8-Day Western Cape Cycling Tour

You made it to South Africa! Upon landing in Cape Town, you’ll be met by your guide and taken to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Cape Town or get acclimated to the timezone.

To kick off your Western Cape cycling tour, you’ll start with the Cape Peninsula. You’ll explore the most southwestern corner of the continent, starting with the Cape Point Nature Reserve. This is one of the most famous areas near Cape Town, where cape zebras, baboons, and buck roam and the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic. Then, it’s back on the bike and onwards to Simon’s Town, the seat of the South African Navy. This charming coastal town has a vibrant history, and there are a few fantastic museums worth a stop. Hop on the bike and hit Boulders Beach, where a massive colony of penguins delights visitors from all over the world. If the weather holds, you can squeeze in a visit to Table Mountain before dinnertime.

Today you’ll visit one of the loveliest parts of the Western Cape, as the morning begins with a drive through Stellenbosch. From here you’ll pedal to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, a 9800-hectare reserve of breathtaking mountains, native flora and fauna, monkeys, klipspringers, and ospreys. This is perfect mountain biking terrain! After you tear it up in the reserve, it’s back towards Stellenbosch, where you can explore, cruise between the shops, and stop for some wine tasting. This picturesque town with its oak-lined streets and classy restaurants is the perfect place to spend the evening exploring.

Start the morning with a transfer to Franschhoek, where you’ll start your ride at the top of the Franschhoek Pass, descending through the Huguenot Memorial and along the Berg River Dam. The beautiful path leads you through the Glenwood Winery (quick stop for a sip, anyone?) and then through Four Paws Wines (another quick stop?) before climbing back towards Franschhoek, where you can stop for lunch… and some more wine tasting. Then, it’s on to Stellenbosch for another evening.

Marine life lovers, today’s going to be a treat for you. After breakfast, you’ll depart towards Gansbaai, home of the densest population of Great White Sharks in the world. The waters near the town are also packed with dolphins, whales, penguins, and seals. You’ll stop in Bredasdorp along the way for a coffee and then follow a relaxed dirt road to Elim, where wine lovers should stop for a taste. From here, a driver will pick you up and take you to Gansbaai.

The next portion of your Western Cape cycling tour takes you to Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Walker Bay is a pristine coastal reserve with an unbelievable array of marine life. It’s a local and international favourite for whale watching, and it’s a preferred calving location for southern right whales. Enjoy the coast here before riding along to Hermanus, a bustling city where upscale infrastructure and natural beauty meet. Enjoy lunch at Beltang’s Cave, a restaurant built into the rocks of Walker Bay, before cruising alongside the sea back to Gansbaai.

Today, you’ll have a quick transfer to Kleinmond first thing in the morning. Once there, you’ll hop on the bike for a 50km jaunt down the Whale Coast Route via Gordon’s Bay. This road is one of the most beautiful in the county, passing the penguin-spotted coast and several nature reserves along the way. You’ll end up at a cozy guest cottage in Durbanville. Unwind here and enjoy the local wine and the picturesque sunset view.

8 days of unforgettable riding later, it’s time to leave South Africa. You’ll have a bit of time to enjoy the nearby vineyards for free before your ride to the airport comes. Safe travels!