Cycle the Sungazer Pilgrimage – A Soulful Journey Through the Eastern Free State

The Sungazer Pilgrimage offers a truly unique cycle touring experience through one of South Africa’s most unspoiled and culturally rich regions. Named after the remarkable Sungazer Lizard—an iconic but vulnerable species found only in the Eastern Free State—this route blends outdoor adventure, environmental awareness, and small-town charm into an unforgettable journey. Riders follow peaceful gravel roads and farm tracks where the landscape stretches open and wide, and where quiet reflection comes naturally.

Your adventure begins and ends in Paul Roux, a hidden gem of a village framed by sandstone ridges and views of the distant Maluti Mountains. This little “dorpie” is a step back in time, with historic sandstone homes, quirky eateries, and friendly locals who welcome travellers with genuine Free State warmth. It’s the perfect launching point for a slow, meaningful pilgrimage on two wheels.

The Tour de Gazer covers 203 km of the Sungazer Pilgrimage Route and includes five nights of comfortable accommodation with dinner, bed, and breakfast provided. The route unfolds through rolling Highveld grasslands, rocky farm roads, and breathtaking viewpoints beneath the Witteberg range. In winter, these mountains can dust themselves with snow; in summer, they glow with deep greens—always a striking backdrop to your ride.

Along the way, cyclists are encouraged to keep an eye out for the Sungazer Lizard in its natural habitat. This fascinating reptile, with its spiny scales and golden-brown colouring, is part of what makes the region so special. Respect for the environment is a key theme of the pilgrimage, and riders are asked to help protect the fragile ecosystems they pass through.

With its blend of nature, culture, and introspection, the Sungazer Pilgrimage offers more than a cycle tour—it offers a soul-stirring experience in one of South Africa’s most distinctive landscapes.