KRUGER TO CANYON

A MOTO & SAFARI ADVENTURE

Part of the ‘Here in South Africa’ adventure series, the ‘Kruger to Canyon’ adventure blends epic motorcycle riding with rich cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes, from the canyon curves to the heart of the bushveld. With access to a private game viewer, luxury lodges, and guided bush walks, it’s a powerful journey of connection, wildlife, and adventure.

DATES:

DAYS:

XXXXX

9 days, 8 nights

Off-road focused (gravel & dirt)

START/END

ROAD TYPE:

BIKES:

DISTANCE:

DIFFICULTY:

max 5

Moderate

1200kms

Johannesburg

CF Moto 450

Shared accommodation, motorcycle rental for internationals, fuel, event merch, all meals, welcome packet, packing list, GPX routes and event photographer.

ACCOMMODATION:

INCLUDES:

SUPPORT:

Upscale lodges & stays

GROUP SIZE:

Guided Route, Team medic, Support vehicle and motorcycle trailer

ITINERARY

PRICING

GALLERY

BOOK NOW

Kruger to Canyon: A Premium Moto & Safari Adventure

Leave the highways behind and dive deep into South Africa on an unforgettable off-road journey from Gauteng to the edge of the Kruger. The Kruger to Canyon adventure is designed for those who crave dirt under their wheels and comfort at day’s end—combining rugged backroad riding with handpicked, premium accommodation that blends seamlessly into the landscapes you traverse.

Over the course of this curated ride, you’ll wind through the hidden gems of Mpumalanga, carve your way through mountain passes and river valleys, and eventually arrive in the wild heart of the bush—where a private game lodge, exclusive to our group, becomes your sanctuary.

This is more than a motorcycle trip; it’s a chance to connect deeply—with fellow riders, with the stories and flavors of South African culture, and with yourself. Expect vibrant local cuisine, unforgettable moments around the fire, and a journey through a land as diverse as it is breathtaking.

Group of five motorcyclists riding on a rural road, with one rider in the front extending arms outstretched.

THE RIDING

This adventure will consist of both asphalt & gravel roads on the CF Moto 450 (not pictured).

We’ll head north east out of Johannesburg on roads for the first hour or so and then spend the next 3 days of the trip on over 500km of gravel roads exploring parts of the Limpopo & Mpumulanga provinces. On day 3 we’ll make our way to the edge of the Mariepskop overlooking The Greater Kruger National Park before arriving into the town of Hoedspruit where we’ll ditch the motorcycles for a Defender 110 Game Viewer and head deep into The Greater Kruger for the next 3 nights.

On day 7, we’ll get back on the bikes heading south out of Hoedspruit through one of the most picturesque areas to ride in Southern Africa, Mpumulanga. We’ll pass through the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window & Long Tom Pass before making our way back to Johannesburg mostly on asphalt.

Overall distance will be roughly 1300kms round trip. Motorcycles will not be ridden into the Greater Kruger area and will be left at a safe location under CCTV.

Group of people walking and riding motorcycles on a dirt road in a rural area with cloudy sky.

Four motorcyclists riding on a dirt trail through a landscaped hilly area with trees and bushes, foggy weather in the background.

View through a vehicle's windshield showing a dirt trail in a dense forest with three motorcyclists riding ahead, surrounded by green foliage and tall trees.

Two people are working with hot metal outdoors, use of protective gloves and headlamps, next to a roaring forge with sparks and smoke.

THE FOOD

One thing you’ll find consistency with on any Bonafide experience is quality food that rivals some of your favorite restaurants. We believe it’s the extra 10% that transforms a great adventure into an unforgettable one—and on the Kruger to Canyon adventure, food takes center stage. South Africa is home to some of the best cuisine in the world, with a rich blend of cultural influences, bold flavors, and local ingredients that elevate every bite.

From the moment you arrive, we make sure your dietary needs and preferences are taken into account, offering both meat and vegetarian options that are as flavorful as they are satisfying. Most meals are served in spectacular settings—whether it’s breakfast on the deck overlooking a dry riverbed, lunch under a fig tree, or dinner under the stars with the crackle of the fire nearby.

Each night brings a new culinary experience, paired with a custom cocktail to match. Past adventures have featured a pizza night using a signature sourdough base baked in a handmade oven, smash burgers done to perfection, slow-cooked beef shin tacos with freshly rolled corn tortillas, and thick-cut sirloin or mushroom steaks seared quickly over open flames. Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who loves a good meal after a long ride, this trip is as much a feast for the palate as it is for the soul.

Two people grilling meat over a fire in an outdoor setting at night.

Top-down view of a person preparing a pizza with ingredients on a table, with a pizza on a flour-dusted surface, and various toppings and containers nearby.

A person is pouring a drink onto snacks arranged on a table covered with a colorful cloth in an outdoor setting.

A group of people silhouetted against a sunset, standing near a small water feature that reflects their image, with trees and a structure visible.

THE LODGE

After the first stretch of riding we’ll leave the bikes behind for a few days and be picked up by a game viewer around lunch time to embark on our first game drive of the adventure.

You’ll stay 3 nights deep in the Umbabat Private Nature Reserve at a private lodge reserved exclusively for you and our small team.

