Bike and Safari South Africa

Day 1: Arrival to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (Pedal 10 km, 150 hm)
Day 2: Blyde Dam and the Kruger National Park (Pedal 27 km, 410 hm)
Day 3: Kruger National Park  (Full day)
Day 4: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (Pedal 16 km - 40 km, 260 hm - 620 hm)
Day 5: Echo Caves (Pedal 27 km, 330 hm)
Day 6: Letsitele and Kaross Workshop (Pedal 20 km, 150 hm)
Day 7: Wolkberg Mountains and Blueberry Heights (Pedal 20 km, 420 hm) 
Day 8: The Baobab Tree (Pedal 27 km, 200 hm)
Day 9: Departure

*All distances are approximate. A bicycle tour can be affected by changing weather conditions and therefore the itinerary of a tour may change. Don’t worry, there are always alternatives and the best solutions to offer you an equally exciting tour. All cycling rides are fully supported. Route graphs are available, just ask!

Day 1: Sunday – Arrival to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (Pedal 10 km, 150 hm / 6 miles)
Welcome to South Africa! Upon your arrival you will immediately notice that you are in a country full of smiles. You will be collected at the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport from where you will be transported to your overnight accommodation, a mere 30 minute drive from the airport. The afternoon will commence with a short instructional bike ride to get you acquainted with your bicycle and do a proper bike setup. Even on this short ride, you could encounter giraffe, impala, zebra, nyala, kudu, warthog, abundant birdlife, and spectacular panoramas. Spend your first evening in the beautiful bushveld. Includes: Bike ride, Lunch, Dinner                                                           

Day 2: Monday – Blyde Dam and the Kruger National Park (Pedal 27 km, 410 hm / 17 miles)
After enjoying your first South African breakfast, your bike tour will follow the Blyde River through the canyon to a spectacular viewpoint. Along the way be on the lookout for kudus and baboons. Lunch will take place on the banks of the Blyde River underneath lush trees, and  thereafter we will depart for the Kruger National Park. Our drive takes us through Bushbuckridge which was given its name because of the large herds of bushbuck found here in the 1880s. We will also travel through the small, buzzing little farming town of Hazyview. In the late afternoon we explore the Kruger National Park. Includes: Bike ride, Afternoon drive in the KNP, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Tuesday – 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. Be sure your cameras is ready to capture the special moments in one of Africa’s largest national parks covering an area of 19,485 square kilometres. This wildlife sanctuary is like no other, its atmosphere so unique which will allow you to experience the true heartbeat of Africa. After your full day in the Kruger National Park, you will return to your accommodation and will enjoy a wonderful dinner. Take time to share stories and photos of your special day in the African bush.  Includes: Full day in KNP, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Wednesday - Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (Pedal 16 km - 40 km, 260 hm - 620 hm / 9 - 25 miles)
Welcome to the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest and greenest canyon in the world. Our bike ride starts at the Pinnacle Rock where we will ready the bikes whilst you savour 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. Our next stop for the day is the Lisbon Falls which is the highest waterfall in Mpumalanga. Extend your bike ride by cycling to our lunch spot or hop into the bus for a relaxed drive to lunch, after which we 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. Includes: Bike ride, Lisbon Falls and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Day 5: Thursday – Echo Caves (Pedal 27 km, 330 hm / 17 miles)
Take in a last look at the striking panorama of the Three Rondavels before getting on your bike. The route, which is mostly downhill, is surrounded by citrus farms. The Echo Caves marks the end of today’s cycling. This underground wonderland was stumbled upon by a local farmer in 1923, whilst looking for his lost cow. There is an opportunity to visit the cave before driving along the Abel Erasmus Pass and entering the Lowveld. Our final destination is the subtropical town of Letsitele in the Limpopo Province. Enjoy dinner at our accommodation situated next to the Letaba River. You might even have the chance to see and hear hippos. Includes: Bike ride, Entrance into Echo Caves, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Friday – Letsitele and Kaross Workshop (Pedal 20 km, 150 hm / 13 miles)
The morning’s ride will start with a cycle to a citrus packhouse to experience the working of citrus farming. Letsitele is well-known for the vast amounts of citrus produced and exported. From the packhouse you will continue through Orange tree groves 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. Our next two evenings’ accommodation is the historical Coach House Hotel. Enjoy a massage, go for a walk or try your luck fishing at a local farm dam. Includes: Bike ride, Packhouse visit*, Kaross tour, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
*Citrus Packhouse is open from May - September. During March, April and October a Macadamia nut/Avocado packhouse can be visited.

