South Africa Itinerary Title
The Cycling - Introduction
Cycling is the most enjoyable way to explore the Garden Route winelands of the cape and meet the local people as you travel. Enjoy authentic Classic Garden Route experiences, ensuring that you have plenty of time to soak up the culture and countryside at a relaxing pace.
Expect accommodations handpicked for their great locations, very good amenities, facilities and service. The majority of meals are included in the tour with an occasional lunch on the road.
Terrain:
Tar National Park Roads, Coastal Rides, Quiet backroads with some options to cycle on dirt tracks and easy trails and of course Vineyards. There are hills and rolling countryside on this tour so a reasonable basic level of fitness is recommended.
Usual daily distances:
45 - 55km
28 - 34 miles
Support vehicle:
With us most of the time / on call
Tour staff:
All rides fully guided.
If you want to find out more about the cycling, the route or anything else about the South Africa tour , then please contact us and one of our team will get back to you.
Ride Description
Day 0 - Flights from the UK
Saturday
A number of overnight flights leave the UK late in the evening to arrive in Port Elizabeth the next day. A one-stop flight via Johannesburg, Cape Town or Dubai is very easy to do. We are more than happy to help you find the correct flight choice.
Day 1 - Arrive in Port Elizabeth
Sunday
You'll arrive at Port Elizabeth airport at midday where you will meet the guides. We then transfer to Kudu Ridge Lodge (1hr 55km) and relax at our leisure with an optional stroll around the farm.
We'll give you a time to meet for a tour briefing, which is a great opportunity to getting to know the rest of the group. Dinner will be a relaxed affair around the fire. Accommodation is in Safari style tents with en-suite bathroom.
Accommodation: Kudu Ridge Lodge
Included Activities: Briefing about the trip
Meals Included: Dinner
Cycling: 0 miles , 0 km
Day 2 - Addo Elephant National Park
Monday
Today we visit the Addo Elephant National Park, home to the Big 5 animals of Africa, namely Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino. Addo is famous for large herds of African Elephant as well as Kudu and a number of different types of antelope.
A picnic lunch at Jack’s Camp will be enjoyed before heading to Schotia Safaris. At Schotia we will embark on an open safari vehicle game drive of this small but beautiful private reserve, followed by a boma dinner and a night game drive.
- Breakfast at Kudu Ridge
- Morning game drive in the Addo National Park - - Elephant, Kudu, Warthog, Red Hartebeest, Buffalo, Lion, Eland etc.
- Picnic lunch at Jack’s Picnic Site in Addo Elephant Park.
- Transfer to Schotia Safaris for afternoon game drive. (Drive 50km/1.5hrs)
- Afternoon game drive at Schotia Safaris.
- Dinner at Schotia. (Included)
- 8 to 9pm: Night game drive at Schotia Safaris - Elephant, Kudu, Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Hippo etc.
- Transfer back to Kudu Ridge. (Drive 60km/1hr).
Accommodation: Kudu Ridge Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch and Dinner
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 0 miles , 0 km
Day 3 - Addo to Storms River, Tsitsikamma
Tuesday
After an early breakfast, we will drive to the Tsitsikamma area where we will start the actual cycling part of our trip. A ride through some farmland will find us at Fynboshoek Cheese Farm for lunch.
After lunch, we will ride the old Storms River Pass into the village where we will end off with a beer tasting. A short transfer on the bus will take us to our overnight huts at the beautiful Storms River Mouth, right on the edge of the Indian Ocean.
- Breakfast at Kudu Ridge
- Transfer to Oudebosch Farm Stall. (Drive 165km/2hrs)
- Cycle Oudebosch to Fynboschhoek Cheese. (Cycle 23km)
- Lunch at Fynboschoek Cheese
- Cycle to Tsitsikamma Micro Brewery. (Cycle 25km)
- Beer tasting at Tsitsikamma Micro Brewery
- Transfer to Storms River Mouth Rest Camp. (Drive 15km)
- Check in to accommodation.
- Dinner at Cattle Baron Tsitsikamma.
