South Africa has a great culture around cycling, with many cycling enthusiasts hitting the roads at the crack of dawn to get their spinning fix. There are undoubtedly many beautiful and scenic roads in South Africa, but one unexpected road, or rather, a road less travelled, can be found in the Kruger National Park.
If you are looking for a change of scenery, a new challenge, or the thrill of riding among wildlife, here are 5 different mountain bike races through Kruger National Park that should be on your radar.
Mountain biking in the Kruger
Beyond the majestic vistas and wildlife that Kruger National Park is best known for, this corner of the country can also be experienced on a mountain bike. Cycling enthusiasts visiting the Kruger National Park are in for a unique treat. Beyond the traditional safari experiences, the park offers thrilling mountain biking trails so that visitors can explore its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife up close.
Anton Gillis, CEO of Kruger Gate Hotel, knows these off-the-beaten-track trails well. He shares his pick of the top 5 mountain biking trails that are worth checking out in and around the Kruger area:
Top trails in the Kruger Park
Whether you’re pedalling through the mopane veld along the Olifants River or navigating the challenging terrain between the Letaba and Olifants Rivers, these trails offer an exhilarating way to witness the park’s natural beauty. With options for both novice and experienced riders, cycling in Kruger is an unforgettable addition to any itinerary.
1. Olifants Rest Camp
The Olifants Rest Camp is the only official mountain biking departure point within the Kruger National Park.
Along with transport to the start of the trail, personal or rental bikes can be taken out. You will also be supplied with backpacks, water bottles and compulsory safety equipment.
The trail is limited to a maximum of six riders at a time. If you choose to bring your own bike, bring your rig essentials (a puncture repair kit, tools, spares and tubes).
Qualified field guides help your group cycle in pristine bush while taking in all the park has to offer from a different perspective. Early risers can take advantage of the morning bike trail, and the slow risers can hit the trail in the afternoon.
2. The K2C Cycle tour
If you are keen for a grand tour, the K2C cycle tour offers riders a chance to journey through three of the most exclusive reserves in big five country. You’ll navigate 62 miles of terrain through Timbavati, Thornybush and Kapama private game reserves.
These sparsely populated areas of the South African lowveld are ideal for getting up close and personal with rhino, kudu, and elephants while being safely guided by experienced rangers.
The proceeds of this August cycle go towards community upliftment programs; Rotary’s education and leadership development initiatives; and anti-poaching organisations.
3. Recce Raid MTB race
Kruger Gate Hotel’s close proximity to the Paul Kruger Gate makes it a perfect departure point for exploring the Mpumalanga highlands. Just two hours drive away are the towns of Kaapsehoop and Dullstroom, the starting point for the Recce Raid race.
This challenging race is for the experienced elevation addicts who are obsessed with finding their next challenge. The event has both full and half marathon trails that offer up to 900m of elevation and more than half of the ride is spent at over 2,000m above sea level.
A refuelling break at the spectacular Morgenzon Trout Farm before the final ascent of Mount Morgenzon is really the cherry on top of this race’s scenic offering.
The Recce Raid takes place in late April, which brings the advantage of cooler weather when compared to summer months.
4. The Sabie Xperience
If a family-friendly ride is closer to what you are looking for then the Sabie Classic is the right event for you. The Sabie Classic offers six and 12 mile fun rides as well as 24 mi and 40 mi competitive trails. All routes take you through lush forests, remote terrain and breathtaking views of Mpumalanga’s famous canyon ranges.
The event welcomes tandem bikes and e-bikes and is organised by a dedicated crew over three days in early May.
5. Barberton XCM Mountain Bike Challenge
If you are making your way to the Kruger National Park in the summer, you can take advantage of the Barberton XCM mountain bike challenge which takes place on the last Saturday of every January.
A festival atmosphere descends on the local high school where the race begins every year. With five race categories ranging from a 12 mi fun ride to a 68 mi ultra marathon, the race accommodates everyone from those who have picked up biking as a new years resolution to the athlete who wants to push their limits.
You can look forward to riding along the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Makhonjwa and Lebombo mountains, taking a rest stop at the Kaap valley and seeing a number of wildlife estates.
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