Cycling enthusiasts visiting the Kruger National Park are in for a unique treat. Beyond the traditional safari getaways, the park offers thrilling mountain biking trails so that visitors can explore its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife up close. And with plenty of places to stay in Kruger National Park, it’s the ideal for a cycling holiday.
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.
Trails within the Kruger Park
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.
“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,” says Anton Gillis, CEO of Kruger Gate Hotel.
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.Either way, there’s a good chance of spotting some rare birds of South Africa en route.
“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,” says Gillis.
Versatile meeting rooms and a large conference venue can accommodate everything from year end events to close-knit executive retreats.
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.
“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,” says Gillis.
The proceeds of this August cycle go towards community upliftment programs; Rotary’s education and leadership development initiatives; and anti-poaching organisations.
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,” says Gillis.
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.
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.
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 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.
“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, making it the ideal base from which to experience the best Kruger National Park animals,” says Gillis.
He adds 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, 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.
“With heat and humidity levels peaking at that stage of the summer, it’s important racegoers keep hydrated to stay healthy,” explains Gillis.
A trip to the Kruger Gate Hotel would not be complete without a chance to break bread with your travel companions. You can dine while bathing in the golden summer sunset on the riverside viewing deck or book the River Boma, an extraordinary summer venue lit by a central fire-pit and brought to life thanks to Shangaan-Tsonga and Swati cultural song and dance.
“Cyclists are welcome with open arms at the Kruger Gate Hotel. They can spend all day exploring the gorgeous lowveld and return to a base designed for rest and relaxation.”