Organiser
Skydata Events
WE HAVE NOW EVOLVED TO BECOME THE “SAFARI IN THE SADDLE”
2018 will see the start of a brand new concept for this prestigious event. In light of this we take pleasure in announcing a “Limited Edition” event where only 100 riders will gain entry, making this an exclusive one time only event.
In response to the many requests for a more laid back adventure ride we have transitioned from the “Race” to the “Tour” where riders, in groups of 10 will be led by riders who have extensive “Bush Knowledge” allowing riders to truly appreciate the values on the iSimangaliso Wetlands. All entries are now on an individual entry basis, or on request in corporate groups.
Other changes include reducing the number of days from 4 to 3 without excluding any of the spectacular parts of the terrain, adding new route sections on Day 1, a new start from the e-Mshopphi camp site and lastly keeping everyone together in glamping tents or standard tents on the last night in St Lucia.
ACCOMMODATION
We make sure you get the rest and nutrition you need.
The accommodation options include all meals and snacks for 3 nights and 3 days per person.
- 1st Night: Ghost Mountain Inn
- 2nd Night: Bonamanzi Lalapanzi Camp
- 3rd Night: St Lucia Eco Lodge
Cost Allocation
| OPTIONS | Entry | Glamping |
Accommodation Sharing | Sharing 2 bed Glamping style, own shower and toilet | |
| Basic Entry | R 7 350 | R 7 350 |
| Conservation Donation | R 1 470 | R 1 470 |
| Total | R 8 820 | R 8 820 |
Logistics & Accommodation | R 2 250,00 | R 3 450,00 |
| VAT | R 1 440 | R 1 620 |
Total Fee (inc Vat) per person | R 12 510 | R 13 890 |
Supporters will need to book nearby accommodation as the above mentioned venues are fully booked.
Route Description:
DAY 1
UMKHUZE TO BONAMANZI
From the eMshopphi Camp the route heads south to Dakela Gate on jeep and single tracks, turning out the gate and into the Lebombo Mountains and then back into the Reserve and up the UMkhumbi plateau, a rocky climb of 200m, from here the views to the sea and St Lucia come just before the over the fence and into &Beyond's Big Five reserve of Phinda. They have become masters at a building single track heaven using a mix of natural game paths and jeep track. This is 26 km section of track all through Big Five game country is possibly the favourite section for most riders. Crossing the Msinene floodplain, riders exit Phinda and enter the False bay section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and ride along the lake shore and onto the Mphophomeni hiking trail exiting the False Bay reserve, entering Hluhluwe River Lodge, where well know local, Gavin Dickson, will be waiting with a “high tea”. Riders cross the Hluhluwe river and begin the climb to the finish in Bonamanzi Game Reserve.
DAY 2
BONAMANZI TO ST LUCIA
Exit from Bonamanzi across the Hluhluwe River onto the Nyalazi Flood plain with its 25km of single track criss-crossing the flat floodplains, here you will see the most incredible bird life as you head north to cross the Nyalazi River and into the Western Shores section of the iSimangaliso Wetlands. The first 10 km is a section of gum forest the only plantation riding throughout the route, this is what the terrain was before the transformation, and then marvel at the change as you ride past the pans, take in the Ntumu areal boardwalk and see the views of open grasslands back-dropped by forested coastal dunes with possible sightings of elephant, rhino, hippo, buffalo, giraffe and numerous others. Exit the Western Shores through the uDukuDuku gate onto tar and into the tourist town of St Lucia. Enjoy the ride through the single track of the iGwalgwala Forest and finish at the Sugar Loaf Campsite.
DAY 3
ST LUCIA, MISSION ROCKS, ST LUCIA
From Sugar Loaf campsite the ride heads out towards the beach along the Estuary boardwalk taking the beach route to the iPhiva pans and into the Eastern Shores section of the iSimangaliso. The route heads through marshes, grasslands and onto the remains of the old Cape Vidal Rd before climbing to Mission Rocks. Back through coastal dunes and forest and a short section in the St Lucia town, then into the iGwalaGwala hiking trail to finish at the St Lucia Sugar Loaf campsite.
More information: www.isimangaliso-mtb.co.za/
Event location
eMshophi camp uMkhuze Game Reserve, Mkuze
| Route information | |
| Coordinates | -27.651905, 32.2435 |
| Address | Mantuma Camp uMkhuze Game Reserve |
| City | Mkuze |
| Province | KwaZulu-Natal |
Registration Number: 2015/141112/07