Cycle South Africa Garden Route & Karoo

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Off the Beaten Track Cape Explorer

This is going to be an epic cycle tour. If you are interested in a real adventure, with diverse and amazing scenery, some reasonably tough but incredible mountain passes, stunning desert and coastal rides and all the very best that the beautiful Cape of South Africa has to offer...then look no further, it will blow you away!

100% supported with a vehicle trailing behind to assist if you are not feeling too strong on a particular climb or day. Tough and challenging rides, but also plenty of time on each day to relax and enjoy the peace and serenity of each particular place with its own unique charms. You will need to be relatively fit for this tour but there is always the support vehicle to back you up. There is no technical riding on this tour/ It will all be on tarred or gravel roads. Naturally, we will be using 29" mountain bikes to navigate these routes.

E-Bikes are available on request at an additional cost.

WHERE THIS TOUR GOES:

DAY 1: LANGEBAAN

Cycle out of Cape Town around the Table Bay nature reserve to Blouberg beach and onto Melkbosstrand ( 29km ) from there we rack the bikes and do an hour transfer to the West Coast National Park and do a 30km cycle through the park.

Overnight Langebaan

Accommodation: Holiday Guest House Langebaan

Set on the banks of the magnificent Langebaan Lagoon, the popular resort town of Langebaan is conveniently located only 120 kilometres north of Cape Town, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. This lovely little town is renowned for the pristine white sand beaches lining its turquoise lagoon, which provides an ideal environment for an array of exhilarating watersports including waterskiing, kayaking, sailing, fishing and kitesurfing. The lagoon also features tidal mudflats which serve as a habitat for an impressive variety of local and migratory birds. Visitors can look forward to exploring the nearby West Coast Nature Park, where they can enjoy game viewing, cycling, and hiking; and the West Coast Fossil Park, which offer visitors an informative tour of a fossil dig, the chance to hunt for their own fossils, as well as biking, hiking and horse riding through the park.

DAY 2: CEDERBERG

Transfer to the Cederberg area (170km- 2 hrs) and then a 45km cycle through this beautiful landscape. After lunch, the afternoon is at leisure or take a stunning hike to view the Maltese Cross. Dinner will be prepared by your guides. Wines and local craft beers can be purchased from the winery.

Accommodation: Sanddrif Holiday Resort

The Cederberg is wild, rugged, dramatic and above all, breathtakingly beautiful. The region’s valleys are lined with citrus orchards and surrounded by magnificent mountains that become even more spectacular at sunset when they are bathed in an array of vivid colours. Hiking, bouldering and rock-climbing are popular pursuits in this beautiful natural wilderness, which also affords visitors opportunities to swim in crystal clear rock pools, discover ancient rock art, or marvel at the biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom of South Africa.

DAY 3: Wolfberg Arch hike- Cedarberg

Today we are off the bikes to hike to the impressive Wolfberg Arch via The Cracks. This is a quite a tough walk but the scenery is amazing and the reward and views are incredible. We will take a packed lunch and we return the same way. In the afternoon we have an opportunity to swim in the natural pools of the river …a real treat. Dinner to be prepared by your guide.

Accommodation:

DAY 4: BREEDE RIVER VALLEY

Cycle to Clanwilliam and Cycle through the Tulbagh valley.

After breakfast we take a short transfer to the beginning of the pass and then cycle-36km through beautiful Wilderness area and citrus farms to the town of Clanwilliam. A short stop to experience the world renowned Rooibos Tea factory. A transfer of 2 hours takes us to the town of Tulbagh. Here we will cycle through the valley and explore the town and wine estates of the area.

Accommodation: Saronsberg Vineyard Cottages

Situated in the spectacularly scenic Western Cape Province, the Breede River Valley is home to some of South Africa's greatest wine producing areas. The partially navigable river offers the unique prospect of wine tasting while cruising along its calm waters. This picturesque valley is peppered with a handful of quaint farming towns including Robertson, Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor, Tulbagh and Montagu. It falls along the incredibly popular Route 62, which is said to be one of the longest wine routes in the world. Soak up the magnificent views of majestic mountains meeting fertile plains swathed in vineyards; sample a wide variety of delicious local wines and immerse yourself in the relaxed country atmosphere. Other popular activities include: canoeing, fishing and hiking.

