27 May 2024
The inaugural Glacier Waterberg Traverse was hosted in the stunning Summerplace Game Reserve in Limpopo from 3 to 5 May 2024, and was a resounding success, by all accounts.
“What a great way to bring our signature sponsorship, the Glacier Traverse, to the north”, says Khanyi Nzukuma, Chief Executive at Glacier by Sanlam. “We have been hosting the successful Glacier Storms River Traverse for more than a decade in the idyllic Tsitsikamma region, and it seemed timely to add a sibling event in one of our more northern provinces. We could not have imagined that the first-ever Glacier Waterberg Traverse would be such a beautiful experience!”
“The Glacier Storms River Traverse weekends, over the years, have been exciting opportunities to welcome clients, intermediaries, colleagues and friends, who love the outdoors as much as we do. The Glacier Waterberg Traverse promises to be no different,” says Khanyi. “These stage mountain bike experiences are designed for participants to connect outside of work and share a moment of wellbeing and fun in beautiful surroundings, with family and friends.”
Summerplace, a natural choice.
Summerplace Game Reserve, the race venue, is a 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg – 260 kilometres from OR Tambo International Airport or 275 kilometres from Lanseria Airport.
“Summerplace is unquestionably one of the most remarkable mountain biking destinations I’ve ever experienced,” remarked Dryland Event Management’s Henco Rademeyer, Glacier’s partner in hosting the Traverses. “The riding is exceptional! It is varied with flowing singletracks mixed with technical features and breath-taking scenery. There are so many close-range wildlife encounters to look forward to while on the trail, which also contribute to making the mountain biking experience so memorable.”
“The game reserve is home to over 40 species of mammals, including giraffe, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, warthog, and leopard. It also boasts a plethora of bird life and provides a stunningly relaxing environment for mountain bikers and their families to unwind while off the bike. In fact, non-riders will arguably have as much fun at the Glacier Waterberg Traverse as their mountain biking family and friends.”
The unique feature of the Glacier Waterberg Traverse is that participants could race or ride the trail on a classic mountain bike or an e-Bike, which means it’s perfect for novices and seasoned, more competitive riders. What was not unique to this Traverse was the seemingly endless spoils, pampering and delicious food – which all added to the experience with which Glacier’s events have become synonymous.
Already, planning is underway for the Glacier Waterberg Traverse in 2025. Until then, the participants can reflect on the beautiful memories made.
Watch the highlights for day one and day two
The weekend in pictures
