2026 Lions Karoo to Coast Route Given Official Approval

May’s devastating floods damaged Die Wapad, Die Poort, and Prince Alfred’s Pass, but with an adaptation of the iconic route from Uniondale to Knysna, the 2026 Lions Karoo to Coast will still take place on Sunday 27 September. Rather than ascending Die Wapad out of Uniondale, the course will now follow the Die Poort pass to Avontuur before joining Prince Alfred’s Pass. The change means that the route for the 25th edition will be 89.3 kilometres long, and include 1 587 metres of climbing, a 7-kilometre reduction in distance and a 200-metre drop in accumulated elevation gain.

The updated route features 200 metres less climbing in 2026.

“Following months of intensive planning after severe flood damage affected sections of the traditional route earlier this year, we’re happy to announce that despite the closure of the Die Poort road to vehicle traffic, we’ve been granted official approval to use the pass by the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure and Mobility,” Race Director Zandile Meneses said. “The approval ensures that one of South Africa’s most iconic point-to-point mountain bike events will once again welcome riders from around the country to experience the spectacular journey from Uniondale to Knysna while celebrating the event’s milestone 25th anniversary.”

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way. That spirit, together with the Uniondale Lions’ Boer maak ‘n Plan attitude, has made it possible for this event to continue. We are incredibly grateful to every organisation and individual who worked tirelessly to find a safe solution. This is not only a victory for the event, but for every community that benefits from it,” Meneses continued.

The Wapad, which climbs out of Uniondale before descending to Avontuur has been severely damaged by flooding and has been replaced by the Die Poort pass for the 2026 edition of Lions Karoo to Coast. Photo by Oakpics.

Wapad Replaced for 2026 Lions Karoo to Coast

The approved revised route will see riders leave Uniondale via Die Poort, before joining the traditional Karoo to Coast route at Avontuur. From there, participants will once again climb the magnificent Prince Alfred’s Pass, ride through the indigenous forests of Kom se Pad, and finish at Knysna High School.

The revised route allows the event to continue safely while introducing riders to another spectacular section of the Langkloof.

Sections of the Prince Alfred’s Pass are still being repaired and extra marshalls will be deployed to ensure rider safety on the fast descents. Photo by Oakpics.

“On behalf of the organisers I’d like to express their sincere appreciation to the many stakeholders who contributed towards the successful application, including the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure and Mobility, Provincial and Municipal Traffic Departments from George, Oudtshoorn and Knysna, Independent Safety Officer Steve van Lier, Frontier Medix, George Tourism, municipal officials, engineers, emergency services and the many organisations that supported the process,” Meneses thanked.

“This approval demonstrates what can be achieved when government, emergency services, tourism organisations and community volunteers work together towards a common goal,” she concluded.

The heart of Lions Karoo to Coast, the historic Prince Alfred’s Pass remains. Photo by Oakpics.

Safety First

The Lions Karoo to Coast has always placed rider safety above everything else. Extensive risk assessments have resulted in several mitigation measures being introduced for the revised route. At Die Poort, riders will enter a controlled neutral zone where they will dismount and walk across a short section of shallow flowing water under the supervision of marshals before continuing.

Additional safety measures, including temporary safety barriers, warning signage and marshal points, will also be positioned at selected locations along Prince Alfred’s Pass. These measures have been developed in consultation with independent safety specialists, emergency services and traffic authorities to ensure the safest possible riding experience.

A Lifeline for Local Communities

Beyond being one of South Africa’s premier mountain bike events, the Lions Karoo to Coast remains an important economic driver for the region. Each year thousands of riders, families and supporters visit Uniondale, Knysna and surrounding towns during Heritage Weekend, generating valuable business for accommodation establishments, restaurants, retailers and tourism operators at the end of the winter season.

Owned by the Lions Clubs of Uniondale and Knysna, the event is unique in that proceeds are invested back into community upliftment projects throughout the region. Every entry helps the Lions continue their long-standing service to local communities.

Community is at the core of the Lions Karoo to Coast ethos. Photo by Oakpics.

Wine & Wheels Expo

The celebrations begin before race day with the popular Wine & Wheels Expo at the Uniondale Showgrounds on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2026. The expo will feature cycling exhibitors, local wine producers, food vendors and family entertainment, while race registration will also take place throughout the weekend.

Be Part of History at the Lions Karoo to Coast

The 2026 event celebrates 25 years of the Lions Karoo to Coast—a quarter-century of unforgettable riding through some of South Africa’s most spectacular scenery. With more than 1 100 riders already entered, organisers are encouraging cyclists to secure their place and become part of this historic milestone. Entries are open at www.karootocoast.com.