Berg & Bush is 20 years old this 2026!

The Descent

The Berg & Bush Descent is where dust flies and mountain bikes push themselves to the limit of fun! Three days of whizz, bang and wow! Featuring the one-of-a-kind Descent off the escarpment and into the bushveld for three epic days of riding.

2026 Entries Now Open

the standard bank Berg & BUSH Descent 2026

Price per team of 2

Early Bird: R17 000 | Standard Entry: R18 000

or Solo

Early Bird: R8500 | Standard Entry: R9000

Dates

4-7 June 2026

Difficulty

Exhilarating & Freeflowing

Duration

3 days

Distance

214km

About the Descent

  • This iconic event takes riders on Day 1 from the top of the Drakensberg mountains down beautiful meandering single track via Solly’s Folly to our camp on the banks of the Tugela River
  • Day 2 and 3 trails include hand built single track following the Tugela River
    and up and over the infamous Spioenkop Mountain
  • Registration for The Descent 2025 will take place at Emseni Camp
  • Spend 3 nights at our Race Village selecting from camping options or self-camp or stay in a nearby B&B or hotel
  • Shuttles to and from OR Tambo airport available
  • Solo entries available

The Need to Know Registration Info for 2026

Thursday

Registration for the Descent will take place at Em’seni – The Race Village – on Thursday, 4 June 2026.

  • You will spend the night at Em’seni if you have booked accommodation with Berg & Bush.
  • Race briefing and dinner will take place at Em’seni.
 

For the race start on Friday, 5 June you have TWO options:

  • Self-drive & shuttle on Friday morning
  • Bus to Start – bikes are sent up on Thursday, and your bus to start on Friday

If you select the “Bus to Start” option, your bike will be transported to the start on Thursday.

You will get breakfast at Em’seni.

  • The Buses to the Start will leave after breakfast.
  • You can drive your own car to the start with your bike.
  • Your car will be returned via the shuttle service offered by Harrismith School 
 

Shuttle bookings can be done on your entry (Add to cart)

Route & GPS

Day 1: Exciting Brand new Routes in 2026

Day 2: 60km

After crossing the Tugela River via the vehicle bridge we climb up the old wagon route passing one of the tallest aloes is South Africa before reaching Spionkop Lodge . Well known throughout  the world for its famous Spionkop battlefield tours we leave the lodge riding via  Little Red. Reaching the top gives us beautiful views of the Drakensberg mountains before we start descending down via cattle tracks and maize fields . A steady climb up Wesleys way takes on an exhilarating descent down 4×4 tracks and into St Antons which is a purpose built bicycle track through a river ravine and out onto a quite district road . The first water point is the gateway to Mike pass a short steep climb which often  creates a challenge amongst friends.  17km of the most insane downhill and single track  riding then follows  as we descend down Puffadder pass and Mazambanes to water point 2 . Recrossing the Tugela river we ride along Garden of Eden following the river back to the race village

Day 3: 50km

To start the day we cross the big Tugela river over the bridge following quiet farm roads before climbing up Brakfontein hill which was used as a lookout during the Anglo Boer war. We then sweep down into the Kloof which is a beautiful African valley filled with Acacia trees and Aloes. We climb out of the other side on a well-built and challenging climb constructed by well known trail builder Glen Harrison. Some fast riding through dairy and cattle farms brings us into Tugela Morden game farm where regular sightings of giraffe occur. Dropping into Grand Canyon we follow the river bed before arriving at the base of Spioenkop mountain to tackle the climb. The Boer route as it is now called is this infamous gradual ascent created last year by the trail team and  involves a 4km 180m climb with 50 switch backs taking riders  to the summit of Spioenkop mountain. The 15km descent back down to the race village is probably some of the most exhilarating and enjoyable riding you will ever have before we welcome you home back to the race village.

Entries

Your entry fee includes:

  • 3 days of pure Berg & Bush trails. From the Drakensberg down into KZN bushveld, this is why you ride!
  • 1 beautiful Race Village – your new home!
  • A goodie bag per person
  • 3 meals a day plus access to our famous chill zone
  • 24-hour coffee, tea, juice and crunchie station
  • Race facilities like hot showers, bike wash, chill zones, bar and more.
  • Medical support on the route.
  • Charity-run water points along the route with the most incredible local treats and people manning them!

