Bikepacking South Africa

For the grand finale of the SAND bikepacking route, the fifth segment ventures into the remote depths of Namibia's extremely wild and rugged north. It's a committing endeavor, taking on challenging terrain and braving profoundly isolated desertscapes. It’s steeped in beauty and offers the unique opportunity to immerse in some of the most pristine wilderness in Africa.

Segment four of the SAND bikepacking route enters its second country, Namibia, and features the oldest desert on earth, the Namib. This segment is a mostly all-gravel affair, with close to 1,200 kilometers of exquisite gravel to enjoy as it traverses the southwestern parts of the Namib Desert from the Orange River to Swakopmund. It features breathtaking vistas, vibrant dune fields, abundant wildlife, and endless solitude...

The third segment of the SAND bikepacking route continues the journey through South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, this time going beyond the road less traveled to discover the depths of the Richtersveld and the remote desert tracks that skirt the Orange River. It takes on some seriously burly terrain but rewards with breathtaking scenery and a truly one-of-a-kind desert experience...

The second segment of the SAND bikepacking route traverses Namaqualand, the arid region in South Africa’s northwest. The area is renowned for its breathtaking springtime wildflowers but remains largely overlooked. This segment takes a deep dive to uncover some of its lesser-known gems and unique flora and fauna, following challenging but exciting dirt roads and tracks along the way...

The first segment of the SAND bikepacking route takes riders on an immersive tour of South Africa's Western Cape province. It traverses remote countryside, with a focus on the mountainous periphery of the Karoo, the large semi-desert from which the segment gets its name. The route links some of the Cape's most iconic mountain passes and gravel roads, and it features a wealth of captivating sights ranging from the tranquil plains of the Tankwa to the rugged mountainscapes of the Cederberg...

The Lesotho Traverse crosses the "Mountain Kingdom" from west to east, beginning in Maseru and culminating with a hair-raising descent down the legendary Sani Pass. This week-long bikepacking route guarantees plenty of quad-wrenching climbs over epic vistas, flowing descents through hillside villages, and magical experiences with some of the friendliest people on the planet.

The Dragon's Spine bikepacking route passes 2,500 miles across South Africa connecting the Cape winelands to the expansive karoo, up to the “roof of Africa” in the Lesotho Highlands and down to the Limpopo River at the doorstep of the rest of this wild continent.

A wonderful bikepacking route on mostly gravel and dirt roads weaving in and out of the Swartberg and Cape Fold ranges. This particular route climbs over and through more than 15 named passes and poorts.

Accessed by just a single rough dirt road, Malawi's largest national park is easily the most enchanting place in the country. Towering at over 2500m above sea level, the 3200 sq km park's sublime grassland flashes with zebra, Roan antelope, eland, bush pig, 400 species of bird, and over 200 species of orchid. The perfect place to ride a bike!