Velo KwaZulu Tour
From
Velo KwaZulu Tour
Bespoke, luxury cycling touring at its best! Join us on this five-day, five-night tour from Johannesburg to Ballito, enjoying the very best in South African hospitality.
You’ll be treated to a world-class cycling experience as you take on beautiful routes, backed with the very best cycling tour experience South Africa has to offer. Six years in and we present an exciting route, created in 2025. Ride through the serene flat farm roads of the Free State, ascend the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, and glide through the lush sugarcane hills of KwaZulu-Natal to the breathtaking coastline.… we can’t wait to show off the best in South African road cycling tours.
"Our top priority is to ensure that every cyclist has an unforgettable experience while staying safe on the road. Each route is meticulously curated, showcasing the beauty of South Africa while prioritizing the well-being of our riders." — Wesley Drake, Tour Director
Why Ride With Us
Join the Ride
All Inclusive
Enjoy a truly all-inclusive experience where every detail is taken care of. All you need to do is ride, relax, and take in the incredible scenery. We handle the rest.
Luxury Accommodation
Every evening, premium accommodation will be provided in hotels, with a minimum of three-four star, depending on availability. Maximum two persons per room will be assigned for shared accommodation.
Fully supported & safe
Safety is one of our biggest concerns when we think cycling in South Africa, whether it be on tar or dirt roads.The amazing Think Bike Marshals will be on hand to assist with traffic control and rider safety along the route.
Water & Lunch On Route
We carefully plan out the water points and lunch stop for each stage. At roughly 40km apart, you will have rolling water points on every stage. Depending on the distance of the stage, lunch will either be enjoyed on route or at the finish venue for the stage.
Masseuse & Recovery
The long days out are a little easier with fresher legs. We will have a masseuse on hand for afternoon and evening massages, which helps immensely with recovery after consecutive days in the saddle.
Bike Wash & Transport
Your bike is fully supported throughout the tour with dedicated transport. After each ride, your bike will be cleaned by the Drake Cycle Tours crew. If you need time off the bike, we'll safely and carefully transport your bike on our enclosed bike trailer.
Goodie bag
The amazing partners and sponsors have provided great samples, vouchers & useful products for a special goodie bag. We’re sure some of the goodie bag items will come in handy through the tour. Enjoy!
Airport Transfer to Hotel
The tour shuttle will collect you from the airport and take you to the hotel to get settled in for the start of the tour. Check-in at the hotel will only be from 14H00. One shuttle will collect everyone collectively at 15H00. Please plan your flights accordingly.
START 06 October, 2026
Kickoff to Adventure
Your journey begins with a warm welcome in Johannesburg, where you'll check in, meet the crew, and get settled into your accommodation.
Once registered, you’ll have the chance to prep your bike, connect with fellow riders, and soak in the excitement of what lies ahead. The atmosphere is relaxed yet filled with anticipation as everyone gears up for the adventure of a lifetime.
That evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner and tour briefing. You’ll receive a detailed overview of the route, our support structure, safety protocols, and daily expectations. This is also a fantastic opportunity to connect with the group, ask any questions, and ease into the tour mindset—one founded on camaraderie, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable experiences.
Shuttle from Airport: Pick-up at 15H00
Self-Drive Arrival at Hotel: Check-in from 14H00
Accommodation:
Nkanga Lodge
STAGE 1 07 October, 2026
Kempton Park - Frankfort
The tour begins with a 167km ride through the Free State's open plains.
This stage offers a gentle introduction, allowing riders to settle into the rhythm of the tour. With a manageable ascent of 1180 meters, it's a day to focus on pacing and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cyclists. The route is designed to ease participants into the journey, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Distance: 167km | 104mi
Elevation: 1180m | 3870ft
Average Speed: 29km/hr | 18.1mi/h
Water Points: 3 (30 min)
Lunch Stop: 0 (0 min) – Served at the finish venue
Stage Moving Time: 05hrs 46min
Stage Elapsed Time: 06hrs 16min
Route Difficulty: ✯✯
Accommodation:
Linkview Guesthouse
STAGE 2 08 October, 2026
Frankfort - Clarens
Covering 150km, this stage takes riders through scenic landscapes as they approach the foothills of the Drakensberg.
The 1680 meters of ascent provide a moderate challenge, with rolling hills and picturesque views. The landscape is expansive and can expose you to winds coming from any direction. Be prepared for fluctuations in your average speed based on the wind's position and intensity. Clarens, known for its charming atmosphere and stunning surroundings, awaits at the day's end, offering a well-deserved rest.
