Wildlife and Nature Reserve in South Africa

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, Kruger, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 2: Sabie and Kruger National Park, 16.5 mi. (27 km)
Day 3: Kruger National Park
Day 4: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, 10 - 24 mi. (16 - 40 km)
Day 5: Echo Caves, 16.5 mi. (27 km)
Day 6: Letsitele, the citrus farming district, Kaross Workshop, 12.5 mi. (20 km)
Day 7:  Haenertsburg, Wolkberg Reserve, and a Local Beer Brewery, 12.5 mi. (20 km)
Day 8: The Baobab Tree,16.5 mi. (27 km)
Day 9: Blyde Dam, 16.5 mi. (27 km)
Day 10: 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: Arrival, Kruger, 9 mi. (15 km)
Welcome to sunny South Africa! Upon your arrival, you will immediately notice that you are in a country full of smiles. You will be personally greeted at the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and transferred to your accommodation for the evening,  just 10 minutes away from the airport. In the afternoon (so plan your flights accordingly), your bicycle will be fitted properly to ensure a comfortable ride. A short bike ride is scheduled so that you can become acquainted with your bike. 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. Meals included: (L,D)

Daily activities: Cycling

Day 2: Sabie and Kruger National Park, 16.5 mi. (27 km)
After enjoying your first South African breakfast, we will cycle the winding and twisting road towards the small forestry town of Sabie. Sabie sits in the middle of one of the world's largest man-made forests - over four million square kilometer of eucalyptus and pine trees. This area is surrounded by beautiful valleys and vistas which all make for a scenic yet somewhat hilly bike ride. After lunch we will follow the course of the Sabie River through Hazyview into the Kruger National Park. This afternoon we will depart for an exciting afternoon drive in the Kruger National Park  (B,L,D)

Daily activities: Cycling, afternoon drive around Kruger National Park

Day 3: Kruger National Park
Today is the big Kruger Safari day. Although Kruger is renowned for the Big 5, it has so much more to offer. Be sure your camera is 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 and 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. (B,L,D)

Daily activities: Full day in Kruger National Park

Day 4: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, 10 - 24 mi. (16 - 40 km) 
Welcome to the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest and greenest canyon in the world. Your bike ride begins at Pinnacle Point with its incredible views. The route follows the escarpment all the way to the Wonder View, which is our first stop. It is said, on a clear day it is possible to see all the way to Mozambique. The second 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 then to the overnight stay overlooking this escarpment. (B,L,D)

Daily activities: Cycling, God's window, Lisbon Falls, and Bourke's Luck Potholes

Day 5: Echo Caves, 16.5 mi. (27 km)
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 (B,L,D)

Daily activities: Cycling, entrance into Echo Caves

Day 6: Letsitele, the citrus farming district, Kaross Workshop, 12.5 mi. (20 km)
The morning’s ride will start with a ride 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 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 Coach House. The historical Coach House Hotel is the perfect place to relax. (B,L,D)

**Citrus Pack house is open from May - September. During March & April, a Macadamia nut/Avocado pack house can be visited.

Daily activities: Cycling, Pack house, and Kaross tour

Day 7: Haenertsburg, Wolkberg Reserve and a Local Beer Brewery, 12.5 mi. (20 km)
Your route today follows a circular route 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. (B,L,D)

Daily activities: Cycling 

Day 8: The Baobab Tree, 16.5 mi. (27 km)
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 on this day, 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.. (B,L,D)

Daily activities: Cycling and entrance to The Baobab Tree

Day 9: Blyde Dam, 16.5 mi. (27 km)
Today’s cycle follows the Blyde River through the canyon to a spectacular viewpoint. Along the way be on the lookout for kudus and baboons.The Blyde River Canyon is one of South Africa's geological wonders. 26 kilometers of red sandstone mountains overshadow a lush landscape.This tour will showcase  the rare, Kadishi Tufa waterfall, which at 200 m is the second tallest Tufa waterfall on earth. This particular waterfall is mesmerizing in that the rock face of the waterfall looks like a weeping face. For this reason, it has been called the 'weeping face of nature".

An abundance of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, monkeys and a diversity of birdlife, will keep you captivated while learning more about the natural history of the Blyde Canyon. The Dam is the third largest in the world and is the largest “green canyon” due to the subtropical foliage.

You will spend a relaxing evening at the Private Game Reserve around a bushfire. (B,L,D)

Daily activities: Cycling 

Day 10: Departure
Enjoy a relaxed 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. The tour ends officially at 10 am. The flights from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) depart at 12:00, 13:20 and 13:55 depending on the destination. 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.

A three day or two day pre tour extension is available based in Johannesburg with arrival on Friday or Saturday.

Three day extension:
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 Nelspruit for the start of the official tour on Sunday

Two day extension:
Includes:

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

Extensions can be booked as pre tour or post tour experiences.

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• Wildlife and Nature Reserve in South Africa