Tour De Kruger Newsletter 1
Dear Cyclists
Welcome to the Tour de Kruger .We are very excited to be hosting you on the third tour of it's kind. Whilst it is the last tour of this routing, we are every excited about new opportunities that await for new & exciting routes.
Please read the following pre departure information letter carefully. It provides you with much information regarding your upcoming cycle tour.
Attached is a cycling questionnaire, please can you take the time to complete it and send it back to me. This will assist us in planning the logistics of this event and make your tour more enjoyable.
Visa Information We will be crossing the border post between Kruger and Mozambique at Giriyondo. Please ensure you have a valid passport . In order to facilitate the border crossings we will be providing a passport manifest to Home Affairs. For this reason, please provide us with your correct passport information as soon as possible. This will avoid delays at the border. Please note that if you are not a South African passport holder, you will generally need a visa for Mozambique, which you will need to obtain prior to travel. Please phone the Mozambique consulate as per the contact details below for updated information.
Mozambique Visa Information (subject to change)
Citizens and permanent residents of all states except South Africa require a visa; copies of green cards are required for non-US citizens except canadians. All visas must be obtained at the Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique. Vaccinations are not required to enter Mozambique. Applicants must submit the original passport that should be valid at least 6 months from date of submission and have at least 1 blank page for visa stamp (amendment pages are not acceptable). Applicants must fill out the application form. Applicants must submit 2 passport-sized photographs. Entry visa valid 3 months from date of issue. Please note that visas have to be applied for in your country of residence.
If you a South African permanent resident with a foreign passport and need assistance with acquiring a visa you can contact Louis Wagner. Louis is an independent person that assists with Mozambican visa applications. He is based in Johannesburg and is contactable on 073 445 9463. He can collect and deliver on request
Johannesburg
Phone: (011) 4846427
Cape Town
Phone: (021) 4262944/5
Applications are between the hours of 08h00 and 12h00
Collections are between the hours of 14h00 and 16h00
Processing time 1 day
Durban
Phone: (031) 3040200
Nelspruit
Phone: (013) 7527396
Accommodation
The Tour de Kruger is based on two cyclists sharing accommodation at Mopani and Pafuri Camps . For the first night of the Tour, at Mopani Camp, we have very limited option of single accommodation for those who would prefer not to share. The surcharge for a single room is R300 and is subject to availability at time of request. If there is someone else on the tour that you are wanting to share accommodation with, please ensure to let us know as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate this request.
Medical Insurance
As advised on our website, a condition of entry for the Tour de Kruger is full medical insurance cover or a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will cover Emergency Evactuation. Please ensure that you have this in place and advise us of the details.
Emergency Evacuations
On most cycle rides and races there are accidents. Hopefully we can keep this down to a minimum. As we are travelling through remote areas with no facilities at all, a condition of your participation is that you are fully covered for all medical eventualities - including aeromedical evacuation (ie evacuation by helicopter or aeroplane) The nearest unit is STAR in Polokwane. There have been some stories in the media about some medical evacuations which were turned down by medical aid companies. We therefore suggest that you call your medical aid company and determine whether they will cover you for emergency evacuation by air. If they do not, then please make sure that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that includes this. If you do not have this insurance and you have to be evacuated, you will be facing bills that could be anything between R50 000 up to R150 000. Be aware that it is standard for medical aid companies to apply "flight criteria" when deciding whether to send a helicopter or ground ambulance to evacuate you. This means that no medical aid company will guarantee you access to a helicopter for any problem at any time and so you can not insist on this.
Malaria Prophylactics
Our medical back up is being co-ordinated by Dr Simon King and his team at Africa Safe-T Medical Services. This is a medical emergency company that is based in Nelspruit to serve the whole of the Kruger area .This is what they have to say about malaria:
"We are travelling to a high risk malaria area, however we are doing so at a low risk time. Current recommendations do vary and participants need to be aware of this. The SA Dept of Health advises that travellers to this area only take malarial prophylaxis from October through to May. High risk individuals might be assessed individually.
