The Freedom Trail was founded in 2004 by David Waddilove as a mountain bike route across South Africa to honor the country’s rich history, landscapes, and spirit of endurance by retracing forgotten paths once used for travel and trade. The Freedom Trail stretches 2,150 km across South Africa and is divided into four portions, each offering its own unique challenge and character. The first section winds through the rugged mountains and valleys of KwaZulu-Natal, where riders face steep climbs, river crossings, and dense bush. The second portion traverses the wide-open landscapes of the Karoo, with its vast plains, star-filled skies, and remote farmsteads that test both endurance and navigation. The third section pushes into the Cape Midlands, where riders tackle rolling hills, thornveld, and unpredictable weather, demanding resilience and adaptability. Finally, the route culminates in the Western Cape, weaving through vineyards, mountain passes, and fynbos-covered terrain, ending with breathtaking views that reward the grit and determination needed to complete the journey.
RACES & EVENTS
CHOOSE YOUR EVENT
Three ways to race the Freedom Trail: the original 2,150 km classic, the self-supported Race Across South Africa, or one of the four feeder sections.
THE ORIGIONAL
DISTANCE
STARTS
CUT OFF
2150KM
7 JUNE
26 DAYS
The original and ultimate Freedom event. A legendary, community-supported, non-stop bike-packing race across rugged, technical terrain. With only a map and compass to guide the way and a 26-day cut-off, it’s a true test of endurance, navigation, and spirit.
MAP & COMPASS
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED
NON STOP
2000KM OF GRAVEL
DISTANCE
2000KM
STARTS
5APRIL
CUT OFF
15 DAYS
A self-supported bike-packing race held on the full touring route of the Freedom Trail. Even though the route bypasses major portages and follows mainly to gravel roads it is still a beast! GPS used for navigation. 15 day cut off.
GPS
SELF SUPPORTED
NON STOP
RACE A SECTION
DISTANCE
STARTS
CUT OFF
500KM
JUNE
6 DAYS
The Freedom Challenge racing route is divided into four iconic sections; RTR, RTC, RTW, and RTP, each raced under the same non-stop, map-and-compass conditions and at the same time of year as the main Freedom Challenge event.
MAP & COMPASS
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED
NON STOP
TOURS & RIDING EXPERIENCES
FREEDOM TOURS ARE CALLING
Soak up the landscapes and local hospitality when you choose a section of the trail, and gather up your mates or join a pre arranged tour. E-bikes welcome. A support vehicle with drinks and the option of a lift makes tours a much more achievable and enjoyable way to experience Freedom.
TOUR THE FREEDOM CIRCUIT
DISTANCE
330 KM
DAYS
5 DAYS RIDING
DATES
2-8 May 27 | 3-9 Oct
East Griqualand Meander
SUPPORTED ALL INCLUSIVE TOUR R14500
The circular route starts and finishes at the the beautiful Flitwick Ranch near Swartberg, KZN and takes riders on a magical loop via Centocow, Ntsikeni, up to St Bernard's Peak Hotel and then back to Flitwick via Cederberg Guestfarm.
RIDE THE KAROO
DISTANCE
480 KM
DAYS
5 DAYS RIDING
DATES
17-23 OCT 27
SUPPORTED ALL INCLUSIVE TOUR R14500
The Karoo Meander is a supported tour through the breathtaking Karoo section of the Freedom Trail. It includes coffee stops and trail-side picnics as well as historic talks relevant to the areas you pass through. The open Karoo roads and terrain are a truly unique South African experience.
TACKLE THE BAVIAANS
DISTANCE
380 KM
DAYS
6 DAYS RIDING
DATES
20-27 MARCH 27
SUPPORTED ALL INCLUSIVE TOUR R15500
The Baviaans Meander is a supported tour through the majestic Baviaanskloof. With coffee stops and trail-side picnics, it offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort, making every moment as enjoyable as it is unforgettable.
COMING SOON
DISTANCE
400 KM
DAYS
5 DAYS RIDING
DATES
TBC
SUPPORTED ALL INCLUSIVE TOUR R14500
This will be a new tour starting in Prince Albert, over the iconic Swartberg pass, into the beautiful Groenfontein valley, up Rooiberg pass to Anysberg. With the last stretch descending into Montagu.
BUILD YOUR OWN TOUR
YOUR ADVENTURE YOUR WAY
Choose your favourite section of the Freedom Trail, pick your own dates and round up your mates. Whether you're after a challenging ride, a soulful escape or an unforgettable adventure with friends, we offer flexible tour options to suit your group and your style of riding. From planning your route to arranging accommodation, guides and logistics, we'll take care of the details so you can focus on the riding and the experience.
The team
Chris and Julia Fisher
The Freedom Trail is run by a husband and wife team, Chris and Julia Fisher, who first fell in love with the trail when they did Freedom Challenge as their honeymoon in 2013.
Chris is Race Director and Julia covers logistics of the trail.
They love how Freedom celebrates South Africa and how adventures like it, move your soul so that you are forever changed.
Buffalo Herders
A very special group of individuals make up the Buffalo Herders.
BH are volunteers who assist during events and tours to bring them to life.
Mike Roy
Pierre Singery
Elton Prytz
Doc Grant Lindsay