Day 7: Saturday – Wolkberg Mountains and Blueberry Heights (Pedal 20 km, 420 hm / 13 miles)
Our route for the day is a circular one that passes through avocado, litchi and macadamia nut plantations. Afterwards you have the option of relaxing and having lunch at the Coach House Hotel or join us for an excursion per bus for lunch at the Blueberry Mountain Café. Upon our return you have the opportunity to enjoy a calming massage (not included in the tour price), savour a drink in the historical bar and lounge or just take in the beautiful view of the Wolkberg Mountains from the balcony of your room. The evening is a relaxed one with dinner at your own accord in the hotel restaurant. Includes: Bike ride, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Sunday – The Baobab Tree (Pedal 27 km, 200 hm / 17 miles)
Today you will explore the area around the frontier town of Gravelotte. Your bike ride includes a visit to a 2000-year-old Baobab tree. During the Barberton gold rush in the 1880’s the giant Baobab was used as a pub, known as “The Murchison Club”. The inside of the bar was wide enough to serve up to 15 miners. Although no beer will be served inside this magnificent tree, you can still get a taste of the history and character of the pub in days gone by. The evening will be spent next to the Blyde River below the Blyde River Canyon. After lunch we depart for our last experience of the African bush situated in a Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit. 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. Includes: Bike ride, Entrance to the Baobab Tree, Game Drive, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Monday – 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 while saying farewell to your cycling companions. Perhaps you will want to extend your holiday. Advice on your return journey or an extended stay is available on request. Guests will be transferred to the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) in time for their flights. In case a guest prefers travelling to Johannesburg by car, a private transfer can be booked. Includes: Bush walk, Breakfast                                                           

A three day or two day Pre- or Post tour Extension is available:

JOHANNESBURG & SOWETO

Three day Pre-Extension (guest arrival recommended on Friday):
Includes:

• Transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport to the guesthouse
• 2 night’s accommodation at a guest house with breakfast
• Transfer to Soweto and back to the guest house
• 4 Hour Cycle tour in Soweto with lunch
• Transfer to Hoedspruit for the start of the official tour on Sunday

Three day Post-Extension:
Includes:

• Transfer from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg (in case you prefer a flight, the transfer will be
  deducted from the program price and you will be transferred to the Hoedspruit Airport. Please
  note flights must be arranged on your own)
• 2 night’s accommodation at a guest house with breakfast
• Transfer to Soweto and back to the guest house
• 4 Hour Cycle tour in Soweto with lunch
• Transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport from guest house 

Two day Pre-Extension:
Includes:

• Transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport to the guesthouse
• 1 night accommodation at a guest house with breakfast
• Transfer to Hoedspruit for the start of the official tour on Sunday

Two day Post-Extension:

Includes:

• Transfer from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg (in case you prefer a flight, the transfer will be
  deducted from the program price and you will be transferred to the Hoedspruit Airport. Please
  note flights must be arranged on your own)
• 1 night accommodation at a guest house with breakfast
• Transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport from the guesthouse

HOEDSPRUIT & SURROUNDING AREA

Three day Pre-Extension at Phelwana at Phelwana Game Lodge (guest arrival recommended on Friday):

Includes:

• 2 nights accommodation in the Luxury Tents at Phelwana Game Lodge* 
• Transfer from the Hoedspruit Airport to the Lodge 
• Transfer to the start of the bike tour on the Sunday in time for lunch 

Accommodation at Phelwana Game Lodge includes:

• Dinner, breakfast and high tea served daily
• Guided game drive on Phelwana Game Farm
• Guided bush walks & Catch and Release Fishing
• Guided tour of the Timbavati Bush School
• Daily turn down service
• WiFi at the Main Lodge Building

An additional night at the lodge costs 170 euro per person sharing.

