Cycling South Africa, Eswatini & Mozambique

Our newest cycling expedition, Africa: Ocean to Ocean, takes riders through seven fascinating Southern African countries. In this post, we take a look at what cyclists can expect on their journey through countries number 5, 6 , & 7 – South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique.

Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa

Once the riders cross the border from Zimbabwe into South Africa, they will spin past surreal baobab trees which eventually give give way to the subtropical Soutpansberg (Salt Pan Mountains), part of UNESCO’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. They contain over 500 species of trees and birds and 116 species of reptiles as well as leopards, hyenas and antelopes. The area is also the ancestral heartland of the Venda people who are known for their distinct culture, including the pre-marital Domba (python dance).

Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

At 26 km long and 800 m deep, the Blyde River Canyon is the third largest on earth, after the Grand Canyon in the US and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. What makes it unique and special is that, unlike the other two, it is a ‘green’ canyon, covered in sub-tropical vegetation. Riders will enjoy a rest day there allowing them time to explore natural wonders such as the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock and God’s Window.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

One of the most famous National Parks in Africa, Kruger National Park was established in 1926 and covers almost 20,000 sq. kms. Riders will have an excellent opportunity to see the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, African buffalo) here as well as the endangered African Wild Dog. The park features 6 distinct ecosystems, 150 species of mammals and hundreds of bird species. It is not just wild life – there are also 300 archaeological and cultural heritage sites to be found in the park.

Sibebe Rock, Eswatini

After exploring Kruger National Park, the riders will cross into the tiny landlocked country of Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland. One of the world’s last absolute monarchies, one of the highlights is Sibebe Rock, just a few kilometres outside the country’s capital, Mbabane. Also known as ‘Bald Rock’, it is the second largest monolith in the world and the world’s largest granite dome. Riders can hike to the summit and afterwards enjoy an appropriately named, cold Sibebe Premium Lager

Hlane Royal National Park, Eswatini

Formerly the private hunting grounds of King Sobhuza II, Hlane Royal National Park was established in 1967 and  is known, not only for its mammals like elephants, cheetahs and rhinos, but also for its incredible bird population, many attracted by the park’s ancient hardwood trees like knobthorn, leadwood, and tambuti. They include white-backed, lappetfaced and Cape vultures,  martial eagles, bateleurs, and long-crested eagles as well as Marabou storks and the southern yellow-billed hornbill.

Maputo, Mozambique

A couple days of cycling after leaving Eswatini will bring the riders to Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, where their incredible trans-African adventure will come to a close. This port city features some stunning Portuguese colonial architecture as well as a number of vibrant local markets. After exploring the  city’s striking railway station, designed by an associate of Gustave Eiffel, the riders can celebrate by gorging on the country’s delicious, fresh seafood.

Recommended Reading

Jacob Dlamini – Safari Nation: A Social History of the Kruger National Park
Eben Venter – Decima
Hilda Kuper – The Swazi: A South African Kingdom
Mia Couto – Women of the Ashes

Recommended Viewing

The Train of Salt and Sugar (2016): A perilous 1989 train journey through war-torn Mozambique during the civil war.
Wah-Wah (2005): Director Richard E Grant’s comedy-drama set during the twilight of British colonial rule in Swaziland and based on his own childhood growing up there.
Keeping Up with the Kruger (2017): 13 episode documentary on the day-today operations of the national park.

Recommended Listening

Kruger National Park (SANParks)
Eswatini Talks (Spotify)
Left To Die: Escape From The Amarula (Apple)

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