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Tour Details

Cycling the Drakensberg & Kruger

Cycle between the jagged peaks of the Drakensberg and the safari animals of Kruger National Park

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Tour Code : MZD

The journey is provided by

Destinations : South Africa

Tour Starts : Johannesburg

Tour Ends : Johannesburg

Group Size : 4 - 14

Ages : 16+

Activity :

12 days from

NOK 39 240

Overview

Cycle between the jagged peaks of the Drakensberg and the safari animals of Kruger National Park

This two-wheeled adventure takes us through stunning mountain scenery, past dramatic rock formations, through abandoned gold mines, baboon-inhabited forests and tranquil natural waterfalls. Partway through the trip, we dismount our bikes and spend two days on safari in Kruger National Park where we have the chance to spot lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes and various other wild animals. From Kruger, we continue our pedal-powered journey before ending at the mighty Blyde River Canyon. With perfect road surfaces and idyllic sunshine, there is surely no better way to experience eastern South Africa than by bike.

Highlights

Discover the magnificent Drakensberg mountains
Search for safari animals in Kruger National Park
Cycle through vast mountain scenery, forests, waterfalls and canyons

Key Information

Eight days of cycling with full vehicle support
Mostly paved routes with two short sections on hard-pack dirt roads
A few challenging climbs; most roads have little traffic
Group normally 4 to 14 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Nine nights in lodges and chalets, two nights in a permanent tented camp
E-bikes available for an additional cost

Included

All breakfasts, five lunches, five dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Local bike hire

