David Baber and his team have extended the trails network at Summerplace Game Reserve to better cater for Beginner, Novice and Intermediate mountain bikers and offer more distance for Advanced riders. Here’s what’s new and why you should ride it as soon as possible…
Summerplace Game Reserve has always offered exciting trails for Advanced, skilled mountain bikers. But during 2024, landowner and avid mountain biker, David Baber, has been on a quest to add more trails that appeal to Beginner, Novice and Intermediate mountain bikers. He’s also made some of the existing trails less intimidating.
Earlier this year, the Orange Route was built. A mostly singletrack 23 km trail that explores the northwest section of the reserve, including three ascents and descents of a hill that adds a decent amount of elevation and some special views.
There’s now a wide range of MTB routes for Beginner, Novice and Intermediate riders. Photo: Glacier Waterberg Traverse
Over the winter, David and his team have added trails to the Langwater section of the reserve – on the left as you drive from the main gate to the Summerplace Restaurant. This is primarily a savanna area with very gradual climbs and descents. This allowed for the building of trails that link the existing small game-drive roads to deliver a Brown Route, that measures 28.4km and a longer Yellow Route, that measures 39.2km.
The Brown Route is ideal for Beginner and Intermediate level riders, starting on Aloe trail and exploring the south eastern area of the reserve.
Aloe’s rocky roll-downs made it somewhat intimidating for many riders in the past, but the trails team has added loads of soil to ensure they’re now roll-downs and more accessible to a wider range of riders. These roll-downs deliver the required momentum to fully enjoy one of the most fun, flowy trails at Summerplace Game Reserve.
Mellow Miles, Killing Kilometres, Salad, Eco Mode and Great Gnu are all new trails, which take the Brown Route into the wild-life rich plains area of the reserve, where Giraffe, Zebra, Tsessebe, Kudu and Impala are regular sightings from the saddle.
The new Pink Route is 15km long on gravel roads and jeep track – perfect for Beginners. Photo: Glacier Waterberg Traverse
The Yellow Route follows much of the Brown, but is more appropriate for Advanced and Intermediate riders looking to add distance with some engaging features. The Yellow Route previously included Marula Flow, Marula, Aloe and Rooibos trails. It still has those, but has a fresh trail called Chicken Legs, which is now the descent off Marula Hill. It includes some switchback turns that have been superbly crafted with packed rocks. The switchbacks only occupy a short segment near the top and near the bottom of this descent, which has stunning views of the Waterberg and is a load of fun to ride.
Baber has also designed additional Beginner, Novice and Intermediate routes on less challenging sections of the original routes. So there is now one Beginner route and Four Novice routes totalling 78km in distance and four Intermediate routes that offer a total distance of 94km. With 15km of jeep track and gravel roads, the new Pink Route is designed specifically for Beginners.
David Baber checking the rocky switchback turns on Chicken Legs trail. Photo: Glacier Waterberg Traverse
“With our gravity trails now well established and attracting both high profile events and recreational riders seeking a challenging trails network, we have spent this year focussing on adding trails that all mountain bikers can enjoy. We now have a total of 12 mountain biking routes – one of which is specifically for Beginners, four routes suitable for Novices, four routes for Intermediate riders, two routes for Advanced riders and one route for Expert riders,” said Baber.
Summerplace Game Reserve offers a wide range of self-catering accommodation as well as a restaurant that serves meals for hungry mountain bikers. To book your stay at Summerplace Game Reserve to ride the new trails, click here.
Many of the new trails will be incorporated into the two-stage Glacier Waterberg Traverse, which takes place at Summerplace Game Reserve from 9-11 May 2025. To find out more, or to enter, click here.
Looking for somewhere fresh for your end-of-year corporate getaway? Summerplace Game Reserve, just over two hour’s drive from Pretoria, offers an authentic fully catered bushveld experience in the Waterberg that will deliver a meaningful, memorable end-of-year send-off.
Whether it’s a celebration of a successful year; a strategic team-building exercise, an opportunity to entertain key clients; or a bosberaad, Summerplace Game Reserve is equipped to ensure you can focus on your objective in a tranquil setting that’s removed from the city hustle, but which has all the necessary modern amenities.
We are running a 15% discount on a midweek three-night, full-board rate if booking is done before 10 October 2024. We can accommodate up to 60 people in our various lodges and we have an on-site restaurant to manage all the catering.
The consistent maintenance of our roads means that all vehicles can manage the drive once the route leaves the tar road. Most of the drive is on the N1 freeway with the final section on good quality tar and gravel roads through the towns of Modimole and Vaalwater.
