South Africa Kruger National Park Safari
South Africa Bike Tours
Experience safari and wildlife on this bike and safari tour in Africa
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length10 days
- Prices from€2310 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Combining a bike tour in South Africa with a wildlife safari? Have you ever heard of such an experience? Talk about unique!
This is an inclusive biking and adventure tour in North-Eastern South Africa in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. You will visit the fascinating Greater Kruger National Park and the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon with the Three Rondavels, with God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes. In addition to your safari experience and cycling, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a different activity each day.
Featuring stunning panoramas and game drives, as well as hands-on experience in cultural customs and everyday life, this tour has it all.
Your incredible adventure will be led by two licensed tour guides and will be accompanied by a support vehicle ensuring reliable luggage transfer and support during the cycling itinerary and guaranteeing a unique, relaxed, and stress-free travel experience.
Highlights
- South African wildlife
- Diverse South African cultures
- God's Window
- Greater Kruger National Park
- Blyde River Canyon
- Lisbon Falls
- Local hospitality
- Typical South African cuisine
- Extra daily activities (fishing, visit to citrus packhouse, bush walks or a game drive)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Overnight in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Day 2: African Bush. Transfer to lodge from Johannesburg.
Day 3: Safari cycling, 12.5 to 25 mi. (20 to 40 km)
Day 4: Letsitele and Kaross Workshop, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 5: Wolkberg Mountains, 9.5 to 28 mi. (15 to 45 km)
Day 6: Blyde Dam and the Kruger National Park, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 7: Kruger National Park (full day)
Day 8: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, 12.5 to 25 mi. (20 to 40 km)
Day 9: Echo Caves, 17 mi. (27 km)
Day 10: DepartureChanges to the order of the itinerary can occur due to the availability of accommodation. A bicycle tour can be affected by changing weather conditions and therefore the itinerary of a tour may change. But don’t worry, there is always Plan B and the best solutions will be researched and offered to for an equally exciting tour.
Day 1: Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Overnight in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival, you will notice that you are in a country filled with smiles. A guide will meet you at O.R. Tambo International Airport and accompany you to your overnight accommodation in Johannesburg. The rest of the day is at your leisure where you can rest or explore some of Sandton’s attractions. Please take a look at our recommendations below:- Nelson Mandela Square (right across from your hotel)
- Hop-on-hop-off bus Johannesburg (www.citysightseeing.co.za/destinations/joburg)
- Sandton City Mall
- Soweto (depending on your arrival time, we can add a 2 or 4-hour cycling tour through Soweto. The tours start at 10 am or 2 pm and includes lunch and a transfer from your hotel to Soweto and back; Price: €90 or €110 per person).
Day 2: African Bush. Transfer to lodge from Johannesburg.
Your transfer will depart at 9h30 am from your hotel. Travel time from Johannesburg to your overnight accommodation is approx. 5 hours. Along the way, you will stop to visit an open-air museum which demonstrates the daily life of the Bakone people who inhabited the Polokwane area 250 years ago. The next two evenings will be spent at a private game lodge near Bandelierkop. After settling in, you will end your day with a bushwalk to get acquainted with the African bush and a cozy dinner in an African boma. (B)Includes: Open-air museum, bushwalk
Day 3: Safari cycling, 12.5 - 25 mi. (20 - 40 km)
Your first bike ride is an exploratory ride through the bushveld. The aim of this safari cycle is to have personal encounters with some of the animals of the African bush. The Lodge has a wide variety of non-dangerous animals including giraffe, impala, zebra, kudu, and many bird species. Learn more about the lifestyle and habits of the different species as well as the tracking of animals. Join us for a sunset game drive or alternatively enjoy a relaxed afternoon next to the swimming pool. Dinner will be a unique South African experience served in the boma. (B, L, D)Elevation gain: 500-1000 ft. (150-300 m)
Includes: Game driveDay 4: Letsitele and Kaross workshop, 16 mi. (25 km)