Accommodation: Storms River Mouth
Included Activities: Beer tasting at Tsitsikamma Micro Brewery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 30 miles , 48km
Ascent: 1053ft, 321m
Day 4 - Storms River to Nature’s Valley and Plettenberg Bay
Wednesday
This morning we have an option of an early morning walk to the suspension bridge over the beautiful Storms River Mouth before breakfast. There are also a number of options for kayaking up river or a fast and fun boat ride. After breakfast, we will head towards Plettenberg Bay. Enroute we will experience some spectacular Afro-Montaine forest as well as the Bloukrans and Groot River Passes.
We will have a short stop at Nature’s Valley before our last spin up the pass to Nature’s Way Farm Stall for lunch.
Time permitting there could be a chance of a wine-tasting at the Crags on the way to our hotel. Tonight we will dine Enrico’s Ristorante, very famous in this area for excellent fresh fish, awesome pizza and pasta and exceptional views of Plettenberg Bay.
- Breakfast at Cattle Baron.
- Optional Activities: Suspension Bridge Walk. 3.5km. Kayaking up the Storms River Mouth. Boat Ride up the Storms River Mouth.
- Cycle Storms River Mouth to Nature’s Valley via the old pass. (Cycle 39km)
- Cycle Nature’s Valley to Nature’s Way Farm Stall. (Cycle 9km)
- Lunch at Nature’s Way
- Transfer to The Dunes Resort Keurboomstrand. (Drive 16km)
- Check in to accommodation
- Dinner at Enrico’s Ristorante
Accommodation: The Dunes Resort Keurboomstrand
Included Activities: Suspension Bridge Walk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 30 miles , 48km
Ascent: 1689ft, 515m
Day 5 - Plettenberg Bay and Knysna Forests
Thursday
Today we have a leisurely breakfast and head for the Harkerville Forest. Here we will cycle through beautiful indigenous forest, plantations and coastal fynbos. The views from some of the clifftops are simply stunning.
Our bus will take us back to Plettenberg for lunch at a beachside restaurant, and we can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, either relaxing on the beach, taking in a Whale watching trip (In Season) or maybe a walk in Robberg Nature Reserve for the more energetic.
Lemongrass is our venue for dinner tonight which is slightly more formal than we have become accustomed to so far on the trip.
- Breakfast at The Dunes Resort
- Transfer to Harkerville Forest. (Drive 25km)
- Cycle Harkerville Trails. (11km, 13km, 14km or 22km)
- Transfer to Plettenberg Bay. (Drive 15km)
- Lunch at Plett Ski Boat Club/The Look Out Deck at leisure
- Optional Afternoon Activities: Whale Watching Boat Trip. Sea Kayaking. Beach
- Transfer to The Dunes Resort. (10km)
- Dinner at Lemongrass Restaurant
Accommodation: The Dunes Resort
Optional Activities: Whale Watching Boat Trip. Sea Kayaking. Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 7 - 14 miles , 11 - 22km
Good gravel / Rough sections
Day 6 - Plettenberg Bay to Knysna to George to Oudtshoorn
Friday
This morning we have an early start with a short drive to the beautiful town of Knysna. We will start with a short walk around the spectacular viewpoints of the Knysna Heads. (2 fabled sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance to the estuary).
From here we will have a leisurely cycle around Leisure Island before getting back in the bus to head for Montague Pass. The old pass over the Outeniqua mountain, built-in 1848, is the oldest unaltered pass in South Africa. At 8km long we have our work cut out for us. The rewards though, are beautiful views and lunch at Over the Mountain Guest Farm at Herold.
After lunch, we will have an easier cycle through the Paardepoort Pass and on towards Oudtshoorn where will spend the night. Dinner is a short walk up the road to the Black Swan.
