Discover the Rhodes less travelled, on a fully supported 4 day cycle tour in the Eastern Cape highlands. Riding from Rhodes to Wartrail via Tiffindell, and New England to Franshoek via Barkly East, you'll cycle some of the highest roads in South Africa - altitude riding amidst spectacular surrounds. Expect breathtaking passes, scenic farm roads and thrilling descents with sandstone batholiths and rugged mountain peaks as the backdrop.
General Trail DescriptionThis is as close as one gets to 'Drakensberg Cycling', with the luxury of daily vehicle support, comfy lodgings and sumptuous meals to look forward to at the end of each day. Ride distances range from 40 – 51km/day with close on 1000m ascent on climbing days. This tour is aimed at dirt-roadies with a moderate – good level of cycling fitness, looking for a social ride or training along quiet country roads with scenic terrain.
We aim to have you out the saddle by mid-afternoon, offering ample opportunity for relaxation, swimming in a mountain stream, or casting a line. An optional day can be added to the itinerary for those who fancy a change of activity; choose from hiking, horse riding, river rafting (in summer season), visit to a rock art site, or an extra day's riding for the dedicated MTB enthusiast. Non-riders are welcome to join the group, space permitting, and we can arrange for daily activities to keep them entertained.
HIKE - AT A GLANCE
| Trip Duration | Standard Cycle Tour: 4 Ride Days / 5 Nights * Extra Days can be included either as cycling days, rest day or optional activities such as hiking, horse riding or river rafting (in season). |
| Daily Distances | Distances can be adjusted from 20-80km per day according to the needs of the group, but Standard Tour: Day 1: 45km Day 2: 40km Day 3: 51km Day 4: 50 km |
| Trail Grading | |
| Physical Fitness | Grade 3: riding at altitude with some climbs means a moderate - good level of fitness is recommended. However the pace is leisurely and a back-up vehicle accompanies the riders for those needing to take a break. |
| Technicality | Grade 1-2: riding is predominantly on district and farm roads, generally in good condition, though there are some rougher sections. Some of the ascents and descents are steep, however a daily back-up vehicle is in support for those that need it. |
| Trail Terrain | Mountainous terrain at altitude – ranging from 1,700m-2,750m above sea level. |
| Accommodation | Comfortable guest farm accommodation. Couples will have their own rooms, however some sharing of bathrooms will be required. Communal dining area. * Extra nights can be spent at any of the overnight lodges. |
| Logistic Support | This is a self-guided tour but with full vehicle back-up support, daily luggage transfers and full catering provided. | Tour Highlights | Spectacular mountain views, riding some of the highest roads/passes in South Africa, virtually NO traffic, alpine flowers and over 230 species of birds. Long descents and back-up vehicle for the steeper climbs if required. Charming guest farm accommodation, Rhodes village. |
| Other Activities | Hiking, River Rafting (summer months), Horse Riding, Fly-fishing for wild trout & yellowfish, Birding (over 230 species in region). Visits to rock art paintings, farm activities, 4x4 trails and scenic drives of the region's, mountain passes. |
| Fauna & Flora | The trail traverses a range of habitats from high alpine plateaus, highveld grasslands, sandstone cliffs and well-managed farmlands. Smaller wildlife can be spotted e.g. Mountain Reedbuck, Grysbok, black-backed jackal, baboons, caracal, dassies, porcupines as well as over 230 species of bird including black eagle, cape vulture, crested crane and Lammergeier. |
| Climate | The Eastern Cape Drakensberg has 4 well-defined seasons: moderate summers and cold winters. The region has summer rainfall with afternoon thunderstorms, so we aim to finish the day’s riding by mid-afternoon. All that said, the only thing that is truly predictable about mountain weather..... is that it's totally unpredictable! Come prepared for all four seasons in one day. Layers are your best bet and good sun protection is essential. ‘High altitude=high UV' and you can get sun burnt any time of year |
| Seasonality & Best Time Year | In summer, the days are typically hot and sunny, with regular late afternoon thunderstorms. This is the time of year to come if you want to take an optional river rafting trip. Autumn is a time to enjoy magnificent colours, with the grasses and trees decorated in splendid shades of golds and reds. The days are pleasantly warm and sunny - ideal for mountain biking. Winter brings regular snowfalls and sub-zero temperatures overnight, although days can be quite pleasant. The Tiffindell section of the route may be snow-bound at this time of year, though alternative routes are available. In spring the landscape blooms with fresh green grass and wild flowers. Birding in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg at this time of year is exceptional and the farmlands are bursting with new life in the form of lambs and calves. March/April and October-December are the generally the best months all things considered. Availability: Is generally not a problem OUTSIDE of popular public holiday periods. |
| Group Size | Minimum 4 persons & maximum 12 persons. If you are a larger group please still enquire. We will have to make some modifications on the Standard Trail, but will be able to provide a customised alternative. |
| Price / PP | All trails are subject to a minimum of 4 people. Per Person Price - Tour Options 5 Day/ 6 Night Tour – R4,200 per person 4 Day / 5 Night Tour - R3,750 per person 3 Day/ 4 Night Tour – R3,295 per person Optional Extra Activities: Day 3 of the 5 Day/6 Night tour Horse Riding or River Rafting (in season) - R300pp Hiking – R200pp |
| Price Includes |
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The ride up Lundean's Nek and down to Danger's Hoek on the
Cyclists can expect good gravel roads for most of the tour.
Farmtracks make scenic riding - on the farm of Glengyle, Wartrail.
Day 2 of the Sky Ride - passes below Tiffindell Ski Resort & across 
Just you and the open road! 
Cyclist enroute to Barkly East - admiring the scenery.
Another secret valley that riders traverse on the Sky Ride 
Cycle tour group summits one of the highest roads in South Africa 
