Description
This unique excursion takes place in the magical Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, one of the Mantis Group’s largest properties, just outside Cape Town. We take you on a cycle journey, back in time and place, through the semi-desert Klein Karoo, one of Africa’s most beautiful and dramatic natural landscapes. Here geology and climate have conspired to offer breathtaking views and a biodiversity only matched by its Bushman heritage and the magnificent presence of Africa’s Big Five, including white lion. Guests enjoy world-class mountain biking as well as a signature Big Five game drive, guided bush walk and the opportunity to see ancient Bushmen paintings in the rocky caves hidden in the reserve!
First Day
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve spans a mammoth 54,000 hectares, making it the largest privately owned reserve in the Western Cape and a beacon of conservation within the region. The arid, semi-desert environment has fostered incredible biodiversity – from plant species, through mammals, birds, reptiles and insects – as they have amazingly adapted to the demanding climate and carved an ecological niche in this haunting landscape.
Sanbona is a Big Five Reserve, but with its Bushmen rock art, breathtaking vistas and unique, haunting landscapes, it offers so much more. This Eco-Active Excursion departs 8am from the V&A Waterfront, after an orientation with your trip guides. The drive to Sanbona takes us through spectacular countryside and the majestic DuToitskloof mountain range and we stop en route to savor the roadside offerings.
We cycle the backroads in to the western gate from the R62 turn-off and arrive for a sumptious late lunch. Hereafter everyone has a chance to unpack and relax before our signature Big Five game drive across the reserve, with the chance of spotting the rare white lion, as well as tracking cheetah on foot! The evening we gather in the boma for a wonderful traditional buffet style dinner, before we get ready for our astronomy talk and stargazing under the clear Karoo skies *. Close to midnight we say a last farewell to the day with a shot of apple liquer from the Montagu region.
* Note: program may vary over the two days which is dependent on weather, animal movements and the kitchen program.
Second Day
The next day, we gather at 5am for an early morning coffee and croissant before departing on our 2nd bicycle ride on the visit to Sanbona. The beauty and splendour of Sanbona is experienced throughout the cycle and one cannot help but be overawed by the sheer majesty of the geological formations, the rich fossil beds, the implements and rock art left behind by Africa’s First People, the spectacular and diverse vegetation that support the incredible diversity of animal life and the sheer majesty of size, space and quiet speak directly to the soul.
We arrive back at our lodge in time for a hearty breakfast and San Cave Trail Walk and the cheetah tracking on foot. The walk takes us to 7 caves in the area where the San people left some of their most intriguing art work in the Klein Karoo. After lunch you are free to enjoy the swimming pool, the spa, or just relax and enjoy the spectacular setting and surrounding of your lodge. Late afternoon we take another game drive and as the sun sets, return to camp for a BBQ in the boma *.
Our last evening allows for more star gazing or an early night. The following morning, Just after breakfast (a last game drive is optional), we depart for Cape Town after the adventure of a lifetime! On the way we stop in the beautiful Paarl Valley for the last cycle of the trip, and end-off with a cellar tour and wine tasting.
Price 2014/15 Season: R 17,900.00
INCLUDES:
• Bikes and all equipment
• Ground transportation
• All meals and light refreshments
• Excellent and varied 5 Star accommodation
• Personal service from the best guides in the industry
• ‘Special and Expert’ excursions en-route
• Back-up vehicle and driver
• All admission fees to reserves, parks and attraction
DATES:
Please contact us for scheduled dates. Bookings now open. This journey can run anytime.
Start Time 08:00
Riding Time 5hrs cycling / 3hrs walking / 3hrs caving / 6hrs game drive
Dates Contact us for availability and dates
Accommodation Dwyka Lodge
Depart Location V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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