Cyclists enjoy views of a river and hills in the Kruger National Park. Picture: Supplied
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 treat as the park offers thrilling mountain biking trails beyond the traditional safari experiences. Visitors who choose to carry their bikes can also explore its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife up close.
So 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.
Below are 5 places you can cycle in and around the park:
Trails within the Kruger Park
According to Anton Gillis, CEO of Kruger Gate Hotel, the Olifants Rest Camp is the only official mountain biking departure point within the Kruger National Park.
He said that along with transport to the start of the trail, personal or rental bikes can be taken out and you will also be supplied with backpacks, water bottles and compulsory safety equipment.
“This trail makes for a fantastic team building experience. It is limited to a maximum of six riders at a time and if you take your own bike, remember your rig essentials like a puncture repair kit, tools, spares and tubes,” said Gillis.
He added that qualified field guides help your group cycle in pristine bush while taking in all the park has to offer from a different perspective while early risers can take advantage of the morning bike trail, and the slow risers can hit the trail in the afternoon.
“The hotel team has ample event planning experience and our travel desk can assist with designing a unique conference in the bush experience for teams who like blending business with leisure and want to get outdoors,” he said.
The K2C Cycle tour
Gillis said that 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 and you will navigate 100km of terrain through Timbavati, Thornybush and Kapama private game reserves.
He said 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.
“Not only will our fitness centre let you keep fit and ready for this challenging cycle, you will come home to relax at our pool bar and game-viewing deck along an exclusive stretch of the Sabie river at the end of an intense day,” he added.
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,” said Gillis.
The starting point for the Recce Raid race is just a two-hour drive away from the towns of Kaapsehoop and Dullstroom.
According to Gillis, this challenging race is for the experienced elevation addicts who are obsessed with finding their next challenge and 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.
“The Recce Raid takes place in late April, which brings the advantage of cooler weather when compared to summer months.
“When you return to the Kruger Gate Hotel, facilities at Dee’s African Spa offer a range of treatment packages to help your body recover.
“From a steam room to massages and body wraps, being pampered while overlooking the Sabie River is the rejuvenating treat you deserve while enjoying the rest of your holiday,” said Gillis.
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. Kruger Gate Hotel is one hour away from the race start point at Sybrand Van Niekerk High School, giving you easy access to one of South Africa’s longest-running bike races.
The Sabie Classic offers 10km and 19km fun rides as well as 40km and 65km 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.
“The family fun can always continue at the Kruger Gate Hotel. Thanks to our unique positioning in the park it’s easy to enjoy the abundance of wildlife including more than 500 avian species and close to 150 species of large mammals,” said Gillis.
He added that their guests have the choice of joining up with other game drives or booking a private guided safari tour.
Barberton XCM Mountain Bike Challenge
If you are making your way to the Kruger National Park in the summer, Gillis said that you can take advantage of the Barberton XCM Mountain Bike Challenge which takes place on the last Saturday of every January.
He said that a festival atmosphere descends on the local high school where the race begins every year and with five race categories ranging from a 20km fun ride to a 110km ultra marathon, the race accommodates everyone from those who have picked up biking as a new year’s 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.
“With heat and humidity levels peaking at that stage of the summer, it’s important racegoers keep hydrated to stay healthy,” said Gillis.