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Take a ride on the wild side
Mountain biking in the Kruger National Park
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Mountain biking in the Kruger National Park.
© Wilderness Safaris
Did you know?
Trails are graded by difficulty: green is moderate; black is advanced and strenuous.
Mountain biking in the Kruger National Park is a fun and thrilling way to experience this magnificent game reserve. You don't need to be Lance Armstrong fit, but you do need some degree of fitness. Choose from 1 of 3 cycling trails on offer that you feel is best for you.
All 3 cycling trails start from the Olifants Camp – one of the Kruger National Park's best-loved camps thanks to its superb location, perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Olifants River and its huge elephant population.
You can choose between morning or afternoon rides that take between 4 and 5 hours, or opt for a full day trail taking approximately 7 hours. Olifants Camp will provide your mountain bike, a helmet, water, snacks and a backpack.
To give you some idea of what's in store, let's go along the Hardekool-Draii trail – the easiest trail, although quite long (24km). You'll be 1 of only 6 riders climbing into an open game vehicle with 2 armed rangers and then it's a 12km drive to where you start using your own pedal power.
You'll cycle along game paths – those trails regularly used by game as they go up and down to the river to drink. Hippos, crocs and all sorts of wildlife use these paths daily.
Then it's time to park your bike, walk down to the river and watch nature's passing show: hippos basking in the sun; crocs dozing on sandbanks; elephants bathing; perhaps even a pride of lions snoozing under a jackalberry tree.
Snacks and drinks are served under a huge Sycamore fig tree alive with birds, and then it's back on your bike and back to camp.
In a word: awesome!
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Kruger National Park: Oilfants Camp
Tel: +27 (0) 13 735 6606/7
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 888 6563
How to get here
North by road from Johannesburg (5 to 6 hours) via Nelspruit or Phalaborwa, depending on which gate you choose to enter the Kruger National Park. You can also fly into the park via the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport near Nelspruit and hire a vehicle from there.
What will it cost
R480 per person for a morning ride; R260 pp for an afternoon ride; R1470 pp for a full day ride.
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, sunscreen and a hat.
Olifants Camp provides bikes and helmets.
What to eat
You'll be provided with water, snacks and packed lunches.