Summerplace Game Reserve regularly hosts corporate functions. From Blue Chip companies to small and medium-sized businesses, we are able to customise your corporate getaway to your needs. With unlimited, always-on WiFi, solar power and borehole water, Summerplace Game Reserve is equipped to operate off the grid and ensure your corporate event runs smoothly from start to finish.
“As the word spreads, more and more companies are choosing Summerplace for their business breakaways. We are remote enough to be removed from the company premises and related distractions, but close enough that the travel time isn’t a challenge from Pretoria and Johannesburg,” said Simone Baber, Director Summerplace Game Reserve.
“Because we are able to customise our corporate breakaways to each client’s needs and don’t just offer a singular package, we have hosted quite a variety of company bookings in the past 18 months. The fact that we have luxury, self-catering lodges and also offer a fully catered package gives companies flexibility too,” added Baber.
“We needed a place where our staff could relax and be spoiled by us as a company. We wanted comfortable, upmarket accommodation, good food, and a place where we could relax and play a few games. We also wanted an option where we could bring our own drinks when we relaxed at the lodges. Summerplace offered all the above and more,” said Wilna van Heerden of DNA Outsourcing (Pty) Ltd, a HR and payroll solutions company that recently booked a company breakaway at Summerplace.
As one of the leading wilderness trails destinations in South Africa, Summerplace Game Reserve offers a network of engaging trails for mountain biking, trail running and hiking. We have a fleet of rental eBikes – ideal for those that don’t have their own bikes but who want a riding experience in the bush.
With over 40 species of large mammals and more than 140 bird Summerplace Game Reserve is a wildlife haven as well as a Waterberg region conservation hub for Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Tsessebe and Mountain Reedbuck. We also offer sundowner drinks excursions or game drives to bid a scenic farewell to the day.
Summerplace Game Reserve is pleased to officially launch The Hideout, our new ultra-luxury glamping experience where you can get the best of plush accommodation and gourmet food in the silence and sanctuary of the South African bush.
The Hideout features 10 brand new ultra-luxury glamping units, each privately located to ensure it’s just you and the Bushveld. Each unit sleeps two has been designed with glass doors and windows as well as a covered porch to offer unrestricted views of the bush and a feeling of serenity.
The Hideout glamping tents are ideal for couples in search of a romantic escape. Relaxation is the priority and meals are prepared by our gourmet chef and served in the on-site restaurant, a pleasant short walk away from each unit. Each glamping unit has a kitchenette with bar fridge and coffee station to ensure refreshments are close at hand. There’s also fine linen, electric lighting, power points and appropriately placed carpets to ensure optimal comfort.
There’s a private wood-fired hot tub at each glamping unit where you can enjoy the sights, sounds and aromas of the Waterberg bush while relaxing under the stars or savouring a sundowner with a difference. Each Hideout unit features an en-suite bathroom with a twin basin and a shower with internal and external doors.
“We’re excited to expand our accommodation options with The Hideout glamping units. We have steadily been growing our guest options over the past couple of years to ensure we cater for everyone that loves to spend time in the bush. The Hideout glamping is a dinner, bed and breakfast offering, which is ideal for those who don’t want to think about meal preparation during their stay at Summerplace,” said Simone Baber, Managing Director, Summerplace Game Reserve.
With a full-time chef at the Summerplace Restaurant, gourmet meals are prepared daily. The Summerplace Restaurant is the social hub of Summerplace Game Reserve. There’s a fireplace for when it’s cold and a swimming pool for when it’s hot. A drinks bar, uncapped WIFI, a big-screen TV and ample comfortable seating both indoors and on the veranda make the Summerplace Restaurant the ideal chill zone before and after meals.
There’s also the bike rental kiosk where you can rent regular mountain bikes and e-bikes as well as the Summerplace shop where you can find a range of Summerplace apparel and interesting mementos. Sundowner game drives can also be booked to ensure you get an opportunity to interact with a wide range of wildlife, including giraffe, zebra, Eland, Kudu, Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Tsessebe and much more!
While The Hideout glamping units are ideal for couples, they’re also appropriate for group or family bookings, able to accommodate up to 20. Although each glamping unit is private, they’re within a short walk of each other. The king size beds can be separated to two single beds on request.
To find out more or to book your special glamping bushveld break at Summerplace Game Reserve, click here.
Warm fires, stunning sunsets, midday walks, runs or rides through the Bushveld. What’s not to love about a winter escape to the Waterberg? Summerplace Game Reserve is perfectly geared for winter breaks with a range of accommodation that includes cosy indoor fireplaces, outdoor braai bomas and wood-fired hot tubs.