Three day Post-Extension at Phelwana at Phelwana Game Lodge (guest arrival recommended on Friday):

Includes:

• 2 nights accommodation in the Luxury Tents at Phelwana Game Lodge 
• Transfer to the Lodge at the end of your bicycle tour
• Transfer from the Lodge to the Hoedspruit Airport at the end of your stay at Phelwana Game Lodge

Accommodation at Phelwana Game Lodge* includes:

• Dinner, breakfast and high tea served daily
• Guided game drive on Phelwana Game Farm
• Guided bush walks & Catch and Release Fishing
• Guided tour of the Timbavati Bush School
• Daily turn down service
• WiFi at the Main Lodge Building

*An additional night at the lodge costs 170 euro per person sharing.

Day 1: Sunday
Day 2: Monday: Safari cycling, 20 - 40 km,150 hm – 300 hm
Day 3: Tuesday: Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site (Hike)
Day 4: Wednesday: Wolkberg Mountains, cyle 15 km - 30 km, 420 hm – 650 hm
Day 5: Thursday: Letsitele and Kaross Workshop, cycle  20 km, 150 hm
Day 6: Friday: Blyde Dam and the Kruger National Park, cycle 27 km, 410 hm
Day 7: Saturday: Kruger National Park (Full day)
Day 8:Sunday: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, cycle 16 - 40 km, 260 hm - 620 hm
Day 9: Monday: Echo Caves, cycle 27 km, 330 hm
Day 10: Tuesday: Departure

Day 1: Sunday: Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport
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 at Bandelierkop, near Polokwane, the capital of Limpopo Province. The transfer will depart at 11:00 am from the Airport. Travel time from the Airport to the overnight accommodation is approximately 4 hours. The first 3 nights will be spent at a Private Game Lodge. After settling in, you will end your first day in South Africa with a game drive and a cozy dinner in an African boma.

Includes: Dinner, Game Drive

Day 2: Monday: Safari cycling, 20 - 40 km,150 hm – 300 hm
After breakfast, your first bike ride is an exploratory ride through the bushveld. The aim with 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. An optional afternoon activity includes a bushwalk or alternately enjoy a relaxed afternoon next to the swimming pool. Dinner will be a unique South African experience served in the boma. 

Includes: Bike ride and Bushwalk
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tuesday: Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site (Hike)
Day 3 has an early morning start, but is well worth the effort. It consists of a visit to Mapungubwe National Park and is without a doubt one of the highlights of the tour. The ancient land of Baobabs is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Southern Africa. What was once known as the center of the largest kingdom in the subcontinent, where a highly sophisticated people traded gold and ivory with China, India and Egypt, rests a magical place open for discovery. Partake in a hike up the Mapungubwe Hill and learn more about the fascinating history of the ancient kingdom of Mapungubwe. Apart from the incredible history, Mapungubwe is also home to some of the iconic wildlife of Southern Africa and it is a member of SANParks, like the Kruger National Park. A special moment in this tour is taking in the breathtaking view of the confluence of the Limpopo and Sashe rivers, separating South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

Includes: Entrance to Mapungubwe NP, Tour to Mapungubwe Hill, Explore 3 countries with one view
*SANParks = South African National Parks Association

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Wednesday: Wolkberg Mountains, cyle 15 km - 30 km, 420 hm – 650 hm
After breakfast, you will depart to your next location which is the majestic Wolkberg Mountain range of Limpopo. 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. The 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 Letsitele valley, our next location. 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.

