MAPUTO to JOHANNESBURG
 Day 1: 23/01/10
The group will be collected from their hotel and
transferred just past the little town of Delmas, where
you will be able to enjoy an early lunch before
cycling towards Bethal.
Distance: 60 kms
Overnight: Bethal - LDB
 Day 2: 24/01/10 Bethal - Carolina
Carolina here we come!
Known as the 'energy belt' of Mpumalanga, the
Mpumalanga Cosmos Country region houses a
number of power stations that supply energy to most
Southern African countries. The region is the centre
of crude oil production in Southern Africa and it
boasts the world's largest underground coal mining
complex. Despite the serious industrial activity, the
Cosmos country has its own natural beauty. The
open grasslands of this region transform into a
kaleidoscope of colour with a carpet of cosmos
flowers blooming in late summer, hence the name Cosmos Country. Visitors are
also attracted to the region by the annual Potato Festival and the search for
fortunes at a casino located in the area.
As we head out towards this small village, the
environs yield to the Savannah grasslands and “Big
skies”. Making our way through this countryside will
give one a sense of – freedom. Fresh air, clear blue
skies and undulating terrain.
Distance: 86kms
Overnight: Carolina - LDB
 Day 3: 25/01/10 Carolina - Badplaas
After a leisurely breakfast we leave Carolina
and start our morning ride to Badplaas;
situated in the grasslands region of
Mpumalanga between Machadodorp and
Carolina.Badplaas is a small resort town that is
situated next to a hot sulphurous spring at the
foot of the Ndlumudlumu (Swazi: Place of Much Thunder) range of hills.
The springs bubble out of the ground at 30,000 litres an hour and was
known by earlier inhabitants as Emanzana (Healing Waters). It has been
said that the area around the spring was given to Jacob de Clercq by a
Swazi chief in 1876, who then built a trading
store here.
Immerse your tired body in the hot water springs in
Badplaas.
The first 20 kilometres today are fairly hilly
then it is plain sailing to Badplaas.
Distance: 51kms
Overnight: Badplaas LBB
 Day 4: 26/01/10 Badplaas - Barberton
Whilst cycling today, you will notice a change in
scenery. Mountain passes and forest plantations
will be seen along this stretch of the route.
The Makhonjwa Mountains around Barberton have
defined the Swazi frontier for as long as human
memory. They stretch from Jeppe’s Reef to Oshoek
and all the hills between, from Shiyalongubo to
Queen’s river and Jambila to Songimvelo and
Elukwatini. Geologists and historians refer to this
area as the Barberton Greenstone or Barberton Mountain lands. They are
renowned for their ancient green rocks with their unique scientific record of the
pre-history of the earth and for the human stories in pursuit of hidden gold.
This quaint town dates back to an era when “GOLD FEVER” was the order of the
day. The Barberton brothers imitated the gold rush, when they mistakenly
discovered gold on their farm. These rock formations form part of the oldest
rocks in the world.
After 25 kilometres there is a hill for about 5 kms, then it is basically downhill all
the way to Barbeton.
Distance: 78 kms
Overnight: Barberton - BB
 Day 5: 27/01/10 Barberton - Malelane
Today’s cycle takes us down a lovely pass to
Kaapmuiden, then to Malelane.
A drive into Kruger Park is sure to reveal unrestrained
animal activity. With a little luck on our side, the big
five will all be at the ready for your cameras!
Distance: 77kms
Overnight: Malelane – LDB
 Day 6: 28/01/20 Malelane - Komatipoort
Another early morning drive into the Kruger to spot the
elusive animals not seen the previous afternoon.
This morning, we cycle in an Easterly direction, parallel
to the Crocodile River, this being the southern border of
the Kruger National Park. Sugar cane fields are
cultivated in this area and are supported by an ideal
climate, slightly humid, with an abundance of sunshine.
Distance: 47kms
Overnight: Komatipoort – LDB
 Day 7: 29/01/10 Komatipoort - Maputo
We rack the bikes to go through the border then cycle towards Maputo.
As we approach Maputo low mountains change into flat
landscape, we make our way to the outskirts of the City
where we again rack the bikes.
Still evident is the Portuguese occupation before the
late Samora Michele took power in 1975.
Distance: 65kms
Overnight: Maputo - B&B
 Day 8: 30/01/10 Maputo
This day can be spent on the beach or exploring the
capital of Mozambique on our cycles.
Dinner tonight can be enjoyed at a seafood restaurant. Maputo is famous for its
prawns.
Overnight: Maputo - B&B
 Day 9: 31/01/10
After breakfast we check out of our hotel, then start on
our way back to ORTambo via the N4 Highway –
550kms, stopping along the way for lunch.
INCLUDES:
Meet & greet at ORTambo airport
8 Night’s accommodation
Maputo breakfast only
Meals – as stipulated
 Back-up vehicle
Bike hire, bike trailer, bike mechanic
Mineral water in bus for cycling
Professional Cycle Guides
Entrance fees Kruger National Park
Game drive Kruger National Park
Energy powder for cycling drinks
EXCLUDES:
Dinner & lunch in Badplaas & Barbeton
Dinner & lunch in Maputo
Items of a personal nature
Alcohol + other beverages
Telephone calls
Personal Medical Insurance
Gratuities
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