Kalahari 4-Day MTB Traverse

The Ever-Changing Kalahari

It is said that no two visits to the Kalahari are ever the same. This ancient, beautiful land is not only remarkably rich in diversity but also reflects an endless variety of moods, making each new encounter refreshingly different from the last.

The Kalahari extends north of Upington into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which shares its borders with Namibia and Botswana and stands as one of the largest conservation areas in the world. The striking color of the dunes in the southern Kalahari is attributed to the high iron oxide content in the sand. In regions of higher rainfall—or in shallow areas where water collects—this iron oxide is leached out, eventually turning the sand white. This gradual leaching process transforms the desert into a stunning kaleidoscope of colors.

Beyond the iconic red dunes, the landscape is defined by the massive nests of sociable weaver birds. These avian “apartment blocks” can contain up to 50 chambers, housing as many as 300 birds at a time.

As a desert environment, the Kalahari experiences extreme temperature shifts. While winter days are usually warm and pleasant, night-time temperatures can plummet below zero. During the rainy season, which runs from November to April, the desert is frequently punctuated by dramatic thunderstorms.

Cycling Guidelines & Experience To ensure a smooth ride, cycling is permitted only on gravel roads; you will not be required to cycle between the dunes or through soft sand. Instead, you will immerse yourself in the striking beauty of the Red Dune area, pedaling along the Namibian and Botswana borders while staying at premier game reserves and lodges.

Each venue boasts its own unique character. Our routes are carefully planned to showcase the very best of the Kalahari landscape—minus the struggle of cycling in deep sand.

Kalahari Cycling Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Logistics

• 13:00 – Arrive at Molopo Lodge. Store your bike safely in our secure lock-up for the night.

• 14:00 – Drive in convoy to Kgalagadi Lodge (our finishing venue) to leave your vehicles. Shuttle transport will bring you back to Molopo Lodge for the night.

• 18:00 – Meet at the bar for a welcome drink.

• 19:00 – Dinner.

Day 2: The Bloodhound Track

• 08:00 – Breakfast.

• 08:30 – Cycle toward Rietfontein and onto Hakskeenpan, the site of the Bloodhound land speed record attempt.

• 13:00 – Arrive at our lunch stop, Koppieskraal, we will leave our bikes here and be transported to our overnight venue, Zoutpans and Loch Maree; Check in

• 17:00 – Sundowners: Enjoy the remoteness and a spectacular star-filled sky.

• 18:30 – Dinner.

Day 3: The Lost City & Salt Pans

• 06:30 – Breakfast. Transport to Koppieskraal farm

• 07:30 – Cycle to Koppieskraal via the famous Hakskeenpan. Experience the “Lost City” while cycling on jeep tracks and flat pans.

• 12:00 – Lunch at Koppieskraal.

• 14:00 – Cycle to Loch Maree and Zoutpans

• 17:30 – Sundowners over the iconic Red Dunes.

• 18:00 – Dinner.

Day 4: Askham Exploration

• 07:00 – Breakfast.

• 08:00 – Cycle to Molopo Lodge via the town of Askham for a local visit.

• 13:00 – Check-in at Molopo Lodge.

• 18:00 – Sundowners on a red dune.

• 19:00 – Dinner.

Day 5: Meerkats & Borders

• 07:00 – Breakfast.

• 08:00 – Cycle toward Kgalagadi Lodge, situated on the border of South Africa and Botswana, just 4km from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

• 10:00 – Visit the Kalahari Trails Meerkat Sanctuary for coffee before continuing the ride to the lodge.

• 14:00 – Check-in and relax at Kgalagadi Lodge.

• 16:00 – Sundowners in the Kgalagadi Lodge Game Reserve.

• 19:30 – Farewell Dinner.

Day 6: Departure

• 07:00 – Breakfast (for your own account).

• 08:00 – Final goodbyes and departure.

Participation Requirements for Riders

• This tour is strictly for intermediate riders. NO beginners will be accepted.
• E-Bike riders are welcome.
• Participants aged 65 and older must ride E-Bikes.
• The maximum age for participation is 75 years.

Tour Classification and Fitness Expectations

• This is classified as a non-technical tour. However, to ensure an enjoyable experience, you must be able to maintain an average speed of 15 to 18 km/h over a 60 km route on an MTB or E-MTB.
• You must have experience riding in sections of sand, as well as on rough jeep tracks with water damage, ruts, and holes.
• We cannot accommodate individuals who are unfit or inexperienced, as one person’s inability to keep up can negatively impact the entire group.

Important

• Please ensure you are fit enough or riding an E-Bike, and that you know how to ride an E-Bike confidently.
• Failure to meet these requirements will result in your inability to participate in the group ride. Trisport cannot take responsibility for you not adhering to the above.
• If you are a very fit 75-plus and like to do the tour, please contact Sonja first at sonja@trisport.co.za to discuss it.