Distance: 150km | 94mi
Elevation: 1680m | 5510ft
Average Speed: 28km/hr | 17.4mi/hr
Water Points: 2 (20 min)
Lunch Stop: 1 (30 min)
Stage Moving Time: 05hrs 21min
Staged Elapsed Time: 06hrs 11min
Route Difficulty: ✯✯✯
Accommodation:
Protea Hotel Clarens
STAGE 3 09 October, 2026
Clarens - Drakensberg
The Queen Stage! A 185 km journey with 2,240 meters of ascent leads riders deeper into the Drakensberg region. One of the most beautiful rides you will experience!
The route features more demanding climbs and rewarding descents, showcasing the majestic mountain scenery. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is something special and one of the highlights of the entire tour. Thereafter Cathkin Park, at the base of the Drakensberg Mountains, serves as a tranquil base for the night, providing a serene environment to unwind after a challenging day.
Distance: 185km | 115mi
Elevation: 2240m | 7350ft
Average Speed: 26km/hr | 16.9mi/hr
Water Points: 3 (30 min)
Lunch Stop: 1 (30 min)
Stage Moving Time: 07hrs 07min
Stage Elapsed Time: 08hrs 07min
Route Difficulty: ✯✯✯✯
Accommodation:
The Nest Drakensberg Hotel
STAGE 4 10 October, 2026
Drakensberg - Pietermaritzburg
This 149 km stage with 2,000 meters of ascent offers a mix of rolling terrain, with riders enjoying the iconic ride along the Midlands Meander.
Riders will experience the changing landscapes as they make their way to Pietermaritzburg, a city rich in history and culture. The route provides an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far while enjoying the diverse scenery. Although the climbing will keep the legs working, the slightly shorter day in the saddle will allow for some extra afternoon recovery before your last stage of the tour to Ballito.
Distance: 149km | 93mi
Elevation: 2000m | 6560ft
Average Speed: 27km/hr | 16.9mi/hr
Water Points: 3 (30 min)
Lunch Stop: 1 (30 min)
Stage Moving Time: 05hrs 31min
Stage Elapsed Time: 06hrs 31min
Route Difficulty: ✯✯✯✯
Accommodation:
Redlands Hotel
STAGE 5 11 October, 2026
Pietermaritzburg - Ballito
Spanning "only" 126km, the last stage of the Velo KwaZulu Tour is one to be respected, taking riders through an iconic KwaZulu-Natal riding experience.
The rolling sugar cane hills from Wartburg to Ballito are truly some to take in, as you roll your way to the coastline. The salt air and pristine beaches will welcome you in Ballito, with a final ride through to Durban to finish off a sublime tour. The route combines challenging climbs with exhilarating descents, leading to the beautiful coastline of Durban. The day is not all about the climbing - riders can look forward to the awesome, local hospitality and the satisfaction of conquering the challenging route from Joburg. Chapeau!
Distance: 127km | 79mi
Elevation: 2080m | 6820ft
Average Speed: 26km/hr | 16.3mi/hr
Water Points: 3 (30 min)
Lunch Stop: 0 (0 min)
Stage Moving Time: 04hrs 53min
Stage Elapsed Time: 05hrs 23min
Route Difficulty: ✯✯✯✯
Accommodation:
La Montagne
TRANSFER DAY 11 October, 2026
Ballito – Johannesburg
All good things come to an end, including the Velo KwaZulu Tour.
For some, the flights home may be the best option. For others making use of the transfer option, it’s all about getting you and your bike back home safely. The transfer and bicycle transport is included in your package, unfortunately only for Gauteng residents. If you’re flying, we will ensure your bicycle gets back to Gauteng safely.
It will be an early morning departure out of Durban to beat the Monday morning traffic, as well as getting a head start for the 6.5 hour journey by shuttle. Once in Johannesburg, we’ll offload riders and bicycles for a final goodbye. For international travellers, we will then transfer you to the airport for your evening flight or hotel should you be extending your stay in Johannesburg.
All-Inclusive Package
All expenses paid including;
Our all-inclusive package is designed to make your Velo KwaZulu Tour completely hassle-free.
From accommodation and meals to transfers and on-route support, everything is taken care of so you can focus on enjoying the ride and the beautiful surroundings.