Swap the smog that settles over the Highveld cities in winter for crisp countryside air that’s rich in Bushveld aromas. Experience night skies that enable stargazing from the comfort of your private hot tub. Sip sundowners from a viewpoint after a late afternoon game drive. Leave the urban noise behind and listen to the sounds of the Waterberg wilderness.
Just over two hours’ drive north from Pretoria, Summerplace Game Reserve offers a wondrous winter escape. There’s a range of accommodation to suit every budget. From camping, to glamping, to small country units to luxury villas, Summerplace Game Reserve makes it possible for anyone to afford a winter escape in the Waterberg.
There are over 40 species of large mammals at Summerplace Game Reserve, including Zebra, Giraffe, Warthog, Brown Hyena and Black-backed Jackal. There’s also a wide range of antelope including Eland, Roan Antelope, Kudu, Sable Antelope, Waterbuck, Tsessebe, Common Reedbuck, Mountain Reedbuck and more. And there’s the smaller mammals such as Aardvark, Aardwolf, Pangolin, Civet, Badger, Serval and others.
The dry winter months, with less dense vegetation, makes for more successful game-viewing. Summerplace Game Reserve is one of the few game reserves in South Africa where you can enjoy wildlife encounters while riding a mountain bike, running or walking on our broad network of purpose-built trails. If you don’t own a mountain bike, you can hire a regular mountain bike, a kids mountain bike or an eBike (electric-assist) from our fleet of Specialized rental bikes.
Our relaxed game drives are also a great way to enjoy wildlife encounters. Our knowledgeable guides are able to offer useful information on the animals you see from the comfort of our game drive vehicle.
Summerplace Game Reserve is also home to a wide range of trees and bird species. There are at least 130 different types of trees and at least 107 bird species, including several raptors, making it an ideal destination for dendrophiles and birders. Summerplace Game Reserve is also where you will find the tallest Aloe in South Africa.
A Bushveld break at Summerplace Game Reserve can be ideal for couples or families. Ideal lodges for couples include, Hideaway (10 ultra-luxury glamping tents, launching late July 2024), as well as New Wine, The Shed 2 and Saringa lodges. Family-friendly accommodation includes camping, Rosemary Cottage, Marula Cottage, Bushwillow, The Shed 1 and 3, Yorks View, Summerhill and Summerview lodges.
Most of our accommodation is self-catering but we also offer meals twice a day at our Bike Village restaurant with brunch/lunch and dinner. The Bike Village, which has plenty of comfortable seating inside and on the veranda, also has a fully stocked bar and coffee station, a big-screen TV and free, uncapped WiFi. There’s also a shop where you can buy Summerplace-branded apparel and mementos as well other useful items.
Whether it’s during the school holidays, a quick mid-week break or a lazy, long-weekend escape, a winter break in the Waterberg is best enjoyed at Summerplace Game Reserve.
The Aloe marlothii is the primary image on the Summerplace Game Reserve logo. That’s because our reserve is home to an abundance of Aloe marlothii (Mountain Aloe). We also have several large marlothii forests and, what we now know is officially the tallest Aloe in South Africa.
The giant Aloe at Summerplace Game Reserve was recently measured and is officially confirmed as the tallest Aloe marlothii in South Africa. Measuring 9.80 metres, the Giant Aloe can be distinctly seen on the ridgeline from a couple of kilometres away and is even more impressive up close.
“The marlothii growth at Summerplace really is quite something. Summerplace has a terrific population of marlothii with large concentrations in some places, such as along the southern boundary,” said Warwick Tarboton, author of multiple bird books and Wildflowers of the Waterberg. He is also a Waterberg Biosphere expert and co-edits the website, waterberg-bioquest.co.za, a valuable resource for the region.
South Africa’s tallest Aloe marlothii is at Summerplace Game Reserve. Photo: Josh Baber
Tarboton assisted the South African Dendrological Society to measure the height of the Giant Aloe at Summerplace Game Reserve.
“We have long poles with a mirror to be able to examine eagle’s nests. We used those poles to measure the height of the Aloe marlothii. When I first saw the Aloe, it was flowering, so it was taller. But when we measured it in mid-May 2024, the flower head was on the ground. It’s another metre long, so when flowering (usually between May and September), it is even taller, at around 10.80 metres, which is unusually tall” explained Tarboton.
According to the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), ‘Aloe marlothii is a large, perennial, succulent, single-stemmed aloe, usually 2-4 m tall (occasionally up to 6 metres), with old dried leaves remaining on the stem below the upper living leaves. Leaves are large, broad and succulent, light green to greyish green to blue-green, up to 1500mm x 250mm, having a broad base tapering to a sharp point, covered with spines on upper and lower surfaces and maroon-coloured teeth with orange tips along leaf margins’.
