Camino Adventure Tour

Join the Big Dog on yet another adventure with a difference. This fascinating autumn countryside ride - firstly, free at last, to adventure where we wish and secondly, to be one of the very few to do the “Camino Trail” by motorcycle. We will follow the Trappist monks experiencing the Triumphs and Tragedy of the Trappist Missions built over 120 years ago in Kwa Zulu Natal. A moving story of extraordinary success attributed to an exceptional man of the time.

Be the first to ride the “walking” long-distance pilgrimage trail in South Africa, which has been established in the beautiful southern regions of KwaZulu Natal, between the Southern Drakensberg, the Midlands Mist belt and the Eastern Cape. Strung out across the hills and valleys between the Drakensberg and the sea, like knots on a string of Rosary beads, are twenty-two historic Trappist missions. Established over a century ago by extraordinary Trappist monks, led by Abbot Francis Pfanner, the Mission churches are hidden treasures that I want to share with the world.

How about visiting a monastery visited by Mark Twain, Mother Theresa and Gandhi?

We will venture deep into the KwaZulu hinterland, in search of Abbot Pfanner's Trappist Trail, incorporating 120 year's plus, historic Trappist missions. Follow in the footsteps of the Trappist monks and Sisters of the precious Blood, who served in these Trappist monasteries. As you ride, you will experience the history of the Trappists and their missions, fascinating folklore and legends, the landscape, the fauna and flora of this amazing trail, as described by Alan Paton of the Cry the Beloved Country fame! Some of these monasteries are truly magnificent while some of them in the throes of breaking up. We will also visit a working mill over 100 years old. All of this, attributable to an amazing man of the time - his triumphs and his tragedy.

The Camino Trail is a stunning 3-night, 4-day adventure bike ride where we will visit 10 of these 22 amazing monasteries/churches “in the middle of nowhere”, as the central core focus of the tour, riding some of the very best “off the beaten track roads” the Southern Berg can offer in getting to see these marvels. Some of the landscapes are ancient and sacred, and you might just spot the shy Purple Crested Loerie (Gwalagwala) bird, with its stunning plumage, which in Swaziland, only members of the royal family can wear. This area is also home to the rare Blue Swallow, Cape Parrot and Black-Winged Plover. All this, as we cover the back roads of the rural areas of the Lotheni, Impendle, Pholela, uMzimkhulu and Ixopo valleys. Very few people will ever get to experience these hidden Trappist Monasteries.

Come and join me, as we learn some amazing anecdotes whilst adventure riding.  Absolute “soul” food, after what we have all been through in the past 18th months!! (Vehicles are also welcome)