Not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
E-bike hire

Itinerary

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Day 1: Start Johannesburg; transfer to Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Upon arrival in Johannesburg we drive directly to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Maluti Mountains of the Northern Free State. This transfer takes roughly 5 hours but will be broken up with stops along the route to stretch the legs and go to the toilet. The Golden Gate national park gets its name from the golden hue on the parks sandstone cliffs as the sun hits them. With 11,600 hectares of highland habitat, the national park is home to a number of animals including springbok, mountain zebra and wildebeest as well as the rare bearded vulture and bald ibis. Depending on the time of the group flights, we will either set up the bikes this afternoon or tomorrow morning. We will have a chance to test them out around the grounds of the accommodation before we begin the cycling. Accommodation: Glen Reenen Rest Camp (or similar)
Day 2: Ride over a spectacular mountain pass with a chance of spotting wildlife; transfer to Northern Drakensberg and cycle to our lodge
Getting up early, we cycle 15mi (25km) on roads through the national park. We start with a short climb to a viewpoint where mountain zebras are often spotted before descending a long, winding mountain pass. Later in the ride, we take a few short, steep up-and-down sections to get our hearts pumping before it levels out. All along this road there are great opportunities to see wildlife from the saddle so make sure you have a camera to hand. At the park exit, we transfer towards the Northern Drakensberg (37mi/60km) stopping at the vulture restaurant for views over the Sterkfontein Dam and an early picnic lunch. We then get back on the bikes and cycle down the Oliviershoek pass all the way to the Sungubala lodge, our overnight stay. Here we have the whole night to take in the stunning view of the Amphitheatre, a spectacular 3mi (5km) long vertical cliff face, while enjoying a meal cooked by the guides. Accommodation: Sungubala Eco Camp (or similar)
Day 3: Cycle to the Northern Berg before hiking and a chance to swim at a waterfall
In the morning, we cycle towards the Drakensberg mountains while following a backroad route into the Royal Natal National Park in the Northern Berg. This ride is fairly undulating but the views of the Amphitheatre at the top of each rise are well worth the effort. After entering the park, we continue on our bikes for approximately 1.2mi (2km) to our picnic spot – before lunch we can change into our swimwear and walk the short distance to a waterfall for a well-deserved swim in the cool waters. After lunch, we have time to explore the park and hiking trails or relax before transferring back to our accommodation. Accommodation: Sungubala Eco Camp (or similar)
Day 4: Transfer to Dundee; afternoon ride to Rorke's Drift Museum
We leave the Drakensberg after breakfast with a transfer (130mi/210km; approximately three hours) by road to Dundee. Here we have time for a little shopping and to resupply before continuing onto Rorke's Drift. At Rorke’s Drift, we have a guided tour around the area where 150 British and Colonial troops defended a small garrison against a near-5,000-strong Zulu force. After a hearty lunch and a change into cycling kit, it’s back onto our bikes for a 28mi (45km) ride from Rorke’s Drift to our overnight accommodation. This is a great ride through the scenic cattle country; the first 10.5mi (17km) is on a good-quality compact-dirt road, where we often spot many types of vulture and eagle flying overhead. Once back on the paved road, we have a flat ride to our accommodation where we can relax in the pool. Accommodation: Amabutho Warrior Lodge (or similar)
Day 5: Transfer to Badplaas before getting on the bikes for a great ride to our lodge
We have an early morning transfer (186mi/300km; about four hours) towards the hot springs town of Badplaas in the Mpumalanga province. After lunch, we get on the bikes and start our ride with a fantastic 10.5mi (17km) descent before an undulating route to our accommodation just outside town with views of the Hlumu mountains. Accommodation: Badplaas Forever Resort (or similar)
Day 6: Transfer followed by a scenic ride on edge of the Songimvelo Game Reserve and onto our lodge
We start with a short transfer to Maanhaar, close to the border with Swaziland. From here, we climb on the bikes and ride along a gravel road winding between the Songimvelo Nature Reserve and the base of the Hlumu mountains. We pass an abandoned mine; it’s now home to vervet monkeys, so make sure you have your camera ready. As the road starts to climb, we hop in the bus and transfer to the top of a mountain range overlooking the Songimvelo Nature Reserve. We stop on this road for a quick photo at a viewpoint overlooking the valley below before getting back on the bikes to cycle into Barberton town and onto our accommodation. Accommodation: African Rest Lodge (or similar)
Day 7: Cycle to Kruger National Park through the Kaap River Valley
After breakfast, we get on the bikes and start our ride through the Kaap River Valley as it winds towards Kaapmuiden. After about 31mi (50km), we reach our stopping point and get in the van for a short transfer to a shopping centre where we can change out of our cycling kit and stock up on cold drinks and snacks for Kruger. From here, we have a very short transfer to the Malelane Gate where we enter Kruger National Park and start our safari. We have a two-hour game drive through the southern tip of the park to Skukuza Camp. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready: the southern part of Kruger is known for being home to an abundance of big cats. Accommodation: Kruger National Park Camp (or similar)
Day 8: Game drives in Kruger National Park
We have an early start to beat the heat of the day and maximise our chances of seeing a predator. Because of the early start, we only have a small breakfast at the camp, which consists of a South African rusk and coffee. After several hours watching animals, we pause in one of the designated lunch spots where our guides cook us a delicious brunch. From here, we continue our game drive back to camp and have the rest of the day to relax in the pool or at the bar, which overlooks the Sabi River. Tonight, we can go on a night safari in one of the official safari vehicles (this is an optional extra and should be paid for locally. Please see the optional activities section in the Trip Notes for prices and further information). Accommodation: Kruger National Park Camp (or similar)
Day 9: More game viewing, transfer to Hazyview
We aim to spend most of today in the national park searching for animals, and once again start with a morning game drive, but in the opposite direction to yesterday. We return to camp for brunch and to collect our bags before our final game drive in Kruger as we leave the park via the Numbi Gate. From here, we have a short transfer to our overnight accommodation in Hazyview, where we can stroll down to Hippo River or relax by the pool. Accommodation: Gecko Lodge (or similar)
Day 10: Cycle to Sabie and onto Graskop; visit Mac Mac Pools
After a few days of well-earned rest, we get back on the bikes for the most challenging ride of the trip. After a hearty breakfast in Hazyview, we cycle from our lodge up the escarpment and towards Sabie. This first part of the ride is stunning and very different from what we have seen earlier in the tour as our route takes us through avocado plantations and dense forests before arriving in Sabie where we can stop at a cafe for a coffee milkshake and muffin. From Sabie, we continue to climb until we arrive at Mac Mac Pools, where we stop for a swim in the natural pools while our guides make lunch. After food, our ride heads downhill for a visit to Mac Mac Falls and continues to Graskop and our accommodation overlooking the escarpment. Accommodation: Mogodi Lodge (or similar)
Day 11: Ride along the Panorama Route to God's Window via Bourke's Luck Potholes; afternoon ride to Blyde River Canyon
Our final day of cycling takes us through more beautiful scenery as we cycle along the Panorama Route. In the morning, we visit God’s Window to take in the breathtaking landscape before cycling past Wonder View and to Bourke’s Luck Potholes. We stop for lunch here and walk around the curious rock formations before getting back on the bikes for the last time and cycling to the spectacular viewpoint over the Blyde River Canyon and to our accommodation. For our last night in South Africa, we have a group meal in the hotel restaurant, which has an amazing view of the three Rondavels and the canyon. Accommodation: Blyde River Canyon Forever Resort (or similar)
Day 12: Drive to Johannesburg, end
After a leisurely breakfast and a short walk to the private viewpoint within the grounds of our accommodation, we get in the bus and transfer through the small towns of Ohrigstad, Lyndenburg and Dullstroom as we return to Johannesburg Airport. This transfer is roughly 260mi (420km) but we break it up with plenty of short stops and a longer lunch break. Please note, due to the often-high levels of traffic surrounding Johannesburg, we leave our accommodation with plenty of time to complete this transfer. This does mean that on some occasions when the roads are traffic free, we might arrive at the airport early.

