Experience Summerplace at the Glacier Waterberg Traverse

Dryland Event Management’s Traverse format allows for both relaxed and racey experiences at multiday events. It is the riders who make this dual approach possible, and the 2026 Glacier Waterberg Traverse promises to replicate the success of the 2025 Glacier Storms River Traverse when mountain bikers descend on Summerplace Game Reserve for the 1^st to the 3^rd of May next year. Where the dual tracks of Tsitsikamma are largely untechnical and weave through pastures, plantations, and indigenous forests, the Waterberg offers more technically challenging riding with a mix of flowing and rocky singletracks, which reward riders on the bike throughout the three days.

Header Image: From arrival treats to the chill zone every afternoon the Glacier by Sanlam, Dryland, and Summerplace teams ensure that riders are well nourished between hearty lunches and delicious dinners. Photo by Justin Reinecke for ZCMC Media.

Another difference between the Glacier Waterberg Traverse and the Glacier Storms River Traverse is the inclusion of race and ride distances in the former. In 2026, the Ride will take on 38-, 41-, and 42-kilometre stages through the sensational Summerplace trails. The Race, meanwhile, will challenge with longer days and more climbing during stages of 55-, 60-, and 52-kilometres. E-Bikers can join the Ride and experience the wilds of the Limpopo bushveld alongside analogue bikers.

Along with captivating riding, the wildlife of Summerplace ensures that riders will have to look up from the singletracks, too. Giraffe, impala, roan antelope, tsessebe, and sable are common sightings from the bike, while eagle-eyed riders may spot kudu and bushbuck. The sweeter acacia veld also provides the habitat for 147 species of birds, including highlights like the Wahlberg’s eagle, fish eagle, and the paradise flycatcher.

Off the bike, the warm hospitality ensures that race or ride, participants and their families will be relaxed. From the welcome drinks and snacks, including complimentary award-winning Perdeberg Wines and ostrich steak strips hot off the Weber braai, on Thursday afternoon to the finisher’s lunch on Sunday afternoon, every meal is catered for. In the afternoons, a chill zone opens, complete with freshly made popcorn, Biogen recovery snacks, and sweets for those with a sweet tooth.

For Gauteng-based mountain bikers, the trip to Summerplace is an easy one. The game reserve is located 27 kilometres north of Vaalwater, a comfortable 2.5-hour drive from Pretoria. Riders travelling up from the Cape can book their bikes in with the official bike transport with Manic Cycles. Other optional extras include sports massage treatments with FHR Sport Recovery and a bike maintenance package. These extras allow participants to simply show up and ride, enjoying the bushveld by bike and the hospitality of the Glacier Waterberg Traverse off it.

Families are invited to join for the long weekend too. Supporter meal packages are available and accommodation can be booked separately through the race website. Options include Standard Camping, Luxury Camping, or a campsite for those who would prefer to bring their own tents. Additionally, participants can contact Summerplace to book one of eleven private lodges on the reserve, each of which accommodates between two and four people sharing.

Supporters will not only be fed, but those who wish to walk to the nearest water point of each stage will be able to do so. Or they can choose to relax while the mountain bikers in the family are out riding. In short, the Glacier Waterberg Traverse promises the perfect bush getaway for the whole family.

For more inspiration or for more reasons to enter, follow @waterbergtraverse on Instagram or like the Glacier Waterberg Traverse on Facebook page. Entries to the 2026 event are open, and riders can secure a spot by visiting www.waterbergtraversemtb.co.za. Early bird entry fees apply until 31 January 2026 and include complimentary First Ascent apparel.