Your next location is the Letsitele Valley and the small subtropical farming town of Letsitele. Letsitele is well-known for the production and export of different varieties of citrus fruit. The morning’s ride will take you through orange tree groves with a stop along the way to visit a citrus packhouse to learn about the workings of a citrus farm, from the planting and farming phase, ending with the packing and export of the fruit. From the packhouse, you continue along the canal to the Kaross embroidery. Kaross was started by Irma van Rooyen to create opportunities for rural women to make a living through their embroidery skills. Indulge yourself in the beauty of the embroidery followed by a typical South African lunch. Your stay for the next two evenings is at the Coach House Hotel and Spa. (B, L, D)Elevation gain: 500 ft. (150 m)
Includes: Kaross tour
*Depending on the time of year, you may visit a citrus packhouse. Alternatively, you may visit an avocado/ macadamia nut packhouse.Day 5: Wolkberg Mountains, 9.5 - 28 mi. (15 - 45 km)
After enjoying breakfast overlooking the majestic Wolkberg Mountain range of Limpopo you will explore this area on your bicycles. The Wolkberg Mountains separate the highveld from the Lowveld of Limpopo. It also contains some of the most intensive and well-established avocado and macadamia nut farms in South Africa. Your bike route for the day is a circular one that passes through pine and eucalyptus plantations, with splendid views of the surrounding mountains and farms. Lunch will take place at a local restaurant with picturesque views of the area. A relaxing afternoon awaits our guests at the Coach House Hotel. The hotel has a spa that offers optional massage and spa treatments. Drinks can be enjoyed in the historical bar and lounge and guests can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Wolkberg Mountains from the comfort of their balconies or next to the pool. (B, L, D)Elevation gain: 1400-2150 ft. (420-650 m)
Day 6: Blyde Dam and the Kruger National Park, 23 mi. (37 km)
The cycling itinerary follows the Blyde River through the canyon to a spectacular viewpoint of the Blyde Dam. The Blyde River rises on the western slopes of the Drakensberg near Sabie in Mpumalanga and flows northwards past the town of Pilgrim's Rest for more than 62.5 mi./100 km, through a region of extraordinary beauty along the eastern escarpment and into the Blyde Dam which was completed in 1974. Along the way, be on the lookout for kudus and baboons. After lunch, you will depart for the Kruger National Park. Enjoy your first evening in Kruger with a “braai”. (B, L, D)Elevation gain: 1350 ft. (410 m)
Day 7: Kruger National Park (full day)
Today is your big Kruger safari day. Although Kruger is renowned for the Big 5, it has so much more to offer. Get your cameras ready to capture the special moments in one of Africa’s largest national parks covering an area of 19,485 square kilometers. This wildlife sanctuary is like no other; its atmosphere so unique which will allow you to experience the true heartbeat of Africa. After your day in the Kruger National Park, you will be treated with a delicious dinner. Take time to share stories and photos of your special day in the African bush. (Brunch, D)Includes: Full day in Kruger National Park
Day 8: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, 12.5 - 25 mi. (20 - 40 km)
Welcome to the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest and greenest canyon in the world. Your bike ride starts at the Pinnacle Rock where your bikes will be made ready whilst you savor the magnificent view. The route follows the escarpment all the way to Wonder View, which is said, on a clear day it is possible to see all the way to Mozambique. The next stop for the day is the Lisbon Falls which is the highest waterfall in Mpumalanga. Extend your bike ride by cycling to your lunch spot or hop into the bus for a relaxed drive to lunch, after which you will visit the Bourke’s Luck Potholes. The potholes were formed over centuries of water flowing from the Treur and Blyde River. From here it is a short drive to the famous Three Rondavels lookout point and onto our overnight stay overlooking this escarpment. (B, L, D)Elevation gain: 1400-2040 ft. (420-620)
Includes: Entrance to Lisbon Falls and Bourke’s Luck PotholesDay 9: Echo Caves, 17 mi. (27 km). 1090 ft/330 m of elevation
Take a final glimpse at the striking panorama of the Three Rondavels before cycling through citrus farms and onto the Echo Caves. This underground wonderland was stumbled upon by a local farmer in 1923, whilst looking for his lost cow. We will visit the caves before driving along the Abel Erasmus Pass and entering the Lowveld for your last evening. The adventure begins with a late afternoon game drive in an open game viewer with an experienced guide. Dinner will be served in a boma around a fire with sounds of the African night in the background.