Accommodation & Venue Details

Start Venue: Molopo Lodge (near Askham, Kalahari)

Start Venue:

Molopo Lodge, close to Askham, Kalahari

220km from Upington

1100 km from Cape Town

850 km from Pretoria

Methods to get there:

1. By car

2. Fly to Upington, hire a vehicle from Upngton to trave to Molopo Lodge

Bike Rental & Transport

If you require a Mountain Bike (MTB) or an E-MTB for the tour, please contact Sonja at sonja@trisport.co.za.

While Trisport does not rent bikes directly, we recommend a reliable partner for all your rental needs. You can contact the Adventure Shop (based in Stellenbosch) at www.adventureshop.co.za.

Key Rental Information:

• Nationwide Service: Even if you live in Gauteng or elsewhere, you can arrange a rental through them.

• Courier Services: They can also organize the professional transport and courier of your bike to the event.

Day 1: 75km of a very quiet tar road: elevation: 100 meter. Although this is a long day, the elevation is very little.
Day 2: 45km, elevation 300m
Day 3: 48km: elevation 150m
Day 4: 60km elevation 50m

Compulsory Safety Equipment

For your personal safety and as a standard precaution, the following equipment is mandatory for all participants. Please ensure you have these items with you at all times during the tour:

Safety & Emergency Gear

• Space Blanket: Essential for temperature regulation in an emergency.

• Whistle: For signaling in low visibility or remote areas.

• First Aid Kit: A small, basic kit for minor scrapes or emergencies.

• Sunscreen: Minimum SPF 50 is highly recommended for the harsh Northern Cape sun.

Communication & Electronics

• Cellphone: Fully charged with emergency numbers saved.

• Waterproof Protection: A Zip Lock bag or waterproof case to keep your phone dry.

Clothing & Protection

• Helmet: Must be worn and buckled at all times while riding.

• Wind / Waterproof Jacket: Weather in the high desert can change rapidly.

• Thermal Base Layer: Long thermal top and pants (compulsory if cold weather is forecast).

Hydration & Nutrition

• Water Bottles: Sufficient capacity for long stretches between stops.

• Emergency Food: High-energy snacks (bars, gels, or nuts) for unexpected delays.

Mechanical Support

• Small Backpack / Hydration Pack: To carry your gear comfortably.

• Bike Spares: You must carry your own essential spares (tubes, CO2/pump, multi-tool, and chain links) in case of a mechanical issue or puncture.

 Suggested Gear:

*Cell phone
*zip lock bag to keep phone dry on hike
*Camera
*Chargers
*Spare batteries
*powerbank to charge phones in case of Eskom problems
*Long thermal base layer (pants and top), just in case it is cold or rainy.
*Snacks for in-between meals
*Personal medicine
*Water bottles or bladder
*powder energy drink
*Comfortable shoes 
*enough socks
*sunglasses
*swimming trunks
*cash for tips
*Warm clothes for the evenings
*You can bring your own alcohol, some of the venues don’t have a liquor license
*No Towels needed

Limited to 18 entries

What’s Included in Your Experience

Accommodation & Meals

• 5 Nights of Accommodation: Hand-picked lodges and game reserves.

• All-Inclusive Dining: All meals from dinner on Day 1 to the final night’s dinner.

• Sundowners: Evening drinks and a guided Game Drive at Kgalagadi Lodge.

The Cycling Experience

• 4 Days of Supported MTB Riding: Across diverse terrains including private farms, jeep tracks, and vast saltpans.

• Bucket-List Routes: Cycle across the world-famous Hakskeenpan and Koppieskraal Pan—an experience of a lifetime with nothing but “the great nothingness” for miles.

• Exclusive Access: All private farm permits and access fees for the pans are included.

Support & Safety

• Gear Transport: Your luggage and equipment will be transported between venues.

• Backup & Guidance: Professional guides and a dedicated backup vehicle will accompany the group at all times.

• Logistics: All private land permissions and tourist levies are fully covered.

Exclusions (For Your Own Account)

• Travel & Transport:

  • Airfare and flights to/from the region.

  • Personal transport to the start venue (Molopo Lodge) and from the finish venue (Kgalagadi Lodge).

• Equipment:

  • Mountain bike or E-bike rental (guests must provide their own unless pre-arranged).

• Food & Beverages:

  • All alcoholic beverages and additional soft drinks at lodges or during sundowner sessions.

  • Breakfast on the final day of departure from Kgalagadi Lodge.

• Insurance & Medical:

  • Comprehensive Medical Insurance (highly recommended).

  • Personal Travel Insurance.

  • Costs associated with emergency medical evacuation, should it be required.

• Gratuities:

  • Tips for lodge staff and tour guides (discretionary).

We have the following safety equipment with us:

– A medical kit, including bandages, etc.
– An AED (Automatic Electric Defibrillator)
– Epipen
– Radios
– A Garmin InReach (to be used in case of an extreme emergency only, not when you are tired)
– A helicopter for airlifting, with the understanding that you will be held liable for the cost of evacuation.