It does not include:

  • You can add the below tent options on your entry, includes all 3 nights:
    • FishEagle Tent
    • Emseni Room
    • Kudu Tent (Canvas tent with stretchers and event mattress)
    • Weaver Tent (Large canvas tent with bed, event mattress and linen)
    • Kingfisher Tent (X-Large canvas tent with bed, linen and electricity)
    • Self-camping
  • Shuttles – you can book these separately.
  • Massages, physio, car shuttles, bike transport and bike mechanic service – book these separately.
  • Drinks from our race village pub

Refund Policy

Refunds processed up to 30 April 2026 will be refunded at 90% of entry fee. 

However you can also sell your entry to another rider and do an online substitution.

The same refund policy applies to the cost of a tent, if it cannot be sold to another rider.

No refunds will be made on partial payments. You need to be fully paid up to qualify for refund policy above. 

I undertake to participate entirely at my own risk. I agree that I shall have no claims whatsoever against the organizing body, any individuals, organiser or official, marshal, assistant, helper or agent, the sponsors, any local authority or land owners, in respect of any loss or damage whatsoever I may suffer arising from any injury to my person or loss or damage to property as a result of, or arising out of, whether directly or indirectly, my participation in this event, including my arrival and departure there from and attendance of any ceremony and function thereof, however such loss or damage may arise and regardless of whether or not same shall have been caused directly or indirectly by negligence, of one or more or all of the aforementioned parties. In the event of my approval of this form as a guardian of a minor, I hereby consent to such minor being bound by the foregoing and further I indemnify the aforementioned parties to the extent, if any, to which such minor is not capable of waiving his rights as stipulated within. I agree to participate subject to rules including any drug tests and penalties provided for therein. By entering, I agree to email and SMS communications from Howler and possibly the timing company depending on the timing provider, regarding event details. I have read the above indemnity and the rules understand them and shall abide by them.

Cancellation due to Force Majeure and Severe Weather. If Berg and Bush is forced to cancel a stage (or stages) due to severe weather conditions or fires that puts riders’ safety at risk, the riders will not have any claim against the organisers or any of their sponsors of whatsoever nature in these circumstances. Berg and Bush reserves the right to change the route for inter alia, safety and security reasons without notice. If Berg and Bush is cancelled in total as a last resort due to events beyond our control (force majeure) – relating to, inter alia, political turmoil, natural disasters, strikes, protest action or any other major disturbance beyond our control, riders will have no claim whatsoever including but not limited to a refund against the organisers or any of their sponsors. This will include entry fees and or flights and other expenses. Berg and Bush will do everything in our power to reroute and to run the event in a safe and secure manner should any event of force majeure arise.

Accommodation

Find accommodation in the Race Village here

Find accommodation near the Race Village here.

Find accommodation +20km from the Race Village here

Fly-in Packages

Details tbc – feel free to email us should you have any enquiries

Directions

DIRECTIONS TO REGISTRATION & RACE VILLAGE

Directions from Gauteng

Take the N3 South towards Durban. Go straight through the Tugela Toll Plaza. After 10kms you will find the Bergville offramp. Go up the left ramp and then LEFT towards LADYSMITH on the N11. After 4.6kms turn right onto the R600 towards Spioenkop Dam. After about 15km Em’seni is on your left hand below Spionkop dam wall.

Directions from Durban

Take the N3 North. After Estcourt, pass Ultra City, then take the first offramp Left to BERGVILLE/CENTRAL DRAKENSBERG (R74). Proceed left towards Winterton. Go STRAIGHT through Winterton. After 1km take the R600 right to Spioenkop Dam. Proceed straight for 18km. Em’seni is on the right.

DIRECTIONS TO START OF THE DESCENT AT WINDMILL FARM

  • “Windmill Farm” in Google Maps
  • Their website is http://windmillfarm.co.za
  • GPS: co-ordinates  28° 33′ 09.94 S    29° 04′ 36.05 E

Directions from Johannesburg

  • Take the N3 to Durban / Harrismith. 5km after the Bergview Complex on your left, take the off ramp for N5 Bethlehem / Bergville / Qwa Qwa.
  • Turn right at Stop. Follow road and drive towards the Spur Steak Ranch on your left.
  • Cross over robot and second 4-way Stop.
  • Travel straight on for another 4.5 km and turn left at the first T-Junction – Alternative Durban / R712 / Qwa – Qwa / Phuthaditjhaba / Bergville.
  • Travel on that road for another 8.5 km; once again turn left at the T-Junction onto the Bergville R74.
  • We are 23.1 km further on, on the crest of the Oliviershoek Pass.
  • The old sandstone house on the right.