Compared to most mature Aloe marlothii in the area, the Giant Aloe is immense. Photo: Josh Baber
Aloe Marlothii is found mainly in bushveld vegetation along mountainous areas, rocky terrain and slopes where temperatures are warmer and frost infrequent. Mountain ranges of the Drakensburg, Lebombo, Zoutpansberg and Waterberg have large populations of the species.
“The generally accepted definition of a tree is a plant with a woody stem two metres or more in height. Aloe marlothii is essentially a plant until it’s taller, then it classifies as a tree,” explained Tarboton.
In addition to the height of the enormous Aloe Marlothii, the Dendrological Society measurement includes stem girth (0.93m), stem diameter (0.30m), average crown diameter (1.50m) and crown spread (1.80m-squared). All of these combine for a size index of 6.53.
It is noted via one theory that the clustering of Aloe marlothii on the Polokwane Plateau is could be associated with African Iron Age archaeological sites of Ndebele village ruins. Ndebele occupied the area from 1650 to 1880. It is believed the seeds were brought to the Ndebele villages from plant material they used for a variety of uses such as scraping hides to prepare women’s dresses, using ash from dried leaves for an additive to snuff, eating nectar from the flowers, leaf extractions to treat roundworm and tapeworm and fresh leaf sap used on women’s breasts to wean babies.
The Ndebele left the region around 1885 and large thickets of Aloe marlothii continued to flourish in the area. Although no ruins are obvious, this may explain the unusually large marlothii forest at the southern border of Summerplace Game Reserve. It also indicates that some of the larger Aloe marlothiitrees may be in excess of 130 years old.
The protection offered by the surrounding trees and mineral-rich ground are likely reasons for the Giant Aloe’s success. Photo: Josh Baber
The Aloe marlothii Forest, which sits at one of the lowest points of the reserve, is a key feature on the reserve. A mountain bike trail – fittingly name Aloe – winds its way through the forest, which is also a favourite location for wedding and special occasions photographs.
After co-authoring the book, Wildflowers of the Waterberg, Tarboton is currently working on a new book that focusses on trees of the Waterberg. He believes the reason for the unusually high Aloe marlothii on the northern ridge is two-fold.
“That side of the reserve is underlain by dolerite, and the soils from these rocks have more nutrients than the soils from sandstones which make up most of the Waterberg. Coupled with this is that this marlothii is growing on a large old termitarium (termite mound) which provides even more plant nutrients’ explained Tarboton.
“The other reason it may have been able to grow so tall is that it is surrounded by a clump of other trees, which both protect it from the elements and add nutrients into the soil,” he added.
The Giant Aloe can be seen on the Grey Mountain Bike Route, shortly after the start of the appropriately named Marlothii Trail.
The Giant Aloe at Summerplace Game Reserve is visible from a long distance away. Photo: Josh Baber
The South African Gravity Racing community will descend on Summerplace Game Reserve in June 2024 where the Summerplace Gravity Festival will see Enduro and Downhill SA Cup events consecutively hosted on the slopes of the beautiful Waterberg.
Running from Friday 14 until Monday 17 June, the Summerplace Gravity Festival will be held over the long weekend – Sunday 16 June is Youth Day, making Monday 17 June a public holiday.
The Enduro will include six stages – five that were used at the SA Cup event in 2023 and one brand new stage.
Photo: Dominic Barnardt
“The feedback on the 2023 event was so positive, so we are going to use five of those stages again this year. We will use Tumbleweed, Load Shredder, and Red Mountain as we did last year. Skyfall will feature again, but not the top section as that will form part of the new Downhill course this year,” explained David Baber, Summerplace co-owner and trailbuilder.
“We will use Summerflow again too as the final stage and have added a brand-new stage called Green Moss, which is around three minutes in duration for the fast racers and which has a nice range of natural features, including rock gardens and a drop-off near the end. Obviously, there will be B Lines where necessary,” added Baber.
The Lite Enduro will use Red Mountain, Green Moss and Summerflow as its three stages.
Photo: Dominic Barnardt
The new Downhill course uses the top part of Skyfall and is then all new from there.
“Downhill racers can expect a very natural course with limited man-made features. It’s about 1.7km long with a drop of around 200 metres. I expect the top racers to do around 2 minutes 45 seconds or so. We have opened it up quite a lot in places, especially over rocks and ridges to give riders a range of line choices,” explained Baber.
The Summerplace Gravity Festival has been designed to accommodate racers that want to compete in both the Enduro and the Downhill events. The Enduro race day will be Saturday 15 June, offering the days leading up as practice days. The Downhill race day will be on Monday 17 June (a public holiday), allowing for practice and qualifying on Sunday 16 June.