However the local Medi Clinic Travel Clinic is well connected to international resources and utilizes somewhat different recommendations. They recommend malaria prophylaxis year round for Mozambique. What needs to be borne in mind is that the Northern part of Mozambique is a different environment to that near Pafuri and certainly more of a risk year round. However travel in these areas at any time can never be considered completely risk free and individuals will have to weigh up the low, but nevertheless present, risk of contracting malaria against the potential down sides of medication.
If one wanted to take anti-malarials, the recommended agent would be Malarone . Malarone can be started the day before you leave and is taken daily till at least 7 days after your return and has less side effects than many of the other anti malarial prophylactics. Participants need to know that we cannot obtain any sort of prophylaxis once out here. If they particularly want to use one, they need to make these arrangements through their doctor or travel clinic before they leave.
A last thought is that if one opts not to take anti-malarials then you must see a doctor if any fever or flu-like illness develops within a month of the cycle trip and remember to tell the doctor about the travel. The travel is important not only from a malaria point of view but also because other illnesses, tend to occur in the same areas and all need to be specifically looked for by the doctor if they are to be diagnosed. "
Dr Simon King - Africa Safe-T Medical Services
A quick note from ourselves: Please remember that the best way not to get malaria is to not get bitten. So please bring your mosquito repellent such as Peaceful Sleep or Tabard. It is also advisable to wear long sleeves and long pants in the evenings.
Bicycle Insurance
Cyclesure is an insurance product that specialises in bicycle insurance. They have insured all participants' bicycles at no charge from the start to the end of the cycle tour. So if an elephant takes a dislike to your bike and flattens it, you will be covered. Just make sure you are not on the bike at the time.
Please take the following steps:
Go to www.cyclesure.co.za <http://www.cyclesure.co.za/>
On the home page there is a Tour de Kruger icon.
Click on the Tour de Kruger icon
Fill out all the spaces with a red asterisk. You do not have to give the details about your bike other than the total value. However, please fill in all the blocks regarding accessories.
Submit the form to Cyclesure and you are covered!
If you have any queries about the process, please phone (011) 462-0016.
Should Cyclesure not receive your insurance form, then they will assume that you are not requiring this insurance cover.
Transport Options to get to and from the start and end of the tour
There are two options :
1) Own transport to Mopani - You can leave your car at Mopani and we will transport you back from Pafuri to Mopani at the end of the cycle tour. This option is at an additional cost of R300 per person . You will arrive back at Mopani at around 1pm (due to the fact you are travelling at the park speed limits ) and therefore will only get back into Johannesburg at around 7 - 8 pm
Please advise us asap if you are wanting to leave a vehicle at Mopani so we can arrange parking facitlities (please note the parking will be open parking). Please also advise by no later than 01st June if you are wanting transport from Pafuri to Mopani Camp as vehicle logisitics need to be pre arranged
2) Coach transport - We are arranging round trip coach transfers in a luxury coach from Johannesburg to Mopani on 31st July returning from Pafuri back to Johannesburg on 05th August . Cost for this coach transfer is R 1000 per person return or R600 per person on a one way basis .
The coach will depart from the Wilderness Safaris offices, # 3 Autumn Street. Rivonia at 6: 00 am on 31st July. Cylists need to arrive at the office by 05:15 am to pack bicycles and to board the coach . Please note that if you are not at the offices and ready to go by 06:00 am you will be left behind! On the return leg, the coach will depart Pafuri on the 05th August at around 09:00am, arriving back in Johannesburg between 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm. There are no parking facilities available at the offices, so please arrange to be dropped off and collected.
Just a reminder if travelling by coach, your bike needs to be in a bike bag or wrapped with bubble wrap.
For those uncertain about whether to take own vehicles or travel by coach, we recommend the coach option especially if you have to return to Johannesburg at a reasonable time on the 05th August. The reason for this is that the coach will take a direct route from Parfuri back to Johannesburg while those travelling back to Mopani, will add on several hours to their journey due to the longer distance and the slow speed limits allowed in the park.
