Tsitsikamma Traverse 4-Day MTB Tour
Tsitsikamma Traverse 4-Day/4-Night Luxury MTB Tour
COST PP: Sharing R15 990 | Single R19 900
Max 10 people per Tour
DATES AVAILABLE: Choose a date to register
2027
A thrilling four-day/4-night luxury mountain biking tour through the breathtaking landscapes of the Tsitsikamma region in the southern Cape.
Ride from the majestic Stormsriver mountains to the serene vistas of Natures Valley, navigating indigenous forests and ancient river gorges. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or an e-biker, our routes offer an unforgettable journey. Each night, unwind in our Exclusive eco-friendly Biocamps with comfortable beds, communal dining, and nourishing meals.
With 23+ years of experience and Trisport’s limitless passion and expertise, it is a tour unlike any other. Each day is meticulously planned. Expect warm, genuine hospitality, infectious smiles, and experiences that forge lifelong friendships. If you want to feel pampered and truly cared for, Trisport goes the extra mile. Trisport’s genuine care ensures you’ll feel special at every moment.
Immerse yourself in nature, pedal through scenic trails, and discover the Tsitsikamma’s cycling paradise!
Tsitsikamma Traverse 4-Day MTB Tour
Info on the tour
A thrilling four-day mountain biking tour through the breathtaking landscapes of the Tsitsikamma region in the southern Cape.
Ride from the majestic Stormsriver mountains to the serene vistas of Nature’s Valley, navigating indigenous forests and ancient river gorges. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or an e-biker, our routes offer an unforgettable journey. Each night, unwind in our Exclusive eco-friendly Biocamps, a spacious tent on a deck with your own deck and chairs, comfortable beds, communal dining, and nourishing meals.
Highlights of the Tour
- Riders get to enjoy breathtaking scenery from the mountains to the ocean through South Africa’s best river passes.
- Riders will be staying in luxury dome tents, furnished with fresh white linen and plush down duvets.
- Delicious Dinner and Breakfasts and on and off-trail snacks
- Amazing stops en-route, from funky diners to secret swimming spots.
- The tour is exclusively set up for each group of max 10 people in remote locations.
- E-Bikes welcome: Enjoy a fully charged battery every day.
- The route is expertly guided with knowledgeable staff assisting with any problems.
Itinerary
PLEASE NOTE: Please arrange your own transport to the start
Day 1: Welcome to Base camp
14:00 Check-in at Firefly Falls Accommodation in your luxury tented accommodation
17:00 A quick orientation prepares you for the adventure ahead. You will receive containers for gear, and assistance is available for bicycle preparations.
18:00 The evening progresses with a relaxed African braai experience in the lapa – a convivial setting for shared stories and laughter. Retire to your exclusive tented accommodations, surrounded by the comforting sounds of the wilderness. The crisp night air sets the stage for a restful night’s sleep, ensuring everyone is energized for the thrilling trails awaiting them.
Day 2: Stormsriver to Tsitsikamma Mountain Biocamp
7:00 A light breakfast at Firefly Falls. You will have the opportunity to meet their knowledgeable guide, who will assist in checking the equipment and getting the team ready for the ride.
8:00 You and your bikes will be shuttled off to the starting point.
9:00 Cycle through MTO Forestry and indigenous sections of Storms River, culminating in a final climb to the Tsitsikamma Mountain Biocamp. Along the route, you will be served lunch overlooking the mountainside amidst the natural beauty.
13:00 Upon arrival, friendly staff welcome you to the camp. The camp is situated a short walk from the Lottering River – a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. The rest of the day invites relaxation, with riders enjoying the mountain vistas.
18:00 Dinner is served overlooking the tranquil mountains, far from the hustle and bustle, providing an ideal setting to appreciate the brightness of the stars. It’s a night of rest and rejuvenation, preparing participants for the next day of exhilarating riding.
Day 3: Tsitsikamma Mountain loop
7: Breakfast for the day ahead
8:00 Today we will do a circular ride surrounded by mountains
13:00 Lunch at a nice swimming pool surrounded by mountains and birdlife
15:00 Arrive back at camp for a nice warm shower and enjoy the view in the afternoon from your private deck
18:00 Dinner is served overlooking the tranquil mountains, far from the hustle and bustle, providing an ideal setting to appreciate the brightness of the stars. It’s a night of rest and rejuvenation, preparing participants for the next day of exhilarating riding.
Day 4: Mountains to Bloukrans Gorge Biocamp
7:00 Breakfast for the day ahead.
8:00 The journey unfolds as you descend from the mountainous terrain to the coastal escarpment. Throughout most of the day, we will hug the edge of the escarpment just above the infamous Otter Trail, reveling in breathtaking coastal views. Pedal your way to the Bloukrans River Gorge, before turning inland. The route then takes you through the historic Bloukrans Pass, offering a quick swim at the river crossing. After this refreshing stop, you tackle the long hill out of the valley, close to the end. The day concludes at the Bloukrans River Gorge Biocamp, strategically positioned to overlook the mouth of the Bloukrans River as it meets the Indian Ocean. The vistas extend towards Plettenberg Bay and the Robberg Peninsula, providing a captivating backdrop for relaxation.
