TULI BLOCK, BOTSWANA

Although done at a more sedate pace than the Tour de France cyclists riding past elephants and lions in Botswana’s Tuli Block may sometimes secretly wish they had the turn of speed of international champions. Although always accompanied by trained game guides cycling in big game country is an exiting and unique way to enjoy some of Africa’s wild spaces.

Most riders overnight in comfortable lodges in the area although there are some organized tours that enable riders to overnight in the bush. Many smaller nature reserves also offer mountain bike trails that vary from the very easy to extremely demanding. Landscapes range from low altitude bushveld with good game to high cool fold mountains offering wide open views distant peaks.

WINELANDS AND GARDEN ROUTE, SOUTH AFRICA.

Taking a leisurely cycle ride through postcard pretty vineyards beneath the towering mountains of the winelands appeals to many cyclists not keen on testing their endurance levels too severely. Many companies offer tours through the winelands, stopping at good restaurants in thatched and gabled Cape Dutch buildings for lunch. In some instances cyclists simply cycle from one hotel, B & B or lodge to the next and in others the operator will load the cycles into a trailer to allow the cyclists time for long leisurely lunches or wine tasting.

There are also tours, some last as long as a week, along the Cape’s famous garden route, a trip that takes riders through magnificent mountains and along a spectacular coastline. In some instances cyclists simply cycle from one hotel, B & B or lodge to the next and in others the operator will load the cycles into a trailer to allow the cyclists time for long leisurely lunches or wine tasting. There are also tours, some last as long as a week, along the Cape’s famous garden route, a trip that takes riders through magnificent mountains and along a spectacular coastline.

There are also cycling tours through the bustling streets of Soweto near Johannesburg. Riders stop off at some famous historical sites including Nelson Mandela’s old Soweto home before enjoying traditional hospitality at local B&Bs and restaurants.

USAMBARA MOUNTAINS, TANZANIA.

The cool air of the Usambara Mountains in north eastern Tanzania provides welcome relief from the sweltering plans that stretch into the distance far below and together with winding roads that weave through forests and small farms create a template for great cycling country. Farmers in these mountains, the peaks soar to over 6000 feet, grow vegetables for the big coastal cities but some have also entered the world of tourism and offer B&B accommodation for adventurous cyclists exploring the culture and scenery of the region. There are a number of more formal lodges in the Usambaras which help arrange tours, some lodges contributing of their income towards community upliftment projects