 ITINERARY
SCHEDULE
Package includes: Cyclists now have the opportunity to combine their cycling skills with a wilderness experience in the heart of the Kruger National Park. Catch a ride to the start of the trail in an open game-viewing vehicle, with two fully trained, skilled and armed field guides to lead the trail. We supply the mountain bikes (or bring your own bike), backpacks, water bottles, bicycle helmets and snacks for use during the trail At this stage, 3 different trails are offered, determined by the guides:
An early morning start to an adventure filled day in the African bush on specially prepared mountain bikes with 2 trained and armed guides Travel with your guide, in an open game viewing vehicle and dedicated mountain bike trailer. The Mountain Bike Trail starts at Hardekool-draai, on the banks of the Olifants River. This is a long trail and a certain degree of fitness is necessary. The trail leads through Mopane veld, with the occasional view of the Olifants River. There are many wild high ways crossing the road. These high ways are game paths, constantly used by Hippo and other general game, walking to and from the river. After about 5km (3.1 miles) cycle, it is time to walk a wild high way, designed by wild creatures. The bikes are left and a short walk down to the river will have any wildlife enthusiast excited. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, a pair of binoculars and your bird reference book in your daypack. The guides are armed and have excellent knowledge of the area's fauna and flora. The Mountain Bike Trail continues over rocky terrain, superb for mountain biking for a further 5,7km (3.4 miles) where a small Hippo path turns to the south, towards the Olifants River. Enjoy sumptuous snacks under a huge Sycamore Fig tree, overlooking grunting Hippo wallowing in the Olifants River below. There are plenty of Crocodile, Elephant, Buffalo and general game in this area. The bird life along the river is also outstanding. Return the 10,7km back to the game drive vehicle and remember the unspoiled wilderness encountered by foot and mountain bike. The cycle distance of this Mountain Bike trail is 21,4km.
On the S44 gravel road along the Olifants River, beyond the Olifants River view point, a small unmarked 2-track road 10.3km (6.4 miles) from camp, leads to all excitement and the ultimate Mountain Bike Trail in the world. The vehicle is left here and the bikes are saddled. This route passes the best scenery in the Kruger National Park. Cycle between the Letaba River on your left and the Olifants River on your right. For 6.1km (3.7 miles) along the rocky outcrops of the region, one can expect Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Nyala, Water Buck, Giraffe, Zebra, Klipspringer and Impala to name a few species of mammals. The area is rich in bird life and will also have any botanist enthusiastic (large Baobab trees, Adasonia digitata en route). Enjoy your breakfast packs on the banks of these 2 rivers while watching some of the biggest Crocodile in the world feasting on fish in the rapids below. The melodious call of the Fish Eagle just make you feel more at home in Africa than any other place in the world. The occasional snorting and grunting of Hippo announcing their presence make you realize this is how God created it all. Enjoy an hour or 2 with your armed guides along the rivers on short walks before you start the 6km cycle back to the game drive vehicle. The trip is not a race and not strenuous taking into account the time frame. It is advisable to be an experienced rider if you want to enjoy this trail to its full potential (grading = black rating). Loose rocks and branches allow you to make sure that you have to concentrate on the riding condition. The cycle distance of this Mountain Bike Trail is 12,2km (7.5 miles). A fair level of skill and fitness is required for all the Mountain Bike Trails, especially the Border Trail (full day trail, extended to the Gorge). Please remember appropriate comfortable bush clothing, insect repellent, binoculars, camera, correct footwear, hat, sun block lotion and personal medication. The guides carry a first aid kit and a hand held radio for communication with the base camp in cases of emergencies. The 2 fully trained and skilled field guides will lead the trails. It is not a race and full bush interpretation will be done on the trail (interesting nature signs and wild life sightings). All safety drills and aspects regarding the trail will be demonstrated and communicated by the guides prior the trail. It will be compulsory to wear cycling helmets during all Mountain Bike Trails (supplied by Olifants Camp). Indemnity forms will have to be completed before the trail (makes the trail and the expectations more adventurous). Should participants want to utilise their own personal Mountain Bikes, proof of a recent service by an accredited Bicycle Shop will have to be supplied. The participants will then be required to take their own equipment i.e. puncture repair kits, tools, spares, tubes etc. Since this is a new Adventure Activity, we reserve the rights to change any procedures, tariffs and routes without prior notification.
Accommodation Meals
A fully qualified and professional field guide will accompany the group for the safari Meals and refreshments served by the camp master
NB: The above safari is fully inclusive of all accommodation, transfers, meals, guiding, conservation fees and refreshments. |
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Trail
Two
Included
in the safari itinerary
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