18:00 Here, as on the previous night, you can unwind with stunning ocean views, creating the perfect ambiance for a memorable evening.
Day 5: Bloukrans to Nature’s Valley
7:00 Breakfast
8:00 On the final day, Day 4 of the Tour, you will wake up just above the vast expanse of the ocean, ready to tackle the last leg of your journey, our Champagne Stage. The day kicks off with a more leisurely flat ride, allowing you to savor the coastal air and the beauty of the surroundings. We will navigate through forestry, transitioning to community-built trails winding through indigenous fynbos.
The route then takes you towards Natures Valley, a serene destination nestled between lush greenery. As you descend into the valley, you are treated to a stunning lookout point offering panoramic views down into the valley. You will tackle yet another river pass down and through Natures Valley, nestled between the ocean and Afromontane forests.
12:00 The day’s riding concludes out of the valley back to Fireflys where your cars are parked, and where we will gather for a celebratory snack and drinks, reflecting on the epic adventure we have just completed.
Add another evening at Firefly Falls and enjoy and wind down after an epic journey before heading home the following day.
E Bike hire
Please contact Mary Jane if you like to hire an E Bike on bookings@bhejane.com.
E-bike hire in Plettenberg bay, contact Kevin Evans at The Bike Shop 0445331111
Kevin is 15km away from the start and will assist with delivering the bike to the start
Venues
Start and finish Venue:
Night 1: Stormsriver Village Hotel, Stormsriver
Nights 2, 3 and 4: Exclusive Luxury Glamping Tented camps on decks for 3 nights, with 2 beds, a light, a table, 2 chairs, a private deck, and a stunning view.
Shared Ablutions with 2 x hot showers and 2 x toilets with the best views.
A wooden Deck with a stunning view, where you will enjoy your meals prepared by the chef at the camp.
How to get there
Start and Finish: Stormsriver Village Hotel
1. From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
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By Car (Fastest & Most Convenient):
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Take the N2 highway heading west out of Port Elizabeth toward the Garden Route.
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Continue straight along the N2 for roughly 170 km to 185 km (about a 2-hour drive).
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Take the clearly marked off-ramp for Stormsrivier / Tsitsikamma off the N2 to reach the village.
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2. From Cape Town
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By Car (Scenic Road Trip):
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Take the N2 highway eastbound all the way from Cape Town, passing through Somerset West, over Sir Lowry’s Pass, through the Garden Route (Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay).
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The total driving distance is approximately 594 km, taking about 6.5 to 7 hours.
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Follow the N2 past Plettenberg Bay and across the Bloukrans Bridge until you reach the Stormsrivier turnoff.
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3. From George Airport
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By Car (Recommended Fly-Drive Option):
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Exit George Airport and head east to join the N2 highway.
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Follow the N2 eastward past Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay.
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The drive from George Airport to Stormsriver Village is about 130 km and takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. Look out for the Stormsrivier turn-off just off the N2.
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Transport or hiring of your E Bike
Courier your E-MTB
Flights don’t take e-bikes because of the batteries. If you fly into George, you can simply courier your e-mountain bike from your home to the start and finish venue, Stormsriver Village Hotel, Stormsriver
Courier contact: Nico Coetzee – 079 507 1231
E-Mountain Bike Rentals:
1. Beyond Bikes in Paarl –www.beyondbike.cc
NB: Please make sure you rent an E-MTB with front and rear shocks, NOT a Gravel bike!!
Contact Michael on 082 562 7890. He can also assist with couriering your rental bike to Stormsriver Village
2. The Bike Shop: Plettenberg Bay -www.thebikeshop.co.za also rents bikes.
Contact: 044 533111
Distances
Each tour is different, depending on the experience level of the riders. The guide(s) will discuss it with the group each day
Day 1: 53 km – 900 m elevation
Day 2: 62 km – 900 m elevation
Day 3: 35 km – 500 m elevation
Day 4: 48km – 700 m elevation
Entries Available
Limited to 10 entries
Experience Level
Participation Requirements for Riders
- This tour is strictly for intermediate riders. NO beginners will be accepted.
- E-Bike riders with experience are welcome.
- Riders 65 and older, please get in touch with us to confirm your fitness before registering
Tour Classification and Fitness Expectations
- This is classified as a non-technical tour with no drops.
- However, to ensure an enjoyable experience, you must be able to maintain an average speed of 15 to 18 km/h over a 40 km route on an MTB or E-MTB.
- You must have experience riding on rough jeep tracks with water damage, ruts, and holes.
- You must be able to ride steep downhills
- You must be able to cycle up steep hills
- You must be able to ride easy single track sections
- 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.
- We welcome any age, but for our insurance purposes, if you are a very fit 65-plus and like to do the tour, please contact Sonja first at sonja@trisport.co.za to discuss it.
Fitness Level and Age Limits
Participation Requirements for Riders
- This tour is strictly for intermediate riders. NO beginners will be accepted.
- Experienced 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 withno drops.
- However, to ensure an enjoyable experience, you must be able to maintain an average speed of 15 to 18 km/h over a 40 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.
