Cycling from Johannesburg to Groblersbrug (Botswana) via Pretoria

Vast grasslands and distant hills showcase the scenic route for cyclists traveling from Johannesburg to Groblersbrug.

When we planned our cycling trip in South Africa, all the information we could find about cycling in Johannesburg and Pretoria was to avoid it.
But what if you have to? What if you’re already there?
Well, that’s what we had to figure out.
Our plan was to start from Johannesburg and cycle to Botswana via Groblersbrug.
Luckily, we were hosted by a lovely WarmShowers couple in Johannesburg who happened to cycle the area on a weekly basis. They kindly shared a route with us, which we’ve decided to share online too.

Here’s the GPX of our itinerary from Johannesburg to Groblersbrug via Pretoria.

A few comments on the road

The starting point

The starting point is located in Midrand, which is where we happened to stay with our WarmShowers host.

Winnie Mandela Drive

Cycling along Winnie Mandela Drive, the route passes close to the township of Diepsloot. We were really apprehensive about cycling past this area, but our hosts said they often cycled there and never had an issue, as long as you use your common sense: don’t flash your expensive gear, don’t stop there, don’t cycle when it’s dark.

A cute pink building where a hand painted sign says 'Flowers and gift shop"

Road to Vaalwater, Lephalale

We decided to follow this road to the border because it goes through game farm territory. There is also a section of the road that goes through a Wild Dog reserve, so you have a chance of spotting them. We didn’t.
As you get further away from the capital, traffic becomes more bearable.

A sign that says "African wild dogs crossing" — A sign on the R33

Crossing the Tropic of Capricorn

You’ll be crossing the Tropic of Capricorn on this road. Look out for the sign!

Emil is standing in front of a road sign with his bicycle. The sign reads "Tropic of Capricorn" — Time to celebrate!

Where we slept

We usually wild camp, but locals strongly advised us not to do it in South Africa. We decided to follow their advice, so here’s where we slept each night. We tried to find the most affordable accommodation each time.

Day 1: De Rust Caravan Park

Caroline is sitting in front of her tent and bicycle, eating breakfast. The outer tent is laid out to dry in the bushes.

Arrange pickup with the owner, because you won’t be able to cycle in the reserve! We phoned him as we got to the gate, and he kindly offered to pick us up free of charge. The drive is less than 2kms to the campsite. We paid 390R for 2 people.