Photo: Dominic Barnardt
Cycling South Africa has scheduled Summerplace Gravel Festival to coincide with government mid-year school holidays, which start on Monday, 17 June and run until Monday 8 July, making it easier for families to schedule a trip for the two events.
Summerplace Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s premier mountain biking destinations. There is more than 120km of marked and maintained mountain bike trails on the 3500-hectare game reserve. Summerplace offers trails for all levels of mountain biker, from enthusiastic newcomers to seasoned veterans. A large volume of the trails are hand-build singletrack, designed to be challenging and rewarding. There are more than 40 species of large mammals at Summerplace and wildlife encounters while mountain biking are common.
Summerplace Game Reserve offers a range of high-quality accommodation with various lodges as well as a campsite. To see the range of accommodation for the Summerplace Gravity Festival, click here.
Ignatius (Inus) du Preez is a member of the Summerplace Game Reserve mountain bike team. With the support of Summerplace and the guidance of his coach, he has transformed from a promising racer into a podium contender at high profile South African XCO and Marathon races. We spoke to him to find out more about his background, his role off the bike at Summerplace and his goals.
When did you first show an interest in mountain biking?
Just before high school I did a range of sports. In Grade 8 – my first year of high school – one of the sports I could do at Hoerskool Garsfontein, was cycling. At the time the Spur MTB Series was big and the school was among the more successful schools in the league. I had got a new bike the year before and I was keen to try something new. I did some Spur Series races, but only off cross-country running and hockey fitness. The vibe at these events was awesome and I think that’s what got me keen on mountain biking.
When was your first MTB race and what event was it?
In Grade 3 I entered a 10km MTB race. I was so excited! But took a wrong turn and ended up doing 30km. It was so tough and I was heartbroken by the finish! Looking back, it certainly helped me cope with something physically hard! My next race was in Grade 7. I had got a new bike and I entered the Windpomp Cherie, a 50km race in Stillbaai, where we normally go in the summer holidays. I did that with my dad. It was extremely hard! After 20km it became super difficult. I hadn’t done any specific training and I really struggled to finish. But every year after that I entered the race and last year (2023) for the first time, I won it. It was always a goal of mine since that first one to try and win it.
Inus during the 2024 Tankwa Trek stage race where he and his teammate, Johan de Villiers, finished eighth overall. | Photo: Oakpics.com
Was mountain bike racing a focus for you in your later high school years?
In my final year as a Junior, I started doing some XCO SA Cup races for the first time. Hockey was my main focus though. I did do some training for mountain biking – I trained for one hour twice a week.
When did you start taking mountain bike racing seriously?
I was in Grades 10 and 11 during Covid and there weren’t many races happening. I was first year Junior in Grade 11 and I realised I had a bit of potential and I also enjoyed it, so I started taking it a bit more seriously. I would say in Grade 12 (Matric), when I did all the SA Cups for XCO racing, that was when I started to really begin to focus on mountain bike racing.
Inus on his way to sixth overall at Round 2 of the 2024 Ford Trailseeker Series. Photo: Dominic Barnardt
What made you realise that you could become a successful mountain bike racer?
That’s a tough question. In my final school year, I would train two hours a week for intervals and if I didn’t have hockey on the weekends, I would do some longer rides. I was never planning to race after school, so I was still racing for enjoyment. In my first year out of school, I started to experience asthma sometimes when racing, so it was an okay year, but not a great year of racing. I was also first year Under-23, which is a challenging time for a racer. I can’t say exactly when I realised I could become a successful mountain bike racer or decided to pursue it fully, but I do know that I wanted to reach my full potential. I still haven’t reached that potential, which is what keeps me motivated.
When did you first start training with a coach?
I started training with a coach in Grade 9. It was with Amrick, which is more group training sessions than personalised coaching. It was always fun because it was with friends and was mostly outrides. My first structured training was during Covid in Grade 10. My coach was Eugene Elliot. He saw my potential in the Spur Series races. He coached me twice a week until the end of my final school yea. In my first year out of school, I moved to Deon Carstens. I appreciate all these coaches who have been such an important part of my mountain biking journey. They have helped me to keep it fun, while improving.
After finishing 18th at Round 1 and sixth at Round 2, Inus has taken the lead in the Elite Men’s division in the Ford Trailseeker Series standings. | Photo: Dominic Barnardt
Who is your current coach and what difference has the coaching made to you?
