Ready to tick off one of the most epic adventures in South African mountain biking? The Investec Great Kei Trek (GKT) is back for 2026 – and it’s bigger, bolder and dialled for riders who crave adventure with a capital A. Set against the raw, untamed beauty of the Eastern Cape Wild Coast, this is not just a ride. It’s a three-day journey that stays with you long after the last tyre tracks fade from the trail. Here are 10 compelling reasons why the Investec Great Kei Trek deserves a bold circle on your 2026 calendar.
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RIDE THE WILD COAST LIKE FEW EVER DO
This is mountain biking at the edge of the map. Expect remote trails, rolling green hills, river crossings and breath-taking coastal views that feel untouched and timeless. The Great Kei Trek unlocks access to areas few riders ever get to experience – and that’s what makes it special.
THREE DAYS, ONE ICONIC ADVENTURE HUB
Each stage delivers a fresh route and a brand-new riding experience, yet every afternoon you roll back into Morgan Bay, your home base for the event. No packing up camp daily. No logistical stress. Just great riding by day and laid-back coastal vibes by night.
CHOOSE YOUR OWN GREAT KEI TREK STORY
Whether you’re all-in or short on time, the Investec Great Kei Trek has an option to match you:
- The Original (8–10 May 2026): The full three-day, bucket-list adventure.
- The GKT Tour (15–17 May 2026): Same magic, different weekend.
- The GKT Tour Lite (16–17 May 2026): A brand-new two-day hit of Wild Coast goodness.
However you ride it, the experience remains uncompromised.
DISTANCES THAT LET YOU SOAK IT ALL IN
Stages are capped at no more than 60km per day, striking the perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment. It’s tough enough to feel earned, yet achievable enough to let you look up, breathe deep and truly savour where you are.
REFRESHMENT POINTS WORTH RIDING FOR
Forget limp bananas and dry crackers. GKT water points are legendary – think boerie rolls, toasted sandwiches, pizzas and proper trail fuel served with a smile. It’s the kind of on-route motivation that keeps spirits (and legs) firing.
DESIGNED FOR RIDERS, NOT RACERS
This is not a frantic dash for podiums. The Investec Great Kei Trek is about rhythm, flow and shared experience. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a passionate adventurer, the routes are challenging, rewarding and intentionally inclusive.
CAMARADERIE YOU CAN’T MANUFACTURE
There’s something about multi-day riding that forges instant friendships. Shared climbs, high-fives at refreshment points and stories swapped over dinner create a sense of community that’s hard to beat – and even harder to forget.
SEAMLESS ORGANISATION, REAL ADVENTURE
Behind the scenes, everything runs like clockwork. On the trail, it still feels wild. That balance – professional event delivery with authentic adventure – is exactly what makes the Investec Great Kei Trek stand out.
SURPRISES AROUND EVERY TURN
From unexpected trail features to special moments woven into the experience, GKT is known for delivering those “you had to be there” memories. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the route throws something new your way.
AN EXPERIENCE YOU’LL TALK ABOUT FOR YEARS
Some events are forgotten as soon as the medal goes into a drawer. The Investec Great Kei Trek isn’t one of them. It’s the kind of ride that becomes a reference point – that adventure, that place, that weekend you’ll always remember.
The Investec Great Kei Trek 2026 promises unmatched scenery, unforgettable riding and an atmosphere that celebrates everything we love about mountain biking. So, are you ready? Sign up, saddle up, and be part of one of South Africa’s most epic MTB adventures.
For more information and online entry for the 2026 Investec Great Kei Trek, click here.