(B, L, D)Elevation gain: 1090 ft. (330m)
Includes: Entrance to Echo Caves, game driveDay 10: Departure
Your final day starts with a bushwalk accompanied by an experienced game ranger through Big 5 territory. Experience the bush as never before with the chance of a cheetah encounter on foot. After the bushwalk, enjoy a leisurely breakfast whilst saying farewell to your cycling companions. This will be the end of our time together. Return to your home country via the Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit or a transfer to Johannesburg. Advice on your return journey or an extended stay is available on request. (B)Includes: Bush walk
Want to add on extra days? Take a look at our extensions to the itinerary under extra info.Accommodation
This tour offers a variety of accommodation throughout the trip to give you a complete feeling of what this area has to offer. The 3-star accommodations range from lodges, to hotels, to chalets, all of which have been chosen to offer you the uttermost comfort after each bike ride.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 9 nights in 3-star accommodation
- Meals: 9 x breakfasts, 8 x lunches, 8 x dinners
- Bike rental (Silverback Spectra Comp 2017 Hardtail, 27 gear, handlebar bag, water bottle cage)
- 6 days cycling with vehicle support (a combination of paved and gravel roads)
- Tour guide and support vehicle
- Entrance into the Kruger National Park
- Activities as per itinerary
- Transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to first-night accommodation
- Transfer from last night accommodation to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS)
- Water for the cycling stages
- Daily luggage transfer (one luggage per person (not to exceed 23 kg)
What’s Not Included
- Travel to/from the start/finish
- Meals not mentioned
- Drinks
- Pre-or post-tour extensions (on request)
- Spa treatments (when available)
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Sundays to Tuesdays
January 17, March 14, April 18, May 9, July 25, August 22, September 5, October 24, and November 7, 2021
Minimum number of participants: 4
Maximum number of participants: 10If you have another date that works for you, do not hesitate to contact us We will try to make it work!
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Twin/double: $ 3709 £ 2092 $ 3,645 € 2310 NZ$ 3974 kr 23702 $ 2,861 Single supplement: $ 514 £ 290 $ 505 € 320 NZ$ 551 kr 3283 $ 396
Two-day pre-extension in Soweto:
Twin/double: $ 297 £ 168 $ 292 € 185 NZ$ 318 kr 1898 $ 229 Single: $ 104 £ 59 $ 103 € 65 NZ$ 112 kr 667 $ 81Three-day post extension Hoedspruit:
Twin/double: $ 979 £ 552 $ 962 € 610 NZ$ 1049 kr 6259 $ 756 No single surchargeThree-day post extension Sausage Tree Camp:
Twin/double: $ 1349 £ 761 $ 1,325 € 840 NZ$ 1445 kr 8619 $ 1,040 Single supplement: $ 241 £ 136 $ 237 € 150 NZ$ 258 kr 1539 $ 186Pre/post extensions in Cape Town:
Two-day Cape Peninsula Tour
Twin/double: $ 706 £ 398 $ 694 € 440 NZ$ 757 kr 4515 $ 545 One day Cape Peninsula
Twin/double: $ 257 £ 145 $ 252 € 160 NZ$ 275 kr 1642 $ 198 Single on requestExtra Options
Electric Bike (limited): $ 353 £ 199 $ 347 € 220 NZ$ 378 kr 2257 $ 272 Non-private shuttle service: Hoedspruit Airport to O.R. Tambo International Airport: $ 144 £ 82 $ 142 € 90 NZ$ 155 kr 923 $ 111
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
This tour is a moderate level guided and fully supported tour that is all-inclusive. You will cycle on a combination of off-road, paved, and dirt surfaces. The pace of your daily activities is leisure and requires a basic level of fitness and experience on your bike. The bike rides consist of 15 - 30 km per day with an elevation gain of 110 - 470 m.
Airport Info
Fly to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg.
Local Travel
Tour start: The tour starts at the O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. Arrival is possible any time on Sunday and your transfer to the hotel will be arranged accordingly. If you would like to arrive the day before the tour starts, we can offer you a pre-extension program. Please see the Soweto and Johannesburg pre-extension tab.
