through one of Africa’s most legendary mountain routes. The gravel track twists and climbs sharply, carved into the cliffs of the Drakensberg, with epic views unfolding below at every switchback. As the altitude rises, so does the sense of adventure, demanding focus, grit, and a steady throttle. Reaching the top feels like conquering a mountain, and the reward? A celebratory drink at the Highest Pub in Africa, perched at 2,874 metres above sea level. With cold beers, roaring fires, and stories shared among riders, it's the perfect way to mark a ride you'll never forget.
Salt Slab Lunch
No ride through the Midlands is complete without a stop at Salt Slab. We’ll roll in for a long, laid-back lunch and sink our teeth into their legendary Texas-style barbecue—smoky, tender, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that fuels both the body and the soul, best enjoyed slow, with good company and plenty of stories shared across the table. Salt Slab isn’t just lunch—it’s an experience that captures the spirit of the ride: bold, hearty, and unforgettable.
Lower Lotheni
Riding motorcycles on the Lower Lotheni Road is like stepping into a forgotten chapter of South Africa's backcountry. This remote gravel stretch winds through the southern Drakensberg, offering sweeping views of rolling hills, forested valleys, and crystal-clear rivers. It’s a route that rewards the adventurous—quiet, rugged, and far from the usual tourist trails. With each bend and climb, you feel more immersed in the wild beauty of the land, with barely another vehicle in sight. It’s not just a road—it’s a meditative journey through one of the country’s most untouched and soul-stirring landscapes.
A CULLINARY DELIGHT
At the Bonafide Weekend, the riding might bring us together, but the food is what steals the show. We’re talking long-table lunches at Salt Slab with their legendary Texas-style barbecue, a proper spit braai that’ll have you going back for seconds (and thirds), and hearty meals big enough to satisfy a pack of hungry Vikings.
Every bite is part of the experience—fire, smoke, and flavor shared in good company. It’s not just about filling the tank after a ride, it’s about celebrating the brotherhood with food that’s as bold and unforgettable as the weekend itself.
ADVENTURE INFO
PRICING
R6 000 Camping
INCLUDES
3 Nights camping accommodation
Some meals
Support trailer
Event Merch & Essentials
GPX Routes
Guided Routes
Event Photographer
1 helluvah good time!
NOT INCLUDED
Border Crossing Fees
Alcohol
Camping equipment
RIDER REQUIREMENTS
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate. No Beginners.
Must consider yourself to be a ‘confident’ off-road rider and have experience with multi-day trips.
Must have previous off-road experience.
Contact Us if you have questions about your riding skills and if you’re ready for this adventure. We’re happy to help!
NAVIGATION: All riders will be required to have some form of navigation mounted to their bike at all times.