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"We have always organised our own tours, but in this instance the assistance of Wild Mountain Adventures made all the difference. The only problem with this tour is that it has raised the bar to a level that might not be possible to match." |
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Riding some of the highest roads in South Africa is a breathtaking experience in every sense of the word.
Explore "the Wild side of the Drakensberg" to discover tranquil gravel roads, crystal clear rivers and spectacular scenery. Enjoy the comfort of full vehicle support and cosy farmhouse accommodation, complete with roaring log fires. We will provide you with hearty home-cooked meals which will include locally produced lamb and beef, some of the finest in the country.
Daily ride distances are adjusted according to the varying altitude on any given day - during the week this will range from 1,700m-2,750m above sea level. This tour is aimed at persons with previous MTB/cycling experience and a reasonable level of fitness, looking for a social experience in an exciting new environment
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EXAMPLE ITINERARY | |
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The following itinerary is just one of many routes that we have developed for tours. Distances can be adjusted from 40km-80km per day to suit all levels of experience and fitness. Self-drive to Franshoek Guest Farm (20kms from Barkly East) in the Eastern Cape Highlands. Franshoek is a c. 1900 sandstone farmhouse set in a beautiful mountain valley. On arrival you will be met by your hosts and shown to your comfy rooms. There will be a chance to relax and refresh after your travels. A briefing will take place by the open fire, ahead of a tasty dinner.
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After breakfast we will set off along undulating district gravel roads. Although this section is easy in terms of technicality, some of the ascents will have you reaching for granny gear very quickly, so is still a challenge in terms of fitness. But what goes up must come down, so you can enjoy some exhilarating descents. The route passes through tranquil mountain valleys, dotted with farms, passing through the historic Mosheshesford where we will cross the source of the Kraai River. Arriving in Rhodes, you will be checked into your overnight guest cottage and will have ample time to explore this 'lost in time' hamlet that is a National Monument from one end to the other due to its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Dinner will be served at Walkerbouts Inn, whose quaint pub features in '101 Most Beloved Bars in South Africa'.
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Day 2 - Up, Up and Away! - Rhodes Village to Wartrail, via Tiffindell +/-40km high altitude cycling
After breakfast at Walkerbouts Inn we will shuttle the group up Carlisleshoek Pass and cycle +/- 40kms so that you can ride along one of the highest roads in South Africa, but without the 1:3 climb!. This day is shorter in kilometres, but is still a full day's ride due to the high altitude conditions and unbelievable photo opportunities. At nearly 3km above sea level you are in for a breath-taking experience in every sense of the word! The route passes below Tiffindell Ski Resort and across the Loch Ness dam wall, following crystal clear streams. Look out for rare alpine flowers and numerous bird species; we may even have time to try and catch a trout for dinner. After a couple of short climbs at the start, the road undulates across the plateau, before heading steadily down towards the Wartrail valleys. The 5km down Volunteershoek Pass is steep so a shuttle will once again be made available for those who prefer a steadier pace. An easy final 12km through the farms of Wartrail to Reedsdell Guest Farm completes this fantastic day. Dinner & overnight at Reedsdell.
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Day 3 - Decisions, Decisions.....
After a lie-in and a later breakfast, there are a number of options available for the day including:
Members of the group can choose different options, subject to a minimum of 4 people for each of the activities. In late afternoon we can transport you on the bakkie up to Lundean's Nek to watch the setting sun cast its glow over the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, returning back for dinner.
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Day 4 - Down on the Farms - Wartrail to New England +/- 51km
After a day's rest and a hearty breakfast, the group can look forward to a scenic and fun day's ride through the valleys of Wartrail and New England on quiet gravel roads. The terrain is moderate and generally undulating, with some steeper ascents and descents. These tranquil districts, also known as "Wild Mountain Country" reminded early settlers of the Scottish Highlands with farms carrying names such as Pitlochrie, Glengyle, Burnbrae and Ben Nevis. Accommodation will be at Kenmure House, nestled into a beautiful valley. After dinner, relax in front of a log fire and perhaps if the skies are clear enjoy a spot of star-gazing.
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Day 5 - Rivers and Rail - New England to Franshoek via Barkly East +/-50km
Leaving Kenmure after breakfast we will head back to our start point of Franshoek, riding via Barkly East. We will take in a spectacular waterfall, historic railway reverses and Loch Bridge, built in the 1890s this sandstone beauty spans the Kraai River and has been declared a National Monument. After lunch in the farming town of Barkly East we will continue the final 20kms back out into the mountains to Franshoek Guest Farm where you will be reunited with your vehicles.
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Departure
With lungs full of fresh air, tummies full of tasty home-cooked food and muscles well worked it is time to head back to civilisation once again. But we'll spoil you with one more breakfast first…
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Notes
On any of the days we would anticipate arriving at the guest farm by 3pm to give ample chance to relax before dinner
Total Tour Price:
5 Day tour - R3,995 per person
4 Day tour - R3,495 per person
3 Day tour - R2,995 per person
Optional activities (as per day 3 above) Horse Riding or River Rafting additional R250, Hiking additional R150
All trails are subject to a minimum of 4 people.
Quotation includes:
Quotation excludes:
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WILD MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE ITINERARY AT ANY TIME TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND COMFORT OF OUR GUESTS