Trip at google maps

Categorization
Level of fitness   Grading of accommodation

Dates and rates
Booking code: ROS
01.04.12 - 13.04.12	USD 2995
08.07.12 - 20.07.12	USD 2995
28.10.12 - 09.11.12	USD 2995
18.11.12 - 30.11.12	USD 2995

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South Africa, Swaziland

Cycling tour in Eastern South Africa and Swaziland

Discover the Eastern part of South Africa and the cultural rich Kingdom of Swaziland on quite roads with short cycling distances. –

This popular bike tour takes you through the highlights of the landscapes and cultures of eastern South Africa and Swaziland. On the journeys of between 18 and 55 Km, there are a few climbs and short hikes where your tour guide will show you the extreme regional variety. We go along the Panorama Route through Blyde River Canyon and finally go on safari in Kruger National Park and see it‘s large variety of animals. You will get to know the interesting culture of the friendly Swazis before continuing onto the intriguing Hluhluwe/Umfolozi National Park, which has the largest rhino population in the world. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site St. Lucia Greater Wetlands and go on a boat ride. We will cycle and walk in the Ukhahlambra Drakensberg Mountains. In the beautiful Valley of a Thousand Hills we cycle through Zulu country and see the welcoming people. We will normally stay in the same accommodation for two nights, so there are less transfers and more opportunity to discover the diversity of the region by bike.

Tour schedule:

mi = miles

Day 1 Johannesburg – Dullstroom – Graskop

Morning arrival in Johannesburg. Transfer to Dullstroom at the beginning of the Dakensberg Mountains and known for it‘s trout breeding. We continue over Long Tom Pass in the eastern Drakensberg Mountains to Sabie until we reach Graskop where will stay for two nights in a charming 3* hotel.

Day 2 Bike tour Pilgrim‘s Rest – Bourke‘s Luck Potholes – Blyde River Canyon

We will visit the historical gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest. Afterwards, we cycle to Bourke‘s Luck Potholes, an imposing system of potholes, through which the Blyde River makes it‘s way to the Blyde RIver Canyon. We cycle further on the idyllic route to a view point with the most famous, spectacular view of the Blyde River Canyon, with the typical ,3 Rondavels‘. There is a long descent. We go by bus to our hotel. (34 mi; Tar/Tracks) (B)

Day 3 Bike tour God‘s Window – Lisbon Waterfall – Bosbokrand

We will cycle a loop along the Drakensberg escarpment. We will see the Pinnacle, an imposing rock column and God‘s Window, a view point with a marvellous view over the Lowveld, 1000m below us. A short ride takes us to the Lisbon Waterfalls. A long decent takes us into the Lowveld. We continue in our bus to the world famous Kruger National Park. On a safari drive we can see lions, elephants, zebra, hippo, rhino, giraffe, buffalo, antelope, wild dogs and also a colourful array of birds and a large variety of vegetation. We will stay in 2-3* chalets in a camp in the south of the park. (25 mi; Tar) (B)

Day 4 Safari trip in Kruger National Park

Before breakfast we go on safari in an open Land Rover, the animals are most active in the cool temperatures of the morning. After breakfast we drive along some riparian forests and granite mountains to another camp in the park where we will stay in other thatched 2-3* cottages. In the afternoon, there is the unique opportunity to go on a walking safari with a ranger (optional). (B)

Day 5 Bike tour in Swaziland – Forbes Reef – Mantenga Cultural Village

In the morning we go on another safari before leaving Kruger National Park for Swaziland. This small kingdom is inhabited by the friendly Swazi people. The bike route takes us in the green highlands from Forbes Reef to Mbabane. Visit the market. We continue in Ezulwini Valley to the interesting Mantenga Cultural Village. On a tour, we get to know more about the customs and eating habits of the people. We will stay two nights in furnished 2-3* safari tents and fall asleep to the sounds of Africa. (11 mi; Tar) (B)

