Western Cape Cycling Tour

You made it to South Africa! Once you touch down in Cape Town, your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, where you have some time to freshen up before spending the evening as you please. Sleep off the jetlag or enjoy dinner on the town, it’s up to you!

Today is the Tour of 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 cute coastal town has a vibrant history, and there are a few excellent museums worth visiting. Not far from here is Boulders Beach, where a massive colony of penguins delight visitors from all over the world. If the weather holds, you can squeeze in a visit to Table Mountain before dinnertime.

Day 3 of your cycling tour of South Africa begins with a drive through Stellenbosch to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, a 9800-hectare reserve of incredible 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 onto Stellenbosch, where you can explore, cruise between the shops, and stop for some wine tasting. This picturesque town with its oak-lined streets and chic 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 stunning 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.

The next leg of your cycling tour through South Africa takes you towards Oudtshoorn, the feather capital of the world. You’ll start with a ride through Framer Redbeard’s land, a glorious wine valley that houses fruit orchards, honey, and wildlife. Riding along the beautiful Route 62 gives you chance to stop in the charming Karoo town of Barrydale, a welcoming countryside haven. Then, it’s onwards to Affie Plaas, a farm stall that holds a foodie’s dream. Grab lunch, but expect to have a hard time choosing between the juicy cling peaches, refined salads, and fresh toasts. After you’ve eaten, it’s back on the bike. You’ll pass through Robertson Winery, where you’re more than welcome to stop and explore. Dr. William Robertson will greet you with open arms and a warm smile. Then, you’ll ride along to the Cango Caves, a subterranean marvel of stalactite and stalagmite formations, before reaching Oudtshoorn for the evening. What a day!

Today, experienced cyclists have the option of beginning with a ride along the Swartberg Pass. The ride climbs the pass before descending to Prince Albert. Since it’s a tougher ride, you can opt to just be transferred to the viewpoint at the top, where breakfast awaits. If you’d still like to cycle but prefer an easier ride, you can ride to Calitzdorp. This path has perfect views of the Swartberg Mountains and meanders easily past a game farm where you can spot giraffes and buck. After lunch in Calitzdorp, you’ll be transferred to Oudtshoorn for the night.

After breakfast, the next portion of your Western Cape cycling adventure begins with a ride to Plettenberg Bay. You’ll stop in at the Safari Ostrich Farm along the way, where 1800 hectares houses 280 ostriches. If you’re there in the breeding season (June through February), you might just get to witness some brand-new chicks being born! You’ll be able to make friends (or foes) with three species of ostrich: South African, Kenyan Red, and Zimbabwe Blue ostriches. After the farm, it’s back on the bike and to Montagu Pass, where you’ll ride along magnificently scenic gravel roads to George. Here, you can catch your breath before reaching Plettenberg Bay.

After breakfast, today begins with a ride along the famously beautiful Garden Route, passing through the lovely Plettenberg Bay and onwards to Roodefontein and Cairnbrogie Farm. The cycling today is some of the most beautiful of the entire tour. You’ll ride through nature reserves, past untouched coastline, alongside dense forest, and past impressive mountain ranges. The first portion of the ride ends at a farmer’s market for lunch. Of course, no trip on the Garden Route is complete without a stop in Knysna, where a famous waterfront boasts excellent leisure and shopping opportunities. Relax alongside luxury yachts in glittering lagoons until retracing your steps to Plettenberg Bay.

Formerly a small fishing village, Mossel Bay is now a thriving port town along the Garden Route, featuring miles of beaches and fantastic golfing. You’ll be riding through the Garden of Eden to reach Mossel Bay, which is one of the most diverse mountain biking trails in South Africa. Once you reach the town, you’re free to hit the beaches or get a round of golf in before the day ends.

Day 10 of your ride through South Africa will take you to Swellendam, a quiet heritage town at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. You’ll ride through the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that features indigenous forest, unusual birds and animals, and a rare butterfly species. Then, it’s on to Witsand and through to the ferry at Malgas. Truly, the ferry is more like a floating wooden barge with a hand pull, but it’ll do the trick. Once on the other side, it’s time for a drive the rest of the way to Swellendam.

Day 11 of your cycling trip begins with a ride towards Gansbaai. You’ll stop in Bredasdorp, where lunch and wine tasting await. Then, you’ve got an easy afternoon with a transfer to Gansbaai. This fishing town is a popular tourist destination known for fabulous whale watching, shark diving, and dolphin spotting. Perhaps an on-water adventure would be a good way to spend the afternoon?

After breakfast, a coach will take you to the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, where you can cruise on your bike through the pristine scenery. This coastal reserve is one of the best spots for whale watching in South Africa, so you might get lucky with a sighting while you ride! Then, you’ll ride along to Beltang’s Cave, a restaurant built into the rocks of Walker’s Bay, for lunch. Grab a spot outside and you’ll be treated to ocean views dotted with dolphins and birds while you eat. Then, it’s back to the hotel in the evening, where you can spend the rest of the day however you please.

Today, you’ll have a quick transfer to Kleinmond. Once you make it to Kleinmond, 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, where you can taste the local wine and enjoy the picturesque sunset view.

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