Dramatically situated on top of the escarpment, the 5,000-ha Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge is a malaria-free resort and a popular venue among cyclists, with plenty of wildlife to be seen, including zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, antelope, jackal and leopard. Take some warm clothes as it can get cold and wet, even in mid-summer.

On your bike

Launching off the escarpment you can take a number of routes through the forestry on the property. All routes are on jeep tracks used for game-viewing drives.

The exhilarating 16km ride, with an altitude drop of 800m down to the old farmhouse, is recommended. The climb back out is along the same route or via the 4×4 trail and is quite steep.

South Africa’s first tour de France cyclist, Robert Hunter, and the SA cycling team have done some clandestine off-season training in this area. The 150km Three Pass route, which is revered by hardcore road cyclists, descends from Crystal springs through Pilgrim’s Rest and up the short, steep pass to Graskop. Turning right to Sabie, prepare for the aptly named Long Tom Pass and the radical descent into Lydenburg. Return to Crystal Springs via the Orighstad road and Robbers Pass.

Off the bike

For the incurably active, Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge offers game drives in open vehicles, mini-golf, squash, tennis and a hiking trail. Outdoor and indoor heated swimming pools. Restaurant and pub. Children’s playground. Games room. Adults’ clubhouse. Gym, beauty salon and spa facilities. Conferencing for 40 delegates. Bike hire.