South Africa Cycling Adventure
10 Days Starting in Johannesburg, South Africa and ending in Hoedspruit, South Africa
Visiting: Johannesburg, Polokwane, Bandelierkop, Tzaneen, Wolkberg Mountains, Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon, Echo Caves, Hoedspruit
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SCY
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 10
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable South Africa Cycling Adventure, where you'll explore the diverse landscapes and rich culture of North-Eastern South Africa. This tour offers a unique blend of cycling through scenic provinces, game drives in the renowned Kruger National Park, and visits to breathtaking natural wonders like the Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Experience the vibrant history and cuisine of the region while staying in comfortable 3-4 star lodges, hotels, and guesthouses. With an English-speaking cycling guide, support vehicle, and private transport, you'll enjoy a seamless journey through this remarkable area, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Johannesburg
Welcome to South Africa. Upon arrival you will notice that you are in a country filled with smiles. Our local representative will meet you at O.R. Tambo International Airport and accompany you to your overnight hotel accommodation in Johannesburg. The rest of the day is your own free time where you can rest or explore some of Sandton’s attractions, such as Nelson Mandela Square (right across from your hotel), Sandton City Mall, or Hop-on-hop-off Johannesburg (www.citysightseeing.co.za/destinations/joburg).
Depending on your arrival time, we can arrange a 4 hour cycling tour through Soweto (at your own expense). The tours start at 10.00 am or 1.00 pm, and include lunch and a transfer from your hotel to Soweto and back - ask us for costs.
Day 2 : Transfer To Private Game Lodge Near Bandelierkop
Location: Polokwane
Accommodation Name: Private Game Lodge near Bandelierkop
Meals Included: Dinner
Your transfer will depart at 8.00 am from your hotel. Travel time from Johannesburg to our overnight accommodation is approx. 5 hours. Along the way, we 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, we will end our day with a bushwalk to get acquainted with the African bush and a cozy dinner in an African boma.
Day 3 : Commence Cycling (25Km)
Location: Bandelierkop
Accommodation Name: Private Game Lodge near Bandelierkop
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, our first bike ride is an exploratory ride through the bushveld. Our 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. 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.
Approx Cycling distance: 25km; Ascent: 180m.
Day 4 : Cycle The Subtropical Town Of Tzaneen And Surrounds (30Km)
Location: Tzaneen
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Tzaneen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we travel for 60 minutes to the start of our bike ride outside the town of Tzaneen. Tzaneen is a large tropical garden town in a high rainfall fertile region with tropical and subtropical agriculture taking place in a 20,000 square kilometres region. Tzaneen's name is derived from a Northern Sotho word 'Tsaneng', which means gathering place. Tzaneen is Limpopo's paradise and it has been nicknamed 'Land of Silver Mist' because of the frequent mist that occur on the mountains above it. It is located in lush, tropical surroundings and is home to Limpopo's highest mountain, the Iron Crown Mountain, lying more than 2,200m (7,200ft) above sea level. Our bike ride consists of a mix of easy flowing single tracks, gravel roads and jeep tracks through indigenous forest, circling dams with the possibility of a hippo sighting. On a special day you may have the opportunity to spot Samango Monkeys and the rare Bat Hawk. After lunch we have a short drive to our accommodation for the next two evenings. Approx Cycling distance: 30km; Ascent: 500m.
Day 5 : Cycle In The Wolkberg Mountains (15-45Km)
Location: Wolkberg Mountains
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Tzaneen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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. Our 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 you with breathtaking views of the Wolkberg Mountains.
*Depending on the time of year, we may visit an avocado/macadamia nut packhouse.
Approx Cycling distance: 15-45km; Ascent: 420m, Descent: 650m.
Day 6 : Cycle Along The Blyde River, Transfer To Kruger National Park (37Km)
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kruger National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our 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. Explore the Blyde Dam with a boat cruise and spot hippo’s and crocodiles as well as the amazing Three Rondavels from below. After lunch we will depart for the Kruger National Park. Enjoy your first evening in Kruger with a “braai”.
Approx Cycling distance: 37km; Ascent: 410m.
Day 7 : Game Drive In Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kruger National Park
Meals Included: Dinner
Today is your big Kruger Safari day. * Please note we do NOT cycle within the Kruger National Park.
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 our 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.
Day 8 : Cycle From Blyde River Canyon To Bourke's Luck Potholes (40Km)
Location: Blyde River Canyon
Accommodation Name: Accommodation overlooking the escarpment
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Welcome to the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest and greenest canyon in the world. Our bike ride starts at Pinnacle Rock where we will ready the bikes whilst you savour the magnificent view. The route follows the escarpment to Wonder View, which is said, on a clear day it is possible to see all the way to Mozambique. Visit a spectacular waterfall, before travelling to 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.
Approx Cycling distance: 40km; Ascent: 620m.
Day 9 : Cycle To Echo Caves (27Km) And Big 5 Nature Reserve Game Drive
Location: Echo Caves
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Big 5 Nature Reserve
Meals Included: Dinner
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 a Big 5 area 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.
Approx Cycling distance: 27km; Ascent: 330m.