- Breakfast at the Dunes Resort
- Transfer to Leisure Isle Knysna. (Drive 43km)
- Cycle The Heads and Leisure Isle (Cycle 7km)
- Transfer to the bottom of Montague Pass George. (Drive 75km/1.5hrs)
- Cycle up Montague Pass to Herold. (Cycle 13km)
- Lunch at Over the Mountain Guest Farm Herold/Herold Wines
- Cycle Herold to Paardepoort Rd to Heimersrivier to R62 (Cycle 19km)
- Transfer to Kleinplaas Resort Oudtshoorn (Drive 30km)
- Dinner walk to The Black Swan Oudtshoorn
Accommodation: Kleinplaas Resort Oudtshoorn
Included Activities: Cycle Montague and Perdepoort Passes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 27 miles, 43km
Ascent: 2401ft, 732m
Day 7 - Oudtshoorn to Swartberg Pass to Swellendam
Saturday
A visit to Cango Ostrich Farm and Cango Caves after breakfast make for a relaxing start to this very long day.
We will have lunch at Kobus se Gat at the foot of the Swartberg Pass before setting off on a scenic ride along the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains. An optional wine tasting at Bayley Wines is possible, time permitting. From here we have a bit of a drive to Roosje van de Kaap Guesthouse in historic Swelledam, the 3rd Oldest town in South Africa).
- Breakfast at Kleinplaas Resort
- Transfer to Cango Ostrich Farm. (Drive 12km)
- Tour of Cango Ostrich Farm
- Transfer to Cango Caves. (Drive 15km)
- Tour of Cango Caves
- Transfer to Kobus se Gat. (Drive 13km)
- Lunch at Kobus se Gat
- Cycle Kobus se Gat to Peter Bayly Wines. (40km)
- Peter Bayly to Swellendam. (180km/2.5hrs)
- Dinner at Roosje van de Kaap
Accommodation: Kleinplaas Resort Oudtshoorn
Included Activities: Tour of Cango Ostrich Farm. Tour of Cango Caves
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Cycling: 25 miles, 40km
Ascent: 1591ft, 485m
Day 8 - Swellendan to Malgas to De Hoop Nature Reserve
Sunday
Today sees us heading South towards the coast. A short drive will find us at Malgas where a hand-drawn point will take us across the Breede River. From here we will cycle through farmland to De Hoop Nature Reserve.
A picnic lunch, a swim at the beach or a stroll along the beautiful coastline is on the cards for the afternoon. An optional bird-watching boat cruise is also available for those that are interested.
Dinner is a traditional South African Braai (barbeque) under the stars.
- Breakfast at Roosje van de Kaap
- Transfer to The Pont at Malgas (Drive 50km/1hr)
- Cross the Breede River on the ferry
- Cycle Malgas to Koppie Alleen De Hoop (Cycle 40km)
- Picnic lunch at Koppie Alleen De Hoop
- Beach walk and/or swim at Koppie Alleen
- Cycle Koppie Alleen to De Hoop Collection (Cycle 12.5km)
- Free time to swim or relax at the pool or go on a Lake birding Cruise
- Dinner braai at guides chalet
Accommodation: Roosje van de Kaap
Included Activities: Beach walks and/or swim at Koppie Alleen. Lake birding Cruise. De Hoop Nature Reserve
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Cycling: 33 miles , 53km
Ascent: 1797ft, 548m
Day 9 - De Hoop to Cape Agulhas to Hermanus
Monday
After a great breakfast, we again take a short drive to the start of our cycle. We will cycle from the Bredasdorp area through farmland to Cape Agulhas, the Southern Tip of Africa. After some photo opportunities, we then drive by bus to Zoetendal Wine Farm for lunch and a wine or beer tasting.
From Zoetendal we drive to Hermanus for our overnight stop. Hopefully, there will still be time to take a stroll along the cliff-top path to see Whales (in season), or just enjoy the scenery. We can walk to dinner at Fabio’s just around the corner.
