Mountain biking enthusiasts will lick their chops at the idea of peddling through the wilderness of South Africa’s Great Karoo. This landscape is unique, strikingly beautiful, and full of specially adapted wildlife, such as meerkats, ostriches, eland, Cape mountain zebra, bat-eared foxes, cheetahs, and aardvark. The terrain is characterised by vast, flat grass plains, interspersed with low-lying shrubbery and dolerite mountains, which rise up from the stark valleys. Stars, silence, and space are three words that might most aptly describe the region in which Samara Private Game Reserve is located, and within this spectacular expanse, in among the array of wildlife, Samara has pegged out a variation of mountain biking trails to suit bikers with all levels of experience. There are two guided routes through big game areas, and two unguided routes through areas with only safe animals. Take a look at what might well become your next mountain biking adventure! What a way to experience a Karoo safari…
Samara Mara Cycle Route – Guided
This 33km cycle route takes riders to a breath-taking grassland area high up on a plateau teeming with speciality wildlife species, such as the black wildebeest (native to South Africa), Cape mountain zebra (endangered), gemsbok (desert-adapted), and eland (largets antelope in Africa). This area of Samara has been likened to the famous Maasai Mara and Serengeti Plains of East Africa, which are populated by millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle. It is affectionately known as the Samara Mara, and it is truly something to behold.
Cyclists will find themselves gazing around at a backdrop of purple mountains, which rise up from the ever-reaching grasslands, offering panoramic views you’ll never forget. The total climb on this magnificent cycle route is 656m, and the route is quite technical, so this is a good option for experienced riders and not beginners. One of Samara’s guides will lead the group through all of the reserves vegetative biomes, and from the foot of Kondoa Mountain, you will begin a 7km ascent to the Samara Mara on the plateau, and descend via the Wolwekloof Pass en route back to the lodge.
Milk River Cycle Route – Guided
For a gentle-paced cycle through the beautiful Samara Game Reserve, the 12km Milk River route is fantastic, guided option. It takes you along the banks of the river, through the riverine vegetation and across the dry, sandy riverbeds. It is suitable for riders with all levels of experience, and offers the chance to relax in the natural environment and spot some of the wildlife in the area. In winter, a highlight of this route is the chance to spot an elusive aardvark – truly, a once in a lifetime safari moment!
Vulture Mountain Cycle Route – Non-guided
Herein lies a challenge for keen mountain bikers with a sense of adventure. This non-guided route has a distance of 44km and a total climb of 676m, which is broken up into 2 short bursts requiring some hard peddling – the first: a 1.5km ascent, which will take you up to an astounding viewpoint over to Camdeboo Plateau, followed by the second short ascent before a rush of a 5km downhill. Riders embarking on the non-guided routes will be provided with a map and a radio to lead them through the route, and are able to take a packed lunch if requested. A few hours out in the Great Karoo wilderness, fenced off from the presence of dangerous game, and navigating the route with fellow riders is bound to be one of the most memorable mountain biking experiences of ones career.
Wild Olive Cycle Route – Non-guided
This route takes a more leisurely pace through beautifully vegetated, lower-lying areas, and riverine thicket. At 20km in total, and no real technical challenges or climbs, it is suitable for riders with all levels of experience. The name of this route comes from the most beautiful turn-around point beneath 800-year-old wild olive trees where we can recommend stopping for a delicious picnic lunch before heading back the way you came.
Things to take note of:
– There is no extra charge for mountain biking activities at Samara Private Game Reserve
– Riders are required to bring their own mountain bikes
– Keen riders should express their interest in taking on the trails when they make their booking at the lodge
– Picnic lunches can be provided for both guided and non-guided routes