Day 10 : Early Morning Game Walk, Transfer To Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (Hds), Trip Concludes
Location: Hoedspruit
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your final day starts with a bushwalk accompanied by an experienced game ranger through Big 5 territory. After the bushwalk, enjoy a leisurely breakfast whilst saying farewell to your cycling companions. This will be the end of our time together (approx 10:00am). You will be transferred to the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) in time for your flight (note - do not book any flights earlier than 12.00pm from Hoedspruit). If you would prefer to travel to Johannesburg by car, a private transfer can be booked with us.
Please note: a non-private shuttle service is available from Hoedspruit Airport (depart 11.00am) to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (arrive between 5.00pm - 6.00pm) and can be arranged at additional cost. If you are flying out from O.R. Tambo International Airport on the same day, we recommend that flights are booked to depart from 21:00 onwards (international) or from 20:00 onwards (local).
What's Included
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Meals
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners are included.
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Accommodation
9 nights in comfortable lodges, hotels, and guesthouses on a twin-share basis.
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Guides
English speaking cycling guide is provided.
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Transfers
Arrival transfer from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (JNB) on day 1 and departure transfer to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) on day 10.
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Support Vehicle
Support vehicle is available on cycling days.
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Private Transport
Private transport is included.
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Bicycle Hire
Local bicycle hire is included.
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Bike Helmet
Bike helmet is provided, and helmet use is mandatory on the cycle tours.
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E-Bikes
Limited number of e-bikes can be hired locally at an additional cost.
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Medical Kit
A medical kit is provided.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights and departure taxes are not included.
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Visa Costs
Visa costs are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory but not included.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, postage, and alcoholic beverages are not included.
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Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities are not included.
Accommodation
Our tour offers a variety of accommodation throughout the trip. The 3-4 star accommodation ranges from lodges, small hotels to chalets; all of which have been chosen to offer you the uttermost comfort after each bike ride. Changes to the order of the itinerary can occur due to the availability of accommodation.
What You Carry
Our bikes are fitted with a small handlebar bag which can carry small essential items as you cycle such as camera/phone and sunscreen. On hiking days you will be required to carry a day pack with your water bottle, rain jacket, sunscreen and other personal items.
Grading
These trips involve cycling for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. (Note: These are not easy trips).
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.
We recommend this tour to everyone who has an acquired basic stamina either through using their bike as an everyday vehicle or as a leisure activity. Since we travel through such a variety of areas during this tour, the bike rides vary from day to day. We pace our tours leisurely so that there is no rush even if you push your bicycle uphill. Remember, you are on holiday and should enjoy every moment of it as well as capture the memories. So don’t feel rushed and take as many photos as you like!
The bicycle tours take place on gravel roads and asphalted roads. The asphalted roads that we cycle on are less travelled on and safe for cycling.
Wildlife
The wilderness areas of Africa are populated by large numbers of wild and potentially dangerous animals. The trip aims to view these animals in their natural habitat, uncontrolled by fences. Your experienced guides will make every effort to ensure the safety of the group at all times. Please be aware that all safari travel, including vehicle safaris in the proximity of wild animals is never entirely without risk. By travelling into wild areas in search of wild animals, all participants accept that they are choosing an adventure that includes an element of risk and this is an inherent aspect of the enjoyment of this style of travel.
Mode of Transport
Private transport is provided throughout the tour, including arrival and departure transfers. A support vehicle is available on cycling days, and local bicycle hire is included. A limited number of e-bikes can be hired locally at an additional cost.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour offers a variety of 3-4 star accommodations, including lodges, small hotels, and chalets. These have been chosen to provide the utmost comfort after each bike ride. Changes to the order of the itinerary can occur due to the availability of accommodation.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 8 dinners.
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Is there a support vehicle available during the cycling days?
Yes, a support vehicle is available on cycling days to assist participants.
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, impalas, zebras, kudus, and many bird species. The tour also includes game drives in Kruger National Park, where you may encounter the Big 5 and other animals.
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Is bicycle hire included in the tour package?
Yes, local bicycle hire is included in the tour package. A limited number of e-bikes can also be hired locally at an additional cost.
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Do I need to bring my own bike helmet?
Helmet use is mandatory on the cycle tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet to guarantee optimum protection. However, helmets are offered free of charge if you inform the tour operator in advance.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
The bikes are fitted with a small handlebar bag for essential items like a camera, phone, and sunscreen. On hiking days, you will need to carry a day pack with your water bottle, rain jacket, sunscreen, and other personal items.
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What level of fitness is required for this tour?
You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health, as the trips involve cycling for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace. Suggested preparation includes 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week and road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure.
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Is there any risk involved in the wildlife safaris?
Yes, there is an element of risk involved as the trip aims to view wild animals in their natural habitat, uncontrolled by fences. Your experienced guides will make every effort to ensure the safety of the group at all times, but all participants accept that there is an inherent risk in this style of travel.
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What happens on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will be met by a local representative at O.R. Tambo International Airport and accompanied to your overnight hotel accommodation in Johannesburg. The rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore local attractions. Depending on your arrival time, a 4-hour cycling tour through Soweto can be arranged at your own expense.
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What activities are included on the last day of the tour?
The final day starts with a bushwalk accompanied by an experienced game ranger through Big 5 territory. After the bushwalk, you will have a leisurely breakfast before being transferred to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) in time for your flight.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.