Day 6 Bike Tour Mantenga – Mlilwane – Manzini

After breakfast is a short transfer in the uSutu Forest. On the quiet country roads we cycle past many kraals before reaching a work shop where the famous Swazi candles are made to the accompaniment of local music. We continue to the Mlilwane Animal Protection Park. From our bikes we can observe zebra, blesbok, impala, ostrich, warthog and at a dam, hippo. On the way back to our accommodation we pass a kings palace. (34 mi; Tar/Track) (B)

Day 7 Safari in Hluhluwe Game Reserve

On our way back to idyllic Zulu country in South Africa we pass villages and fields of sugarcane. In Umfolozi/Hluhluwe National Park, known worldwide for their white and black rhino species protection program, we go on a safari in our vehicle. As well as the Big 5, the largest 5, lions, elephants, rhino, leopard and buffalo, there is also the beautiful lowland nyala antelope. For the next two nights we will stay in a 4* guesthouse in St. Lucia. The town is situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. (B)

Day 8 St. Lucia – Boat ride and rest day

In the morning you can take a boat trip on the St. Lucia Lagoon (optional). Alongside crocodiles and hippo are also African fish eagle, goliath heron and many other bird species. The rest of the day is for you. You can swim in the warm Indian Ocean or maybe take a walk in the rainforest. (B)

Day 9 Bike tour in the Valley of a Thousand Hills

We travel further towards the lively harbour town of Durban with it‘s many beautiful beaches. From one of the old German settlements, Wartburg, we cycle on a surprising stretch of the Valley of a Thousand Hills. A short transfer brings us to our comfortable guesthouse 4*. Stay for 2 nights. (27 mi; Tar) (B)

Day 10 Aid project – Indian Market and sharks

Visit of Mariannhill Mission station. The English speaking sisters don‘t only run the guesthouse, but also one of the best schools in Durban, a hospital, a sewing centre and a bakery. One of the sisters introduces the project to us. During a visit to the town we go to the oriental Indian spice market. In the afternoon the uShaka Marine World Aquarium is a great place to visit (optional). Highlights are the sharks and rays. Alternatively, the beaches, protected from currents and sharks, are ideal for swimming and surfing. (B)

Day 11 Bike tour Winterton – Bergville – Amphitheatre

We leave the coast heading towards Natal Midlands until we reach Winterton. The bike tour takes us over green farm land and later past many Zulu kraals. The children are happy watching us as we navigate the many potholes. The view to the left draws our attention as we see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ukahahlambra Drakensberg Mountains. Many peaks are over 9000 ft and between April and October are covered in snow. We are guests at a beautifully located 3* mountain lodge for two nights. (29 mi; Tar) (B)

Day 12 Bike and hiking tour in the Royal Natal National Park

Our bike route takes us along the Tugela River in the Royal Natal National Park. We leave the bikes and slow our tempo. On a slightly undulating path we make our way into the Tugela Gorge, whilst the Tugela Waterfalls, 3900 ft deep) cascade from the amphitheatre. On the 4-5 hour hike we will wonder at the tree ferns, protea and orchids. Transfer back to the lodge. (14 mi; Tar) (B)

Day 13 Drive back to Johannesburg – Apartheid Museum – Airport

After quietly packing we drive to Johannesburg. A visit to the Apartheid Museum makes us aware of the turbulent past. Final is a transfer to Oliver Tambo International Airport. (B)

There are different extensions, which can be booked. For example, the Garden Route and Cape Town, also by bike, the Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park or a swimming holiday at the Indian Ocean in Mozambique or Mauritius.

This way to our picture gallery

September 2009: Cycling tour in Eastern South Africa and Swaziland

Services

Included:

• Qualified English-speaking tour guide
• Accommodation in double/twin rooms with shower/toilet as mentioned incl. breakfast (2-4*)
• Transport of bikes on trailer and permanent back-up
• All entrance fees
• All transfers & travel in air-conditioned minibuses

Hints

Travel Information:
A moderate to medium level of fitness is required for the climbs on this route. Due to our accompanying vehicle it is possible to cycle longer or shorter distances. During the given travel dates, the climate in Kruger National Park and in Swaziland can reach up to 86°F, in the afternoons of the summer months it can also rain and be stormy.

Individual travel: We offer this trip from 2 guests onwards at your desired date of travel!