Around Kruger National Park

Our journey through South Africa began with our arrival in Johannesburg, where we were immediately impressed by the lively atmosphere, the sounds of music, and the warm friendliness of the people. After a brief exploration of the city, we got in the mood for the upcoming Kruger tour over dinner together. Early the next morning, we started our bike tour in eMakhazeni, surrounded by hills and the fresh mountain air that would accompany us throughout the trip.

The ride through Mpumalanga Province thrilled us with wide open landscapes, long descents, and the challenging climb over Robbers Pass. A particular highlight was the Panorama Route with God’s Window and the majestic Blyde River Canyon, whose viewpoints left a deep impression on us. The following stages took us along winding roads, through small towns and across wide plateaus to Hazyview, where we stayed for several nights. A safari trip to Kruger National Park provided us with unforgettable animal encounters and offered a welcome change from cycling. Challenging hill stages, rapid descents, and quiet picnic moments in the middle of eucalyptus forests characterized our athletic days.

The route along small villages and banana plantations showed us an authentic piece of South Africa, while the evenings ended quietly in cozy lodges. Particularly impressive was our stay in a remote lodge, from where we could observe animals in their natural environment. Another rest day with a safari deepened our impressions of the African bush and allowed us to feel the wild beauty of the country even more intensely. The last stage took us back through the highlands to Dullstroom before we finally made the transfer back to Johannesburg.

A spontaneous additional trip to Belfast in bright sunshine rounded off the sporting adventure perfectly. Back in the big city, we enjoyed our last hours in South Africa before setting off on our journey home. This trip has filled us with countless memories and will remain in our hearts for a long time to come.