ROUTE A (Feb. 23. + Oct. 25.) & ROUTE B (Feb. 2. + Nov. 15.)
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.
Day 2: Safari in Addo National Park & Bike Tour from Clarkson to the Tsitsikamma National Park, approx. 51 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 where we will stay overnight. (51km, hg 350m, tar/forest path) (B, L)
Day 3 + 4: Bike Tour from the Tsitsikamma National Park to Nature‘s Valley, approx. 58 km + approx. 35 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 700m, tar + 35km, hg 300m tar/forest paths/tracks) (B, L, D)
Day 5: Hike on the Robberg Peninsula
Today we will go on an unforgettable hike around the wild and romantic Robberg Peninsula (5-6 hours). View Stone Age caves, a seal colony, bottle-nosed dolphins and the threatened black oystercatcher. (B, L)
Route A & Route B will diverge in Plettenberg Bay for 9 days.
Route A takes you inner land through the Little Karoo savannah, and Route B leades you closer to the cooler coastline.
ROUTE A:
Day 6: Bike Tour from Knysna to Uniondale, approx. 49 km
Today the landscape is isolated and the route steep, as we leave the coast and cycle on good tracks through the dense Knysna Forest to Prince Alfred’s Pass (1050m). (hg 1170m, tar/tracks) (B, L)
Day 7: Bike Tour from Uniondale to De Rust, approx. 88 km
On this day the serene route leads us through the eastern Klein Karoo. We will have a picnic on a farm, where one senses the charm of the rocky, yet fauna and flora filled surroundings, as well as beautiful 2000m-high sights of the Swartberg Mountains which lie in the distance. In the evening we will have a good rest in a cozy Guest Houses of De Rust. (88 km, 930 am, gravel) (B, L)
Day 8: Bike Tour from De Rust - Swartberg Mountains, approx. 69 km
Today’s journey starts with the highlight of the day, the Meiringspoort, which is enclosed by towering sandstone walls of up to 800m as we continue through the imposing Swartberg Mountains to the nearby Cango Dripstone Caves. A long downhill ride through Schoeman’s Gorge takes us to 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. (hg 830m, tar/tracks) (B, L, D)
Day 9: Day at Leisure – Visit to an Ostrich Farm
Today you have time to rest. Visit an ostrich farm and learn more about this funny creature. How about relaxing by the pool or taking a stroll into town? (B)
Day 10: Bike Tour from Oudtshoorn to Calitzdorp, approx. 85 km
The majestic Swartberg Mountain Peak forms the backdrop, as we depart from Oudtshoorn. The asphalt roads then change into tracks as we cycle through a wonderful, secluded valley and past ostrich farms to the idyllic wine producing town of Calitzdorp. (hg 800m, tar/tracks) (B, L)
Day 11: Bike Tour from Calitzdorp to Ladismith, approx. 56 km
We will cycle over the Huisriver Pass (650m) and past the Amalienstein missionary station in the wonderful Seweweekspoort, having a lunch break while on route. Continue cycling towards Ladismith to the simple Mountain View Guest House 2* in front of the Swartberg Mountains. (1859m) (hg 1180m, tar/tracks) (B, L)
Day 12: Bike Tour from Buffelspoort to Montagu, approx. 107 km
Cycling on good tracks, we will traverse a few dry valleys in the sparse expanse of the Little Karoo, before making our way up the Ouberg Pass (950m) on route to the town of Montagu with it’s charming colonial style houses. Cycling on asphalt again, we reach the charming Montagu Country Hotel 4*, where we will be accommodated for two consecutive nights. (hg 1060m, tar/tracks) (B, L)
Day 13: Day at Leisure – Hiking to the Thermal Springs
Depart from the hotel and walk through the quaint village of Montagu with it’s beautiful private gardens. The lovers walk, just beyond the town, leads us through a narrow gorge with beautiful sandstone formations to the thermal springs. (Walking time 1.5 hours) We will be back at lunch time and the afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 14: Bike tour Montagu – Robertson, approx. 91 km
After a hearty breakfast, cycle through the narrow Kogmannskloof gorge into the beautiful Breede River Valley Wine Lands region. Enjoy a wine tasting and a chees platter on Weltevrede Wine Estate. Ride along the flat banks of the Breed River onto the charming accommodation in Robertson. (hg 725m, tar) (B,L)
Day 15: Bike Tour from Kleinmond to Gordon‘s Bay, approx. 62 km
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. (62km, hg 540m, tar) (B)
Day 16: Bike Tour Cape of Good Hope National Park, approx. 69 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 AFRICANBIKERS. You can become acquainted with Cape Town’s largest township and its people. Carry on to the Cape of Good Hope National Park. Have a picnic at the famous Cape and maybe spot ostriches on the beach. Start riding up north the 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 where we will stay for two nights. (hg 830m, tar) (B,L)
Day 17: Hike on Table Mountain
In the morning we will visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and, weather permitting, hike up to the 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: Cape Town
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)
ROUTE B
Day 6: Bike Tour from Knysna to George, approx. 73 km
We will cycle along the old Cape Road until the Homtini Pass. The indigenous trees offer welcomes shade during the ascents and descents. In the afternoon, we will cycle along a flat section through the Lake district to the wilderness. The warm Indian Ocean in Victoria Bay is an inviting place to swim. (hg 690m, tar/tracks) (B, L)
Day 7: Bike Tour from George to Oudtshoorn, approx. 67 km
Today, we will cycle over the historic Montagu Pass (745m) into the interior to the town of Oudtshoorn. On route, we are rewarded with stunning views of the coast and the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains. The changing landscape could not be more impressive, as we cycle from lush green pastures to and through semi-arid shrub and bushveld. Accommodation will be at the cosy Adley Guest House 4* for two consecutive nights. The owner wishes to invite us to a traditional South Africa barbeque which, of course, also includes tender ostrich meat! (hg 880m, tar/tracks) (B, L, D)
Day 8: Cycle tour to the Cango Dripstone Caves and an Ostrich Farm, approx. 57 km
A mid-morning bike tour takes you to nearby Cango Caves. During a 1 hour tour, you will see many calcite formations, the huge flowstones formations being noteworthy. Afterwards, travel to an ostrich farm and learn more about this large 2m tall bird. Spend the afternoon at the poolside or take a walk through the town. The C P Nel Museum includes a complete 18th century pharmacy and has a permanent exhibition pertaining to the ostrich feather boom. (57km, hg 590m, tar/gravel) (B)
Day 9: Bike Tour from Oudtshoorn to Klein Brakrivier, approx. 83 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 the Point Hotel 4* in Mossel Bay, situated right on the rocky shores of the Indian Ocean for your overnight accommodation. (hg 890m, tar/gravel road) (B, L)
Day 10: Bike Tour from Albertinia to Riversdale, approx. 52 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. (hg 610m, tar/tracks) (B, L)
Day 11: Bike Tour from Riversdale to 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. (hg 1110m, tar/tracks) (B, L)
Day 12: Bike Tour from Swellendam to Robertson, approx. 72 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*. (hg 820m, 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: Bike tour 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 antelopes and baboons. 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 many historical buildings, erected in the local Cape-Dutch style. Ample of road side cafes, art galleries and craft shops makes this a pleasant place for a stroll. Stay close by in the historic Villa Grande Guest House 4*. Restaurants are just a save and short walk away. (hg 860m, tar) (B,L)
The rest of the tour for ROUTE B is identical to days 15-18 of ROUTE A.
The Addo Elephant National Park, with a surface area of 405 252 acres, serves as a sanctuary to a multitude of diverse wildlife species and abundant bird life.
