Jenol Bike Tour T&C

Tour Booking Confirmation: By signing the tour booking form and paying the deposit fee, you acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions, thereby entering a binding contract with Jenol Tours. Please ensure you carefully review the terms and conditions.

Age Limit: The minimum age requirement to participate in tours operated by Jenol Tours is 25 years.

Indemnity & Disclaimer: All participants of a Guided Tour with Jenol Tours are required to sign an Indemnity & Disclaimer form before the tour commences. A copy of this document can be provided upon request.

Tour Rate: Tour rates are subject to change due to factors such as hotel costs, motorcycle rental fees, insurance, and international currency fluctuations. Jenol Tours reserves the right to adjust rates at its discretion up to 60 days before departure. Insurance: Jenol Tours strongly recommends that participants obtain personal accident, medical, and travel insurance that covers riding a motorcycle with an engine size of 650cc or above in a foreign country. This insurance is not included in the tour price.

Insurance: Jenol Tours strongly recommends that participants obtain personal accident, medical, and travel insurance that covers riding a motorcycle with an engine size of 650cc or above in a foreign country. This insurance is not included in the tour price.

Reservation and Deposit: A booking deposit of 10% is required at the time of booking to secure your spot on the tour. The remaining balance must be paid 60 days before the tour begins. If the balance is not received by this deadline, Jenol Tours reserves the right to cancel the reservation and apply the cancellation fee.

Motorcycle Rental: Rental motorcycles are included as part of the guided tour package. The specific motorcycle model will be detailed in the tour cost. In the event of a mechanical breakdown, Jenol Tours will provide a replacement motorcycle of the same type within 24 hours.

Safety Deposit: A safety deposit equal to the insurance excess is required at the time of motorcycle handover. This deposit will be refunded upon the return of the undamaged motorcycle. The rental period is not extended due to the participant’s inability to ride or for any other reason. Jenol Tours is not obliged to replace a damaged motorcycle during the tour.

Luggage: Jenol Tours is not responsible for loss, damage, or delay in delivering luggage to participants. Luggage entrusted to Jenol Tours for storage is stored at the participant’s own risk.

Price of Tour Includes: All items listed under “tour price includes.” If fewer than three motorcycles are rented for a given tour, a backup vehicle will not be provided, though a tour guide on a motorcycle will still escort the group. Side panniers and top boxes will be provided for participants’ luggage.

Price of Tour Does Not Include: All items not mentioned as included and those listed as exclusions.

Verbal Changes: Any verbal changes to the contract are invalid unless confirmed in writing by Jenol Tours.

Cancellation and Refunds: Cancellations received more than 60 days before departure will result in the forfeiture of the full deposit paid.

Cancellations received between 60 and 20 days before departure will incur a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the tour cost.

Cancellations received less than 20 days before departure will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the tour cost. No exceptions will be made to this policy.

Rebooking: One rebooking is allowed, provided it is made at least 60 days prior to departure.

Traffic & Driving Laws: If a participant fails to comply with traffic laws or violates them, Jenol Tours may cancel the contract and repossess the rental motorcycle. Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited and will result in immediate cancellation of the booking, requiring the participant to return the motorcycle immediately.

Passport, Visa, Driving, and Health Regulations: It is the participant’s responsibility to comply with all regulations and to bear any consequences resulting from non-compliance.

Responsibility: Jenol Tours is responsible for providing the services listed in the tour description according to local standards and accurately describing the services offered. While Jenol Tours carefully selects and monitors its contractors, such as hotels and restaurants, any claims arising from the actions or omissions of these service providers must be directed to them. Jenol Tours is responsible for conscientious travel preparations but is not liable for accidents. Jenol Tours reserves the right to update the tour without prior notice, and any additional costs will be the responsibility of the participant. Jenol Tours and its agents are not guardians of participants’ safety and cannot be held liable for any incidents related to the tour that may result in injury, death, or other damages.

Weather & Road Conditions: Jenol Tours schedules its tours at times when the weather is favourable for motorcycling. However, weather conditions can change rapidly, and Jenol Tours cannot be held liable for unfavourable weather or road conditions. No refunds will be given for such conditions. Participants are advised to check road conditions on their itinerary with the Automobile Association prior to departure.

Alterations to Tour Schedule: Some tours operate on a seasonal basis, and changes in weather or other conditions may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. In such cases, alternative hotels, restaurants, and routes will be used.

Daily Tour Schedule

• Breaks: We will pause approximately every 100 km or around every hour (whichever comes first) to rest, stretch our legs, hydrate, and use the nearest facilities – be it a bush or garage toilet. These stops are perfect for recharging and enjoying the journey.
• Fuel: Our motorcycles are built to go at least 300 km on a full tank. When the fuel light turns on, you still have about 70 km left in reserve. Make sure to use only green UNLEADED petrol – diesel is a no-go. Fuel expenses are included in the Guided Portion of your tour, but you will need to cover costs during the Self-Guided Section.
• Riding Rules in South Africa
• Speed Limits: Always Adhere to the speed limits: 120 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on national roads, and 60 km/h in urban areas. Keep an eye out for speed traps and cameras, especially as you enter towns. Speeding is taken seriously and can result in hefty fines or even arrest. Speed limit signs are prominently displayed to guide you.

Driving Side: We drive on the left side of the road. Remember: “Keep left, overtake right.” Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a right turn to ensure smooth and safe passage.

