South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands and Karoo
Eight days. Easy to moderate cycling. Fold mountains, coastal splendor, incredible mountain passes, colorful local culture and cuisine make this tour a unique experience.
Discover Cape Town and its surroundings, visit the Cape of Good Hope and enjoy the view from Table Mountain. Ride through the Cape Winelands region, where you enjoy the relaxed ambience of the wine-making valleys of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. The last two days you will cycle in the rugged scenery of the Little Karoo and open-hearted small town hospitality. This route is perfect for the discerning traveller seeking the combination of adventure as well as the comforts of well appointed charming accommodation. The trip has been designed to include spectacular cycling, along with other activities like hiking on Table Mountain, wine tasting, plus seeing unique animals such as penguins and ostriches.
Day 1: 19km/12 miles. Warmup ride above Cape Town City, dinner at Africa Café
Welcome briefing over a light lunch at the hotel (depending on flight arrival times). Depart for an introductory ride along the slopes of Table Mountain, on an undulating tar road with amazing views of the city and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the end of the day with a dinner at the Africa Café in the city. LD
Winchester Mansions, Cape Town, www.winchester.co.za
Day 2: 40-60km/33-37 miles. Cycle Cape Point, visit penguin colony, township tour, hosted local dinner
Early start for a scenic drive to the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach, followed by a beautiful bike ride in Cape Point Nature Reserve, which includes a visit to the Cape of Good Hope. After lunch coastal ride along the Atlantic to Kommetjie followed by a bicycle township tour with the BEN (a non profit organization promoting cycling and job creation in poor communities). You will visit the library, crèche, meet a “Sangoma” a traditional healer and have tea in a local home. In the evening you will be guests in the home of a local chef and personality where we can relax and reflect on the day’s experiences whilst eating fabulous local cuisine. Note: Extra 20km ride available from Penguin colony to Cape Point. BLD
Same lodging
Day 3: 23-46km/14-29 miles. Cableway up Table Mountain, ride part of Argus Tour route including Chapman’s Peak Drive
Following breakfast, head up cable way to the top of Table Mountain. Transfer to Hout Bay where you will ride on the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive, down into Hout Bay and past Camps Bay all along the Atlantic Seaboard. This route forms the last part of the legendary Argus Cycle Tour. Lunch will be back at the hotel after the ride. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner at local restaurant in the V&A Waterfront. BLD
Same lodging
Day 4: 44-64km/27-40 miles. Scenic cycling in the Winelands, fine dining in Franschhoek
One hour transfer out of Cape Town. You will ride through the Winelands, and on to the town of Franschhoek. After a hearty lunch you will spend the afternoon exploring the valley or other optional activities such as hiking, horse riding, fly fishing, golf, cooking classes, shopping, wine tasting, mountain biking, crocodile farm or butterfly world. Dinner tonight is at one of Franschhoek’s finest restaurants. BLD
Klein Waterval Riverside Lodge, Franschhoek, www.kleinwaterval.co.za
Day 5: 32-54km/20-34 miles. Stellenbosch Museums and town, cycling the Winelands
Today you will ride over Helshoogte pass to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa and home to the oldest Wine Route in the Cape. Enjoy the oak lined avenues, the Village Museum and the Cape Dutch architecture while you take in the scenery from your bicycle seat.Extra kilometres available in the Jonkershoek nature reserve. Enjoy a healthy lunch with fine wines and the opportunity to buy some. Short afternoon transfer back to Franschhoek. Dinner tonight is in Franschhoek village. BLD
Same lodging
Day 6: 40-64km/25-40 miles. Bike ride in Karoo scenery through small towns
After breakfast you depart for a 1-2 hour transfer to the Route 62 and the small town of Montagu. You will cycle the last 40km to the town, and pass through other small towns en route. After arrival in Montagu and check-in, relax and explore the town at leisure. There are many national monuments to enjoy. Traditional braai (barbeque) for dinner at local wine and stud farm. BLD
Mimosa Lodge, Montagu, www.mimosa.co.za
Day 7: 48km-80km/30-50miles. Ride from Montagu to Swellendam
Breakfast and short shuttle to ride start. Spend the morning cycling through the rugged Route 62 mountain scenery: a 48km ride to Swellendam down the Breede River Valley. Lunch in Swellendam. Short optional ride after lunch on backroads. Transfer back to guesthouse and relax. Dinner is at the guesthouse tonight. BLD
Same lodging
Day 8: Depart
Following breakfast, you will be transferred Cape Town where to connect with flights to Johannesburg and home. B
| Start: | Cape Town, 12:00 noon day one |
| Finish: | Cape Town, 13:00, day eight |
| Guided Cost: | $4995 per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners, luggage handling, full-time guide, van support, maps and route notes |
| Self-Guided Cost: | Not available |
| Single Occupancy: | $695 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $295; Racing: $320 |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Nov 13-20; Dec 11-18 |
| 2012 Guided Dates: | Add your own dates (learn more) |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