Directions from Bloemfontein

  • Take the N1 from Bloemfontein to Winburg.
  • At Winburg take the Senekal / Bethlehem / Harrismith turnoff.
  • Just before Harrismith take the R712 Alternative road to Durban / Bergville.
  • Travel for another 8.5km, and turn left onto the Bergville R74.
  • We are 23.1km further on, on the crest of the Oliviershoek Pass.
  • The old sandstone house on the right.

Directions from Durban

  • Take the N3 to Johannesburg. Take the Bergville / Colenso / Winterton / R74 off ramp, 5km after the Escort Ultra City.
  • Follow the sign to Bergville / Winterton (22km).
  • Bypass Winterton to Bergville (22km). Bypass Bergville and carry on straight for another 40km.
  • We are on the top of the Oliviershoek Pass.
  • The old sandstone house on the left.

Bike and Car / Bus Shuttles

Self-drive

Drive your own vehicle with your bike(s) from Emseni Race Village / your Bed & Breakfast to the Start on Friday morning 5 June 2026. The drive takes around an hour from Emseni. Instructions will be sent to you regarding parking and keys at Windmill Farm. Your car will be driven down to Emseni before 3pm on Friday afternoon. Key collection at the Registration tent. Do not keep your bags/valuables in your vehicle as it will arrive later in the day.

Bus for you and your bike

By choosing the bus option, your bike will be transported to the Start on Thursday afternoon – be sure to load your bike at Registration. Safe and secure overnight bikepark at the start. You will then hop on a bus at Emseni Race Village after breakfast on Friday morning. Departure times dependant on your batch Starting time.

All In Events

  • Transporting from Tokai, Constantia, Claremont, Somerset West, Cape Town and Paarl.
  • Johannesburg and Pretoria Areas
  • Eastern Cape: Plett, St Francis, Port Elizabeth
  • Simply drop your bike off race ready, no boxing, no disassembling required.
  • It’s not just transportation. Our customers enjoy service at a personal level, because it’s not our job – it’s our passion!
  • Dean – 082 729 7955bookings@allinevents.co.za
  • Book online at www.allinevents.co.za

Itinerary

Thursday, 4 June 2026

  • Registration at Emseni Camp: 14:00. Please note – gates will open for all tent check-ins and selfcamping at 2pm. 
  • Car Shuttle / Buses and bike Transport ticket collection: 14:00 – 19:00
    *Riders taking the Bus option to book bikes into bike transport
  • Dinner: 18:00 – 20:00
  • Race Briefing: 19:30 at Emseni
 

Friday, 5 June 2026

  • Breakfast: 6:00 – 7:00
  • Pre-booked shuttles depart from Emseni: 7:00 (A, B & C batch) / 7:15 (D – I batch) or drive to the start in own vehicle (See Shuttle Bookings)
  • Start: 8:30 (7 minutes between batches)
  • Lunch at Em’seni Camp: 13:00 – 16:00
  • Dinner: 18:00 – 20:00
  • Race Briefing: 19:30
 

Saturday, 6 June 2026

  • Breakfast: 7:00
  • Start: 8:30
  • Lunch: 12:00 – 15:00
  • History Talk: 16:00
  • Dinner: 18:00 – 20:00
  • Race briefing: 19:30
 

Sunday, 7 June 2026

  • Breakfast: 6:30
  • Start: 8:30
  • Lunch: 11:00 – 14:00
  • Prize Giving: 13:00

Physio & Massage

To book Sports Massage, Chiro or Physio, please contact Gill for the booking form: bergandbushmassage@gmail.com

  • Sports Massage @ R400.00 per 30 minute session
  • Chiro @ R550 per 30 minute session
  • Physio @ R550 per 30 minute session
  • Taping and strapping is an additional R70 and will be available each morning before the start and during the day in the massage tent
 

Sports Massage can help maintain the body in better condition, prevent injuries and loss of mobility, restore mobility to inured muscles and tissues, boost performance and extend the overall life of your sporting career.

Recovery Zone – Foam Rollers, stretching mats, calf & foot stretchers, resistance bands and Ice Bath Bins.

SPORTS EVENT THERAPISTS are a team of qualified and experienced Sports Massage Therapists, Chiropractors & Physiotherapists who have a passion and love for what we do.