◎ 5 or 6 Nights Premium Accommodation
◎ All Meals & Beverages (ex alcohol)
◎ Think Bike Marshals
◎ Masseuse
◎ Private Shuttle
◎ Support Vehicle
◎ Transfer from Ballito to Joburg
◎ Bicycle Transfer from Ballito to Joburg
◎ Nutrition & Fully Stocked Water Points
◎ Exciting Goodie Bag
*Private Rooms: You may request your own private room for the duration of the tour. Upgrade your package for single supplement.
*Substitutions: Price adjustments will not be made for substitutions, changes or exclusions. This is an all inclusive package to be provided for, per person, as advertised.
Bike Rental
Take the stress off of flying with your bike. Check out the various options below of bikes available for hire.
The bike will come with the following:
- Pedals of your choice, unless you prefer to use your own.
- Bottle cages.
- Saddlebag containing a repair kit.
- Adjusting seat height, handlebar reach, and saddle angle to your preference.
- A helmet @ ZAR80 / USD10 once off.
- Water bottles available on request.
Aluminium Frame: – ZAR 590 | USD 35 per day
Carbon Frame: – ZAR 850 | USD 50 per day
Carbon Frame / Carbon Wheels – ZAR 1250 | USD 70 per day
E-Bike (MTB) – ZAR 1350 | USD 75 per day
Refundable Damage Deposit: Aluminium Bikes – ZAR 3000 | USD 200 and Carbon & E-Bikes – ZAR 5000 | USD 300
From snacks to sips, we’ve got you covered
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Food and beverages for the full trip is included in your package.
Whether you stay for five or six days, enjoy fully catered meals and beverages for the entire journey. Beverages include all hot and cold drinks, excluding alcohol.
Meals provided includes breakfast, lunch & dinner daily whilst on tour. The meals starts with dinner on Tuesday 06 October. For those on the Bronze or Silver Package, the last meal will be lunch on Sunday, 11 October and for the Gold and Platinum package, lunch on Monday, 12 October.
Fuel Up & Refresh at Every Stop
Fully Stocked Water Points
Every water point will be fully stocked with 32GI, water, coke, banana’s, crunchies and sweets. At various water points we will change things up so you’re not eating the same thing all day.
Your final itinerary will have the detailed water point and lunch kilometre markers per day.
Water Points : 10 minutes
Lunch : 30 minutes
Punctures : Group Stops
What You Need to Know
General Info
Accommodation: The accommodation on 06 October is included in your package. Should you require additional accommodation that falls outside our package dates, let us know so we can make arrangements for you.
Registration: Registration & Goodie Bag Collection will be held from 14H00 on Tuesday, 06 October 2026, at Nkanga Lodge. All apparel that has been ordered will be ready for collection at registration. It is a very quick process so you will have plenty of time to get settled in.
Goodie Bag: The amazing partners and sponsors have provided great samples, vouchers & useful products for a special goodie bag. We’re sure some of the goodie bag items will come in handy through the tour. Enjoy!
Daily Itinerary: An itinerary will be sent out closer to the tour date, which will have detailed daily check-in times, stage timings, hotel information and anything you need to know about the day-to-day happenings on tour.
CYCLING PACKAGES
Discover Your Ideal Route
Continuing its legacy of premium cycling experiences, the Velo KwaZulu Tour offers the same exhilarating 5-stage route from Johannesburg to Ballito, with enhanced support and scenic highlights at every turn. Riders looking for added flexibility can choose from optional single-room upgrades, bike rentals, or extended stays at stage finishes.
5 - STAGE
Bronze Package
R 21500
1350
- 06-11 October, 2026
- Shared Accommodation
- → 779km | 487mi
- ↑ 9120m | 29920ft
- Fully Catered Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Goodie Bag
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
5 - STAGE
Silver Package
R 24000
1500
- 06-11 October, 2026
- Single Supplement
- → 779km | 487mi
- ↑ 9120m | 29920ft
- Fully Catered Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Goodie Bag
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
5-STAGE
Gold Package
R 24500
1550
- 06-12 October, 2026
- Shared Accommodation
- → 779km | 487mi
- ↑ 9120m | 29920ft
- Fully Catered Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Goodie Bag
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
5 - STAGE
Platinum Package
R 27500
1750
- 06-12 October, 2026
- Single Supplement
- → 779km | 487mi
- ↑ 9120m | 29920ft
- Fully Catered Meals
- Airport Transfer
- Masseuse & Recovery
- Bike Wash & Transport
- Goodie Bag
- Think Bike Marshals
- Rolling Water Points
All expenses paid including:
- Premium Accommodation
- All Meals & Beverages (ex alcohol)
- Think Bike Marshals
- Massage Therapist
- Shuttle (During Tour)
- Support Vehicle
- Bicycle Transfer from Ballito to Joburg
- Shuttle Transfer from Ballito to Joburg
- Gold & Platinum Packages only
- Nutrition & Fully Stocked Water Points
- Exciting Goodie Bag
We cover almost everything but the following must be arranged/ordered separately:
- Travel Insurance
- Medical Aid
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Bike Rental
- Flights
- Additional excursions and activities
Should you need assistance with any of the above, let us know so we can update your package.