DAY 5: OUDSHOORN

Swartberg Pass to Cango Caves

Morning transfer through the massive expanse of the Great Karoo to the charming town of Prince Albert (3,5 hrs). Lunch in the town and then we cycle to the Cango Caves (45km) over South Africa’s most iconic pass, The Swartberg Pass. After a tour of the caves we transfer to our guest farm and enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the Klein Karoo.

Accommodation: Ouewerf Country House & Manor

Located along the well-known Route 62 in South Africa’s beautiful Klein Karoo, the charming town of Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world. It is surrounded by numerous ostrich farms and the golden arid landscape of the Karoo. Visitors can enjoy the locally produced wine and port; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum; and visit the world-renowned Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa featuring ancient rock formations and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Other popular activities include: mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding, and taking a day trip to the quaint town of Prince Albert over the scenic Swartberg Pass.

DAY 6:KLEIN KAROO - Cycle to De Rust and explore Meiringspoort 56km

Morning cycle past Rust en Vrede along a beautiful valley road, with the Swartberg Mountains on the one side and the olive orchards on the other. The undulating ride takes us to the charming town of De Rust. After lunch, we cycle through Meirngspoort to the waterfall – optional swim. Return back to De Rust.

Overnight in a Guest House in De Rust. Enjoy the hospitality of the Karoo

Accommodation: Oude Muragie Guest House

Klein Karoo:

Bordered by the Swartberg and the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa, the long valley of the Klein Karoo is famous for its scenic natural beauty and wide range of attractions. Towering mountains provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to the area, and their rivers give the valleys a lush greenery which contrasts with the surrounding semi-desert landscape. Some of the highlights of the Klein Karoo include the awe-inspiring passes and gorges of the majestic Swartberg mountains, the mystical Cango Caves and fun ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn, and the abundant fruit orchards of the Langkloof Valley. Visitors can look forward to learning about South Africa’s rich heritage in the many historic towns; seeing animals such as bat-eared fox, meerkats and barking geckos; and enjoying music, drama, art and excellent local cuisine at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival.

DAY 7: ROUTE 62 - Kammanasie Nature reserve:

A 60km ride through the beautiful Klein Karoo running along the Kammanasie Mountians to the stunning Eagle Falls country lodge. Afternoon is at leisure to hike, swim or ride your bike.

Overnight: Eagle Falls

Accommodation: Eagle Falls

Route 62:

Meandering from the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town to the Karoo town of Oudtshoorn, through a series of fascinating small towns and breathtaking scenery, Route 62 is the longest Wine Route in the world. Lush greenery and fertile valleys form a stark contrast against the semi-desert of the Klein Karoo while towering mountains and their rivers and streams provide an awe-inspiring backdrop throughout. Some of the renowned attractions visitors will spot as they follow the route are the Winelands of the Breede River Valley, the majestic Swartberg Mountains, the Cango Caves and ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn, and the fruit orchards of the Langkloof Valley.

DAY 8: GARDEN ROUTE - Prince Alfred Pass to De Vlugt

Cycle from kammanassie along the beautiful Prince Alfred Pass to De Vlugt 60km cycle, rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Outeniqua Trout Lodge

Garden Route:

Sandwiched between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains and the glistening Indian Ocean, this lush 200-kilometre stretch of coastal plain between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth provides one of the world’s most spectacular drives. Visitors typically base themselves at the heart of the Garden Route - either in Knysna, complete with its scenic lagoon; or neighbouring Plettenberg Bay, famous for its excellent beaches - and then spend a few days exploring countless surrounding attractions. Whether you are seeking pristine, uncrowded white-sand beaches, world-class golf courses, ancient forests, top-notch surf spots, extraordinary nature reserves, excellent hiking opportunities or exhilarating outdoor adventures such as bungee jumping or ziplining, the Garden Route has it all.

DAY 9: KNYSNA - Prince Alfred Pass to Plettenberg Bay

After breakfast we continue to cycle the rest of this fantastic pass- The Prince Alfred Pass and then back down to the coast to Plettenberg Bay( 55km), and transfer through to Knysna. Rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy and relax.

Overnight: Knysna

Accommodation: Lagoona

Knysna:

Sandwiched between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is known as the ‘Garden of Eden’. It is surrounded by world-renowned forests, lovely lagoons and pristine beaches. Visitors can look forward to an array of markets offering delicious food and organic locally-made goods, explore the town’s picturesque waterfront and quaint streets, adventure through the lush forest, skip over streams and catch a glimpse of the multicoloured Knysna Loerie, take a ferry trip to the famed Knysna Heads and sample the local oysters. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of exciting activities including: surfing, swimming, yachting, jet skiing, boating, fishing, and golfing.