Whilst maintaining a professional approach to our work we like to get to know our clients and share a few jokes inside the Massage Tent to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Seeding, categories and Results

Self-seeding for Day 1

We appeal to all riders to slot into the batch that best matches their fitness and skill level.

A BATCH
Elite riders and serious amateurs

B BATCH
Fit and experienced mountain bikers

C BATCH
Technically good and have trained well

D BATCH
Have completed stage races in the past and know what to expect. You have not put in the required training and may blow or cramp. Experienced and technically good e-bikers

E BATCH
The best batch! Full of great, fun-loving mountain bikers who don’t want to feel the pressure of racing and enjoy stopping at all the water points to chat with the locals. E-bikers

F BATCH
A newbie to mountain biking or wanting to take it all in and have the best ride of your life

CATEGORIES FOR 2025:

Prize Money will be allocated in Solo Elite Category

Solo Men:  1st, 2nd &  3rd 

Solo Women: 1st,   2nd & 3rd 

PODIUM PRIZES: 

TEAMS:

  • Men: 1st, 2nd and 3rd
  • Mixed: 1st, 2nd and 3rd
  • Ladies: 1st, 2nd and 3rd
 

VETS (40 – 49) TEAMS:

  • Men: 1st, 2nd and 3rd
  • Ladies: 1st, 2nd and 3rd
 

MASTERS (50 – 59) TEAMS:

  • Men: 1st, 2nd and 3rd
  • Ladies: 1st, 2nd and 3rd
 

GRANDMASTERS (60+) TEAMS:

  • Men: 1st, 2nd and 3rd
  • Ladies: 1st, 2nd and 3rd
 

BIG BUGGERS (teams over 200kg) TEAMS: 1st, 2nd and 3rd 

Training Programme

Print the programme, stick it on the fridge and enjoy three months of fuss-free training to get you in shape for this year’s Berg & Bush! 

For any queries regarding the program or further training advice feel free to contact Gavin Horton on 0833077384 or mail gavhorton2@gmail.com

Train smart, not hard, and enjoy your best Berg & Bush yet!

Rules

EVENT RULES

  1. All Cycling South Africa rules apply.
  2. All our local farm rules apply too. Be nice. Be gracious and remember how privileged we are to be able to ride mountain bikes.
  3. Those convicted of doping may not enter
  4. Anybody overheard swearing or abusing staff, other riders or race organisers will be blacklisted from all future Berg and Bush events and asked to leave the race village immediately.
  5. Anybody starting ahead of their allocated batch will also be blacklisted from any future event. The same rule applies to littering. 
  6. One hour time penalties will be incurred with: Riders not being within 2 minutes of each other at any time this is also at the organisers discretion.
  7. Penalties to any riders who give out sweets / food to people along the route.
  8. The decision of the race director is final.
  9. Riders need to have signed the indemnity and race rules online in order to participate

E-Bike Rules

E-bikes are welcome at The Standard Bank Berg & Bush events, please note – there are some rules.

  • Hybrid teams only (one rider on e – bike, one not)
  • No e bike solo riders on either events
  • E bikes will start from D batch beyond for day 1, from then on, the race organisers will advise in race briefing based on numbers
  • no e bike racing or prize categories at the event
  • Strictly a one battery event with no outside assistance
  • We will have a charging station allocated to serve your e bike

What to Bring

Download your packing list here

Meals

Delicious meals from Thursday Evening to Lunch on Sunday at Em’seni Race Village.

Well-stocked watertables along the Route

24-hour Snack Station

We have vegetarian and gluten-free options available – please choose your option on the entry form.

Mechanics

 
 
 

Sponsors

Sponsors

Supporter's Meal Package

Adults R2200 & Kids R1200 p/p

Includes:

  • Meals from Dinner on Registration night to Lunch on the last day
  • Hot showers and ablutions
  • 24 Hour Tea / Coffee and snack station
  • Access to Race Village and Race Briefings
  • One Supporter point per day on route
  • Unfortunately no kids are allowed to overnight at the race village due to various risk & event factors
*Excludes accommodation

Have any questions?

If there’s anything else you’d like to know or you’re unsure of, reach out to us and we’ll be sure to fill you in.

Jani Maritz

Galleries Of Our Past Races

Not convinced to enter just yet? Take a look at some of our favourite memories from past events to whett your appetite!