Medical Insurance:
All cyclists wanting to enter the tour are required to have Medical Insurance with at least a hospital plan in place.
By entering the Velo KwaZulu Tour, entrants acknowledge that they are required to have valid medical insurance that covers them for the duration of the event. It is the sole responsibility of each entrant to ensure that they have adequate medical insurance coverage, and the organizers of the Velo KwaZulu Tour will not be held liable for any medical expenses incurred by entrants during the event.
Entrants who do not have valid medical insurance will not be permitted to participate in the event.
All cyclists wanting to enter the tour are required to have Medical Insurance with at least a hospital plan in place.
By entering the Velo KwaZulu Tour, entrants acknowledge that they are required to have valid medical insurance that covers them for the duration of the event. It is the sole responsibility of each entrant to ensure that they have adequate medical insurance coverage, and the organizers of the Velo KwaZulu Tour will not be held liable for any medical expenses incurred by entrants during the event.
Entrants who do not have valid medical insurance will not be permitted to participate in the event.
Kit for Every RIDE
Unique Tour Apparel
.png)
DCT Gravel Jersey
R1750
Blue / Navy
DCT Road Jersey
R1750
Blue / White
DCT Gravel Socks
R150
Blue / Navy
DCT Road Socks
R150
Blue / White
Velo Kwazulu Tour Jersey
R1750
Grey
Captured Highlights
Gallery
What you need to know
Frequently Asked Questions
A luxury, all-inclusive cycling trip from Johannesburg to Ballito, covering up to 780km and 9100m elevation.
All packages are all-inclusive: premium accommodation, all meals (excluding alcohol), refreshments, a massage therapist, shuttles (during tour), support vehicle, bicycle transport, nutrition and fully stocked water points, and an exciting goodie bag.
No, no mechanic will travel on tour. Basic bike spares are available on consignment to fix basic mechanical issues. Should your bike have a more serious issue, we will call ahead to the next town to arrange the local bike shop to assist.
Yes! Take the stress off of flying with your bike. Options range from aluminium road bikes (ZAR 590/day) to carbon road bikes (ZAR 850/day), carbon bike with carbon wheels (ZAR 1 250/day), and MTB e-bikes (ZAR 1 350/day). Refundable deposits apply (ZAR 3 000–5 000).
Yes! Bicycle transport from Ballito to Johannesburg is included. A bike trailer is also provided during the tour.
Yes, a bike wash is available after each stage, included in your package!
This tour is not a race so no license is required.
A goodie bag with a special gift and samples/vouchers from the tour sponsors, as well as any ordered event apparel.
Yes, all riders require valid medical insurance with hospital coverage for the duration. No insurance, no entry.
Let's Give Back
Riding with Purpose
Drake Events proudly supports Pug Rescue South Africa, a nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes over 210 Pugs each year. Their Benoni sanctuary provides lifelong care to unadopted and elderly Pugs, with a strong focus on matching the right dog to the right home.
Through the Thanda Inja Project, they also offer free basic vet care and food to over 450 dogs and 80 cats in under-resourced communities every two weeks.
Join us in making a difference.
As part of our commitment to giving back, Drake Events donates
R200 / €10 / $10 from every tour entry to support this life-changing work.
OUR VALUED PARTNERS
Backed by Excellence
Book Your Premium Cycling Experience Today
Your Luxury Ride Awaits, Book Today
Book Your Premium Cycling Experience Today
Your Luxury Ride Awaits, Book Today
Quick links
Contact
Wesley Drake
+27(72) 076 9245
wesley@drakecycletours.com
Xanné Drake
+27(82) 370 8614
xanne@drakecycletours.com
© Copyright 2025 Drake Cycle Tours | All Rights Reserved
In collaboration with Perfect Circle and SimonSAYS
© Copyright 2025 Drake Cycle Tours | All Rights Reserved | In collaboration with Perfect Circle and SimonSAYS
