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Compiled by: KYM ARGO<br />
A proper treat for mountain biking<br />
enthusiasts, these Biking In The<br />
Bush getaways at Shamwari<br />
Private Game Reserve include a bit<br />
of luxury ... and who doesn’t want<br />
that after three or four hours in<br />
the saddle.<br />
The idea is to enjoy a guided cycle<br />
every morning, with afternoon<br />
game drives and guided walks,<br />
and then luxury all the way in the<br />
gorgeous Bayethe Lodge.<br />
Andrew Kearney, ranger manager<br />
at Shamwari and a keen rider<br />
himself, says the rides are suitable<br />
for people who cycle regularly and<br />
are reasonably fit, and assures it’s<br />
absolutely not a race but rather<br />
about the experience of cycling<br />
through the bush and chance<br />
encounters with a variety of wildlife.<br />
The aim, he says, is to count time<br />
in the saddle rather than the<br />
kilometres ridden.<br />
He stresses safety is a priority and<br />
cyclists receive a detailed briefing<br />
before each ride. Two experienced<br />
guides accompany each group and<br />
one guide will wait with anyone<br />
who needs to stop, with a sweeper<br />
vehicle picking up anyone who is<br />
unable to continue the ride.<br />
The rides vary depending on game<br />
sightings, animal movements,<br />
the weather and fitness of the<br />
groups. All take place in the wilder<br />
wilderness area in the north of the<br />
reserve, where there are no other<br />
people or vehicles.<br />
It’s a fabulous weekend for a group<br />
of friends (minimum of six, max of<br />
eight, all need to be 16 or older,<br />
with those 65-plus asked to provide<br />
confirmation of their fitness). If<br />
you’re more of an e-biker ... they’re<br />
permitted, but they, along with<br />
faster riders, do have to stay with<br />
the group. Dates coming up are<br />
<strong>March</strong> 3 to 6, <strong>March</strong> 17 to 20, <strong>March</strong><br />
31 to April 3 and May 5 to 8. Rates<br />
are R4950 per person, sharing,<br />
which include accommodation, all<br />
guided rides, guided walks, game<br />
drives, meals, visits to the Wildlife<br />
Rehabilitation Centre and Born Free<br />
Big Cat Rescue Centre, pre-game<br />
drive refreshments and game drive<br />
drinks and snacks. Details: Bookings<br />
via reservations@shamwari.com<br />
or 042-203-1111.<br />
A wild ride<br />
Fancy a ride on the wild side? We rather like<br />
the idea of these three day cycling adventures<br />
through big five territory.<br />
32 Get It Magazine <strong>March</strong> <strong>22</strong>
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