Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling along a quiet lane in the hills, with zebra galloping in the fields and crossing the road in front of us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very helpful with cycling and knowledgeable with respect to the animals and birds.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Because of rather extreme temperatures due to the altitude (2000 m) take clothes suitable for cold as well as hot conditions. For cycling in the sun and heat, it is helpful to take white, or at least light coloured, cycling clothing rather than the often black gear used. it will reflect the heat and is better than using sunscreen.

Suggestions

I used my own pedals (clip-ons) for better pedalling.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending time watching a small group of hyenas (mothers and young ones) on our early morning game drive in Kruger and seeing two elephants probing for water from a dry riverbed with their trunks. Amazing views over Blyde River Canyon as our trip came to an end.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wynand is 100% energy; fun, efficient and a very decent cook. A very knowledgeable guide with a passion for his country and its history and indeed a cycling nut! His knowledge of wildlife is also second to none!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely pack light fleece-lined layers and comfy gear. Light hat, gloves and socks and a couple of neck scarves, although temperatures in August varied and you get hot pedalling uphill! Take a good camera and binoculars for wildlife spotting.

Suggestions

This trip is a challenge but you're rewarded with some amazing scenery, blue blue skies and some decent grub! Do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The best moment has to be when we saw the leopard in Kruger NP - a truly amazing creature - we had a fantastic view of him - I won't forget it. Cycling-wise there were lots of brilliant rides with just amazing scenery to inspire and keep you going up those hills. The best day for me was the one billed as the "toughest" day which was indeed challenging but included some real treats en-route - the best of which is swimming in the Mac Mac pools - cooling you down for the final climb!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wynand's knowledge of all things South African was extensive - be it the flora and fauna, the countryside, the history, the people. He was always happy to share his knowledge and answer all our questions. He knew all about the cycling routes, the bikes and I felt he gauged just right how far to push us with the correct balance of encouragement and support. He dealt with bike issues quickly and efficiently. Wynand and the team also catered for the group most breakfasts and lunches as well as several evening meals - they did an amazing job of producing delicious, hearty, fresh meals again and again - including local foods and even a BBQ lunch on one cycle ride! He did a great job of bonding the group together and making us feel like a team. Throughout the trip I felt relaxed and confident that we were in safe hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be fooled by what appear to be quite short distances - most days involve quite a lot of climbing, which when you factor in the heat can be quite tough. It's all do-able but do some training before you go to make it more enjoyable.

Suggestions

This is a brilliant trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good. Knowledgeable and very hard working. Also a good cook

Suggestions

Very happy with the trip but I do think that you should include more meals in the price. There were a few occasions where there was only one place to eat, we all had to eat together , and yet the meal was not included in the price. One has to ask why? It seems slightly underhand ie suggesting the trip is cheaper than it is.

Most Inspirational Moment

The bike ride through the Golden Gate Park was breathtaking.Even without the wildlife all around the bike ride in itself was wonderful,filled with vistas and undulating ups and downs,but when you add the zebras,baboons,monkeys,antelopes,water buffalo it was inspirational

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leaders,Beven and J.P were outstanding!! Cannot really elaborate..One could not do any better

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train hard and it will make your ride more enjoyable.

Suggestions

Be prepared to have the best meals one could have on such a trip. The scenery and cycling were unparalleled.We had great guides.More I can't add

Most Inspirational Moment

- Completing the Sabie to Gaskop cycle - the heat and ascent made this feel quite an achievement - Watching the sun set over the Northern Drakensberg at Sungubala eco camp (such a beautiful, peaceful place) - Seeing wild dog in Kruger

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Bevan and JP were wonderful guides. They did everything to ensure that every guest was considered and that we all had the best possible adventure. Their knowledge of the political, social and natural history of South Africa added so much to this trip for me. They ensured that we were extremely well fed (both fantastic cooks) and managed to make even parts of the trip that might have been a bit uncomfortable, thoroughly enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would thoroughly recommend this trip to those who really love cycling, scenery, wildlife and adventure. I was very glad to have worked on my fitness and done many long bike rides in the summer running up to this trip. There is lots of climbing and it is probably slightly underplayed in the trip notes. It was very hot in November. Pack (and consume) plenty of electrolytes and rehydration sachets. Factor 50 sunscreen is also a must. A travel towel for swimming proved extremely useful. Pack light and ideally bring a soft bag rather than a hard case - there is limited luggage room in the minibus. Clothes dry quickly overnight. There was rarely wifi at lodges and no electric sockets for 2 nights at the eco camp - look forward to a refreshing break from the internet and technology.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through Golden Gate National Park with hundreds of running antelope. Waiting at a waterhole in Kruger and seeing many animals coming down to drink. Awesome views at Blyde River Canyon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bevan was excellent and ably supported by Gary. They were very efficient and seemed to be always on the go. Nothing was too much trouble and they made sure that they spent time with and supported each member of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had chosen early October for the more comfortable temperatures; but the region was experiencing a heatwave. Make sure that you prepare for what could be a very hot holiday! A travel towel is useful for the swimming opportunities. We took worldwide socket adaptors and they did not work in South Africa. The sockets are the large round three pin variety. Taking a hard suitcase makes it difficult for all of the bags to fit into the truck, make life easy and take a soft bag / back pack or case.

Suggestions

Some cycle training will set you up well for the trip; there were some challenging climbs, especially in the heat and with a head wind. The total elevation gain was around 8000m.

Most Inspirational Moment

Realising how endangered the Rhinos are, seeing them in the wild, along with all the elephants roaming in their herds. Beautiful sight to see. Getting up close and personal with Caspar and Kitzu, the elephants in the rehab centre (thanks for the elephant kiss!!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very well organised, helpful and extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife especially in Kruger

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack for all types of weather. The safari was in 35 degrees of heat but then during some of the rides we thought we were in the Scottish Highlands with the mist and pine trees and fully expected to see a stag appear. Don't snooze on the bus whilst having the Zulu briefing and this tour is not suitable for road bikes (some off roading, but nothing technical). Accomodation was of a really good standard, even the permanent tents in Kruger were absolutely fine. Watch Zulu, but not the Lion King before you go (I spent a fair amount of Safari having Hakuna Mattata going round my head, and was fully expecting the Hyena I saw to speak to me!)

Suggestions

Very different to the Cape Town and Vineyards tour, but in a really good way. Would definitely recommend this. Cycling is a bit harder than Cape Town, but just adds to the fun

Most Inspirational Moment

Was seeing first hand on a quiet dirt track in the Kruger Park a cheetah walking in front us, and then making a glance back to our vehicle before disappearing into the bush. This memory so special will remain with me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Tallis was excellant for this trip extremly knowledgeable both on his home country but the wildlife he is clearly so passionate about. Our safety was paramount and every effort was made to ensure that our trip was a memory to treasure.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Judge if possible the right time of year to avoid cycling in the heat and of course the insects- Early August was good for me

Suggestions

A trip not to put off

Most Inspirational Moment

Wildlife encounters, notably a cheetah walking across our track within 10 metres of our vehicle on our Kruger game drive. Awesome and varied landscapes; exhilerating descents (as well as some long ascents) on the bikes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both group leaders were very experienced and focussed on making each day an excellent experience. They had enthusiasm for cycling, wildlife and the cultures of South Africa that they were glad to share. Tallis' expertise as a safari guide is outstanding. Sifiso kept us extremely well fed with delicious meals and snacks. They make a brilliant team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

August is a great time for this trip because the weather is not too hot and it is dry (hardly any insects!!). Remember it can be cold in the early morning and night, especially in the higher altitude areas.