- Breakfast at De Hoop Collection
- Transfer to R43. (Drive 66km/1.5hrs)
- Cycle R43 to Cape Agulhas. (Cycle 38km)
- Transfer to Zoetendal Wine Estate.(Drive 43km/1hr)
- Lunch and wine/beer tasting at Zoetendal
- Transfer to the Windsor Hotel Hermanus. (Drive 69km/1.5hrs)
- Free time to stroll along the footpath with the possibility of Whale Watching
- Dinner at Fabio’s Ristorante Hermanus
Accommodation: Windsor Hotel Hermanus
Included Activities: Southern Tip of Africa. Southern Right Whales in Season
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 24 miles , 38km
Ascent: 134ft, 41m
Day 10 - Hermanus to Gordon’s Bay to Elgin to Franschoek to Stellenbosch
Tuesday
This morning we have another opportunity to take a stroll along the cliff path before or after breakfast. We then drive along the coast before cycling the scenic Clarence Drive with majestic views over False Bay. We then load up the bikes and drive to Peregrine Farm Stall for lunch.
From here we drive to the top of the Franschoek Pass and cycle down through Franschoek to Boschendal Wine Estate for a well-deserved wine tasting. From Boschendal we drive over Helshoogte Pass to our overnight accommodation in Stellenbosch. Dinner tonight is at Oppie Dorp in Stellenbosch.
- Breakfast at the Windsor Hotel
- Stroll along the footpath (Whale Season)
- Transfer to Pringle Bay. (Drive 55km/1hr)
- Cycle Pringle Bay to Gordon’s Bay. (Cycle 28km)
- Transfer to Peregrine Farm Stall. (Drive 22km)
- Lunch at Peregrine
- Transfer to Franschoek Pass. (Drive 47km/1Hr)
- Cycle Top of Franschoek Pass to Boschendal. (Cycle 25km)
- Wine Tasting at Boschendal
- Transfer to De Zalze. (Drive 22km)
- Dinner at Terrior
Accommodation: Stellenbosch
Included Activities: Cycle Clarence Drive & Franschoek Pass. Wine tasting at Boschendal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 33 miles , 53km
Ascent: 1240ft, 378m
Day 11 - Stellenbosch and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Wednesday
This morning we will have an early start before breakfast and cycle through the historic town of Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch is the 2nd oldest town in South Africa and the wine capital of the country. We will ride through the town experiencing some of the old historic buildings and end up at the Ride Inn in the Jonkershoek Valley for breakfast.
After breakfast, we will do a cycle into the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve which is surrounded by picturesque mountains. On our return, we stop at Lanzerac Wine Estate, one of the oldest in the region with it’s beautiful old Cape Dutch architecture.
After lunch, we will cycle up the mountains above Stellenbosch and end with a wine-tasting and Chocolate and Wine Pairing at Waterford Estate. Our bus will take us on the short drive back to the hotel. Dinner tonight will be at Terroir for a more fine dining experience.
- Cycle through Stellenbosch to the Ride Inn. (Cycle 11km/)
- Breakfast at the Ride Inn
- Cycle Ride to Jonkershoek Loop to Lanzerac. (Cycle 22km/)
- Lunch at Lanzerzc
- Cycle Lanzerac to Waterford via Coetzenburg.(Cycle 12km/)
- Wine tasting at Waterford Estate
- Transfer to De Zalze. (Drive 7km)
- Dinner at Oppie Dorp in Stellenbosch
Accommodation: De Zalze Golf Club
Included Activities: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and Stellenbosch. Wine tasting at Waterford
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 28 miles , 45km
Ascent: 2060ft, 628m
Day 12 - Stellenbosch to Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay and Simonstown
Thursday
This morning will be our 10th day of cycling so it will be a bit easier on the bike. We will depart after breakfast to the shores of beautiful False Bay. We will start a leisurely cycle at Muizenburg famous for Surfer’s Corner and make our way along the scenic coastline past St James, Kalk Bay, Fishoek and Glencairn to Simonstown.
There will be time to stop in Kalk Bay and brown the shops and galleries as well as enjoy a Fish n Chips lunch at Kalkies in the small fishing harbour.
An early arrival in Simonstown will take us to Boulders African Penguin Colony and afterwards should give us some time to stroll through this historic Naval town or take in an optional Sea Kayaking trip to the African Penguin colony or even have a swim. Dinner this evening is at Saveur.
