Skip to main content
Made the uphill, cycling in South Africa - South Africa Cycling Adventure, South Africa
Made the uphill, cycling in South Africa
A geological wonder, Three Rondawels in South Africa - South Africa Cycling Adventure, South Africa
A geological wonder, Three Rondawels in South Africa
Leopard in Greater Kruger National Park - South Africa Cycling Adventure, South Africa
Leopard in Greater Kruger National Park
Elephants at Greater Kruger National Park - South Africa Cycling Adventure, South Africa
Elephants at Greater Kruger National Park
Incredible scenery at the Blyde Dam - South Africa Cycling Adventure, South Africa
Incredible scenery at the Blyde Dam
Baboon Crossing whilst cycling in South Africa - South Africa Cycling Adventure, South Africa
Baboon Crossing whilst cycling in South Africa

South Africa Cycling Adventure

Ride, roam and spot the Big 5 on this uniquely active South African safari.

South Africa

 1 review

10 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: SCY
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 10 Days
Activities
  • 6 day cycle
Accommodation
  • 9 nights lodge/hotel/guesthouse
Meals
  • 8 Dinners
  • 8 Lunches
  • 9 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

75kg of CO2-e PP per day

(676kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Cycle through South Africa’s scenic northeast, from forested hills to canyon cliffs and tropical farmland, with a support vehicle always nearby
  • Join game drives and bush walks in Kruger National Park, home to Africa’s Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo
  • Ride the iconic Panorama Route, a spectacular highland road famed for its lookouts, waterfalls and dramatic rock formations including the Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes
  • Enjoy warm hospitality at comfortable lodges, with hearty bomas (fireside dinners)

Overview

This 10 day journey blends active adventure with classic safari moments, exploring the scenic provinces of South Africa’s northeast.

Riding through subtropical orchards and misty highlands to forest trails and open savannahs, each day offers new terrain. Cruise the Blyde River Canyon by boat, and join game drives in Kruger National Park in search of the Big 5. Along the way, learn about local cultures, walk in the bush with expert trackers, and enjoy hearty South African meals.

This journey is perfect for cyclists seeking an immersion in nature, big landscapes, warm hospitality, and thrilling encounters.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

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.

Meals: Nil

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.

Meals: B,L,D

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.

Meals: B,L,D

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.

Meals: B,L,D

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.

Meals: B,L,D

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.

Meals: B,L,D

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.

Meals: B,L,D

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.

Meals: B,L,D

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.

Meals: B,L,D

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).

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

11 scheduled departures between 5 Apr 2027 and 1 Nov 2027.

  • Departs 5 Apr 2027 – ends 14 Apr 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 19 Apr 2027 – ends 28 Apr 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 9 May 2027 – ends 18 May 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 24 May 2027 – ends 2 Jun 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 14 Jun 2027 – ends 23 Jun 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 26 Jul 2027 – ends 4 Aug 2027 (10 days)
  • … and 5 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners
  • 9 nights in comfortable lodges, hotels and guesthouses on a twinshare basis
  • English speaking cycling guide
  • Arrival transfer from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (JNB) on day 1 only
  • Departure transfer to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) on day 10 only
  • Support vehicle on cycling days
  • Private transport
  • Local bicycle hire
  • Bike helmet (NB - Helmet use is mandatory on our cycle tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet to guarantee optimum protection. However, we do offer helmets free of charge. Please inform us if you would like a helmet and an approximate size).
  • Limited number of e-bikes can be hired locally (additional cost applies)
  • Medical kit
  • National park fees and site entrance fees as listed in itinerary
  • Game drives and activities as listed in itinerary
  • Drinking water for the cycling stages

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Visas
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips

About your guide

Your trip will be accompanied by a guide with support vehicle. For 2-4 guests, only one guide will accompany the tour. For 5-10 guests, a cycling tour guide as well as a tour guide driving the support vehicle will accompany the tour.

Reviews (1)




Superb trip, flexible organization, great food, accommodation, guides & bikes. An interesting variety of activities & enough spare time to feel that you weren't too rushed. Obviously, things like the weather & the number & variety of animals are variable & cannot be controlled. 1 of the best of many cycling tours I have done in several countries - I couldn't fault it!

M. Mullane|East Hawthorn, VIC
23 Oct 2019

Extra trip info

BikesWill My Trip Run?Wildlife Safari Safety
Cycling to Lisbon Falls, South Africa

Fully supported cycling

Our tours are accompanied by 1-2 guides with a support vehicle (dependent on group numbers). The vehicle support also allows you to take a break when you need it. Basic tools are aboard the support vehicle and your guide will assist with any difficulties.

High quality electric bicycle available for rental on the South Africa Cycling Adventure

E-Bikes

We also offer E-Bikes at an additional cost. Please note, we only have a limited number of E-Bikes therefore it is essential to book an E-Bike in advance.

High quality bicycle rental provided for South Africa Cycling Adventure

Modern Mountain Bikes

On arrival you will receive a Silverback Spectra Comp 2017 (29-inch). The Silverback Spectra Comp 2017 is a mountain hardtail. The all-new alloy frame is lightweight, utilising round tubing profiles resulting in a comfortable and light-ride feel. Features: disc brakes, cable shifting and Shimano components. Available in 29-inch wheel size. Frames: S, M, L

*For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

Early morning game viewing walk in Hlane National Park in Swaziland

Your safety is our main priority

Africa's wildlife is wild and unfenced. On many wildlife safaris you may meet them on foot, or from a vehicle. Walking in big-game country carries some risk, and the safeguards are not the same in every country.

Rules on firearms, guide qualifications, group size and how close you may approach an animal are set country by country, park by park. Many incorrectly assume that every wildlife safari in Africa travels with an armed ranger. Several countries prohibit firearms outright. Where an armed escort is required, it is supplied by the park authority.

What is consistent is how these trips operate. You walk in a small group with a professional local guide who knows the country and the animals in it. We do not include captive or hands-on wildlife encounters in any itinerary.

Read more

Guaranteeing A Great South Africa Trip

Pioneering World Firsts
Quality equipment
Quality accommodations
Innovative itineraries
Custom built, reliable transport
Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Responsible Travel

Adventure Experts Since 1975

Search Filters