About Us

Our Philosophy – Why We Do What We Do

At Swartberg Biking, we believe motorcycle touring is about so much more than simply riding a motorcycle.

It is about freedom. Curiosity. Discovery. It is about slowing down, taking the road less travelled and allowing Africa to reveal herself one kilometre at a time.

As motorcyclists, we never really lose our sense of wonder. There is something wonderfully childlike about setting off each morning with no office to go to, no deadlines to meet and no expectations beyond enjoying the journey ahead. Every new road promises another adventure, every mountain pass another view, and every small town another story waiting to be discovered.

One of the greatest pleasures of motorcycle travel is the conversations it creates. You stop for fuel or coffee, remove your helmet and, before long, someone asks where you’ve come from, where you’re going and what you’ve seen along the way. Motorcycles have a remarkable way of bringing people together, often turning complete strangers into friends within minutes.

Africa is the perfect place for these moments.

Our philosophy has never been about riding fast, covering the greatest distance or ticking destinations off a list. Instead, we encourage our guests to slow down, breathe deeply, meet local people, discover different cultures and step outside their comfort zone. We believe the real journey happens between the places marked on the map.

We are incredibly fortunate to call Southern Africa home. Every tour gives us the opportunity to experience its extraordinary landscapes, wildlife and people all over again – but through the eyes of fellow riders visiting from around the world. Their excitement reminds us never to take these places for granted, and their sense of wonder continually renews our own.

That is why we do what we do.

Our role is not simply to guide a motorcycle tour. It is to create an experience that leaves you with stories you’ll tell for years, friendships that endure long after the journey ends and memories that will call you back to Africa time and time again.

Because, in the end, we believe the finest motorcycle tours are measured not in kilometres ridden, but in moments shared, horizons discovered and the lasting memories created along the way.

One of the greatest compliments we can receive is watching a WhatsApp group come back to life months – or even years – after a tour has ended. A rider shares a photograph from another adventure, someone asks about a new destination, another starts planning a return to Africa, and before long the conversation is alive again.

That is when we know something special has happened.

Africa has worked her magic, friendships have endured, and Swartberg Biking has played a small part in bringing like-minded people together.

Because while motorcycles may bring us together, it is friendship, shared experiences and a love for exploring the open road that keep us connected long after the journey has ended.

About Swartberg Biking - The Spirit Behind the art of Adventure

At Swartberg Biking Motorcycle Tours, we believe every great journey begins with passionate people. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, our story began when founder Gavin Green transformed a lifelong love of adventure and motorcycles into a company that celebrates freedom, friendship, and discovery on two wheels.

Together with Kristien Lambrechts, Gavin built Swartberg Biking into one of Southern Africa's most trusted motorcycle tour operators - a team that combines precision planning, authentic experiences, and genuine care for every rider who joins our adventures.

Meet your Motorcycle Guides

Gavin Green – Owner and Motorcycle Tour Guide

Swartberg Biking owner, Gavin Green, strives to create memorable and authentic experiences for every guest who joins one of his tours. Not only is he the planner and tour organiser, but he also proudly fulfils the role of lead guide, personally guiding as many tours as possible.

A registered National Tourist Guide, Gavin is qualified to guide throughout Southern Africa. His passion for South Africa and Mother Nature was reignited during the years he spent living at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountains in the heart of the Little Karoo. He has been a specialist guide in the Swartberg Mountains and Western Cape for more than a decade, and his enthusiasm for Cape Town, the Cape coastline and the hidden gems of Southern Africa is truly contagious.

Motorcycling has been a lifelong passion, dating back to his school years. Few things bring him greater joy than exploring the wide-open spaces of Africa from the saddle of a motorcycle and sharing those experiences with fellow riders.

Before turning his passion into a profession, Gavin spent more than 15 years in the corporate world. Today, he considers himself fortunate to be living his dream by combining his love for motorcycling, travel, nature and people through Swartberg Biking.

Above all, Gavin is a devoted family man and proud father who understands the importance of creating meaningful memories. His love for his family, his beloved South Africa and the freedom of motorcycle travel forms the foundation of every Swartberg Biking adventure.

Jaco Prinsloo – Motorcycle Tour Guide & Expedition Support Specialist

Meet Jaco Prinsloo, an experienced motorcycle tour guide with Swartberg Biking Motorcycle Tours, specialising in guided motorcycle tours in South Africa and unforgettable motorcycle adventures throughout Southern Africa.

Born and raised in South Africa, Jaco possesses an intimate understanding of the country’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and world-class riding routes. His extensive travel and motorcycle touring experience throughout South Africa and Namibia has provided him with exceptional knowledge of the region’s scenic mountain passes, remote gravel roads, hidden backroads, and iconic adventure riding destinations.

As a professional motorcycle guide, Jaco is passionate about sharing the very best motorcycle touring routes South Africa has to offer. From winding tar roads and spectacular mountain passes to challenging gravel sections and remote wilderness areas, he leads riders with confidence, ensuring every tour delivers the perfect balance of adventure, safety, and authentic local experiences.

Jaco’s calm and rider-focused approach makes him an invaluable member of the Swartberg Biking team. He understands the unique demands of long-distance motorcycle travel and adventure motorcycle touring, expertly managing group dynamics, daily logistics, route navigation, and rider support to ensure a seamless touring experience.

A dedicated motorcyclist and enthusiastic adventure rider himself, Jaco also brings significant technical knowledge to every guided motorcycle tour. His practical mechanical skills and hands-on experience with touring motorcycles provide riders with additional peace of mind, particularly when travelling through remote regions where reliable support and problem-solving skills are essential.

In addition to leading tours, Jaco is fully adaptable and can operate as a dedicated support rider or support vehicle driver when required. Whether transporting luggage, carrying essential spares, or providing logistical and technical backup, his versatility strengthens the safety, reliability, and overall professionalism of every Swartberg Biking motorcycle tour.

With Jaco as your motorcycle guide, you can expect expert local knowledge, professional support, and a genuine passion for adventure motorcycling. His commitment to delivering exceptional motorcycle tours in South Africa ensures that every Swartberg Biking journey becomes a memorable riding experience through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Southern Africa.

Why Ride with Swartberg Biking?

At Swartberg Biking, attention to detail is our hallmark. Every photograph on our website was taken on tour - by Gavin or a member of our team - to ensure absolute authenticity.

Our itineraries blend hand-picked lodges, local cuisine, and must-do African adventures carefully chosen through years of rider feedback. Whenever possible, Gavin personally hosts our tours, ensuring the kind of personal connection that big operators can't match.

We're also proud to be a SATSA-accredited and SATIB-insured tour operator, upholding the highest standards of safety, reliability, and integrity in African motorcycle travel.

The Swartberg Biking Experience

Our tours are small by design - typically six to ten riders - so every journey remains flexible, personal, and immersive. We specialise in guided and self-guided motorcycle tours that uncover the hidden beauty of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, and Zambia.

From mountain passes and desert plains to coastal curves and game reserves, each itinerary captures the soul of the continent - its people, its spaces, its sense of freedom.

Expect. Experience. Explore.

At Swartberg Biking, we don't just offer motorcycle tours - we offer a way to see Africa differently. Whether you're a solo traveller or part of a group, your next great ride begins here.

Ride with us. Discover Africa. Create your story with Swartberg Biking ... because every ride deserves a new chapter.