Getting to Addo
Everything an out-of-town or overseas rider needs to plan a mountain bike safari in Addo Elephant National Park, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
Three steps to the start line
- 1
Fly to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, code PLZ, has daily flights from Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT), both under two hours. International visitors usually connect through one of those two cities.
- 2
Get to the start
Best of Nyati registers at Addo Main Camp, about an hour by road from the airport. Best of Darlington Dam registers at the Darlington Dam gate, about three hours’ drive. Hire a car, or let us do the driving.
- 3
Or take the No-Hassle package
For R3 950 per person we collect you at the airport the day before, put you up for the night at Villa Tuscana, drive you to registration and bring you back afterwards. It includes the bike transfer.
When to come
22–25 and 26–29 April 2027
April: Best of Darlington Dam
Autumn in the Eastern Cape. Mild to warm riding days, cool evenings around the fire, and the dam at its best. Two back-to-back trips of up to 30 riders each.
See this trip18–21 August 2027
August: Best of Nyati
The dry winter. Crisp, clear days, cold nights and thinner bush, which makes for good game viewing. Up to 40 riders in two pace groups.
See this tripGood to know before you book
Malaria-free
Addo is in a malaria-free part of South Africa. No malaria medication is needed, which keeps the trip simple for overseas travellers.
Home of the Big 7
Elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino on land, plus the southern right whale and great white shark in the park’s marine section. Sightings are never guaranteed, which is part of the thrill.
Money
Prices are in South African rand (ZAR). A R5 000 deposit confirms your place, with the balance due two months before the ride. Cards are widely accepted in South Africa.
Passports and visas
Entry rules depend on your passport. Check South Africa’s requirements for your country well before you book flights.
Bikes and e-bikes
Bring your own, courier it ahead with our bike transfer, or rent a Scott e-bike for the four days. We carry spare batteries and charge every e-bike in camp.
What to pack
Riding kit, a warm layer for the evenings and a soft overnight bag. Bedding, meals and drinks are all provided.
Planning from overseas and want to talk it through? Call (041) 581 5335 or send us a message. See the full packing list.
Questions riders ask
Can’t find your answer? Send us a message or see the travel information for getting to Addo.
How fit do I need to be?
Tour de Addo is a social ride, not a race. Daily distances run from about 17 to 40 km at Darlington Dam and about 19 to 66 km at Nyati, at a relaxed pace with regular stops. E-bikes are welcome, and a backup vehicle follows the group all day, so you can load your bike and take a seat whenever you like.
Is it safe to cycle among the Big 5?
Yes. Armed SANParks rangers ride at the front and back of the group and stay in camp with us day and night. A lead vehicle and a sweep vehicle keep the group together, paramedics travel with the convoy, and a fleet of Ford Rangers from Eastern Cape Motors follows behind.
What is included in the price?
Three nights of glamping in your own tent with a real bed and linen, two cooked meals a day plus snacks and lunch on route, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, armed rangers and support vehicles, evening talks, a complimentary Tour de Addo jacket, event merchandise and gifts from M&G Investments.
Where is Addo, and how do I get there?
Addo Elephant National Park is in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, near Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Fly into Gqeberha’s Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ), which has daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Our No-Hassle package (R3 950 pp) covers airport pickup, a night in town, transfers to and from the event, and getting your bike there.
Is Addo malaria-free?
Yes. Addo Elephant National Park is in a malaria-free part of South Africa, so no malaria medication is needed.
Can I hire a bike or an e-bike?
Yes. You can rent a Scott e-bike for the four days for R5 450. We deliver it to the start and help you set it up. If you are bringing your own bike from far away, our bike transfer service (R1 350) builds it in Port Elizabeth, takes it to the event, and services and ships it afterwards.
When is the best time to come?
We ride twice a year. Best of Darlington Dam is in April, in autumn, with mild to warm days and cool evenings. Best of Nyati is in August, in the dry winter, with crisp days, cold nights and good game viewing.
How many riders are on each trip?
Each Darlington Dam trip takes up to 30 riders. Best of Nyati takes up to 40 riders across two pace groups, one averaging about 15 km/h and one about 12 km/h.
How do I book and pay?
Book online through Entry Ninja. A R5 000 per person non-refundable deposit confirms your entry, and the balance is due two months before the event. Prices are in South African rand (ZAR).
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. We cater for vegan, vegetarian and halaal diets. Tell us when you book.
How does my ride help conservation?
A portion of every rider’s entry, together with a donation from our title sponsor M&G Investments, goes to the SANParks Honorary Rangers for work in Addo Elephant National Park: game fences, rangers and park infrastructure. Riders have raised over R1 million in more than five years.