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CHASING WATERFALLS DIRT RIDE
Chasing Waterfalls Dirt Ride is situated between Port Edward and Port St John and is arguably the most beautiful stretch of coastline in Southern Africa. There is much to see and experience in Pondoland such as the one of the biggest Cape Vulture colonies in South Africa which can be found on the cliffs of the Mtentu River and experience 14 waterfalls, many unnamed. A highlight is two waterfalls, Secret Falls and Waterfall Bluff, two of only a few in the world, which tumble and cascade directly into the ocean. Part of the adventure are the Transkei Wild Coast homestays where locals open up their homes and villages for us to experience. A colourful insight into delightful local cuisine and Pondoland culture. We will be in the company of a local Transkei guide to assist in the adventure.
Chasing Waterfalls Dirt Ride is four nights and five days with three days of riding. Total distance covered over the three days is 130 km of riding with 2 000 m of elevation.
DAY 1:
Arrive at Lusikisiki at 13h00.
Location will be communicated in ride brief. Cars will be left at a secure location and you will then transported together via shuttle to Rhole Wild Coast Homestay Huts. Shared accommodation with fellow cyclists in the iconic Transkei bungalows. You will be treated to hot bucket showers and clean local ablutions.
Dinner at 18h30
Food is sourced from our host, Nogcinile’s garden and the ocean
Overnight at Rhole Wild Coast Homestay Huts
DAY 2:
Vultures and Unnamed Waterfalls
30.7 km with 334 m elevation. The ride starts with a rugged climb en route to Mkweni Gorge and waterfall. We then make our way along easy gravel roads to one of the biggest Cape Vulture colonies in South Africa. The vulture site is located in one of the beautiful remote gorges of the Transkei with an unnamed waterfall. We then make our way towards the coastline where we will cycle along a magnificent stretch of coastline on the way to Tezana waterfall. The tracks along the coast are hiking trails, and riding is easy, There is some portage along the way. We finish the day off with a swim in one of the many crystal clear pools surrounded by beautiful indigenous coastal forests with an ice cold beer.
Overnight at Lambazi Lodge
Afternoon activities: fishing and swimming
Breakfast at 07h30
Ride starts 08h15
Lunch at 14h00
Dinner 18h30
Cash Bar
DAY 3:
Waterfall Bluff, Cathedral Rock and Secret Falls
48.2 km with 504 m elevation. The second day is a long day due to a significant amount of portage and degree of elevation along hiking trails. While this sounds daunting the beauty and sights will encourage you along the way dissolving any resistance you may feel towards the days journey. The beautiful, elevating rugged coastline is worth the many stops to either take in the beauty or indulge in a swim and the sights are of such beauty that one wouldn’t want to rush a moment. We take the hiking trails from Lambazi Lodge along the beaches towards the Mkweni Gorge, with a portage across the river and then onto remote Luphathana on a beautiful forested estuary. Another easy portage across the river and then onto Waterfall Bluff, one of the few waterfalls in the world that cascade into the Indian Ocean. The ride is along hiking trails with a significant amount of portage on this section. A short portage up the side of the cliffs before we move onto Cathedral Rock, which is an incredible sight and somewhere one doesn’t want to rush. Starting the homestretch we will experience another waterfall cascading directly into the ocean, Secret Falls, the name says it all about this hidden treasure. There is a short ride to Cutwini Village, along grassy hiking trails. The portage out is tough takes about 10 minutes with a easy ride into the village.
Overnight at Cutwini Village Homestay huts
Breakfast at 07h30
Ride starts 08h15
Lunch at 14h00
What is left of the afternoon spent at your leisure
Dinner 18h30
Cash Bar
DAY 4:
Three Waterfalls and Tea
43.8 km 531 m elevation. The final day of riding will take you to three beautiful waterfalls and through the last tea estate in South Africa. After a long third day, this is short and once again a beautiful ride. You will experience three remote waterfalls that are like the few you have already seen; off the beaten track and mostly unknown. First up, Angel Falls on an easy dirt ride. Along the way there is a good chance to see and hear the Southern Ground Hornbill (Thunderbird). We then ride onto Magwa Falls where we will have lunch. Finally, a gentle, dirt-road cycle to Fraser Falls and then the day concludes with another exciting downhill through the indigineous forest to Mbotyi River Lodge, for an afternoon of leisure and the last night's stay.
Overnight at Mbotyi River Lodge
Afternoon activities: fishing and swimming
Breakfast 07h30
Ride starts 8h15
Lunch at 14h00
Afternoon at your leisure
Dinner 18h30
Cash Bar
Prize giving during dinner