Cycle from Pietermaritzburg, capital of Kwazulu Natal, to Rhodes, winter sports capital of South Africa. This route is a moderate MTB cycle and is suitable for both novices and more experienced cyclists.

Absorb the natural beauty of the untouched African landscape. Cycle through areas where Alan Paton and Cecil John Rhodes lived. Visit isolated communities, stay at local guesthouses and experience the African countryside.

Day 1 - Transfers to Pietermaritzburg

Transfers from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. Settle in and take part in a warm up cycle while discovering some of the Kwazulu Natal capital’s sights. A briefing will be held after dinner by the trip guides providing an overview of the itinerary, terrain and other relevant issues.

Day 2 - Pietermaritzburg to Hella Hella

Leaving the capital we cycle through reserves, farmlands and forest. Passing through the small communities of Baynesfield and Byrne we descend into the Mkomazi Valley.

Day 3 - Mkomazi River White Water Rafting

From December to April we offer the option of a full day’s white water rafting on the Mkomazi River. Classified as the largest commercially run white water south of the Zambezi.

Day 4 - Hella Hella to Ntsikeni Nature Reserve

Climbing out of the valley we enter countryside that inspired Alan Paton's great works. We then descend into the Umzimkulu valley and enter the small Ntsikeni Nature Reserve.

Day 5 - Ntsikeni Nature Reserve to Banchory

Cycling through the reserve we can experience the mountain top wetlands, afro-montane forests and grasslands before descending into the plantations of The Side.

Day 6 - Banchory to Masakala

Following farm roads and tracks we pass the St Xavier Mission and rural villages. Climbing the watershed we finish at the village of Masakala where a cultural experience awaits.

Day 7 - Masakala to Malekhalonyane

The day’s cycle again traverses flood plains and passes through isolated villages. Several mission stations are scattered along the way.

Day 8 - Malekhalonyane to Phiritsu

The route climbs towards the Ongeluksnek Pass, before descending through rural villages and flood plains. The day ends with a sharp ascent.

Day 9 - Phiritsu to Naude’s Nek

Starting with a steep ascent we climb into the mountains along the Drakensberg escarpment. Using cattle tracks we navigate our way to the overnight stop.

Day 10 - Naude’s Nek to Rhodes

Undulating roads with some steep descents down Naude’s Nek lead to relatively flat sections into Rhodes. Spend the afternoon exploring this unique and historic town which has been declared a National Monument.

Day 11 - Transfer to Durban

Transfers from Rhodes to Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

Per person (Rand) 3 – 6 persons R 13,750 7 – 9 persons R 11,000 10 – 12 persons R 9,900