Deon Carstens is my current coach. He’s my first real professional coach. He’s helped me move into a more serious phase where the hours on the bike have become a lot longer and the training is more specific. It’s great to have someone with his experience to monitor and guide me. It’s a long process to get where you want to be. I still feel I have a lot more improving to do. Deon also been so good in helping me shift my mindset to a serious racing one and helping me maintain my focus on my goals.
What impact has the support from Summerplace Game Reserve had on your progress in the last couple of years?
Everything that I have achieved so far is thanks to Summerplace Game Reserve. First off, the training grounds – I have some of the best mountain bike trails in my back yard! The whole environment is ideal. I can feel safe on my own, encounter wild animals on almost every ride, improve my technical skills and also do long rides. Starting quite late as a mountain bike racer, my technical skills were a weakness, but living and training at Summerplace has turned that into one of my strengths.
Dave and Simone Baber and Paul Rose are among the few people that saw my potential in cycling and have been incredibly supportive. I didn’t really have that many great results, but they saw more than those results and I am so grateful for them their ongoing support. I wouldn’t be where I am now as a mountain bike racer without them.
Inus on his way to fourth place in the Elite & U23 Men’s race at Round 1 of the XCO SA Cup at Thaba Trails. | Photo: Dominic Barnardt
What support do you get from Summerplace as a mountain bike racer?
There are currently three racers in the Summerplace MTB Team – Lilian Baber, Respect Ramashia and myself. Lilian and I have similar racing schedules and she is a great support and always helps me when I need it. Summerplace Game Reserve basically makes everything available so that all I have to do is train and race my best. They give us great quality kit and top-end bikes. They cover all our transport and race entries as well as our travel and accommodation costs. Everything we need as mountain bike racers we get from Summerplace. With cycling being such an expensive sport, it’s essential to have this kind of support to achieve your potential. I am and will forever be grateful to Summerplace Game Reserve for all the support they give me.
You also work at Summerplace, what is your role/job description?
I don’t have a specific job title. It ranges from doing game drives, trails admin, guide rides, skills coaching, helping with the wildlife, driving to get supplies and more. We all help here with what needs to be done.
You have gone from a top 20 finisher to a podium challenger in both top-tier XCO and Marathon races this year. Do you feel you still more improvement you can make?
There is definitely still more room to improve! It’s quite rewarding to start getting some decent results this year. As a cyclist, you are never quite satisfied with what you have achieved, but I am still young and growing into a more complete racer, so I am excited about what is still to come.
Inus raced to an impressive fourth overall at Round 1 of the 2024 XCO SA Cup Series against a strong field. | Photo: Dominic Barnardt
What are your three mountain bike racing career highlights so far?
I would say the first XCO SA Cup I did at Summerplace in my final year of school would be one of them. It was very different to the other races I had done as it was a very technical track against top competitors. Then, I would say doing the Tankwa Trek stage race earlier this year was another highlight so far. It was the first stage race that I have raced hard. It was absolutely amazing. My partner Johan de Villiers and I were actually competing and it was really cool to learn so much about longer distance racing and stage racing.
And then I would say the Val di Sole World Cup in Italy last year. It was amazing to experience. Racing on the same course as the pros that you see on TV. It was fantastic! I really pushed myself beyond what I thought I could do.
And I’m going to sommer give you a fourth highlight – the XCO SA Cup at Thaba Trails this year was an important milestone for me. Being in contention for second place at a SA Cup with all the top racers present was something I could only dream about last year. To make it a reality this year was fantastic.
What are your main goals for the rest of 2024?
The first one is SA Champs in Paarl in early May. I hope to get a good position and will try and challenge for the SA Under-23 title. The next one is to try gain selection for the XCO World Champs this year. And then also the World Cups that we plan to race this year. I would like to improve at those compared to last year.
There’s a new route at Summerplace Game Reserve that’s instantly broadened the riding options to a greater range of mountain bikers. The 22km Orange Route is ideal for lesser skilled recreational riders, but it also adds great value to experienced riders and wild-life lovers.
Already a premier mountain biking destination, Summerplace now offers even more to mountain bikers. During the summer, trailmaster, David Baber and his team added more than 25km of new mountain bike routes to the reserve’s trail network. Most of these additional kilometres went into the new Orange Route, which explores a fresh section of the reserve.
As you drive into the main gate at Summerplace, the land to your right, which includes a decent sized hill, now has many kilometers of engaging mountain bike trails. You need at least -4% gradient to create good flow and this slope ranges from -4 to -25%, which means plenty of flow.
We’ll get back to that hill in a bit though. It’s important to know that the Orange Route is a route that’s ideal for most mountain bikers. It’s got a couple of steep bits that might be a bit intimidating for some, but these are quite easy to dismount and portage. Ninety percent of the route is unintimidating and ideal for most mountain bikers.
