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Explore South Africa by bike, from the epic Drakensberg mountains to Kruger N.P..
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
Getting up early, we cycle 25km on roads through the national park. We start with a short climb up to a viewpoint where mountain zebra are often spotted before descending a long winding mountain pass. Later in the ride there are a few short steep up and down sections to get the heart pumping before it then levels out again. 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 (60km) stopping at the 'Vulture restaurant' for the views over the Sterkfontein Dam and an early picnic lunch. We then get back on the bikes and cycle down the Oliviers Hoek pass all the way to the Sungbala lodge, our overnight stay. Here we have the whole night to take in the stunning view of the Drakensberg amphitheatre whilst enjoying a meal cooked by the guides. *Accommodation:* Sungubala Eco Camp or similar
Distance in Km: 55
Distance in Miles: 34
In the morning we cycle towards the Drakensberg Mountains whilst following a back road route into the Royal Natal National Park in the Northern Berg. This ride is fairly undulating but the views of the Drakensberg amphitheatre at the top of each rise are well worth the effort. After entering the park, we continue on our bikes for approximately 2km to our picnic spot – before lunch we can get changed in to swimming gear and walk the short distance to the cascades waterfall for a well-deserved swim in the cool waters. After lunch there will be time to explore the park and its hiking trails or simply relax before transferring back to our accommodation. *Accommodation:* Sungubala Eco Camp or similar
Distance in Km: 30
Distance in Miles: 18
After breakfast we leave the Drakensberg with a 210km (approx. 3 hour) transfer by road to Dundee. Here there will be time for a little shopping and 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 nearly 5000 Zulu warriors. After a hearty lunch and a change into cycling kit it’s back onto our bikes for a 45km ride from Rorke’s Drift to our overnight accommodation. This is a great ride through the scenic cattle country; the first 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 tarmac road we have a flat ride to our accommodation where we can relax in the pool. *Accommodation:* Battlefields Country Lodge or similar
Distance in Km: 45
Distance in Miles: 27
We have an early morning transfer (300km about 4 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 17km descent before an undulating ride all the way to our accommodation located just outside of the town with stunning panoramic views of the Hlumu mountain range. *Accommodation:* Badplaas Forever Resort or similar
Distance in Km: 45
Distance in Miles: 27
Today 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 stunning gravel road which winds its way between the Songimvelo Game Reserve and the base of the Hlumu Mountains. We pass an abandoned mine which has now become home to Vervet monkeys so make sure you have your camera at the ready. As the road starts to climb we hop in the bus and transfer to the top of a mountain range overlooking the Songimvelo Game Reserve, we stop on this road for a quick photo stop at a breathtaking viewpoint that overlooks the valley below before getting back on the bikes to cycle into Barberton town and onto our accommodation. *Accommodation:* African Rest Lodge or similar
Distance in Km: 60
Distance in Miles: 37
After breakfast we get on the bikes and start our ride through the Kaap River Valley as it winds its way towards Kaapmuiden. After about 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 cycling kit and stock up on cold drinks and snacks for Kruger. From here we have a very short transfer to get to the Malelane Gate where we enter the Kruger National Park and start our safari. We have a two hour game drive through the southern tip of Kruger to get to Skukuza Camp, keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready as the southern part of Kruger is known for its abundance of big cats. *Accommodation:* Kruger National Park Camp or similar
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
This morning 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 will only have a small breakfast at the camp which will consist of a South African 'rusk' and a coffee. After several hours of looking for animals we stop in one of the designated lunch spots where our guides cook up 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 there is the opportunity to go on a night safari drive through the park 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* *
Today we aim to spend most of the day in the national park searching for animals, and once again start off with a morning game drive, but in the opposite direction to yesterday. We return to camp for some brunch and to collect our bags before heading out on our final game drive in Kruger as we make our way out of the park via the Numbi gate. From here we have a short transfer to our overnight accommodation in Hazyview where we can take a stroll down to the Hippo River or just relax by the pool. *Accommodation:* Gecko Lodge or similar* *
After a few days of well-earned rest, today we get back on the bikes for the most challenging ride of the trip. After a hearty breakfast in Hazzyview 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 café for a muffin and coffee milkshake. From Sabie we continue to climb until we arrive at Mac Mac Pools, here we stop for a swim in the natural pools whilst our guides make lunch. After lunch our ride heads downhill for a visit to Mac Mac Falls and continues all the way to Graskop and our accommodation which overlooks the escarpment. *Accommodation:* Mogodi Lodge or similar
Distance in Km: 70
Distance in Miles: 43
Our final day of cycling will take us through yet more beautiful scenery as we cycle along the Panorama Route. In the morning we visit God’s Window to take in the breathtaking landscape view before cycling past ‘Wonder view’ and on to Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Here we stop for lunch and go for a 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 on to our accommodation. For our last night in South Africa we will have a big 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
Distance in Km: 65
Distance in Miles: 40
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 make our way back to Johannesburg Airport. This transfer is roughly 420km but we break it up with plenty of short stops and a longer lunch break. Please note that 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 and have a longer wait before the return flight departs. **
* 8 days cycling with full vehicle support
* Mostly tarmac 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. Min age 16 yrs
* 9 nights lodges and chalets, 2 nights permanent tented camp
11 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners are included on this tour.
