South Africa MTB & Zambia World Bicycle Relief • Luxury • Africa • Africa
| Start & End | Cape Town, South Africa | Lusaka, Zambia |
| Trip Length | 12 days | 11 nights |
| Rider Type | 2 | Learn More» |
| Daily Rides | Options from 5 - 30 miles |
| Beyond Biking | Hiking, Kayaking, Cultural Tour, Wine Tasting, Shopping |
| Trip Options | Make It Private or Choose Your Own Date |
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This new Trek Travel adventure combines the stellar cycling our guests expect, with a developing world cultural exchange. And a world class safari as the cherry on top! We’ve added a few twists to our standard vacation of a lifetime to bring you mountain biking in the scenic South African Cape in combination with a rare opportunity to experience firsthand the life of a Zambian. World Bicycle Relief will be our hosts in Zambia, demonstrating the power of a bicycle to change a life. Many people come to Africa to lend a hand to the impoverished. You may be surprised to return home from this adventure having gained more.
| Trip | Dates |
 |
Sample Itinerary |
Days 1 – 2 | Cape Winelands
Stay at Le Quartier Français
Ride purpose-built mountain bike trails suited to a variety of levels at one of South Africa’s premier trail centers | Discover Franschhoek ("French Corner"), surrounded by mountains | Marvel at the Cape Dutch architecture | Taste world-class wines
Day 3 | Hermanus
Stay at Quarters Hermanus
Ride some of the best trails of the Western Cape near Grabouw | Sea kayak among Southern Right whales | Enjoy our hotel’s stunning location on the historic Hermanus harbor
Days 4 – 5 | Cape Town
Stay at Cellars Hohenort
Ride or hike the wooded Tokai nature reserve trails | Enjoy panoramic views of the Cape Peninsula | Dine at one of the top 50 restaurants in the world | Cycle to the Cape of Good Hope | Enjoy the tranquility of our garden setting hotel
Days 6 – 9 | Lusaka, Zambia World Bicycle Relief Program
Stay at Eight Reedbuck
Fly to Lusaka, Zambia | Tour the World Bicycle Relief assembly warehouse | Assemble a World Bicycle Relief bicycle | Enjoy a gourmet Braii (African barbeque dinner) to the beat of traditional drummers and dancers | Deliver caregiver supplies to AIDS patients | Visit Chikumbuso women and orphans project | Ride with a child to school | Assist a Zambian entrepreneur for a day
Days 10 – 12 | Lower Zambezi National Park
Stay at Chongwe River Camp
Spot wild lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, waterbuck, kudu, zebra, crocodiles, impala, warthog, herds of elephant, and a variety of birds | Take a guided bush walk | Canoe down the Zambezi River | Enjoy camp’s stunning vistas of the confluence of two rivers | Savor gourmet camp cuisine
Le Quartier Français | Franschhoek, South Africa (Cape Winelands)
Le Quartier Français (the French Quarter) is a small, privately owned auberge situated in the French Huguenot valley of Franschhoek, in the Cape Winelands. They like to keep things simple, but exceptional, and pride themselves on a reputation for warm, world class service. The little touches make the difference at this property where the emphasis is on ultimate luxury and romantic charm, combined with the priceless gift of privacy, tucked away in the centre of the village.
Quarters Hermanus | Hermanus, South Africa (Western Cape)
Located on the historic Hermanus Harbor, this hotel is tastefully decorated in a modern style. The rooms feature splendid views of the mountain cliffs or the magnificent ocean below.
Cellars Hohenort | Cape Town, South Africa (Western Cape)
The Cellars-Hohenort is ideally located in the pristine Constantia Valley on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, just twenty minutes from Cape Town city center and the V&A Waterfront. This hotel boasts individually decorated luxury rooms with varied views of the breathtaking 9 acres of hotel gardens and vineyard.
Eight Reedbuck | Lusaka, Zambia (Central Zambia)
This small boutique hotel has taken its design inspiration from the rich culture and ceremonies of Zambian tribes, while incorporating a unique modern style and sophistication. With wireless internet, a fitness suite & restaurant, this small hotel provides all the amenities of a larger place, but with personalized service.
What’s Included in the Trip Price
- 11 nights of accommodation
- Daily breakfast, 10 lunches, 7 social hours, 8 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for each day
- The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides
- Daily route support
- The use of a Trek Fuel EX7 full-suspension mountain bike, and a World Bicycle Relief roadster
- The use of Trek bike helmets and other gear and equipment to make your ride comfortable
- Trek Travel water bottles
- Private tours
- Entrance fees to all group events/activities
- All luggage transfers
- All transportation during the trip, including private coaches
- Comprehensive trip literature and complimentary Trek merchandise
- All gratuities for special events, local guides, transfers, hotels, and restaurants
- $300 Discount on a 5 or 6 series Trek Madone purchase at your local Trek retailer
Not Included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Transportation to the trip pick-up location
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Gratuities for Trek Travel guides
- Personal items purchased during the trip
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which allows you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. Your guides are happy to make recommendations should you so desire.
What is the weather going to be like?
Cape Town, South Africa has a similar climate to San Francisco. Cape Town has four seasons, often all in the same day. October is spring, so temperatures can range from 50F-70F, and while rainfall is tapering off from the winter months, 6% of the average annual rainfall generally accumulates in October. Lusaka, Zambia has the opposite rain pattern with most of it’s rainfall occurring in the summer months (Nov-Mar). Temperatures are warmer (65F-88F). Layers to accommodate hot & humid to cold, windy & rainy weather (including a wind/waterproof shell) are recommended.
What are the daily rides like?
| Rider Type | 2 | Average Daily Mileage | 15 |
| Terrain |undulating | Average Daily Elevation | 1,200 |
On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. South Africa Mountain Biking & Zambia World Bicycle Relief is best suited for our Type 2 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodate Type 1 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. Those who wish to ride every mile but are concerned about their physical ability may want to try our electric bike option—you still get a workout but can climb alongside even the strongest rider. Type 3 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is varied. In South Africa, you’ll ride a Trek full suspension mountain bike through hilly terrain on single track trails, jeep, or tar roads that can be rutted and rocky, rooted, or sandy at times. In Zambia, you’ll ride a World Bicycle Relief roadster on rough, primarily flat dirt rural roads, ranging from jeep to foot paths. See Itinerary for specific daily ride distance and elevation options.
What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip—please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. See Included In The Trip Price for more information.
Some non-riding options on this trip are:
- Taste a variety of award-winning wines in the Cape Winelands
- See how Huguenot Chocolates creates their sweet masterpieces
- Visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum
- Shop for art, antiques, hand-crafted jewelry, or leather in Franschhoek
- Discover Southern Right whales by kayak
- Hike the wilderness trails of Table Mountain National Park
- View wild game in Lower Zambezi National Park
General FAQs
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don’t necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
| 2012 Trip | Dates | Price(USD) |
| South Africa MTB & Zambia World Bicycle Relief |
Please contact us for information |
Call for $ per person |
Other Options
Don’t see a date that works for your schedule? Learn how to pick your own date with Travel Match today!
Have a group of friends? Want to make this a corporate retreat? Learn more about our custom and group bike trips.
Wow’s From Our Guests & More Photos
When we asked our guests what their favorite WOW’s were from their Bordeaux vacations, here is what they said…
This is an incredible opportunity to experience how something as simple as a bicycle can have a profound affect on both an African community and you.—F.K. Day, World Bicycle Relief
The location and options of intensity were great and the flexibility of the Trek Travel people was appreciated.—Joyce & Henry