Please can you advise on your choice of transport as soon as possible. Coach option is subject to availability at time of booking. Payment for the transport options need to be submitted at the same time as your final tour payment
Bike Washing Facilities
As we are travelling through remote areas, all water has to be transported into the camps for this cycle tour at considerable cost. Due to this fact, there will be very limited bike washing facilities
What to bring
Due to the limited (more like non existent) infrastructure in the areas that you are travelling, we have a huge amount of equipment that we need to transport. We ask if you can please keep your luggage to a bare minimum. Please clearly label and pack your kit into one soft tog bag to include your sleeping bag etc
We suggest that you pack the following:
Kit List - this is highly recommended:
Passports!
Sunglasses or spare contact lenses - it will be pretty dusty
Warm sleeping bag (it gets very cold early mornings and late nights)
Foam mattresses are provided but if you have one of those high density foam mattresses, we suggest that you bring this along as well. Again, please label this clearly
Pillow
Bottom sheet (if required)
Towel/s for showering
A good quality torch or headlamp (Peltz headlamp is recommended) Lighting is limited so this is a critical item
Malaria prophylactics (optional)
Mosquito repellant
Sunblock
Personal toiletries including soap, shampoo etc
Camera equipment and binoculars
Hat/peak/cap
Warm and cool clothes - the weather could be unpredictable with the days warm to hot and the nights are cold Casual wear / track suits for around the campsite .
Good walking shoes or closed sandals for walking around the camps
Ear plugs in case there are snorers nearby
Swimming costume
Most importantly, you need to bring a great sense of humour and adventure...... This is not a "Mrs Schwartz" 5 star cycling tour... We are travelling through truly remote countryside.
Cycling Kit
Please note that all your cycling equipment required during the day will need to be carried on you personally as the support landrovers will have very limited space capacity.It is recommended that you are self-sufficient whilst out on the road as the mechanic will not always be readily accessible. This means at least being able to change tubes and fix broken chains.
Camelbak (very important)
Helmet - compulsory
Spares - we will have most spares available at additional cost, however please ensure that you bring those unique to your bike
Cycling clothing - if possible, a new set for each day because there are no washing facilities (We will advise you if we manage to secure sponsorship for Tour de Kruger cycle shirts )
Bike Bag/Box or bubble wrap
Saddle cream or aqueous cream
Dry lube for sandy conditions
Chain Breaker
We suggest that everyone gets their tyres sorted out so that they do not puncture. It seems as though the tubeless tyre conversion is the recommended way to go, with that puncture "goo" within the tyre for a puncture free ride.
Remember to bring lots of tubes and patches if you do not do the above .
We are anticipating dusty conditions so that a chain degreaser and lubricant is essential
"Armwarmers" to keep the sun off your arms
We are suggesting that you do not ride on slicks - but to make sure that you have the widest possible tyres.
Food & Drinks
We will be providing all your meals and road food. As far as cycling supplements go, Bionic Hypo Fuel is our chosen energy drink. If you have other preferences, please bring your own.
As you know each group of riders has their own dedicated Land Rover. You will be able to keep your drinks in cooler boxes on the vehicle and can keep topping up as you wish. In addition, the Land Rover will carry snacks. In other words, this is a tour where you may end up heavier than when you started!
There is a cash bar available with limited quantities of beer/soft drinks/ whiskey /wine etc . Please do not pack your own wines or booze as it has created delays in the past with the Mozambique customs guys wanting to charge duties on all of these imported goods. This will result in border delays for everyone and in all likelihood you will have it confiscated at the border!
If you have any special dietary requirements please ensure to advise us timeously. Once again we are travelling remote areas where shops are non existent and we would hate for you to go hungry.
Park Fees
We will have our registration desk set up at Mopani Camp on 31st July from 1pm onwards. You will need time to register and get your bikes sorted out that afternoon. If you are arriving under your own steam, it is essential that you do not arrive after 4:00 pm. The Park gates close at 17:00 every day. So plan your travel accordingly. There are costs associated with park entry and you will need cash for this. The conservation fee is R30 per person per day for SA citizens (unless you have a wild card), R60 for SADAC citizens and R120 for foreign visitors.