The Orange Route starts near the Bike Village on the road that heads to the main gate. It hugs the side of the hill on a trail called Spook Huis, where many rocks have been cleared to ensure as smooth a ride as possible before it joins onto Drop to Gulley trail.
This piece of trail rolls gently down the slope in the direction of the main reserve road for a few hundred metres before it takes a left onto a trail called Old School. This is a completely new trail that winds its ways gradually in a northerly direction down to the low ground and then up the opposite slope, which is very slight in terms of gradient. It then turns east and takes you on an engaging path before turning north to join a gravel road.
You follow the gravel road for a while until you reach a boundary fence, turn right and then right again to begin the first of three ascents of the large hill that dominates this section of the reserve. David has masterfully crafted trail to make the most of this elevation, which delivers a moderate climbing challenge and stunning views.
The first descent is on a trail called Mountain Oak, which starts off steep, but which eases as you reach the gravel road where you can take a drink, chat excitedly to your mates about that cool descent before turning onto a long singletrack trail called Easy Going, which lives up to its name and allows you some freedom to enjoy more game-spotting.
The second ascent is more direct and on a jeep track road, which has some steep pitches but is superbly rewarding once you begin the second descent, which takes you about halfway down the slope before tackling the final ascent. This ascent brings you to the top of the hill again where you can appreciate some superb vistas to the south and west before dropping down the final descent on a trail called Ball Itch.
The name may be uncomfortable, but the trail is a delight! It drops 100 metres in 2km, has an average of -4.6 percent gradient and delivers some classic David Baber flow! This is sure to become one of the new favourite trails at Summerplace because no matter what your skill level, it’s so much fun.
The fun does end though, right in the dip, but you do get to take a steady pedal back to the end of the Orange Route on the gravel road, where you can process what you have just ridden or contemplate a second lap!
The Orange Route is mostly rideable for newer mountain bikers, but expect a couple of short portage bits. It’s all part of the adventure and it does allow you to pause and take in the natural beauty around you. For Intermediate and Experienced mountain bikers, the Orange Route is an absolute gem! The balance of climbing, descending and singletrack is just right and, like a small slab of your favourite chocolate, leaves you feeling both satisfied and craving more…
The Orange Route can also be considered a Mountain Biking Safari. A wide range of game can be encountered on this route, including Giraffe, Zebra, Roan Antelope, Impala, Kudu, Sable Antelope, Eland, Tsessebe, Warthog and Reedbuck, partly because the route covers a large area and partly because the vegetation isn’t too dense, which makes it easier to spot wild animals from your saddle.
For experienced/fit riders, the Orange Route is a great start or end loop as either a long warm-up or cool-down to a longer ride. It’s a highly engaging way to add another 20-odd kilometres of distance without too much toil.
To experience the new Orange Route – and all of the other mountain bike routes and trails at Summerplace Game Reserve, book your accommodation here. https://summerplacegamereserve.com/accommodation/
In a world where technology is increasingly dominant, corporate breakaways are more important than ever in creating opportunities away from the office for staff to build bonds, share energy, create ideas and align with company objectives. Summerplace is an ideal corporate breakaway destination. Here’s why…
If you own a small business, or run a division of a large company, then you will know the value of communication. Communication has become highly digital in this modern world, which is great for efficiency, but the human connection undoubtedly suffers. The best way to maintain or build that human connection within your company is to give your staff the opportunity to speak directly to each other – somewhere relaxing and away from distractions.
Less than a three-hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Summerplace Game Reserve is a modern game reserve that’s geared to host corporate breakaways that are meaningful and effective. Summerplace is big enough to ensure your staff enjoy a feeling of escape and freedom, but small enough to customise your company breakaway to suit your objectives.
Recently, a HR and payroll solutions company, DNA Outsourcing (Pty) Ltd, held a company breakaway at Summerplace. We asked Wilna van Heerden some questions about their experience.
Where did you hear about Summerplace as an option for a business conference?
My husband and I spent some time at Summerplace with another couple for a weekend. We fell in love with the five-star accommodation. The men are avid mountain bikers and my friend and I loved hiking in the Bushveld. As owners of DNA Outsourcing, we decided to arrange our company kick-off party at Summerplace.
Was the booking and set-up process like straightforward?
I dealt directly with Simone Baber, the Managing Director, who assisted me in choosing the best options for accommodation. We selected the full board option for the three-day, two-nights breakaway.
What were your main requirements for your conference?
We needed a place where our staff could relax and be spoiled by us as a company. We needed comfortable upmarket accommodation, good food, and a place where we could relax and play a few games. We also wanted an option where we could bring our own drinks when we relaxed at the lodges. Summerplace offered all the above and more.