For breakfast you can expect a good selection of cereals, toast, jams, fruit
and yogurt as well as coffee and rusks. Occasionally we have a cooked
breakfast or buffet in some locations. Meals which are included in the trip
are cooked and prepared by your guide and drivers. On two days you will have
a cooked lunch, but most days you will 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 before hand. We supply the following drinks on all
tours: fruit juice and squash served with breakfast & lunch, tea and coffee
served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be at your own
expense.
* 8 days cycling with full vehicle support
* Mostly tarmac 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. Min age 16 yrs
* 9 nights lodges and chalets, 2 nights permanent tented camp
Activity level: 4 (Moderate/Challenging)
8 days cycling with an averaging distance of 55km a day with full vehicle
support.
The cycling is all on good condition paved roads, apart from two short
stretches of hard packed gravel road on days 5 & 7. Most of the cycling is
over undulating terrain with some challenging climbs that are followed by
long flowing descents. Our cycling guide leads the group and a support
vehicle follows at all times. Snack stops are sets up every 15km where you
can re fill water bottles and help yourself to sweets and 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 holiday. This indemnity form is a
requirement of the South African Tourism Service Association which our local
supplier is a member of. 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.
Chalets, Lodges & CampingWe spend 9 nights in small lodges and 2 nights in permanent tented camps.
Most properties are small privately owned establishments that are clean and
comfortable and all rooms have en-suite facilities apart from our
accommodation in Kruger. This does mean that even if you have paid for a
single supplement you will have to use the shared facilities at our
accommodation in Kruger. The accommodation and locations we stay in
throughout the trip are a real highlight and very memorable. One of the best
has to be the eco lodge in the Drakensberg where you can spend the evening
watching the sun set over the magnificent Drakensberg amphitheatre whilst our
guides cook dinner on the Braai (BBQ).
Normally 4 to 14, plus leader.
11 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners are included on this tour.
For breakfast you can expect a good selection of cereals, toast, jams, fruit
and yogurt as well as coffee and rusks. Occasionally we have a cooked
breakfast or buffet in some locations. Meals which are included in the trip
are cooked and prepared by your guide and drivers. On two days you will have
a cooked lunch, but most days you will 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 before hand. We supply the following drinks on all
tours: fruit juice and squash served with breakfast & lunch, tea and coffee
served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be at your own
expense.
To transfer to our cycle rides we use a 14 seater minivan. All have
comfortable seating, air conditioning and are good quality up to date
vehicles. Our bikes are carried on a trailer when not being ridden which is
towed behind. The same vehicle is used for our safari drives but with the
bikes and trailer left at camp to allow us to be more nimble. The vehicle has
full sided glass windows allowing plenty of visibility for game viewing.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 14 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
We normally use the scheduled services of South African Airways (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*UK Regional Flights*
The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy
to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit
www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures [1] for a useful overview of the options
available, and contact our sales team for expert advice.
If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow
a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international
check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow;
this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is
known to be subject to delays.
*Travelling land only: 12 days starting and ending in Johannesburg*
This trip starts and ends at Johannesburg Airport. Please note that the start
and end hotels are roughly 420km from Johannesburg so it is important that if
booking your own flights you make sure they arrive and depart at similar
times to the scheduled group flights in order to use the group transfers.
[1] http://www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
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 on the coast and 24C inland. This trip
covers various different weather regions. Generally inland areas will be dry
between the months of April and October (although storms can occur), whereas
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 the months of November through February rain can
sometimes be expected and the temperature will be 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 times are incredibly
clear.
You will need to bring the following essential items:
Normal daily clothes
Cycling helmet (compulsory on this tour)
Sunglasses / eye protection
Several pairs of padded cycling shorts
Several cycling jerseys
Warm base layers
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Gloves
Water bottle
Cleated shoes and pedals (if you use them)
Small day pack (for camera and snacks)
Torch / head torch
Towel (for lunchtime swimming on some days)
If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may of course bring it
along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a
discount off the price of the holiday, as specified above. You will be
responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak to our Sales team for
individual airline fees. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure
they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home
contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Exodus is confident that we
have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare
event of loss, damage or theft you will need to claim under your own
insurance policy.
You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or
gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your
preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own
equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot
guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.
We strongly recommend a good pair of binoculars and a camera!
*Local Bike Details:* Giant Hybrid Escape.
*Discount for bringing your own bike:* £150.
Credit Cards can be used in major shops and restaurants but will not be
accepted at curio stalls and some smaller shops.Travellers Cheques can be
cashed at banks in major towns, but access is very limited on this trip. We
suggest that you bring cash. Please bear in mind, however, that due to the
nature of the tour, it would be better to bring sufficient funds with you for
the duration of the trip.
*Optional Excursions:*
Sunrise Drive - R328 per person (3hrs)
Guided Morning Walk - R575.70 per person (4hrs)
Sunset Drive - R331.28 per person (3hrs)
Night Drive - R260.58 per person (2hrs)
Graskop Gorge Lift – R210 per person (if there is time during the
itinerary)
This is entirely at your own discretion. However, as a guideline, we suggest
you allow a few pounds each day for tips for the guide - about £4 (approx.
US$6-7) a day per client would seem reasonable.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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