The World of Adventure Cycling, Bikepacking, and Touring in Afirca
Embark on a journey of discovery as we dive into the realm of Adventure Cycling, Bikepacking, and Touring through the wilderness areas of Southern Africa. This article is your compass to unveiling the enchanting world of self-sustained journeys on two wheels. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a curious beginner, get ready to explore the secrets, gear, tips, and inspiring stories that await you.
Adventure Cycling: Exploring the Unknown
Outland Travel has been exploring the wilderness areas of Southern Africa for years. Whether it’s the desert landscapes of Namibia, the wildlife reserves of South Africa and Botswana, the majestic rivers of Zimbabwe and Zambia, or the sophistication of the winelands of Cape Town. Adventure cycling for us goes beyond the route, and encompasses the experience of being in an environment with local people, sharing the tracks with wildlife, and going where few recreational cyclists have gone before. This type of riding may sometimes be challenging, but the reward of new connections made along the way and arriving at a spectacular overnight destination far outways any challenges.
Bikepacking: Where Freedom Meets Exploration
Pack light, ride far. Bikepacking is the art of blending biking and backpacking, offering a sense of freedom and exploration like no other. With your essentials strapped to your bike, you’re free to chart your course through stunning landscapes, connecting with nature in an intimate and authentic way. At Outland, we initially started using bikepacking as a means to do our route recce with minimum costs and interference. When past guests started to request to join our recce’s after hearing the stories, we knew the bikepacking bug had bitten. With the evolution of bikepacking, so did our offering at Outland. For the newcomers, we offer bikepacking lite, where we carry only our personal items and stay in lodges and camps along the way. And for the even more adventurous, our primitive bikepacking, where we carry everything and camp in the wilderness along the way.
Cycle Touring: Journeying Across Borders
Exploring the world of touring and its cross-country adventures. From coast to coast and beyond, touring takes you on cross-country odysseys that reveal the true scale of your cycling prowess. Immerse yourself in diverse cultures, conquer challenging terrains, and experience the joy of witnessing new landscapes unfold before your eyes.
Unveiling the Secrets of Successful Bikepacking and Touring
The path to a successful bikepacking or touring experience is paved with careful planning and essential knowledge. In this section, we unravel the secrets that make your journey not just enjoyable but also unforgettable.
Crafting Your Route: Tips for an Enthralling Journey
The journey is as important as the destination, and crafting your route is an art that can elevate your experience to new heights. Learn how to plan a route that matches your aspirations and promises unforgettable moments.
Southern Africa is a spectacular destination, but it can be unpredictable. For this reason, experience in this landscape is essential. In order to give our guests the best possible experience, we travel the route beforehand to work out all its intricacies. In a landscape with wild animals, safety is a priority. But so is knowing how to avoid the fences, reserves and private land that protects it. Our route planning allows us to identify any issues or dead ends that online planning can not. And beyond making sure there are no hiccups, we also like to find the secret locations that make the journey extra special. Think sipping an ice cold beer on the banks of a secluded stretch of river that most people miss completely, with just the hippos and crocodiles as company.
Inspiring Tales from Touring
Share real-life stories of cyclists who have ventured into adventure cycling, bikepacking, and touring.
Let the experiences of fellow cyclists inspire you as they recount their journeys, trials, triumphs, and the profound impact of exploring the world on two wheels
As you stand at the crossroads of adventure cycling, bikepacking, and touring, remember that this is more than just a physical journey. It’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and connection with the world around you. Whether you’re gearing up for your next expedition or just beginning to dream, let the roads ahead be your guide.
Ready to embark on your own cycling adventure? Reach out to us to start planning your unforgettable journey today. Let’s turn your dreams into reality.
But don’t take our word for it. Real life experiences from our adventurous guests and friends.
Donavan – USA
I joined Outland for an unforgettable, authentic journey through the heart of Southern Africa. As a newbie to Africa, I had some nervous excitement about my trip from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to the Lower Zambezi in Zambia. But after arriving, that quickly turned to pure excitement. Within hours we cycled past a majestic elephant on the way to see the Victoria Falls. And it just got better from there. With the tourist hotspot behind us, we ventured along the Zambezi river for 5 days, engaging with friendly locals, hearing their story and telling them ours. And every evening, watching the African sunset over the river never got old. Ending in the game rich Lower Zambezi and spotting both lions and a leopard on our final afternoon was another highlight. Doing all of this bikepacking gave me a true sense of accomplishment, even though I knew we always had a backup plan close by if anything went wrong. This is what bikepacking with Outland affords you.
FAQs: Answering Your Questions
What’s the Difference Between Adventure Cycling, Bikepacking, and Touring?
Adventure cycling involves exploring diverse terrains, often on less-traveled routes, for a thrilling experience. Bikepacking combines biking and backpacking, allowing you to explore remote areas with minimal gear. Touring involves longer cross-country journeys on roads, visiting various destinations and cultures along the way.
How Do I Choose the Right Bike for Adventure Cycling and Bikepacking?
When selecting a bike, consider the type of terrain you’ll encounter. Adventure cycling might call for a versatile all-terrain bike, while bikepacking benefits from lightweight and durable options. Research bike specifications, frame materials, and tire widths to match your chosen adventure style. Whether its a mountain bike, or a gravel bike, both have their advantages and both will be a worthy companion for your journey.
What’s the Essential Gear for a Bikepacking Expedition?
Essential bikepacking gear includes a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, cookware, and versatile clothing. Don’t forget tools for basic repairs, a reliable navigation system, and a water filtration solution. Pack items that serve multiple purposes and focus on minimizing weight. And for the lite version, your daily essentials is all you need. Think t-shirts and a toothbrush. Bikepacking has an amazing ability to show you how little you really need.
How Do I Plan a Safe and Rewarding Touring Route?
Research is key when planning a touring route. Consider factors like road conditions, traffic levels, available amenities, and cultural attractions. Online route planners, local cycling clubs, and fellow cyclists’ blogs can provide valuable insights. Opt for a mix of scenic routes and practical stops. Preferably, find a local cycling tour operator that can assist with routes, equipment and even a local guide to make the experience extra special.
Can Beginners Embark on Adventure Cycling and Bikepacking Trips?
Absolutely! Adventure cycling and bikepacking are for everyone, including beginners. Start with shorter journeys to build your skills and confidence. Invest in proper gear, plan manageable routes, and remember that each ride contributes to your growth as an adventurer.
