Are you bored of the same ol’ same ol’ weekend rides? The usual loop to the same coffee stop, same chatter, same stretch of tar? Or maybe you’re just looking for something different, something that’ll get you out exploring, seeing places you’ve never even heard of before. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, then you might want to take a serious look at the Turkana Challenge.
Maybe it’s time to dust off the GPS, strap down your luggage, and hit those roads you’ve always said you’d ride “someday.”
The Turkana Challenge is calling, part scavenger hunt, part safari. Will you take it on… or just keep talking about doing stuff like this?
The Turkana Safari Challenge, as it’s officially called, is a non-competitive motorcycle adventure organised by the Cape Adventure Bike Club (CABC)…. And NO! It isn’t just for Cape based riders, it is a national event. It’s not a race, not an endurance event, and definitely not about who can post the best lap time, wheelie or longest jump. It’s about exploring, getting off your couch as well as the beaten path, seeing forgotten backroads and little towns, ticking off challenges at your own pace, and having a lekker time doing it.
What started a few years back as a simple “five destinations in five months” idea has evolved into a full on adventure format. For the 2025/26 edition, the CABC crew have pulled out all the stops, 30 challenges, split across 10 themed “safaris” plus a few wildcard missions, running from August 2025 to May 2026. That’s nearly a year of exploring, discovering, and collecting stories for the braai fire.
And the best part?
It’s open to everyone, all Southern African riders, all bikes, all skill levels. Whether you’re on an Africa Twin, a GS, a scrambler, or even a street bike, even one that’s seen better days, you can take part.
So what’s the catch?
There isn’t one. Entry costs a measly R150.00
For that you get a very cool waterproof roll top bag with some very nice goodies inside from the different prize sponsors, your event sticker, a goodie bag, and access to the online challenge portal. You can register anytime, but the sooner you get started, the more adventures you’ll fit in.
Here’s how it works:
Sign up on the CABC website. Pick your challenges, from easy day rides to proper multiday missions, across different themes like nature, history, or heritage.
Take a photo of your bike at each location or task and upload it through the site. Each challenge gets you an entry into the prize draws.
That’s it. No checkpoints, no marshals, no pressure. Just you, your bike, and a list of epic excuses to go riding.
We think that this is a flippen great idea because it’s about discovering what riding in South Africa is all about. Dirt roads, old passes, sleepy towns, farm stalls, and stories that come from taking the long way round.
And then there are the prizes. The Challenge is backed by Turkana Gear, the proudly South African adventure luggage brand all tested on proper African terrain. Think MadMules panniers, HippoHips saddlebags, and lifetime-warranty toughness. Complete enough challenges and you could score some of this legendary kit.
For R150, you get a year long excuse to explore, some cool swag, and a shot at proper adventure gear. You don’t even need to be an off-road guru, just keen to ride, take photos, and share your journey.
Just to be lekker, show some support to the brands supporting the Turkana Safari.
It would have been a much more boring event without their generosity:
Alpine Earplugs, Awesometools: Leatherman, Cardo South Africa, CFMoto, Country TRAX, Flying Brick Motorcycle Accessories, GPS 4 AFRICA, Hex Innovate, Honda Wing George, HondaSA, IRide, MIRA, Motorrad George, Motorrad Adventures, Motul South Africa, Off Road Cycles, Rubbatech, SP Connect Africa, Tracks4Africa, Slingsby Maps, VENTS BRULL.
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