Tour end: The tour ends at 10 am on Tuesday. The flights from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) depart at 13:50 and 14h30 depending on your destination. You will be transferred to the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) in time for your flights. If you would like to transfer on to Johannesburg by car, a private transfer can be arranged.
Please note the transfer takes approx. 6 hours with a stop along the way.Climate
The best months for an adventure in South Africa are the cooler months starting in March and ending in October. South Africa is a subtropical region, moderated by the ocean on two sides and the altitude of the interior plateau. These account for the warm, temperate conditions so typical of South Africa. Please do check local conditions before your arrival. A good website to use to research average high/low temperatures, average rainfall, and other weather related facts is weatherbase.com.
Remarks
Tour dates are officially confirmed or cancelled 10 weeks prior to tour date. The minimum number of guests needed to guarantee a tour is 7. In order to guarantee a tour earlier than 8 weeks, we can do so for bookings of 2 with a supplement of €300 per person. This amount will be refunded as soon as the group reaches a minimum size of 7.
Please note if the number of guests is below 4, only one tour guide will accompany the tour. If the number of guests is above 5, a cycling tour guide, as well as a tour guide driving the support vehicle, will accompany the tour.
On this tour, an extra activity is offered daily apart from the cycling tour. For example: a visit to citrus packhouse, a bush walk, a game drive, a visit to the Echo Caves, a visit to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and a visit to Kaross. This is included in the tour price.Important to know
Excursions
PRE-EXTENSION: JOHANNESBURG & SOWETO
Take the time to extend your holiday and add an additional evening (Saturday) in Johannesburg with a 4-hour cycling tour in Soweto.
Included services:
- 1 night’s accommodation at a hotel with breakfast
- Transfer to Soweto and back to the hotel
- 4-hour cycle tour in Soweto with lunch (10 am or 2 pm)
Price per person:
Twin/double: €175 (2020) / €185 (2021)
Single supplement: on request (2020) / €65 (2021)POST-EXTENSION PROGRAM: HOEDSPRUIT
3-DAY BUFFELSHOEK / NDZHAKA CAMP
Would you like to experience South Africa’s wildlife even more intensively after your tour? If you are looking for a Big 5 experience, then Buffelshoek Camp or Ndzhka are the perfect place for you. Located in the heart of Manyeleti Game Reserve, which shares its unfenced borders with Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand, and Timbavati Private Nature Reserves, Ndzhaka or Buffelshoek offer a rustic bush retreat. Manyeleti is renowned for Big 5 animal sightings and offers a real African bush experience. This three-day additional program offers you both pre-organized and leisure activities.
Included services:
- Transfer from the last accommodation of the regular tour to the camp
- 2 nights’ accommodation at the camp (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- 2 guided game drives per day
- Transfer from the camp to Hoedspruit Airport at the end of your stay
Price per person:
Twin/double: €610 (2020/2021)
There's no single surcharge.3-DAY SAUSAGE TREE CAMP
If you are looking for more luxury, the Sausage Tree Camp is a small, intimate, luxury tented camp in the Greater Kruger National Park offering you a Big 5 experience. Situated within the Balule Conservancy with dramatic hilltops, valleys, and open plains providing breathtaking views of uninterrupted bush all the way to the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains.
Included services:
- Transfer from the last accommodation of the regular tour to the camp
- 2 nights’ accommodation in a luxury tent (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- 2 guided game drives per day
- Transfer from the camp to Hoedspruit Airport at the end of your stay
Price per person:
Twin/double: €790 (2020) / €840 (2021)
Single room surcharge: €120 (2020) / €150 (2021)PRE/POST-EXTENSION IN CAPE TOWN
Extend your safari cycling tour with a tour in and around Cape Town. There are many possibilities and we adjust the extension depending on what you would like, how many days, and which areas you would like to visit. For example, add a bike trip and an evening or two in the Winelands.
5-DAY CAPE TOWN TOUR EXTENSION
Day 1: Arrival and overnight stay in Cape Town.