- You must be able to ride steep down hills, not walk them
- You must be able to cycle up hills, not walk them
- 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.
Daily Route detail description
Day 1
Stormsriver to Tsitsikamma Mountain Biocamp
Distance:
53km
Elevation Gain:
900 m
Day 1 of the Tsitsikamma MTB Tour begins with a light breakfast at Firefly Falls, setting the stage for a day of adventure. Guests have the opportunity to meet their knowledgeable guide, who will assist in checking the equipment and getting the team ready for the ride. The group will then be shuttled off to the starting point, a mountainous ride traversing the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. The remainder of the journey winds through MTO Forestry and indigenous sections, culminating in a final climb to the Tsitsikamma Mountain Biocamp. Along the route, riders will be served lunch overlooking the mountainside amidst the natural beauty.
Upon arrival, friendly staff welcome guests to the camp, situated a short walk from the Lottering River – a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. The rest of the day invites relaxation, with riders enjoying the mountain vistas. Dinner is served overlooking the tranquil mountains, far from the hustle and bustle, providing an ideal setting to appreciate the brightness of the stars. It’s a night of rest and rejuvenation, preparing participants for the next day of exhilarating riding.
Day 2:
Distance 35 km
Elevation 500 m
Today we do a circular route from the Biocamp and back to enjoy the Tsitsikamma Mountain Camp with its amazing views for another night
Day 3
Mountain Biocamp to Bloukrans Gorge Biocamp
Distance:
62 km
Elevation Gain:
900 m
The riders wake up in the serene Tsitsikamma Mountains, greeted by the promise of another day filled with adventure. A delightful breakfast energizes participants for the day ahead. The journey unfolds as you descend from the mountainous terrain to the coastal escarpment. Throughout most of the day, riders hug the edge just above the infamous Otter Trail, revelling in breathtaking coastal views. Guests pedal their way to the Bloukrans River Gorge before turning inland. The route then takes them through the historic Bloukrans Pass, offering a quick swim at the river crossing. After this refreshing stop, riders tackle the long hill out of the valley, close to the end.
The day concludes at the Bloukrans River Gorge Biocamp, strategically positioned to overlook the mouth of the Bloukrans River as it meets the Indian Ocean. The vistas extend towards Plettenberg Bay and the Robberg Peninsula, providing a captivating backdrop for relaxation. Here, as on the previous night, participants can unwind with stunning ocean views, creating the perfect ambiance for a memorable evening.
Day 4
Bloukrans Biocamp to Natures Valley
Distance:
48 km
Elevation Gain:
700 m
On the final day, of the Tsitsikamma MTB Tour, participants wake up just above the vast expanse of the ocean, ready to embark on the last leg of their journey, our Champagne Stage. The day kicks off with a more leisurely flat ride, allowing riders to savour the coastal air and the beauty of the surroundings. You will navigate through forestry, transitioning to community-built trails winding through indigenous fynbos.
The route then takes you towards Natures Valley, a serene destination nestled between lush greenery. As you descend into the valley, guests are treated to a stunning lookout point offering panoramic views down into the valley. accomplishment. The Last night winds down the epic journey before heading home the following day.
The day’s riding concludes out of the valley back to Fireflys where your cars are parked, and where we will gather for a celebratory snack and drinks, reflecting on the epic adventure we have just completed.
Entry Fee and Highlights Includes
- 4 Nights accommodation
- 4 Days riding
- All meals from dinner on arrival to lunch on the last day
- Snacks and coffee on the ride
- A Proper Trisport Goody Bag, worth R1500
- Transport of your gear to each overnight stop
- Bike wash
- Experienced Guides
- Permission and permits of MTO
- Cost of all the permits
- Food and drinks and water on the route; and
- An unforgettable experience.
- All the arrangements by Trisport to ensure you have a great trip
Entry Fee Excludes
- Travel to the start venue, Fireflys, just above Natures Valley
- Extra night at Firefly Falls
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Tips
- Bike Insurance
- Spares for your bike
- Mechanical backup, please bring your own tools and extras with you
- Medical insurance
- Medical Evacuation
- Travel Insurance
- Cost of Evacuation if necessary
Compulsory Gear
As a precaution, we would like you to carry the following compulsory equipment with you during the race. It is for your own personal safety. Please adhere to the following:
- Cellphone
- Zip Lock bag to keep phone dry
- your own cup for coffee along the way
- Space blanket
- Small backpack with your own spares in case of a mechanical or puncture
- Long termal base layer (pants and top) if it is cold
- Whistle
- Helmet
- Emergency food
- Waterbottles
- Sunscreen (SPF50)
- Wind / waterproof jacket
- Small first aid kit
- Bag size maximum 60cm (lenght) x 30cm (width) x 25cm (height). (Max 50-liter bag). We have limited space.
Safety Equipment
We have the following safety equipment with us:
- A Medical Kit, with bandages etc
- An AED (Automatic Electric Defib)
- Epipen
- Radios
- A Garmin Inreach (to be used in case of an extreme emergency only, not when you are tired. An helicopter to airlift you and you will be held liable for the cost of the evacuation)