This 18,000-hectare reserve lies in the heart of wild Mpumalanga, sharing unfenced borders with the Timbavati, Klaserie, and Kruger National Park—meaning wildlife roams freely across the landscape, and each day brings new surprises. The lodge itself is a secluded retreat where you can kick back and relax by the pool, sip a cold drink on the deck, or hop into the game viewing vehicle at any time for spontaneous safaris. Whether you’re watching elephants from your room or tracking lions at sunset, this is an intimate, immersive bush experience tailored to your rhythm.

Two men playing frisbee on the grass in front of a thatched-roof hut with a vehicle parked underneath, solar panels, and a small upcycled structure in the background.

A man at a thatched-roof outdoor lounge area by a pool in a savannah landscape with trees and cloudy sky.

A safari vehicle on a dirt road in a dry landscape at sunset

A group of six lions, including five cubs, drinking water from a pond on a grassy landscape.

THE WILDLIFE

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing South Africa’s legendary wildlife up close, this is the adventure for you. The Greater Kruger area is one of the most iconic and biodiverse wildlife regions in the world, home to an incredible array of animals—including the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Because our private lodge sits within the unfenced Umbabat Private Nature Reserve, which borders the Kruger National Park, wildlife is free to roam naturally, offering truly authentic and untamed encounters.

Each day brings the possibility of seeing something remarkable—elephants splashing at the waterhole, a pride of lions resting in the shade, or a stealthy leopard on the move at dusk. From the comfort of our game viewing vehicle, you’ll explore the bush at golden hour or even venture out under the stars. There’s no set schedule, so if tracks are fresh or a call comes in from a nearby sighting, we can jump into the vehicle at a moment’s notice.

But it’s not just about ticking animals off a list. This is a chance to slow down, observe the rhythms of nature, and understand the delicate balance of life in the African bush. Whether it’s the soulful eyes of a giraffe, the distant roar of a lion, or simply sharing quiet moments around a campfire listening to the night come alive, the Greater Kruger experience is one that stirs something deep and unforgettable. If your heart is calling for Africa’s wild side—this is the trip that delivers.

A leopard walking on dry, grassy terrain with a background of sparse bushes and trees.

A lion walking through tall, dry grass in a natural savannah landscape during daylight.

A dog running on a dirt trail with dry grass and bushes on the side.

Person taking a photo of a sunset with a smartphone, wearing a black cap, in a natural outdoor setting during dusk.

ITINERARY

ACTUAL STOPS AND LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

DINOKENG

Dinokeng is a beautiful Big Five game reserve just outside Johannesburg, offering a true taste of the wild without the long travel. Guests will be comfortably shuttled from OR Tambo International Airport to Kwalata Game Reserve, where their adventure begins with a relaxing first night surrounded by African bush, wildlife, and warm hospitality.

Leopard lying on a tree branch, resting with its head on the branch, surrounded by branches and leaves.

GREATER KRUGER

The Greater Kruger area is one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife regions, where unfenced private reserves border the renowned Kruger National Park, allowing animals to roam freely across vast landscapes. This region offers an authentic, off-the-grid safari experience with exceptional game viewing, intimate lodges, and a deep connection to the rhythms of the bush. It’s a place where the roar of a lion at night or the distant call of a fish eagle becomes part of your everyday soundtrack.

A dirt road stretches through a flat, open landscape with scattered bushes and trees under a partly cloudy sky. Three motorcyclists are riding away from the camera along the road.

DULSTROOM

A picturesque village perched in South Africa’s highlands, famous for its crisp mountain air, trout-filled streams, and cozy charm. From Dinokeng, we ride the scenic back roads through the historic town of Cullinan, taking in open farmlands, gentle hills, and winding gravel tracks that offer a peaceful, immersive start to the journey. It’s a route that trades speed for soul, setting the tone for connection, adventure, and the road less travelled.

Six motorcyclists riding on a dirt road with dry bushes on either side and a green mountain in the background.

MARIEPSKOP

A picturesque village perched in South Africa’s highlands, famous for its crisp mountain air, trout-filled streams, and cozy charm. From Dinokeng, we ride the scenic back roads through the historic town of Cullinan, taking in open farmlands, gentle hills, and winding gravel tracks that offer a peaceful, immersive start to the journey. It’s a route that trades speed for soul, setting the tone for connection, adventure, and the road less travelled.

A person riding a motorcycle on a dirt road through a foggy, lush green landscape with trees and bushes.

MPUMALANGA

Mpumalanga’s back roads offer some of the best off-road riding in South Africa, with rugged trails winding through pine forests, mountain passes, and hidden valleys. Around Sabie and Hazyview, riders can expect a mix of gravel, rocky climbs, and forest tracks that challenge and thrill in equal measure. At day’s end, we rest along the Sabie River just outside Hazyview, where riverside lodges provide a tranquil retreat after a full day of dirt and adventure.

Several motorcyclists riding on a winding mountain road with rocky cliffs and green trees, some road signs visible along the curve.

BLYDE RIVER CANYON

The Blyde River Canyon is one of the world’s largest and lushest green canyons, carved deep into the escarpment of Mpumalanga. Famous landmarks like the Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes make it a highlight along South Africa’s scenic Panorama Route. With dramatic cliffs, rich biodiversity, and sweeping views, it’s a must-see natural wonder for any adventure through the region.