Tugela River Mountain Bike Tours

Package Overview

red earth trail blazing and handcrafted single track

Training for a multi-day stage event or tiring of your same old routes? Need some hills to sweat and new track to tame... or maybe just a weekend away from the rat race? Just 2.5 hrs from Durban and 3.5 hrs from Johannesburg, the Tugela Valley makes for an easy weekend getaway of trail blazing through mountainous foothills, private game reserve and historic battlefields.

We can tailor a tour to your group's fitness and skill level, so whether you're a single-track maniac or a dirt-roadie looking for time in the saddle, we have a route to suit. Most of the riding takes place on private farms and reserves, inaccessible to the general public. Day rides can be arranged on prior request but we recommend a 2 - 3 day tour to really experience all that area has to offer.

Starting out in the foothills of the Drakensberg, groups can chose between routes in the Cathedral Peak or Champagne valley. For the fit, the now famous Bezuidenhout's Pass (near Sterkfontein dam) can be descended as part of a long-day circular route. From the foothills of the Berg, we'll head to a bush lodge perched on the banks of the Tugela, where two days of red earth trailblazing await. From the smooth flowing tracks along the rivers edge to a rock and roll descent off Spioenkop Mountain - there are routes to tantalise and test all levels of rider.

Overnighting in bush lodge accommodation, the vibe is relaxed with enough time to float on a tube down the river or kick-back under an Acacia, beer in hand, reminiscing about the single-track of the day.


Trip Duration Standard Tour: 2 Day Weekend Tour, but Drakensberg extension days can be arranged to make a 3 or 4 day tour.
Daily Distances Standard Weekend Tour: 75km over 2 riding days, with extension days ranging from 25 - 70km/day.
Trail Grading
Physical Fitness Grade 3-4: this tour is best suited to riders with a moderate to good level of mountain bike fitness and experience. Those who enjoy single-track are guaranteed to get their fix on this tour, but routes can also be modified for the less technically inclined.
Technicality Grade 3-4: large amount of single track, with some steep descent sections and rocky and rooty in parts. However, less technical routes can also be arranged.
Trail Terrain From Drakensberg plateau riding to valley bushveld acacias, aloes & grasslands. Jeep & cattle tracks, handcrafted single-track, and farm road sections.
Accommodation Stone and thatch bush lodge on the Tugela River. Ensuite toilets/showers (or shared with another couple), communal dining area and deck for open-air dining & braai's.
Logistic Support Overnight tours will be fully-catered and guided with vehicle logistic support.
Tour Highlights Fantastic handcrafted single-track; dust and sunsets; historic battlefields; wildlife sightings; beers at Buller's; tubing down the river; terrific sundowner spots and an easy weekend getaway from Joberg & Durban.
Other Activities History tours, battlefield tours, river tubing, white water rafting, hiking, photography and good birding.
Fauna & Flora Valley Bushveld paperbark acacias, aloes & grasslands. Wild protea's and mountain grasslands on Drak extension day .
Climate The Tugela river can be very warm in summer (Nov - late February) with rain in the form of thundershowers, most likely to occur during these months. Avg midday summer temps range from 20°C in June (winter) to 29°C in January. Daily temps during summer can easily climb to mid-30's The region is the coldest during July when the mercury drops to 2.9°C on average during the night.
Seasonality & Best Time Year Summer months tend to be hot, so early morning starts are required. Winters are dry but chilly in the mornings. Best to avoid the hottest months of Dec-through to February, unless you don't mind riding in the heat.

Availability: Is generally not a problem OUTSIDE of school/public holiday weekends.
Group Size Minimum 2 persons & maximum 24 persons.
Price / PP Dependent on customised tour, but indicative price for the Standard 2 day/2 night weekend tour based on a group of :

6 Persons: R3000/pp

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• 2 Professionally Guided Rides (4-6 hrs each)
• Entry into Spioenkop Monument Site
• Bush Lodge Accommodation for 2 nights
• All meals: 2 x Dinners, 2 x Lunches, 2 x Continental Breakfasts
• Route Preparation & Access Fees

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

Active Escapes View Profile

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• 3 Belmont Street, Garlington Estate, Hilton, 3245, South Africa
• XXXXXX5259 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@active-escapes.co.za View Mail ID

About Active Escapes

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• We recommend to request quotes from 3 operators