The Maseke Game Reserve is a 10 000 hectare portion of Greater Kruger territory as part of the Balule Nature Reserve, and it is an area known for its fascinating geological formations, boulder hills, ancient Bushman artefacts and artwork, and of course, all of the Kruger’s magnificent wildlife. In particular, Maseke is known for its elephant populations, which are drawn to the abundant banks of the Olifants River. This is one of the country’s major water sources and it flows straight through this reserve, adding a phenomenal element to the landscape, the birdlife, the mammal population, and the predators.
Can you imagine getting into the saddle and peddling along this great riverbank, through the riverine forests, and along the game drive routes traversed by leopards, hyenas, giraffes, and buffalos? If you’re an avid cyclist or a beginner biker, Mountain biking trails in Maseke Game Reserve are a newly launched activity, which caters for guests of all fitness levels on either morning or afternoon rides, and soon to be part of a 3-night wilderness trail which will include camping overnight in the reserve.
The rides are led by experienced riders who have also qualified safari guides who know the terrain and the wildlife, creating a thrilling adventurous experience. Cycling in these wild surroundings introduces riders to and exciting terrain with plenty of flat dirt roads, some ups and downs over the rocky hills, and some muddy crossings when the weather is wet. Guides are trained to read the bush and to handle sightings with animals on foot, so being able to watch from the ground as a herd of elephants crosses the path ahead, or gaze up at a giraffe browsing overhead, are strong possibilities.
Visitors to safari lodges in and around Hoedspruit and the surrounding private game reserves are within an hour’s drive of the base camp for Maseke Mountain Biking, and at such an affordable rate, the experience is one not to be missed. Morning rides are about 3 hours in length, covering a distance of up to 12km, while afternoon rides are a shorter 2 hours due to light availability. Start times change according to the season, and the current rates are R850 per person for a morning ride (including bike hire, coffee, a water bottle, and trail mix) and R550 per person for an afternoon ride (including bike hire, a post-ride refreshment, a water bottle, and trail mix). Children have to be at least 14 years old, due to legal requirements in place for this sort of safari activity.
Soon to come are the Maseke Mountain Biking Wilderness Trails, which will incorporate fully inclusive camping in a new location each night (campsite set up prior to guest arrival), meals, full days spent on the bikes, picnic lunches in the bush, and plenty of time surrounded by nature with the expertise of an experienced guide. This experience is one for the avid safari goers looking to add something extra to their bush vacation and see the wild world through new eyes.
