Get an exciting view of the beauty and diversity of the Western and Easter Cape from the seat of your saddle.

A ride of 400km through the beautiful South Africa. The tour begins in George in the Western Cape and follows a route through a bit of the Karoo then into the Swartberg Mountains and finally the National Heritage conservation area, the Baviaans Kloof. Exiting adventures are included in the deal. The scenery is spectacular and the ride is breathtaking for more than one reason. You have to be fit to ride this route as distances can be up to 90km on one day. The good thing is that it is not a race but a tour. You will have time to stop and take pictures and enjoy the view.

Mountain Biking South Africa provides a fully supported tour with back-up vehicle, guide and a lot of fun. We meet you at the airport and from then on the only thing you have to do is to enjoy yourself. We do the rest. Included in the tour a helicopter transfer to a Game Lodge where you will have the opportunity to see many of our precious wildlife.

The tour itinerary is as follows:

Friday Day 1:
Leave home by plane

Saturday Day 2:
Arrive at George Airport in the Western Cape.
Transfer your luggage to our vehicle for transfer to Buffelsdrif Game Lodge. Supper and a chance to taste our very good South African wine.

Sunday Day 3:
You will have a day to experience the many activities in the area. Time to recharge your energy levels for the ride that starts on Monday morning early.

• Visit an Ostrich farm
• Visit the Cango Caves
• Go for a Game drive
  

Optional activities not included:

• Horse riding Safari
• Walk with elephants

Monday Day 4:
Early rise to get on to your bike. Distance to ride 55km. This ride includes the magnificent climb up the Swartberg pass.
We head for the village of Prince Albert where the night will be spend in the luxury of Dennehof Guest House. Experience the grandeur of South Africa's unexplored spaces from Prince Albert.
Prince Albert lies at the entrance to the 27km Swartberg Pass, considered one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the world: an untarred road winds to the summit 1 583 metres above sea level in steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks, with breath-taking views at every turn. 

Tuesday Day 5:
Distance for the day 90km. A relative easy day of riding including riding through the soaring cliff walls and spectacular rock formations of the 25 km Meiringspoort which winds along the floor of the gorge, crossing the Groot River 25 times. We pass through De Rust, a quiet village to reach Ou Lap Country house. This is a farm and guest lodge that belongs to a very well known South African film maker Jans Rautenbach. Their country house is unique and their hospitality one of a kind. A visit to Vlakteplaas School is a must.

Vlakteplaas School
In January 2005 the first bricks were laid of what has now become a famous hinterland project. It was a dream of Jans, and with very generous financial help from the Oulap guests, he set out to build, and manage the best rural school in the country. Today the impossible is a reality. The Vlakteplaas UCC Primary School is a shining example of what can be achieved when a group of people join hands to realise the potential of forgotten children in one faraway poor community.

 

Wednesday Day 6: Distance 76km
Riding through a remote area of South Africa following the curve to the Oliphant’s River. A beautiful old Ostrich palace dating back many years is part of the scenery. On the side of the Kamanassie Mountains we follow the road that goes to Uniondale. A short distance on a tar road takes you to the Hartebees road entrance to the Baviaanskloof. Be on the lookout for Koedoe crossing the road.

Hartbeespost is an old homestead that has been renovated. This is where we will spend the night. Barbeque and a big fire. You will see many stars in this open country.

Thursday day 7: 90km of hard riding
You will enter the spectacular Baviaanskoof via the Nuwekloofpass. This is the ultimate destination to experience the best nature has to offer in its purest form and life as it was intended to be. Riding through this remote area is an experience not to be forgotten. The final destination for this day is the very luxurious Sederkloof lodge. The cottages are nestled high up in the mountain. The view from you soft bed is a delight. The meals serve at the pool is of outstanding quality. The only problem that you will have is that you will not want to leave this heaven. 

Friday Day 8: 89km of Hard riding
This is the day where you will know what it means to climb a hill. From Sederkloof lodge you follow the route through the nature conservation area of the Baviaanskloof. Wild animals such as Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino roam freely. Many antelope such as Mountain Zebra and Koedoe cross the roads and water streams. You will do many water crossings and depending on how the rainfall was, your feet and maybe more will definitely get wet
Friday Day 8: 89km of Hard riding.
This is the day where you will know what it means to climb a hill. From Sederkloof lodge you follow the route through the nature conservation area of the Baviaanskloof. Wild animals such as Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino roam freely. Many antelope such as Mountain Zebra and Koedoe cross the roads and water streams. You will do many water crossings and depending on how the rainfall was, your feet and maybe more will definitely get wet

This is the last day riding your bike. Accommodation at Glencoe Cottage. Spend your last night next to a big born fire. Barbeque, good wine and conversation. 

Rates: R38000 pp sharing (min of 2 riders). Discount for bigger groups (max 8 riders)

The following is included:

• Transfer from George Airport to Buffelsdrift Game Lodge
• 2 nights accommodation at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge
• 1 night at Dennehof
• 1 night at Oulap
• 1 night at Hartbeespost
• 1 night at Sederlodge
• 1 night at Glenco cottages
• Transport to Port Elizabeth Airport.
• All meals from Buffelsdrif Game Lodge to Glencoe Cottages.
• Dinners include one glass of wine/beer
• Visit to Ostrich Farm
• Game Drive
• Visit to Cango Caves
• Visit Vlakteplaas School.
• Full support while riding. Back-up vehicle at all times
• Guide
• Bike mechanic
  

Rates and accommodation options are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances and availability.

Not included:

• Airfare from home to George
• Airfare from Port Elizabeth to your home 
• Bike hire: R300 per day pp
• Supplement for single room 
• Extra activities at the Buffelsdrif Game Lodge.
• Extra wine or beer
• Tips
• Medical treatment in case of emergency.
  

Details are subject to minor changes.
Arrival at George airport should be on the Saturday before 14h00
Departure from Port Elizabeth should be on the next Saturday morning after 11h00.

What to do before you come to South Africa to do this tour:
Be fairly fit. The tour is for the fitter rider with some mountain bike skills
Make sure that you have good travel insurance.
Book your plane tickets .

One of our customers made this You Tube clip: After having a look at this you will have to contact us to plan your holiday of a lifetime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A2M9cgbtJY