Our 3-day bikepacking trip from Pretoria to Summerplace was an unforgettable adventure – a mix of scouting the route and pushing our limits across Gauteng and Limpopo.
The team for this trip consisted of Philip Buys, Andre Bezuidenhout, our team mechanic and Prime Bunch colleague, and Matt Lachenicht from Outland Travel. Over three days, we rode through extreme heat, rugged terrain, and spectacular scenery, encountering wildlife and enjoying the challenges along the way.
Day 1: Pretoria to Swa-Zulu Game Farm (120km)
We set off from Pretoria in the early morning, energised for the journey ahead. The first pitstop was at a fuel station just outside Brits to refuel and stretch the legs. The ride had a mix of tar and gravel, and we soon joined the Race2TheSun route alongside the water canal in the Beestekraal area.
About 10 km before our overnight stop, we stocked up on food for the evening and the next morning. Philip carried 3 steaks and 3 braaibroodjies all the way from Pretoria to ensure the first night would be a proper feast.
The first night was spent at Swa-Zulu Game Farm, a welcoming venue where the team could relax and recover from the day’s ride.
Day 2: Swa-Zulu to Klipbokkie (132 km, 42°C heat)
We were up early to tackle the longest and hottest day of the trip, with temperatures climbing to 42°C throughout the day. We enjoyed the dirt roads and bushveld views in the morning, and an old fuel station at Leeuwpoort provided a much-needed water and snack stop early in the day.
Lunch was enjoyed at Koekepan in Rooiberg, fuelling up before the final stretch to Klipbokkie, our second overnight stop. Along the way, we stocked up again on evening and breakfast supplies, including lamb chops, boerewors, and mielie pap.
The day ended with the biggest climb of the trip, Bakkers pass, ascending along the border of Marakele National Park. A refreshing stop at an ice-cold waterfall halfway up helped the team recover from the intense heat. Along the climb, a local farmer passing by in a Land Cruiser surprised us with fresh mangoes, which were a treat and helped push the team through the final 10 km.
Arriving at Klipbokkie, we were greeted warmly – a pool and cold beers awaited, offering the perfect end to a demanding but rewarding day.
Day 3: Klipbokkie to Summerplace (95 km, scenic big-5 country)
The scenery on the final day was the most spectacular. The route ran along Marakele park and between private reserves and farmland, with dramatic cliffs, rolling landscapes, and abundant wildlife. There were lots to see, including vultures circling the cliffs, hyena and leopard tracks in the road, and even a lone elephant in one of the private reserves. Two chameleons were also spotted along the road, adding a bit of surprise along the way.
A stop at a ground-fed stream allowed the team to refill bottles with fresh water before reaching Vaalwater for a proper brunch. The last 20 km to Summerplace Game Reserve were scenic and peaceful, the perfect way to end the adventure.
Arriving at Summerplace, we were greeted by our wives who arrived from Pretoria with the Ford bakkies, ready to spend the night with us and drive back the next day. With a pool, drinks, and lekker food, it was a beautiful conclusion to the trip.
Reflections
This trip was more than just scouting the route for a future tour — it was a test of endurance, teamwork, and adventure spirit. The combination of heat, climbs, wildlife, and camaraderie made it atruly memorable experience. From punctures to unexpected mangoes, every moment contributed to a story the team can’t wait to share with others on a future Prime Bunch tour.
