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AFRICA. UNTAMED. UNFORGETTABLE.
12 DAYS. 2 COUNTRIES. 1 UNFORGETTABLE RIDE.
There are gravel adventures. And then there are journeys that take you somewhere almost no cycling tour can reach.
An extraordinary 12-day point-to-point gravel adventure through the heart of the Zambezi Valley, beginning beneath the spray of Victoria Falls – Mosi-oa-Tunya, the smoke that thunders.
From the remote gravel roads of Zimbabwe to the wild riverbanks of Zambia, this is a journey that takes us deep into the African wilderness. We ride through rural villages, across vast landscapes and along the mighty Zambezi, before crossing Lake Kariba by luxury private houseboat.
Along the way, we encounter riverside safari camps, extraordinary wildlife, unforgettable sunsets and some of Africa's most remarkable landscapes. Elephants, hippos and other wildlife are never far from the story.
Days in the saddle give way to intimate luxury lodges, sundowner cruises, fireside evenings and a full-day safari in the Lower Zambezi National Park. And as the journey draws to a close, we ride into a private game reserve for a fitting celebration of the adventure.
This is not simply a gravel tour. It's an expedition into a part of Africa that few people ever experience, let alone by bike.
A LITTLE MORE THAN JUST A RIDE
Some journeys are measured in kilometres. Others are measured in the experiences, encounters and memories that stay with you long after the wheels stop turning.
The Zambezi Gravel Adventure is firmly in the latter category.
Our journey begins at Victoria Falls, one of the world's great natural wonders, before following the Zambezi into increasingly remote and untamed country.
There's the exhilaration of riding gravel roads through rural Zimbabwe, the sense of adventure as we approach the shores of Lake Kariba, and the rare privilege of spending two nights aboard our own private houseboat.
Further downstream, the Zambezi becomes our companion as we venture into The Lower Zambezi Valley. Here, the boundaries between wilderness and accommodation become wonderfully blurred. Elephants wander through riverside camps, hippos call from the water, and the African bush provides the backdrop to each passing day.
And then there is the riding itself. A wonderful mix of remote gravel roads, sandy tracks, village paths and challenging climbs, taking us places that a conventional cycling holiday simply cannot reach.
This is Africa experienced at a different pace. A chance to slow down, take it all in, connect with the landscape and enjoy the extraordinary privilege of being part of it.
Ride through the wild. Discover the unexpected. Experience Africa like few ever do.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Victoria Falls: Begin beneath the spray of one of the world's great natural wonders, with an opportunity to explore the falls and enjoy an unforgettable elephant-waterhole sundowner.
The Zambezi Valley: Ride remote gravel roads, village tracks and rural landscapes through Zimbabwe and Zambia, following the course of the mighty Zambezi.
Lake Kariba: Spend two nights crossing one of the world's largest man-made lakes.
African wilderness: Stay in intimate riverside safari camps where elephants and hippos are part of the natural surroundings.
Lower Zambezi National Park: Enjoy a full-day safari in search of lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants and other wildlife.
The final flourish: Celebrate the journey with a stay at Lilayi Lodge, a private game lodge and nature reserve outside Lusaka.
THE RIDING
Remote roads. Untamed landscapes. A different adventure every day.
This is gravel riding with a genuine sense of exploration. Our route takes us well beyond the familiar tourist trails, connecting remote communities, rural landscapes and extraordinary wilderness areas across Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Expect a wonderfully varied mix of wide gravel roads, dirt tracks, sandy village paths, jeep trails , broken asphalt and some challenging climbs. Some days will be fast and flowing; others will test the legs and reward us with a real sense of achievement. The riding is not classified as technical nor mountain biking.
With approximately 465km spread across nine riding days, the journey offers a satisfying balance of time in the saddle and time to experience everything that makes this part of Africa so special.
Riding at a glance
- Approximately 465km over nine riding days.
- Moderate to semi challenging.
- Gravel, dirt roads, jeep tracks and village trails.
- Some significant climbs and demanding terrain.
- A shorter riding option available on the toughest day.
- Professional ride guides and a back-up support vehicle.
This is an adventure for enthusiastic gravel cyclists who enjoy getting off the beaten track and embracing the unexpected, whilst taking in the wild beauty of Africa and its people.
ITINERARY
Today is all about a full day game drive experiencing Africa's extraordinary wildlife. We head into the Lower Zambezi National Park by boat before jumping on a game viewer in search of epic wildlife encounters. After lunch in the wilderness, we embark on a short ride along wide gravel roads and smooth single track to our riverside lodge for another evening beside the Zambezi.
Accommodation
A challenging day awaits as we climb out of the Zambezi Valley and tackle two significant ascents across the escarpment. Remote valleys and demanding gravel tracks make this a day to remember. With both climbs conquered, we reach the outskirts of Lusaka, for a short road transfer to our peaceful lodge on the city’s edge set in lush gardens with a pool.
Accommodation
Our final day in the saddle takes us through the outskirts of Lusaka giving us a real taste of city life, before turning towards the beautiful Lilayi Nature Reserve. The last few kilometres wind through the reserve, accompanied by zebra, giraffe and antelope, before we arrive at our plush private game lodge. A celebratory sundowner and farewell dinner provide the perfect ending to an extraordinary journey.
Accommodation -
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a relaxed morning at the lodge before your transfer to Lusaka Airport. Bikes packed, memories made and a few more stories to tell.
The Après Vélo itinerary may be subject to route and hotel changes, and other modifications subject to circumstances prevailing at the time.
PRICE
INCLUSIONS
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare.
- Travel and personal insurance.
- Additional hotel expenses i.e. in-room hotel charges, incidentals.
- Alcohol with meals.
- Rental bikes (Talk to us when booking).
- Laundry. Facilities are available at your hotels for your convenience.
NEED A BIKE?
Built for the road less travelled.
Our rental bike is the Outer Cycles Rora AL1, a lightweight alloy gravel bike designed for mixed terrain and the demands of bikepacking-style adventures.
With a full carbon fork, Shimano GRX 12-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes and wide Maxxis Rambler tyres, it's well equipped for the varied gravel roads, dirt tracks and trails of the Zambezi Valley.
Bike sizes: S, M, L and XL.
Limited hire bikes available. If interested, please select YES on booking request, and an Après Vélo representative will provide further details.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
See our FAQs page for answers to common questions or contact us via email.
NEED MORE INFO?
See our links below for more information about this tour.
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