Ezemvelo Mountain Biking

Superb accommodation in beautiful natural settings from the heights of the mountains in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site, through the tropical savannahs of Zululand where the "big five", elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard inhabit Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park and on to the brilliant coral reefs of the Indian Ocean that fringe the lakes and wetlands of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, (Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) also a World Heritage Site.

Fly into Durban and go on safari to enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, birding and the wildlife of this scenic and culturally rich province of KwaZulu-Natal. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is entrusted with the long term conservation of the regions rich biodiversity for the people of South Africa.

In the one hundred years of formal conservation in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the various departments and statuary organisations that evolved into today`s KZN Wildlife have received many formal awards and words of praise for the quality of their service to conservation and for the high standard of management of the province's natural resources

It has been internationally recognised for white rhino and sea turtle conservation and for its community conservation outreach programmes.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park have been declared World Heritage Sites.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park along with uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park and Ndumo, are wetlands of international importance listed as RAMSAR sites.

Locally, the Southern African Crane Foundation, Timeless Africa and the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry have recognised the organisation's contribution to crane conservation, tourism and the Working for Water Project.

Mountain Biking

Cycling and more particularly mountain biking is a very popular sport in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and there are a number of KZN Wildlife protected areas that provide ideal cycling opportunities.In the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park these are Cathedral Peak, Lotheni, and Sani Pass.

In addition, a major annual mountain biking event takes place every year in the Giants Castle Game Reserve.

This event combines the majesty of stunning Drakensberg views with the opportunity for Mountain Bikers to pit themselves against the environment within a protected area by attempting South Africa's toughest mountain bike race - the Giants Castle Mountain Bike Challenge.

This event aims to raise funds for the KwaZulu Natal Conservation Trust while at the same time giving Mountain Bikers the opportunity to prove that part of the sport is to care for the environment.

Biking Destinations:

• Cathedral Peak
• False Bay
• Giant's Castle
• Lotheni
• St Lucia
• Vernon Crooks
• Kenneth Stainbank

Vital Information

A well maintained and properly adjusted mountain bike is obviously the first item needed to enjoy a trail.

A spare tube.

A puncture repair kit including two tyre levers.

A "multi tool" which includes flat and philips head screwdrivers.

A variety of allen keys.

A pocket knife.

Always take at least one water bottle full of your favourite energy drink. If you're planning to be on the trail for most of the day don't forget to take along some food. Why not take along a simple picnic to enjoy while savouring the views?

Additional equipment such as front suspension on the bike and a "Camelbak" for your refreshments will enhance the ride but are essential only for longer and more technical trails.

Cycling shorts are recommended as are cycling gloves to improve your comfort and safety should you come unstuck. A cycling shirt will come in handy however, riding in a T shirt is also comfortable, weather permitting.

Stout and comfortable shoes are very much a part of the recommended kit, whether they are clipless cycling shoes or walking shoes.

Riders on trails must be aware of the following safety tips:

Always wear a helmet - No Helmet, No Ride!

Always stay aware of the fact that you are riding in a protected area and that care of the environment is of prime importance; do not litter, do not damage the trail in any way with uncontrolled and agressive riding styles, and adhere to the rules governing use of protected areas.

Be courteous towards other trail users. Try to warn other trail users of your presence.

Ride well within your limits.

Take along a basic First Aid Kit.

Take along suitable riding gear including warm clothing as the weather can change in a matter of hours.

In the Drakensberg always ride in a group and ensure that your group consists of at least three members so that if someone should fall and be unable to make their way back due to injury or damage to the bike, one member can remain with with the damaged person while the third member of the group can go for assistance.

Record your details and route at the Camp Office prior to setting out on the ride.

WHERE: Kwazulu Natal

TELEPHONE NUMBER: +27 (033) 845 1000

CONTACT US NOW TO BOOK YOUR BIKING ADVENTURE!!