Includes: Bike ride, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Thursday: Letsitele and Kaross Workshop, cycle  20 km, 150 hm
Your next location is the Letsitele Valley and the small subtropical farming town of Letsitele. Letsitele is well-known for the vast amounts of citrus fruits produced and exported. The morning’s ride will take you through orange tree groves with a stop along 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. The evening will be spent in the African bushveld.

Includes: Bike ride, Kaross tour
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

*Depending on the time of year, we may visit a citrus packhouse. Alternately you may visit an avocado/ macadamia nut packhouse.

Day 6: Friday: Blyde Dam and the Kruger National Park, cycle 27 km, 410 hm
Your bike ride 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 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. Lunch will take place on the banks of the Blyde River after which you will depart for the Kruger National Park. In the late afternoon, explore Kruger on a drive. Enjoy your first evening in Kruger with a “braai”.

Includes: Bike ride
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Saturday: 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 kilometres. 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, we will be treated with a delicious dinner. Take time to share stories and photos of your special day in the African bush.

Includes: Full day in KNP
Brunch and Dinner

Day 8: Sunday: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, cycle 16 - 40 km, 260 hm - 620 hm
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 savour 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 youk 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.

Includes: Bike ride, Entrance to Lisbon Falls and Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Monday: Echo Caves, cycle 27 km, 330 hm
Take in a last look at the striking panorama of the Three Rondavels before we get onto our bicycles. Our route, which is mostly downhill, is surrounded by citrus farms. The Echo Caves marks the end of our cycling. This underground wonderland was stumbled upon by a local farmer in 1923, whilst looking for his lost cow. We will visit the cave before driving along the Abel Erasmus Pass and entering the Lowveld for our 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.

Includes: Bike ride, Entrance to Echo Caves, Game Drive
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Tuesday: 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.

Includes: Bush walk
Breakfast

EXTENSIONS:

JOHANNESBURG & SOWETO

Three day Pre-Extension  (may be booked as post extension but then flight from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg is necessary or long transfer)
Includes:

• Transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport to the guesthouse
• 2 night’s accommodation at a guest house with breakfast
• Transfer to Soweto and back to the guest house
• 4 Hour Cycle tour in Soweto with lunch
• Transfer to start of the cyling tour is included in the 10 day cycling tour price

Two Day Pre-Extension (this is advised for those who simply want extra time to recover from long flight)
Includes:

• Transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport to the guesthouse
• 1 night’s accommodation at a guesthouse with breakfast
• Transfer to the start of the tour on Sunday is already included in your 10-day cycling tour price

Three day Post-Extension at Phelwana at Phelwana Game Lodge (guest arrival recommended on Friday):
(Phelwana Game Lodge is a 4 star lodge offering luxury tent accommodation looking out onto a dam which is often visited by hippos and other wildlife. The game farm is home to wildlife such as buffalo, hippo, giraffe, zebra and other plains game)

Includes:

• 2 nights accommodation in the Luxury Tents at Phelwana Game Lodge 
• Transfer to the Lodge at the end of your bicycle tour
• Transfer from the Lodge to the Hoedspruit Airport at the end of your stay at Phelwana Game Lodge
• Dinner, breakfast and high tea served daily
• Guided game drive on Phelwana Game Farm
• Guided bush walks & Catch and Release Fishing
• Guided tour of the Timbavati Bush School
• Daily turn down service
• WiFi at the Main Lodge Building

Three day Post-Extension at Ndzhaka
( If you are looking for a Big 5 experience, then Ndzhka is 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 offers a rustic bush retreat. Manyeleti is renowned for Big 5 animal sightings and offers a real African bush experience.)

Includes:

• 2 nights' accommodation in Safari Tents at Ndzhaka Camp (B, L, D)
• Transfer to the Lodge at the end of your bicycle tour
•  Transfer from the Lodge to the Hoedspruit Airport at the end of your stay at Ndzhaka Camp
• 2 Guided game drives per day

Pre or Post Extension to Victoria Falls is possible. Please ask.

Book This Trip

Email or Call 800-951-4384 +1 570-965-2064