The Goldrush experience in the Mount Anderson Reserve, near Lydenburg, boasts some of the best single track riding in South Africa. It is a land of open grasslands, rugged valleys and crystal streams that reflect vulture spotted skies. Sunbirds sip from red poker aloes and eland, zebra and black wildebeest gather on mountain slopes while the bark of baboon’s echo off cliff faces.  Single track weaves up to alpine heights, down winding forested valleys, along dramatic quartzite escarpments and over rocky crests. The Goldrush is exhilarating all mountain riding. The Golden Cottage, a home from home, caters for 6 guests in 3 double en-suite rooms.

Day 1: Meet at Golden Cottage, Mount Anderson Water Catchment Reserve, South Africa (Friday/Tuesday)

Meet your hosts and guides at the cottage anytime from 14:00. We'll have an opportunity to settle in to the Golden Cottage, taking a moment to appreciate the setting, set up our bikes, and perhaps slip in a short orientation ride.

Day 2: Alpine heights (Saturday/Wednesday)

We're on holiday, so no wake up calls here. After a light breakfast we climb to above 2000m. We emerge on highland plains and cruise down easy winding paths, herding eland and zebra as we go, eventually dropping into the Spekboom river valley. We break for a swim and then head back to the cottage for well-deserved siesta.

Day 3: Bushman's trail (Sunday/Thursday)

After breakfast we ride the Bushman's trail - short steep climbs, winding single track along an escarpment with sweeping views of the valley below, through late 1800s gold prospecting scars, flowing descents with technical and steep sections, past San rock art and over stream bridges. We may encounter wildlife including zebra, black wildebeest, baboons and eland. We'll lunch somewhere on the trail and be back at the cottage in the afternoon for down time.

Day 4: Rush Hour (Monday/Friday)

A morning of leisure, or if you prefer we can hit some more trails before returning for farm style brunch. It's time to say farewell, but you'll be back for more. 

Location

The Goldrush trail is situated in the Mount Anderson Reserve near Lydenburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Approximately 4 hours drive from Johannesburg.

Travel dates

Departures are available Tuesdays and Fridays all year round.

Accommodation

A luxury ranch-style homestead. Sleeps 10 people sharing.

Group Size

Groups of up to 10 people are recommended.

Technical Rating

The distance, pace and route is tailored to each group. The aim is to ride 4-5 hours per day, covering 30-40km’s. Being a mountainous area, the trails are challenging with a fair amount of climbing and treacherous rocky sections. Beautiful single track has been carved into the area and for the trail for the most part, is very ridable. Rated 4/5.

A backup vehicle is on hand at all times to rescue tired riders or tired bikes!

Bike requirements

Mountain bikes with off-road tyres and tyre sealant. Helmets are compulsory.

No bike, no problem! We have robust all terrain mountain bikes for hire at R250/day.

Food and Beverages

All meals are included in the package price. Please bring your own riding snacks. A fully stocked cash bar is also available. 

Age Limit

Children of all ages are welcome although the terrain is rated as highly technical and may be too challenging for young children.