Ride to the Kingdom
Schedule
Fri, 29 Aug, 2025 at 08:00 am to Tue, 02 Sep, 2025 at 03:00 pm
UTC+02:00Location
Sandown Ext 52, Sandton | Sandton, GT
Ride to the KingdomBMW Motorrad Sandton to the Swazi Rally & Umhlanga Reed Dance
Dates: 29 August – 2 September 2025
🌄 Itinerary Highlights:
Day 1 – Friday, 29 August: Sandton to Piggs Peak
08:30 – Departure from BMW Motorrad Sandton
Cruise the N4 towards Eswatini via Oshoek Border Post (~4 hrs ride)
13:00 – 16:00 – Malolotja Canopy Tour & Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino
Glide over ancient gorges and forest canopies—Eswatini’s wild beauty at full throttle!
Day 2, Saturday 30 August: Ride to Riders Ranch – Swazi Rally Begins
Morning: Ride south through lush Eswatini landscapes towards Sidvokodvo.
12:00 – Arrive at Riders Ranch:
Bikers from across Africa roar into this custom rally village for an unforgettable weekend.
Camp setup (will have booked Prior), welcome drinks, and the sound of engines all around.
All-day drag racing, stunt shows, and drift contests
Afternoon: lucky draws (you could ride off on a new bike!)
Evening: the main concert, wild rally culture, and biker brotherhood at its finest.
Evening: live music, food stalls, and bonfire hangouts.
Day 3 – Sunday, 31 September: REST REST REST
Day 4 – Monday, 1 September: The Umhlanga Reed Dance
This year, Eswatini’s iconic Reed Dance falls just after the rally—perfect timing!
Morning ride from Riders Ranch to Ludzidzini Royal Residence (near Lobamba).
Join thousands witnessing one of Africa’s most spectacular cultural events:
Over 40,000 maidens, in traditional attire, present reeds to the Queen Mother.
Dignitaries, royalty, and guests from around the world attend.
A deeply respectful and visually stunning celebration of purity, pride, and tradition.
No ticket needed. Entry is free. Visitors are advised to dress modestly and respectfully.
Evening: stay overnight nearby or return to Riders Ranch/campsite.
Day 5 – Tuesday, 2 September: Return Ride
Early morning: pack up, breakfast with fellow riders.
Leisurely return via Oshoek Border Post.
Optional detour via Ngwenya Glass Factory for souvenirs & coffee.
Arrival back in Gauteng in the late afternoon.
Why You Can’t Miss This Tour
The Swazi Rally:
Southern Africa’s most intense, culturally rich biker festival.
Massive draws, live rock, burnouts, beer gardens, and real camaraderie.
Hosted at Riders Ranch, custom-built by and for riders.
The Reed Dance:
A rare chance to witness an ancient royal tradition in a modern context.
A celebration of culture, womanhood, and nationhood, uniting the people of Eswatini.
What to Pack
Valid passport, driver’s license, bike papers, and cross-border permit.
Camping gear or book Riders Ranch chalets early!
Lightweight respectful wear for Reed Dance day.
Cash for border tolls, rally vendors, and crafts.
Final Thoughts
What begins as a smooth ride from Sandton turns into a legendary journey through wild zip lines, roadside casinos, and a biker rally like no other. Just when you think the engine’s cooled, the Reed Dance sets your spirit alight with ancestral rhythms, royal processions, and Eswatini’s deep cultural soul.
It’s not just about miles—it’s about memories.
Not just roads—but rituals.
Not just rallies—but reasons to ride.
Join the tribe. Ride the story. Celebrate the culture. Welcome to Eswatini.
BOOK activities Early with J-Nice. 0723751994
