Day 1: Arrival Port Elizabeth
After arriving in Port Elizabeth, you will be welcomed by your tour guide, and with the bikes on our trailer, transferred to the charming Dungbeetle River Lodge 4*. In the afternoon, relax at the poolside or mount any additional gear such as click pedals, seats or paniers to the handlebar. Overnight accommodation will be at the Dungbeetle River Lodge 4*
Day 2: Safari in Addo National Park & Bike Tour Tsitsikamma – Stormsriver, approx. 63 km
In the morning, depart to the nearby ADDO Elephant National Park. While on a game drive in an open top safari vehicle, one will see zebra, blesbok and elephants, and, with some luck, even black rhinos and lions! Thereafter, transfer to the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range, from where one will commence our bike tour to Cape Town. After a final bike check, begin cycling on a beautifully positioned side road with a backdrop of the Tsitsikamma Mountains to the comfortable Tsitsikamma Village Inn 3* where we will stay overnight. (63km, hg 480m, tar/forest path) (B, L)
Day 3: Stormsriver – Tsitsikamma Nationalpark – Nature’s Valley, approx. 58 km
We will cycle on a forested plateau before descending to the mouth of the Storms River on the wild and romantic coast. After lunch, cycle back up to the plateau, passing through valleys filled with rich indigenous forest en route to Nature‘s Valley. The dense Tsitsikamma forest draws us deeply into it as we absorb its natural beauty. Overnight accommodation will be for two consecutive nights at Holiday Homes Natures Valley, lying at the edge of a secluded beach on the Garden Route. (58km, hg 710m, tar) (B, L, D)
Day 4: Hike in the Tsitsikamma Forest, approx. 35 km
After breakfast, the dense Tsitsikamma forest invites us to explore it on foot. In addition to wild boars, bushbucks and baboons, the coastal fynbos is the real attraction. The last kilometers lead along the rocky coast back to the accommodation. In the afternoon we can relax on one of the most beautiful and lonely beaches of the Garden Route or take a 35 km round cycle trip. (35km, hg 300m, tar/forest paths/tracks) (B, L, D)
Day 5: Tour Knysna Forest – Uniondale, approx. 60 km
At first through jungle and pine forests we later ride through a wild gorge up the Prince Alfred’s Pass (1050 m). Acacia and succulent species now predominantly grow on the mountains. We stay in the historic rooms of a 3* guest house in Uniondale. (47km, hg 1170m, tar/tracks) (B, L) Uniondale Manor 3*
Distance by bus 60 km, Time 1.5 hrs
Day 6: Uniondale – De Rust, approx. 76 km
The serene route leads us past game and goat farms through the eastern Klein Karoo. We will have a farm picnic, on the foothills of the towering 2000m peaks of the Swartberg Mountains. In the evening we will have a good rest in a cozy guest house of De Rust. (76 km, 860 am, tar/gravel) (B, L) Housemartin Guest House 3*
Day 7: De Rust – Cango Dripstone Caves – Oudtshoorn, approx. 72 km
Today’s journey takes us on a hilly farm road along the imposing Swartberg Mountains to the nearby Cango Dripstone Caves. After a long downhill ride through Schoeman’s Gorge we arrive in the comfortable Adley Guest House 4*, where we will be accommodated for the next two consecutive nights. The owner will prepare a barbeque for us and tender ostrich steaks are included – vegetarian food too. (72km, hg 1000m, tar/tracks) (B, L, D)
Day 8: Day at Leisure – Visit to an Ostrich Farm
Today we rest. Do a morning visit of an ostrich farm and learn more about this funny creature. How about relaxing by the pool or taking a stroll into town? (B)
Day 9: Oudtshoorn – Klein Brakrivier, approx. 77 km
After crossing the Olifants Rivier, the ascending route eventually reaches the top of the Robinson Pass (860m) from where one will enjoy magnificent views across the Indian Ocean, before descending to the coast at Klein Brakrivier. Transfer to Bay Lodge Mossel Bay/Hartenbos for your overnight accommodation. (77km, hg 900m, tar) (B, L)
Day 10: Albertinia – Riversdale, approx. 53 km
The Diaz Museum in Mossel Bay exhibits the history of the maritime exploration and discovery of Africa. This will be the last opportunity to swim before your arrival in Cape Town. In our vehicle, we travel inland to Albertinia from where we will cycle along the Langeberg Mountains and through the hilly farm land to Riversdale, where we will stay in the comfortable De Doornkraal Country House 4*. (53km, hg 635m, tar/tracks) (B, L)