Do you feel that your conference at Summerplace was a success?
Yes, our conference was very successful. Simone and her team went out of their way to make this a special event. They immediately made us feel at home. Simone even assisted me with transporting our bus driver, who didn’t feel comfortable driving back on her own, to her accommodation.
What did Summerplace offer that was highly valued?
Summerplace feels like a five-star lodge and at the same time it feels like home. The accommodation is out of this world. Beautiful interiors, fantastic views, and the option of relaxing in your own private hot tub, was the cherry on the cake. Our staff felt appreciated, and we all fell in love with Summerplace.
Did your staff do some of the Summerplace activities?
Yes, we were treated with a hike to the top of the hill where we were served sundowners and snacks. It was well worth the short walk that gave you such a good experience in the bush. The view from the top was out of this world. Josh from Summerplace used his drone to take beautiful live footage of our group.
What was the Summerplace accommodation like?
As mentioned above, it’s five-star luxury accommodation. We loved everything about our accommodation.
What was the standard of Summerplace catering like?
Catering at Summerplace is home cooked modern meals. Lunches were served with fresh bread and salads. Dinner was hearty and we felt right at home. Breakfast was a spread that could last you for the whole day – not forgetting the delicious cappuccinos. They also offer drinks and wine at the bar.
Were there any wildlife encounters during your stay at Summerplace?
Yes, we saw quite a bit of wildlife while hiking and driving on the reserve. This included Sable Antelope, Warthog, Giraffe and more.
Would you return to Summerplace for another business conference?
Yes, this was one of our most successful business breakaways.
Would you recommend Summerplace as a business conference venue to other companies?
Yes, I would highly recommend Summerplace for any business conference or private breakaway. Cannot wait to visit again!
These days, too many weddings are consigned to a compact afternoon/evening of commitment and celebration and then a flurry of Facebook photos and Instagram reels. Beautiful human moments, but all too brief. At Summerplace Game Reserve, weddings are a whole weekend celebration that are unhurried, uncomplicated and unforgettable.
A two-hour 15-minute drive from Pretoria and less than three hours from Johannesburg makes Summerplace Game Reserve close enough for a weekend escape but far enough to leave the chaos of the city behind. No traffic, no load-shedding and no fear of crime. Peace and serenity prevail. Located just north of Vaalwater in the Limpopo province, Summerplace offers the best of the Bushveld and the Waterberg.
At Summerplace, your special union of love isn’t just one of many on a long list; it’s as much a significant occasion for us as it is for you. Our remote location in the heart of the Waterberg bush allows for a connection to nature throughout the weekend, with particular emphasis on the ceremony photos and video.
Depending on time of year, we have several stunning photo locations that offer wilderness backdrops, foregrounds and skies that enhance any image; and our safari-style game-drive vehicle adds character as a mobile prop – if desired.
Weddings at Summerplace can accommodate up to 90 guests in our spacious modern functions venue (70 if only indoors), adjacent to our wooden deck which overlooks an open savanna and faces the setting sun. Our open-air chapel allows for optimising the ample space and shade of the indigenous trees. The sound of birds and sighting of wildlife is guaranteed as we have over 100 bird species and more than 40 large mammal species.
We have several lodges on the reserve that can accommodate up to 86 guests sharing – including the bridal suite. They’re all fully furnished self-catering homes with uncapped Wi-Fi, solar power and gas geysers. Some of them have swimming pools and wood-fired hot tubs; all of them have bush views. You can find details on each of our lodges here.
Outdoor activities are a primary attraction at Summerplace Game Reserve. We have a world-class trails network with marked routes for mountain biking, trail running and hiking. Self-guided bush walks and guided sundowner game drives are offered and we have a fleet of mountain bikes to rent, including eBikes and kids’ bikes. Our recently upgraded tennis court is popular with groups.
“We enjoy hosting weddings at Summerplace. As a family-owned and managed venue, we understand the importance of getting everything just right to ensure magical, memorable moments for this significant milestone. We get personally involved in the organisation of weddings because we have experience, not only with weddings, but all types of celebrations and know that timing and details matter,” says Simone Baber, Director of Summerplace Game Reserve.
“One of the benefits of hosting your wedding at Summerplace is that it’s a full weekend celebration for the bridal couple and family and friends. It’s not only the few hours of the ceremony and reception but a wonderful unrushed way to commemorate and share such a special occasion,” added Baber.
To book a viewing appointment, send a message via WhatsApp on 083 302 5123, or call on 064 732 6211. For more information on weddings at Summerplace Game Reserve, see the information brochure here.
