Transvaal & Game Trails (EXCZK)
Duration:
11 days (may vary)
Areas: South Africa, Swaziland
Tour types: Cycling, History & Culture, Nature & Wildlife
Description
Magoebskloof & Blyde River Canyon
Leaving Johannesburg, we head north east towards Magoebskloof, home of the fabled “Rain Queen” made famous in Rider Haggards' novel “She”. Here we begin cycling, taking in the dramatic scenery as we journey to the awesome Blyde River Canyon. We cycle the panorama route, one of the most beautiful and popular travel destinations in South Africa, where the inland plateau declines abruptly, opening up fantastic views of the plains of the Lowveld a thousand metres below. We visit the old gold mining town of Pilgrim's Rest, steeped in the history of pioneers, hunters and fortune seekers before continuing to the charming forestry town of Sabie.
Kruger & Swaziland
Established in 1898, Kruger National Park is one of the world's premier game reserves and home to abundant birdlife and game, including the Big Five. As well as game drives, we will have the remarkable opportunity to cycle on trails with armed field guides from our base on the Olifants River - a perfect opportunity to discover the wildlife and get deeper into this fascinating ecosystem. We also spend time at Masgobe Game Reserve on Crocodile River near the southern border of Kruger before continuing to Swaziland and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. With its idyllic location in a natural bowl beneath the Nyonyane Mountains, Mlilwane's grasslands make the perfect end to our tour as we cycle in search of more wildlife including zebra, wildebeest, impala, nyala and warthog.
Tour itinerary
Day 1
Join Johannesburg; drive to Magoebskloof.
Day 2
Cycle to and visit Blyde River Canyon; continue to Graskop.
Day 3
Cycle panorama route; return Graskop.
Day 4
Cycle to Pilgrims Rest; continue to Sabie.
Day 5
Cycle Mpumalanga; return Sabie.
Day 6
Drive to Kruger National Park; game drive.
Day 7
In Kruger; game drives and cycle rides.
Day 8
Game drive to Masgobe Game Reserve.
Day 9
Drive to Mlilwane; cycle ride.
Day 10
In Mlilwane; walks and cycle rides.
Day 11
Drive Johannesburg where tour ends.
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Comment
Grade B/C - 240km/9 days (average 27km/cycling day). Support vehicles with trailers follow the route in Mpumalanga. This allows flexibility in how much cycling you wish to do and enables support to be provided on steep sections ensuring cycling is either relatively flat or downhill, though some uphill sections are inevitable. Expect some exhilarating descents from high passes. Cycling in the reserves is a mixture of road and rough tracks, varying from 2 to 4 hours in duration. Cycling amongst game in Kruger NP is a safe activity sanctioned by the park authorities and we are accompanied by armed guides as a precaution.
Group
Approx. 13 to 15.
Introduction
Formerly Eastern Transvaal, the province of Mpumalanga is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Southern Africa. We explore the Great Escarpment by bike and enjoy the stunning views of the northern Drakensburg with our vehicles in support, allowing you to cycle as much or as little as you wish and to provide optional back up on the steeper sections. In Kruger National Park we are privileged to be able to cycle among the game of South Africa's pre-eminent reserve, an activity that has only recently been introduced. We end in the beautiful surroundings of Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in the tiny kingdom of Swaziland.
Staff
Explore Tour Leader, driver(s) and some field guides. Leader cycles with you each day. 4WD support/safari vehicles with bike trailers are available to provide back-up or assistance if needed.
Tour End
Drive Johannesburg where tour s
Tour Start
Johannesburg
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