Please pay these conservation fees when entering the Park. You will need to quote the following reservation number in order to pass through the gates : R808095
If you have a Parks Wild Card please bring it with you and show it when you enter the Parks gate
When you arrive at Mopani, please keep a look out for our support desk. At the desk you will need to register and will be given your room allocation
Included
• Tented accommodation on the cycle tour, except at Mopani Camp where accommodation will be in the National
Parks bungalows (on a sharing basis)
• Riders who raise the most sponsorship will be allocated the lodge accommodation at Pafuri Camp on the last night of the tour (please ensure to advise us of this in advance) .
• Hot showers and good wholesome meals are included in the cost of the Tour
• Support staff and “sweeper” vehicles
• Refreshment stops
• Services of camp staff
• Services of bicycle technicians (spares are for the cyclists own account)
• Enroute services of paramedic (any medical supplies are for your own account)
• Infrastructure for cycling in remote areas
Not Included
• Return transport from Johannesburg to Mopani Camp and from Pafuri back to Johannesburg.
or transport from Pafuri Camp to Mopani Camp
• Kruger National Park entry fee
• Visa fees (if applicable)
• Malaria prophylactics (optional)
• Beverages (to be supplied on a cash bar basis)
• Medical and Travel Insurance
• Cycling gear and equipment
• Cycling spares (some spares will be available on a purchase basis)
Physio & Massage
We will have limited physio & massage appointments available at the camps. Cost is R200.00 for 30 mins, to be paid to the physio's directly. Pre-tour bookings available, contact elize.els@intercare.co.za <mailto:elize.els@intercare.co.za> <mailto:elize.els@intercare.co.za>
Emergencies at Home
There is no cell phone coverage anywhere in the areas we are cycling. If you need to be contacted urgently, we will have a satellite phone. This is for use in emergencies only. The 09 is if you are dialing from South Africa. If you are called via this number, the costs are exceptionally high and there is no guarantee that we will be able to get the phone to you , however a message could be left with the staff member manning the phone . We will advise you of the Satellite phone numbers prior to departure.
Sponsorship
If you have managed to get sponsorship over and above the minimum sponsorship donation , please bring your sponsorship forms to registration.You will then be entered for some of the great prizes on offer . Every last cent helps these two charities.
Payment
Just a reminder that the final payment for the minimum sponsorship requirement is due no later than 12 June. Our bank account details are below. Please ensure that all payments are allocated with your cyclist reference number so that we can allocate your funds correctly. If you have booked the coach or transport options and/or single supplement , then please submit these payments together with your final minimum sponsorship requirement
Account Details:
Account Name: Children in the Wilderness -Mkambati
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch Rivonia
Branch code: 001255
Account Number: 02 303 1735
If you have raised over and above the minimum sponsorship requirement of R9000 - R10500 per cyclist (depending on your entry type) , you can submit any additionally raised monies after the event. Please remember to bring your sponsorship forms if you have raised over the minimum sponsorship .
Cycle Tour Sponsorship Prizes
The cyclists who raise the most sponsorship over and above the minimum sponsorship value for the “Tour de Kruger and the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park” will be in line to win some great prizes. Details will be advised in our next newsletter
Cycle Clinic
Hannele Steyn-Kotze, one of South Africa's top female mountain bike riders, and Tour de Kruger cyclist has kindly offered to conduct two Tour de Kruger & The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park cycle clinics, one in Cape Town and one in Johannesburg.
Cape Town - Saturday 2nd June, Beyerskloof Wine Estate
Johannesburg - Saturday 9th June, Magaliesberg Farm
Cost: R420.00 per person, inclusive of coffees/tea and lunch
Booking Procedures:
a) Make payment for the clinic into the account as per the banking details below :
Account Name: H.Kotze
Bank: ABSA Bank
Branch: Stellenbosch
Account & branch number: 4055303920
b) Email: Hannele.Steyn-Kotze@intercare.co.za <mailto:Hannele.Steyn-Kotze@intercare.co.za> with proof of payment and advise which clinic you will be attending, together with your contact details
We look forward to meeting you on the tour If you have any queries about the Tour de Kruger, please contact me on the contact numbers below.
Kind Regards
Heather Wilson