Photos

Important Information

The trip destination

Eight days of cycling with full vehicle support
Mostly paved routes with two short sections on hard-pack dirt roads
A few challenging climbs; most roads have little traffic
Group normally 4 to 14 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Nine nights in lodges and chalets, two nights in a permanent tented camp
E-bikes available for an additional cost

Food

There are 11 breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners included on this tour. For breakfast, expect a good selection of cereals, toast, jams, fruit and yogurt, coffee and rusks. Occasionally we have a cooked breakfast or buffet. Included meals are cooked and prepared by your guide and drivers. On two days, we have a cooked lunch, but most days we have a large selection of sandwich ingredients including cold meats, bread, salad, cheese and crisps. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements are well catered for but please inform our team at least two weeks before you travel. The tour leaders do all the shopping and meal planning for each group. Each tour has a cool box for cold drinks and you will be made aware of nights when alcohol is not available so you can purchase some beforehand. We supply the following drinks on all tours: fruit juice and squash served with breakfast and lunch, tea and coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be at your own expense.

Weather

Although the greater part of South Africa lies north of the tropic of Capricorn, the temperature is moderated by the altitude. The average midday temperature is likely to be about 22C (72F) on the coast and 24C (75F) inland. This trip covers various different weather regions. Generally, inland areas will be dry between April and October (although storms can occur); in the Drakensberg mountains, rain is more common at this time. In August, the nights can be very cold, especially in the Drakensberg where temperatures can drop below freezing. However, the days are warm and crisp with generally cloud-free skies. During November through February, rain sometimes falls and the temperature is higher. However, as anyone who has travelled to these parts will say, rain is often a blessing, it manifests the local colours, drops the sometimes-sweltering temperatures and never generally lasts too long. It also means the night skies are incredibly clear.

Is this trip for you?

This trip has been rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging).

Eight days of cycling

Average distance: 34mi (55km) a day with full vehicle support

The cycling is all on well-maintained paved roads, apart from two short stretches of hard-packed gravel road on days 5 and 7. Most of the cycling is over undulating terrain with some challenging climbs followed by long, flowing descents. Our cycling guide leads the group and a support vehicle follows at all times. We stop every 9mi (15km) to refill water bottles and eat snacks. Helmets must be worn by all cyclists in South Africa.

Legal note: All group members joining this tour will be asked to sign an indemnity form at the start of the trip. This is a requirement of the South African Tourism Service Association, of which our local supplier is a member. As a client of Exodus Travels Ltd, your rights under the Package Travel Regulations (1992) are unaffected, and Exodus remains liable for the actions of our sub-contractors.

Prices / Dates

By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.

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AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 28 Jul 2024 / Thu, 08 Aug 2024	NOK 39 240	On request	NOK 5 645	Available
Sun, 08 Sep 2024 / Thu, 19 Sep 2024	NOK 39 240	On request	NOK 5 645	Available
Sun, 13 Oct 2024 / Thu, 24 Oct 2024	NOK 39 240	On request	NOK 5 645	Available
Sun, 10 Nov 2024 / Thu, 21 Nov 2024	NOK 39 240	On request	NOK 5 645	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 28 Jul 2024 / Thu, 08 Aug 2024	NOK 39 240	On request	NOK 5 645	On request
Sun, 08 Sep 2024 / Thu, 19 Sep 2024	NOK 39 240	On request	NOK 5 645	On request
Sun, 13 Oct 2024 / Thu, 24 Oct 2024	NOK 39 240	On request	NOK 5 645	On request
Sun, 10 Nov 2024 / Thu, 21 Nov 2024	NOK 39 240	On request	NOK 5 645	On request

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