This part of the foothills of the Maluti Mountains was originally ‘no-man’s-land’ between the Cape and Natal Colonies before being occupied by Adam Kok and his Griqua tribe. The area has a network of the most amazing natural trails created by the local communities, their ponies, cattle and goats as they go about their daily lives. No matter what detours we take, all riders will be ‘blown you away’ by the riding and amazing scenery.
DETAILS OF THE TYPICAL OR STANDARD NO MAN’S LAND TOUR
| TOUR GRADE | 3: MODERATE
This ride is for regular mountain bikers, who have a degree of off road experience. Routes include some moderate to difficult technical sections. |
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| BEST TIME OF THE YEAR | All year round | ||||||||
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| ADDITIONAL INFO | This No Mans Land ride gives a great taste of riding in the Maluti Foothills and is an ideal basis for groups of friends to customise using our ‘Design Your Ride’ plan as this is a segment of the longer Detour2Rhodes route stretching from Baynesfield to Rhodes. Contact us on info@detourtrails.co.za if you and your friends wish to do so. |
SUMMARY ITINERARY FOR TYPICAL OR STANDARD NO MAN’S LAND TOUR/strong>
| DAY | DESCRIPTION | DISTANCE | ASCENT | DECENT | MEALS INCL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travel to Masakala & evening shebeen | 10km | Little | Little | D |
| 2 | Knira River Trail | 55km | 850m | 700m | BLD |
| 3 | Black Fountain Trail | 48km | 1000m | 1100m | BLD |
| 4 | Mparane Ridge & travel back to DBN | 26km | 700m | 625m | B |
DETAILED ITINERARY FOR TYPICAL OR STANDARD NO MAN’S LAND TOUR
Day 1: Friday – Travel to Masakala & Introductory Ride
Stats: 10 – 12 km, not much ascent, not much descent
An introductory ride in the Masakala dongas is always fun, so riders should plan to be at Masakala by 14h00. After a quick briefing, it’s time to play on the trails in the local township and surrounds for an hour or so before a quick shower and the main activity of the day.
Early in the evening (5-6pm) the group will make their way to a popular local Masakala shabeen for a few hours of sitting on crates drinking ‘Transkei dumpies’ and playing pool with the locals. Seriously good fun! It’s then back to the chalet for dinner & more beers before settling in for the night.
Day 2: Saturday – Knira River Trail
Stats: 4 ½ hrs ride time, 55km, 850m ascent, 700m decent
As there are usually a few slightly thick heads, it’s a leisurely breakfast and late riding start!
The trail from Masakala Village descends to the Boteti River and onto a dirt road, heading west. Along the road, the riders will get their first taste of local hospitality as vehicles hoot and their occupants shout greetings.
Once the route turns of the dirt road, it’s into a maze of walking and animal trails on the Knira River flood plains which link the local villages and their fields. After meandering along these for a long while, the riders will be met at an old trading post, Queens Mercy by the support crew.
Is a good spot for lunch and some of the more recreational riders may choose to jump into the ‘Mother Ship’, the rest will continue on more dirt road and rural trails towards the overnight stop.
Day 3: Sunday – Black Fountain Trail
Stats: 6 ½ hrs ride time, 48km, 1000m ascent, 1100m decent
The full trail starts at the Malekhalonyane chalets with some rough track joining a dirt road leading to Thaba Chita, but usually most (if not all) riders choose to transfer to this point and start the ride here. There is a short warm-up of rural walking trails before the route detours off on a rough trail to the west, crosses a river and leads up a steep climb before getting onto a network of pony and sleigh trails past Kobong Village leading up to Black Fountain which marks the start of a 20 km odd ride along a ridge line down to Tinana Mission.
The highlight of the day’s trail riding starts here and the Black Fountain ride will become the benchmark by which many riders will measure all other trails! The ride is by no means easy, but as one rider has said, it’s the most demanding, but most rewarding they have ever done.
After a relaxing lunch at Tinana and a swim in the river, the ‘Mother Ship’ is on hand to take weary riders back to base. Even though riders will be quite tired, around the braai fire, ‘war stories’ will roll off well-lubed tongues!