Day 2: Cape Town and surrounds (free day)
Your free day to explore Cape Town (option to use the Hop-on-Hop-off Bus). In the afternoon optional Table Mountain walk depending on the weather (payable on-site).Day 3: Cycle to Simon's Town - Bakoven - Hout Bay - Chapman’s Peak - Simon’s Town, 25 mi. (40 km)
Our bike ride starts just outside Bakoven after initially transferring from your accommodation out of the Cape Town. Cycle south along the Atlantic coast and climb the famous Chapman’s Peak to the viewpoint over Hout Bay. We finish our bike ride in Simon's Town after crossing over the Peninsula to False Bay. A visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach completes a wonderful day.Day 4: Simon's Town - Cape Point Nature Reserve - Scarborough - Misty Cliffs - Simon’s Town, 37 - 50 mi. (60 - 80 km)
We cycle along the coastline to the entrance of Cape Point Nature Reserve. Enjoy the first spectacular viewpoint over the bay. Descending further south into the park, we head to the tip of Africa at the Cape of Good Hope. After taking in the majestic views, we ride towards the old lighthouse at Cape Point. Optional walk up to the viewpoint if time and weather permits. We return to Simon’s Town passing Scarborough and the wonderful Misty Cliffs.Day 5: Departure
Transfer to Cape Town International Airport after breakfast.Included services:
- Transfer from Cape Town International Airport to first hotel
- 2 night’s accommodation at a guesthouse in Cape Town (breakfast included)
- 2 guided bicycle tours
- Bicycle rental and helmet
- 2 night’s accommodation at a guesthouse in Simon’s Town (breakfast included)
- Transfer from the last hotel to Cape Town International Airport
- Guide, driver and vehicle transport included where required
Price per person:
Twin/double: €760
Single supplement: €2502-DAY CAPE PENINSULA TOUR
Day 1: Cape Town – Cape Point Nature Reserve – Boulders Beach - Simon’s Town, 28 - 41 mi. (45 - 65 km)
You will be met by your guide at your accommodation for the start of the tour. Cycle south along the Atlantic coast and climb the famous Chapman’s Peak to the viewpoint over Hout Bay. After a wonderful downhill, cycle through the beautiful coastal town of Kommetjie and past the Slangkop lighthouse towards Cape Point Nature Reserve. Once inside the Nature Reserve we take a leisurely ride up to Cape Point. After lunch, we head downhill to Simon’s Town where we visit the penguins at Boulders Beach. (Overnight in Simon’s Town)Day 2: Simon’s Town – Fish Hoek – Noord Hoek – Cape Town, 28 mi. (45 km)
After breakfast, you proceed to cross the Peninsula at its narrowest point from Fish Hoek over to Noord Hoek. We traverse Chapman’s Peak in the opposite direction back down to Hout Bay via Llandudno and end our tour in Cape Town.Included services:
- Pick-up in Cape Town and transfer to the starting point
- Drop-off in Cape Town after completion of day tour
- 1-night accommodation at a guesthouse in Simon's Town (breakfast included)
- Guided bicycle tour (please note: this tour is non-vehicle supported but guided by a qualified cycling guide en-route)
- Bicycle rental and helmet
Price per person:
Twin/double: €440
Single supplement: on request1-DAY PENINSULA TOUR
Included services:- Pick-up in Cape Town for the start of your cycling tour and drop off at the end of the tour
- Guided bicycle tour
Please note:
- This tour is non-vehicle supported but guided by a qualified cycling guide en-route. If you would like vehicle support, it is an additional €65 per person.
- It is possible to do the tour in one day instead of staying over in Simon's Town for an evening.
- The tour is the same as the 2-day extension, however, the cycling will be 120 - 150 km for the day.
- An alternative option is starting and finishing the above in Fish Hoek. This would be a distance of approx. 80 km over undulating terrain.
- There is the option of extending your tour to include cycling the Winelands, kayaking to the penguins, hiking Table Mountain and so many other fun activities. Please let us know if you would like to add to your extension.Price per person:
Twin/double: €160
Single supplement: on requestExtra Stay
Extra nights or extensions available! Take a look at the excursions above!
Most inbound flights incur a transfer in Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) to Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) so it is convenient to spend extra nights in either cities.
Transfers are available for a supplement.
Please ask!Tour Operator
This tour is run by Panorama Pedals.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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