Participants in next month’s PwC Great Zuurberg Trek are set to enjoy all the creature comforts with the introduction of a luxury safari tent stay for the three-stage mountain bike race near Addo in the Eastern Cape.
Organisers have brought in the “glamping” or glamorous camping option as the Zuurberg Mountain Village, which plays host to the event from May 29 to 31, has been fully booked by riders.
The Zuurberg Mountain Village will be the official race village for the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek, which takes place near Addo in the Eastern Cape from May 29 to 31. // Photo: Morné Marais.
According to race organiser Rob Hayter, the safari tent dwellers would enjoy the same spectacular views of the northern mountain range and a good night’s rest in a warm bed as well as fine dining at the four-star hotel.
He said the 20 luxury tents each offered two single beds with duvets, linen and pillows, a camp dressing table, and a pair of comfortable camp chairs.
Newly renovated ablution facilities with hot-water showers would also be available on site, which is just across the road from the hotel, he added.
“With Addo right on our doorstep, the luxury tent gives one that authentic African safari experience that makes this area world famous.”
For its second edition, the 195km stage race has also partnered with South African National Parks to access rarely visited parts of the Addo Elephant National Park.
“On day one, we enter the park and descend over 10km to the valley floor below. I believe this to be one of the most fantastic views in South African mountain biking,” said Hayter.
He said riders would also spend more than half of the second stage within park boundaries and be amazed by the magnificent views from the top of the northern ridge of the Zuurberg.
“To the south, one sees the coastline of Port Elizabeth with the citrus orchards of the Sundays River Valley below.
“To the north, it overlooks the vast Karoo all the way up to Somerset East. This side of the park is known for its ancient cycads and riders ride within two metres of some of these.”
On the final day, riders test their technical skills on the renowned singletrack at Hayterdale Trails before heading back up the historic Zuurberg Pass to finish at the hotel.
Hayter said there were very few races countrywide that could offer the diversity of terrain that Great Zuurberg Trek riders would experience.
“We believe we have a race that is challenging but not unduly so, with an abundance of comfort and convenience.
A view of one of the luxury safari tents that will be available to participants in the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek at Addo, near Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, from May 29 to 31. // Photo: Supplied.
“For us it’s about offering not only a great outdoor experience but also a great one indoors.”
The event is open to 100 two-person teams with a limited number of entries still available.
Enter at www.greatzuurbergtrek.co.za before May 20. Follow @zuurbergtrekker or find the race on Facebook.