Day 4: Monday – Mparane Ridge
Stats: 4 hrs ride time, 26km, 700m ascent, 625 decent
From the chalets, the route is down to and along the dirt road past Gladstone Store on to Mparane Village. At the village, there is a short hike-a-bike to get onto the tip of Mparane Ridge which runs towards the main berg and the Lesotho border. Once up on the ridge, riders will appreciate the reward for having slogged a little to get there.
The ride along the ridge is one of our favourite rides as the views rival the natural flowing trails heading up towards the escarpment. The descent off the ridge is both challenging and exhilarating sure to up the enjoyment factor.
After lunch and packing up, there may be time to explore the Maria Zell Mission, its iconic cathedral and hydroelectric scheme before travelling back to Durban.
PRICE FOR A TYPICAL OR STANDARD NO MANS LAND TOUR
| > 12 RIDERS | 9-12 RIDERS | 7-8 RIDERS | > 6 RIDERS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POA as Discounts apply | R 8 500 | R 9 000 | POA as Premiums apply | |
| Per rider | Per rider | Per rider |
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FOR A SINGLE ROOM IS NOT OFFERED AS THERE ARE NO SINGLE ROOMS AVAILABLE
TYPICAL OPTIONS:
-TRANSFERS To and from No Man’s Land can be arranged with Detour Trails at a cost of R 750 per rider and bicycle.
Tour Reviews
Wow! What a change from multi-day races! Just pure fun riding challenging trails made by cattle, goats and ponies that Detour have found in the Maluti foothills. There’s time to absorb the scenery, chat to mates and have the occasional beer! What a great way to spend a few days with our bikes.
‘Blown away by Detour’ was the title of the article I wrote after participating in a ride here as even despite a howling gale on one of the days, Detour provided the group with an exceptional experience of this rural gem and all it has to offer in rustic mountain bike touring. This will become my bench mark for future rides.
Amazing riding natural trails so vastly different from those prepared for events in a rural setting with exquisite views, all professionally pulled together by the Detour Crew. Riding here is a must, be it for a weekend or on one of Detour’s longer rides.
For a special birthday a group of my German friends came out to SA and we rode with detour for a week from Baynesfield to Vuvu and back on rough natural trails while enjoying changing scenery with the Maluti Mountains being the highlight. Definetly one of the best ways to spend a birthday. Thanks Detour for an unforgettable experience
What an experience! Coming from Germany to this rural part of Africa where we were superbly supported by the Detour Trails crew was a real treat. The Maluti Mountains are nothing like the Alps and the rural communities (especially the home stay) were amazing. Absolutely everything was beyond my expectations.
As I am a tour guide in the Alps, Detour Trails was concerned that i would not enjoy NoMansLand. We’ll they were entirely wrong! The Maluti Mountains have their own character, so much so that even though I crashed and didn’t ride that much I had an unforgettable experience, taking no less than 4000 photos and publishing an 8 page article of the ride in the Germany Bike magazine. Truly amazing raw experience professionally supported in all aspects by Detour Trails. I highly recommend this to all adventure riders wanting to experience rural Africa.
I have ridden a short ride in NoMansLand and also ridden al the way to Rhodes with Detour. They know a matrix of awesome natural trails with numerous options used depending on the riding group. It’s well worth riding with them as they know the area ‘like the back of their hands’, provide great logistical support and are welcomed by the locals.
Yet another fantastic 3 days of riding with Detour in a rural area with rustic but nice accommodation in the heart of the Maluti foothills. These guys never disappoint by picking awesome trails and providing first class support.
Another amazing experience with the Detour crew who put on a great ride for us on what can only be described as spectacular routes and trails to test all while providing great scenery and first class rural hospitality. Beers from the local shebeen are a treat!
Riding with Detour Trails in NoMansLand is a real treat! No trials are prepared, rather sculpted by ponies and goats, so surprises are many! The rural setting ensures that riders ‘get away from it all’ for a really special experience superbly hosted by the Detour crew and supportive locals.
Detour Trails means adventure and pure mountain bike fun to me!
I have been to No Man’s Land, Lesotho and the Zululand Battlefields with Detour Trails and each experience was a unique adventure. You get to ride awesome trails in untamed places with like-minded people who love the great outdoors and enjoying adventures on mountain bikes. A well organised team takes care of your every need including a back-up vehicle with full support, delicious meals and a fun experience for as many days as you desire!
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