- Breakfast at De Zalze Golf Club
- Transfer to Muizenberg. (Drive 48km/1hr)
- Cycle Muizenberg to Simonstown/Boulders via Scala Battery and Kalk Bay Harbour including lunch at Kalkies. (Cycle 20km)
- Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach
- Cycle to The Quayside Hotel. (Cycle 1.5km)
- Free time to swim or stroll through the historic town
- Dinner at Saveur
Included Activities: False Bay. Kalk Bay. Simonstown. African Penguins
Location: Havana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 14 miles , 22km
Ascent: 1171ft, 357m
Day 13 - Simonstown and Cape Point Nature Reserve
Friday
After breakfast, we will cycle from the hotel to Cape Point Nature Reserve and all the way to Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope. There will be time for a stroll up to the old lighthouse to take in the views of dramatic cliffs, beaches and the full extent of False Bay and the Atlantic ocean. Cape Point has been called the Fairest Cape in all the world as well as the Cape of Storms.
Lunch will be enjoyed at the Two Oceans restaurant with sweeping views over False Bay. After lunch, we will cycle some more around the reserve before driving by bus back to Simonstown. Dinner tonight is at Neptune's.
- Breakfast at Saveur
- Cycle Simonstown to Cape Point. (Cycle 26km)
- Walk up to the old lighthouse and back
- Lunch at Two Oceans restaurant
- Cycle to COGH and Gifkommetjie. (Cycle 18km/)
- Transfer to Simonstown. (Drive 24km/)
- Free time to relax
- Dinner at Neptune’s
Accommodation: The Quayside Hotel
Included Activities: Cycle Cape Point Nature Reserve and Cape of Good Hope
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 27 miles , 44km
Ascent: 1453ft, 443m
Day 14 - Simonstown, Noordhoek, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Oranjezicht Market
Saturday
After an early breakfast, we start our last cycle of the trip. Backtracking from Simonstown we leave the False Bay coast and head over the mountain past Glencairn to Noordhoek Farm Village. Time permitting we can enjoy a quick cup of coffee before we tackle Chapman’s Peak Drive.
This spectacular pass has 114 curves and is 10km long. We will experience majestic ocean and mountain views as we traverse this stretch of road before arriving in Hout Bay.
From Hout Bay, we climb the infamous Suikerbossie hill before enjoying some more spectacular views and some easier riding on our way to Camps Bay. From Camps Bay, we pass the affluent suburbs of Clifton and Bantry Bay making our way past Sea Point and Green Point and finishing at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market for a well-deserved lunch.
After lunch, we check into our hotel, have a shower and change and head off to Table Mountain. After a breathtaking ride up the cableway, we can have a leisurely stroll around on top of the mountain enjoying the spectacular views of Cape Town. Robben Island, Lion’s Head, Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles before a sundowner at the restaurant. From Table Mountain, we will go straight to dinner at The Africa Café.
- Breakfast at Saveur
-Cycle Simonstown to Noordhoek Farm Village. (Cycle 14km)
- Cycle Noordhoek to Hout Bay via Chapman’s Peak Drive. (Cycle 10km)
- Cycle Hout Bay to Camps Bay. (Cycle 15km)
- Cycle Camps Bay to Oranjezicht Farmers Market. (Cycle 8km)
- Lunch at Oranjezicht Farmers Market
- Transfer to V&A City Lodge and Check-in and Shower and change
- Transfer to Table Mountain Arial Cableway. (Drive 8km)
- Table Mountain tour and sundowner drinks at the top
- Transfer to The Africa Café
- Dinner at The Africa Café
Accommodation: Cape Town City Centre
Included Activities: Cycle Chapman’s Peak & Victoria Drive. Oranjezicht Farm Market. Table Mountain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Cycling: 28 miles , 45km
Ascent: 2545ft, 776m
Day 15 - Kirstenbosch - Depart
Sunday
Today is departure day and we have to say our sad goodbyes, but before that, there is one final twist in the tail. Time permitting we can visit the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens as well as the Cape Town City Centre. And finally, it is off to Cape Town Airport.
Generally, flights from Cape Town to the UK take 12 hours. With an increase of 2 hours due to the time difference.
Included Activities: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Meals Included: Breakfast