UPDATED September 28, 2026 BY Michael Coo IN Africa: Ocean to Ocean 2 comments Cycling South Africa, Eswatini & MozambiqueOur newest cycling expedition, Africa: Ocean to Ocean, takes riders through seven fascinating Southern African countries. In this post, we take a look at what cyclists can expect on their journey through countries number 5, 6 , & 7 South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique.Soutpansberg Mountains, South AfricaOnce the riders cross the border from Zimbabwe into South Africa, they will spin past surreal baobab trees which eventually give give way to the subtropical Soutpansberg (Salt Pan Mountains), part of UNESCOs Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. They contain over 500 species of trees and birds and 116 species of reptiles as well as leopards, hyenas and antelopes. The area is also the ancestral heartland of the Venda people who are known for their distinct culture, including the pre-marital Domba (python dance).Blyde River Canyon, South AfricaAt 26 km long and 800 m deep, the Blyde River Canyon is the third largest on earth, after the Grand Canyon in the US and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. What makes it unique and special is that, unlike the other two, it is a green canyon, covered in sub-tropical vegetation. Riders will enjoy a rest day there allowing them time to explore natural wonders such as the Bourkes Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock and Gods Window.Kruger National Park, South AfricaOne of the most famous National Parks in Africa, Kruger National Park was established in 1926 and covers almost 20,000 sq. kms. Riders will have an excellent opportunity to see the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, African buffalo) here as well as the endangered African Wild Dog. The park features 6 distinct ecosystems, 150 species of mammals and hundreds of bird species. It is not just wild life there are also 300 archaeological and cultural heritage sites to be found in the park.Sibebe Rock, EswatiniAfter exploring Kruger National Park, the riders will cross into the tiny landlocked country of Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland. One of the worlds last absolute monarchies, one of the highlights is Sibebe Rock, just a few kilometres outside the countrys capital, Mbabane. Also known as Bald Rock, it is the second largest monolith in the world and the worlds largest granite dome. Riders can hike to the summit and afterwards enjoy an appropriately named, cold Sibebe Premium LagerHlane Royal National Park, EswatiniFormerly the private hunting grounds of King Sobhuza II, Hlane Royal National Park was established in 1967 and is known, not only for its mammals like elephants, cheetahs and rhinos, but also for its incredible bird population, many attracted by the parks ancient hardwood trees like knobthorn, leadwood, and tambuti. They include white-backed, lappetfaced and Cape vultures, martial eagles, bateleurs, and long-crested eagles as well as Marabou storks and the southern yellow-billed hornbill.Maputo, MozambiqueA couple days of cycling after leaving Eswatini will bring the riders to Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, where their incredible trans-African adventure will come to a close. This port city features some stunning Portuguese colonial architecture as well as a number of vibrant local markets. After exploring the citys striking railway station, designed by an associate of Gustave Eiffel, the riders can celebrate by gorging on the countrys delicious, fresh seafood.Recommended ReadingJacob Dlamini Safari Nation: A Social History of the Kruger National ParkEben Venter DecimaHilda Kuper The Swazi: A South African KingdomMia Couto Women of the AshesRecommended ViewingThe Train of Salt and Sugar (2016): Aperilous 1989 train journey through war-torn Mozambique during the civil war.Wah-Wah (2005): Director Richard E Grants comedy-drama set during the twilight of British colonial rule in Swaziland and based on his own childhood growing up there.Keeping Up with the Kruger (2017): 13 episode documentary on the day-today operations of the national park.Recommended ListeningKruger National Park (SANParks)Eswatini Talks (Spotify)Left To Die: Escape From The Amarula (Apple)RELATEDTOURAfrica: Ocean to Ocean The original way to cross Africa from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean was the maritime Cape Route past the continents southern tip, a perilous... Related Posts: 2 Comments for "Cycling South Africa, Eswatini & Mozambique" I would be interested in doing something like this.Reply We would love to have you join us and have emailed some tour information to you.Reply Leave a Comment for "Cycling South Africa, Eswatini & Mozambique" Cancel reply