Current as of: July 27, 2024 - 03:50
Current as of: July 27, 2024 - 03:50
4 out of 7 - Moderate & Challenging
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
This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
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. Cycling durations stated in the itinerary are approximations and vary depending on the group’s pace. 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.
Normally 4 to 14, plus leader.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 14
Depart London
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 for bathroom breaks and to stretch the legs. 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)
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 five hours but will be broken up with stops to go for bathroom breaks and to stretch our legs. The park, named after the golden colour on the sandstone cliffs as the sun hits them, is 28,665 acres (11,600ha) of highland habitat and home to springboks, mountain zebras and wildebeest, plus rare bearded vultures and bald ibis. Depending on when the group arrives, we either set up the bikes this afternoon or tomorrow morning. We can test them around the accommodation grounds before we begin cycling.
Accommodation: Glen Reenen Rest Camp (or similar)
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)
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)
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.
Accommodation: Bella’s Rest Guest House (or similar)
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)
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 then road transfer to our accommodation.
Accommodation: African Rest Lodge (or similar)
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)
Game drives in Kruger National Park
An early start to the day, where you can fuel up on a South African rusk and coffee, before heading out in an open game vehicle with a local guide. We’ll stop for lunch and then continue our game drive in search of the Big Five before heading back to camp for dinner. After dinner you have the choice of relaxing at the camp or head out on a night safari, which 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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Arrive London.
We spend 11 nights in small lodges. The properties are small, privately owned establishments that are clean and comfortable and all rooms have en-suite facilities. 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).
Single supplement from £ 410
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.
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.
Although the greater part of South Africa lies south 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.
Start hotel: Glen Reenen Rest Camp, Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Phone: +27 58 255 1000
Airport: Johannesburg Airport (JNB)
The start hotel is roughly 260mi (420km) from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK.
Due to the distance between the airport and start hotel, it is vital your flight arrives in time to catch the group transfer. You may join this transfer at no extra cost. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join.
The final hotel is also around 260mi (420km) from the airport, so please time your flight accordingly. Speak to your sales representative for more information on catching your return flight.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Johannesburg
Location end: Johannesburg
You will need to bring the following essential items:
We strongly recommend a good pair of binoculars and a camera
Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Trek 7.3 FX.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
E-bike upgrade
Electric bikes are available on this trip; prices from £255/US$360/485 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For this cycling trip we recommend:
Any child under 18 travelling to South Africa needs to be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate with the names of both parents. If a child under 18 is only travelling with a single parent, they will also have to have an affidavit, no less than three months’ old, from the absent parent confirming the child can travel with the other parent; a court order granting full legal guardianship of the child; or a death certificate of the deceased parent.
British passport holders and most European and Commonwealth Passport holders do not require a visa to travel to South Africa. Please note that all travellers to South Africa who do require a visa are required to have a minimum of two blank consecutive pages in their passport ie a left-hand page and a right-hand page to enable an entry visa to be issued.
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential if travelling in the greater Kruger area; seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic about which tablets to take. The rest of South Africa, including the Garden Route, has a low risk of malaria.
Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is also a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend taking the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential on this trip, and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
The Travel Health Pro website recommends to have a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.
South Africa's time zone: Africa/Johannesburg (UTC +02:00)
South Africa's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins), M (three round pins) and N (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
South Africa's currency: South African rand (ZAR)
There are ATMs at Johannesburg Airport and more throughout the trip. Please check with your guide at the start of your adventure.
Credit cards can be used in major shops and restaurants but will not be accepted at curio stalls and some smaller shops. Travelers cheques can be cashed at banks in major towns, but access is very limited on this trip. We suggest 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:
This is entirely at your own discretion. However, as a guideline, we suggest you allow about 110-130 rands (approximately US$6-US$7) a day for the guide.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.