Ride Through the Wild: 8 Reasons to Race the Waterberg Traverse

Are you ready to tackle a stage race with a difference? Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned competitor, the Glacier Waterberg Traverse at Summerplace Game Reserve from 9-11 May, less than three hours from Johannesburg, is your ideal event. Here are eight good reasons why.

1. It’s an escape

Although Summerplace Game Reserve in the Limpopo province is a bit of a drive, it’s under three hour’s drive from Johannesburg and even less from Pretoria. It’s close enough for an easy drive (mostly on freeway) and far enough away from the big cities of Gauteng to be a real escape!

2. It’s deep in the bush

Summerplace Game Reserve is located in both the Bushveld region of South Africa and the Waterberg Biosphere. It’s a true South African bush destination where you are surrounded in every direction by natural vegetation, geology, fresh air and crisp night skies.

3. It all happens on a private game reserve

All three stages for both the RIDE and the RACE take place inside Summerplace Game Reserve. There are more than 40 species of large mammals, including Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Eland, Roan Antelope, Kudu, Sable Antelope and more. There are also more than 130 species of trees and over 140 species of birds. It’s a nature-lover’s dream.

4. The trails are sublime!

Summerplace Game Reserve is owned by passionate mountain bikers. As a result, the mountain bike trails network on the reserve makes it one of the best mountain biking destinations in South Africa. There is more than 140km of hand-built singletrack trails on the reserve as well as easy-riding gravel roads and game-drive jeep-track routes. Summerplace Game Reserve regularly hosts Cycling South Africa national cup and national championships events.

5. The accommodation is top-notch

Early entrants have a chance to book Summerplace Game Reserve accommodation, which is refined and includes self-catering lodges. Glacier Waterberg Traverse entrants that miss out on the local reserve accommodation, will have access to comfortable tented accommodation, including luxury tents.

6. Exceptional catering

Entry to the Glacier Waterberg Traverse includes all meals from dinner on Thursday 8 May, until lunch on Sunday 11 May after the final stage – a total of nine delicious, nutritious meals. Dryland Events are widely known for their exceptional standard of catering and that can once again be expected at the 2025 Glacier Waterberg Traverse.

7. A race for all levels of rider

Serious racers that are fit and strong can enter the RACE, which offers three tough stages. Don’t be deceived by the distances! Recreational riders can still experience the challenges and rewards of a multi-day event by entering the RIDE, which offers three shorter stages all starting and finishing at the same place. You can view the stages here.

8. Supporters are welcome

Unlike many stage races, the Glacier Waterberg Traverse is geared for both racers and supporters! Supporters can enjoy a fun weekend away and share the experience with their riders. There’s obviously a supporter package that needs to be purchased to secure accommodation and catering.

The Details

The Glacier Waterberg Traverse is also unique in that it offers two stage races in one, with a RACE route that’s designed to be tough, yet rewarding and a RIDE route that’s moderately challenging. The RACE is a Solo event, while the RIDE has both Solo and Team categories for those who want to share the unique Bushveld mountain biking experience.

Here’s what’s in store:

Race

Stage 1: 55km |830m ascent

Stage 2: 61km | 1275m ascent

Stage 3: 52km | 700m ascent

Ride

Stage 1: 38km | 590m ascent

Stage 2: 41km | 650m ascent

Stage 3: 42km | 575m ascent

There’s one race village, which simplifies logistics. As with all Dryland Event Management stage races, it’s fully catered, serving delicious, nutritious meals from registration day lunch until lunch after Stage 3. There are various accommodation options, from basic tents to luxury lodges.

The RACE is Cycling South Africa sanctioned and offers podium recognition for Under-23, Elite, 30-34,35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 and 60-years+ Males and Females. Prizemoney is on offer for top three overall Men, Women, Veteran Men and Master Men as long as there are a minimum of five riders in the category.

There are prizes for the top three finishers in the RIDE event for Overall Solo Men, Solo Women, Men’s Team, Women’s Team, Mixed Team, eBike Men’s Team, eBike Women’s Team, eBike Mixed Team.

Summerplace Game Reserve is a 2 hour 15 minute drive from Pretoria and less than three hours from Johannesburg on good quality roads.