Day 11: Riversdale – Swellendam, approx. 85 km
Continue cycling along the mountain tracks on the Langeberg Mountains to Heidelberg, and then mainly on asphalt to Swellendam, the third oldest town in South Africa, lying idyllically at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. Accommodation will be at the Aan de Eike Guest House 3* in the historical part of the town. (85km, hg 970m, tar/tracks) (B, L)
Day 12 : Swellendam – Robertson, approx. 73 km
Today, we will cycle through the wide Bree Rivier Valley via Bonnievale and vineyards to Robertson, where we will spend the next two consecutive nights in the charming Gubas De Hoek Guest House 4*. Sometimes we can spot flocks of the indigenous Blue Crane bird next to the farm dams. (73km, hg 720m, tar/tracks) (B, L)
Day 13: Hike to Kogmanskloof in Montagu, approx. 40 km
Today, we will walk through the pretty little town of Montagu and take a short hike to the thermal springs, followed by lunch and a wine tasting on a wine estate. Those who feel energetic can undertake a bike trip (40km) to the historical village of McGregor. (B)
Day 14: Viliersdorp – Stellenbosch, approx. 61 km
A short transfer takes us to Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest water reservoir of Cape Town. The route enters the UNESCO World Heritage Site Capensis and during the steady climb up Franschhoek Pass (732m) you are rewarded with sights of many different Protea and Heath species as well as Klipspringer antelope and baboon. Enjoy the great views from the top onto one of the famous wine growing areas of South Africa. On Boschendal Wine Estate visit the well-preserved manor house and have a light lunch under the shady oak trees. Carry on over Helshoogte Pass (380m) and you reach Stellenbosch, the second oldest town of South Africa. It boasts with many historical buildings erected in the local Cape-Dutch style. Ample of road side cafes, art galleries and craft shops make this a pleasant place for a stroll. Restaurants are just a save and short walk away. (61km, hg 800m, tar) (B,L)
Day 15: Kleinmond – Gordon‘s Bay, approx. 51 km
During a township tour in the morning, you will have the unique opportunity to visit a Kindergarten in the township of Khayelitsha which is supported by AFRICAN BIKERS. You can become acquainted with Cape Town’s largest township and some of its people. Drive to Kleinmond at the coast, where we will unload the bikes and, keeping the Cape Peninsula in sight, cycle along the unique coastal route to Gordon‘s Bay. Often you can spot Cape Fur Seals close to the shore. Have a stop and visit the African Penguin Colony in Betty´s Bay. Stay just opposite the beach in the pretty Manor on the Bay Guest House 4*. (51km, hg 560m, tar) (B)
Day 16: Through the Cape of Good Hope National Park, approx. 71 km
Transfer to the Cape of Good Hope National Park and maybe spot ostriches on the beach. After a scenic 1-hr hike to the Cape Point start riding north of Cape Peninsula along the Atlantic seaboard back to Cape Town. The coastal route via Chapman‘s Peak Drive and Hout Bay is truly one of the most breathtaking routes in South Africa. It is not a coincidence that the annual Cape Town Cycle Tour Race, with over 35,000 participants, takes place here. You reach Camps Bay with its beach pubs and a bit later the Bantry Bay Suites Hotel 4* close to the Atlantic Ocean. (71km, hg 870m, tar) (B, L)
Day 17: Hike on Table Mountain
In the morning, we will visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and, weather permitting, hike up Table Mountain (4 hrs.). The view across Cape Town, 1000m below us, is breathtaking. The descent will be by cable car. In the afternoon, we will walk to Greenmarket Square, the Houses of Parliament in Government Gardens, the Castle and City Hall, and the Malay Quarter. The rest of the afternoon remains at leisure. African Bikers will advise you on what there is to discover in the mother city. The V&A Waterfront has many shops, good restaurants and the famous Two Ocean Aquarium! (B)
Day 18: Journey Homewards
The morning remains at leisure. There are many shops and markets to visit. In addition, the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront or a trip to Robben Island are worthwhile. Depending on your flight departure details, we will transfer you to Cape Town International Airport where this beautiful journey will end. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
