Wildlife and Nature Reserve in South Africa

Day-To-Day Itinerary

For 2018

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 mils)

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-tour Extension is available with arrival on Friday or Saturday.

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

Three day Pre-Extension at Phelwana Game Lodge is available before May & June 2018 tours (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 from the Lodge to the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre and back to the Lodge (optional, for € 30 extra)
• Transfer to the start of the bike tour on the Sunday in time for lunch 

Book This Trip

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

• Wildlife and Nature Reserve in South Africa