DAY 10: kNYSNA - Plett and Robberg Nature reserve

Today we have a rest day off the bikes and instead have the option to go walk in the Robberg Nature reserve. It is a beautiful hike that varies in options along the peninsula: the Full walk to the Point and back along the other side is around 4-5 hours with opportunity to swim in the ocean as well. It is a beautiful walk with great views and opportunity to see a Cape Fur Seal colony, dolphins and maybe a whale if they haven’t all left by this time. There are other options in and around the area as well such as beautiful beaches, ocean safaris to see dolphins, seals and whales in season, Monkeyland ( monkey sanctuary), Birdworld, Elephant sanctuary, and a big Cat sanctuary as well. An optional boat cruise through the Knysna Heads.

Overnight: Knysna

DAY 11: CAPE AGULHAS

After breakfast it is a long transfer (of 411km) to Cape Agulhas. In the afternoon we will take a short cycle along the coast out to the most southerly point of Africa. After that the afternoon is free for you to enjoy time on the beach, walks along the coastline or explore on your bike.

Overnight: Cape Agulhas Guesthouse

CAPE AGULHAS

Regarded as the place where the warm Indian Ocean meets the cold Atlantic Ocean, Cape Agulhas is the southernmost tip of Africa. Its stormy seas and rocky coastline have claimed more than 140 ships over the years, perhaps most famous of which is the sinking of the HMS Birkenhead, where the concept of “women and children first” has since become known as the “The Birkenhead Drill”.

DAY 12: HERMANUS

We cycle through the Cape Agulhas National Park and then through the quiet farmlands of the Overberg to Pearly Beach. (77km) From here we transfer to the beautiful town of Hermanus and we can explore the town, take a walk along the coastal cliff path or a walk in Fernkloof Nature Reserve with beautiful views of Walker Bay and the town of Hermanus. Grotto beach close by is a fantastic place to swim and walk along the beach.

Overnight: Hermanus

Accommodation: Baleens

Hermanus:

Situated just 140 kilometres from Cape Town and built between the beautiful shores and cliffs of Walker Bay, Hermanus has grown from a small seaside resort town to become possibly the best-known place for whale watching in the world. This town is also famed for its natural scenic beauty, long stretches of pristine beaches and excellent variety of restaurants, cafes and bars. Today, Hermanus is more than just a popular holiday destination and offers visitors all kinds of activities, both energetic and relaxing. Visitors can explore the Old Harbour Museum, which is comprised of the charming fisherman’s village, the old harbour, and the Whale House Museum; hike through the nearby Fernkloof Nature Reserve, and sample an array of top quality wine along the famed Hermanus Wine Route.

DAY 13: CAPE PENINSULA - Whale route to Gordons Bay

Cycle perhaps the most stunning coastal road in South Africa taking in great views of the coastline along the Whale route when we cycle Clarence Drive from Hermanus to Gordons Bay. 90km. We then transfer to near Simonstown outside Cape Town and visit the Penguin Colony.

Overnight near Simonstown.

Accommodation: Moonglow Guest House

Cape Peninsula:

Extending into the Atlantic, the rugged Cape Peninsula marks the southwesternmost point of the African continent. It features pristine white-sand beaches met by craggy mountains interspersed with quaint little coastal towns. Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope can be found along the southern end of this spectacularly scenic peninsula, while the northern tip is crowned by the world-famous Table Mountain which towers over the city of Cape Town. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of activities including: hopping on a boat ride to Seal Island from Hout Bay, exploring the magnificent Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and viewing the colony of African penguins on Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town. Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views from the top of Table Mountain.

DAY 14: Cape Point to Cape Town

We transfer to Cape Point and visit the lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope. From here we cycle the most scenic part of the famous Cape Argus cycle tour along the coastline, including Chapmans Peak drive, for the very best scenery this breathtaking part of Cape Town has to offer. We cycle along the Atlantic seaboard and roll into the Waterfront to enjoy a well deserved drink. Cycle 86km

Overnight: Cape Town

Accommodation: Martens Guest House.

Cape Town

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.

DAY 15: Tour Ends

Depending on when your flight leaves or if you want to spend longer in Cape Town, there is something for everyone and lots to do and see.