Unique Hazards in South Africa, Swaziland, and Lesotho:

• Taxis/Minibuses: These vehicles often make sudden lane changes and may stop abruptly to pick up passengers without warning. Give them plenty of space and stay alert.
• Pedestrians and Animals: In Lesotho and Swaziland, you might encounter pedestrians, goats, chickens, and cows on the roads. Approach these areas cautiously, slow down, and use your hazard lights to alert others.
• Potholes: Some regions have numerous potholes, marked by signs reading “Slaagate” in Afrikaans. Drive carefully and avoid these hazards whenever possible to protect your bike’s rims.
• Traffic Lights: Unlike in some other countries, there is no “left on red” here. You must wait for the traffic light to turn green. Traffic lights are commonly referred to as “robots” in local lingo.
• Overtaking Caution: Be cautious when overtaking slower vehicles, as they may be preparing to turn right onto a gravel road. The driver might not see you and could make a turn directly into your path.

Group Riding Etiquette with Jenol Tours

• Sticking Together: As part of our guided tour, we ride as a cohesive group. It is important that everyone remains with the group and does not attempt to overtake the tour guide at any point.
• The Sweeper Role: Each day, the tour guide will designate a Sweeper, who will wear a distinctive yellow vest and ride at the rear of the group. This person ensures that no rider is left behind and helps keep the group together.
• Riding Formation: We will ride in a staggered formation, where each rider is offset from the one in front. This setup maximizes visibility and safety. If you need to stop, other riders may continue, but the Sweeper will halt and wait for you in a safe location before resuming the ride.
• Stopping Protocol: When stopping, make sure to pull completely off the road. Avoid halting on yellow lines or in potentially dangerous areas to ensure everyone’s safety.
• What to Do If You Lose Your Way: If you lose the group or get disoriented, find a safe spot completely off the road and contact the tour guide or support vehicle. You will find the necessary contact numbers in the important numbers section.
• Alcohol Policy: Consuming alcohol while riding is prohibited. You may enjoy a drink in the evening after the motorcycles are securely parked. Ensure there is a minimum of 8 hours between your last drink and riding. The use of drugs or any illegal substances is not tolerated and can result in immediate removal from the tour.

Essential Motorcycle Riding Tips

• Ride as if you are Invisible: Always act as though other drivers can’t see you. Never assume that they notice your presence. If you cannot see a vehicle’s mirrors, it is likely they cannot see you. Be prepared with an escape plan for tricky situations—your safety depends on it.
• Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain generous spacing around your motorcycle—both in front, behind, and to the sides. Think of yourself as an isolated island in traffic. This buffer zone improves your visibility and reaction time to any unexpected events.
• Predict Potential Hazards: Stay alert to trouble and plan your responses in advance. Observe the behaviour of surrounding vehicles and anticipate their actions. This foresight helps you navigate through potentially hazardous situations smoothly.
• Watch for Right-Turning Vehicles: Be particularly cautious of vehicles turning right in front of you at intersections. Slow down before entering intersections, plan your escape route, and make sure you are visible to any right-turning vehicles. Remember, eye contact alone is not enough; be prepared to stop if necessary.
• Ride at Your Own Pace: Resist the urge to keep up with faster riders or more experienced group members. Know your limits and ride at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount, and the group will always wait for you.
• Be Cautious on Curves: Approach curves with care, especially those you cannot see around. Hidden obstacles like parked vehicles or loose sand could be waiting for you.
• Overtake Wisely: When passing slow-moving vehicles, be aware that they might be preparing to turn right. If you attempt to overtake, the driver might not see you and could turn into your path.
• Ride at Your Comfort Zone: Do not stress about riding too slowly. The faster riders at the front will wait for you, and the key is to enjoy the journey. Remember, the essence of a motorcycle safari is to savour the ride and the scenery, so take it at your own pace and relish the adventure.

Staggered Riding Formation

The staggered riding formation creates a safe buffer between motorcycles, giving each rider ample space to manoeuvre and respond to potential hazards. This formation is ideal for city riding or open, straight roads. However, when navigating curvy roads, poor visibility, or rough surfaces, a single-file arrangement is preferred. This setup ensures that each rider has extra room to manoeuvre, so always giving the rider ahead plenty of space.

• Maintaining Distance: Keep a safe gap between yourself and the motorcycle in front. This distance helps you avoid being cut off by other vehicles while staying close enough to prevent cars from inserting themselves into the group.
• Handling Turns: When moving in a straight line, the tour guide will manage turns in one of two ways:
• Group Turn: If it is safe, the guide will stop to let the entire group turn together.

Buddy System: If stopping is not possible, the guide will assign the rider directly behind them as the Buddy. This rider will wait for all bikes to complete the turn, count them, and ensure the sweeper (wearing a high-visibility vest) has also turned before moving forward. Do not assume the sweeper has seen you; wait until they have made the turn before continuing.

• Overtaking: Avoid overtaking or pushing past other vehicles unless it is safe. Pass only when the road is clear, and conditions permit. Do not follow the group blindly; always assess the situation yourself and refrain from making any risky manoeuvres.
• Hazard Signals: The tour guide will use hazard lights to alert you to animals or other dangers on the road that require you to slow down. Additionally, hand signals or leg gestures will be used to point out potholes or other road hazards.
• Photo Opportunities: The tour guide will make stops at scenic spots perfect for photos. However, you are welcome to stop and take pictures wherever you wish if you pull completely off the road to do so.