Overview of the Great African Expedition Motorcycle Adventure
The Great African Expedition (GAE) is a guided expedition motorcycle tour through Southern Africa, organized by Country Trax, an internationally recognized off-road riding academy. The video follows Pine's Adventures as the team departs Pretoria on September 23, 2020, for a three-day journey across some of South Africa's most remote and challenging terrain. Riders tackle aggressive mountain passes, river beds, single-track trails, and tight forest routes in a fully supported environment with medical and vehicle backup on standby.
This experience suits adventure riders who own or are comfortable on large dual-sport bikes—particularly BMW GS models (1200 and 800cc) and KTM adventure bikes. You don't need to be an expert, but you should be prepared for technical terrain, mechanical problem-solving, and the physical and mental demands of multi-day off-road riding. The GAE Lite version shown here includes bed-and-breakfast accommodation (no camping gear required), making it more accessible than the full seven-day expedition. If you're a serious adventure rider looking to test your limits, learn from seasoned instructors, and ride in stunning African landscapes, this tour is worth booking early—spots fill quickly.
Key Moments
Standout Moments from the 2020 Expedition
- Summiting Old Mills Drift, an aggressive mountain climb near the Lesotho border typically reserved for dirt bikes, on full-sized adventure bikes—reaching the peak just before sunset
- Navigating a technical river bed crossing with loose rock and gravel, where one rider took a fall and required on-site medical assessment from the team's doctor
- Threading tight single-track trails weaving between trees and bushes on the final day, showcasing precise bike control in confined spaces
- An unexpected close encounter with a snake during camp, adding a wild-Africa moment to the ride
- Crossing a bridge next to an active train track as one of the expedition's early challenges, testing nerves and concentration
- The camaraderie and hands-on problem-solving culture, where riders help each other recover bikes and tend to injuries without formal evacuation
What to Know Before Booking the Great African Expedition
- Duration: The 2020 GAE Lite was three days; the full expedition runs seven days, typically departing in September
- Bike Requirements: Large adventure bikes (BMW GS 1200/800, KTM adventure models) are the standard; the terrain is not forgiving of smaller machines
- Support Model: Vehicle and medical support are provided, but you are expected to carry tools and spares and fix your own mechanical problems—bring a full toolkit
- Accommodation: The Lite version includes bed-and-breakfast lodging at game lodges (no camping required); riders enjoy meals together and fall asleep quickly after long days
- Physical Demand: Days are long (departing early morning, riding until 8 p.m. on the first day) and include challenging terrain; mountain passes, river beds, and single-track riding require stamina and technical skill
- Risk & Responsibility: Crashes happen (the video captures a rider's injury being assessed on-site); you must accept that remote riding carries risk and that the team prioritizes self-sufficiency over immediate hospital evacuation
Frequently Asked Questions About the Great African Expedition
Who runs the Great African Expedition?
Country Trax, an internationally recognized motorcycle rider training school with multiple academies throughout South Africa, organizes and presents the GAE. The team includes experienced riders, instructors, and at least one trained doctor who travels with the group to provide medical support on remote trails.
Do I need camping gear for the GAE Lite?
No. The Lite version includes bed-and-breakfast accommodation at lodges like Platrand Game Lodge, so you don't need to bring tents, sleeping bags, or mattresses. The full seven-day expedition may differ, requiring full camping equipment.
What happens if my bike breaks down or I crash?
The philosophy is that you fix it yourself with your own tools and spares. Vehicle support is on hand, and a medical team is present, but the expedition is designed to teach self-reliance. You are responsible for keeping tools and spare parts with you at all times, and the group helps each other recover bikes and assess injuries on-site.
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
No, not for novice riders. Country Trax describes the experience as pushing "the limits of our riders," and the terrain includes aggressive mountain passes, river beds, and technical single-track trails. You should have solid off-road riding experience and be comfortable handling a heavy adventure bike on demanding terrain before joining.
When does the Great African Expedition run?
The 2020 tour departed on September 23. The video does not specify exact dates for future expeditions, but the organizer encourages interested riders to book as soon as possible, noting that participation is by application and spots are limited.
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