Highlights
- Unique idea that directly benefits the community
- Accommodation pick-up and drop-off service
- Healthy outdoor activity on retro Dutch bikes
- Private guided tour in a small group with a minimum of 2 people required
- Highly personalised cultural interactions in the township
Bicycle Tourism
Residents and business owners in Masiphumelele Township work together with the Bicycling Empowerment Network to create the tours. BEN is a not for profit organisation set up to promote the use of bikes as a means of transport. BEN arranges for imported second-hand bicycles to be distributed to Independent Bicycle Dealers in the township. The dealers have been supplied with tools and training to renovate the bikes on an ongoing basis for the community. Bikes for the Township Tours are hired from one of the Bicycle Dealers.The Experience
This exciting Bicycle Tour has hosted thousands of tourists over a 10 year period which has brought in much needed income for the township community and resident service providers. There are half-day tours (with or without accommodation transfers) and fully inclusive full day tours available. On the tour, your bikes are hired from a designated Bicycle Dealer in Masiphumelele and you will have the benefit of a community guide.
As you wheel about you will experience the sights and sounds of township life in between stops en-route. Along the way you will meet a traditional healer called a Sangoma and also be treated to a drumming and dance display.
If your tour is on a week day then you will visit a local crèche which attends to at least 100 children - a donation to this community endeavour would be much appreciated.
Artists and crafters in Masiphumelele are always busy on their latest projects and you will be able to see and purchase some fine pieces to take home as mementos of your journey. The tour includes either tea in the home of a resident or lunch at a restaurant in the township.
