Designed alongside Cape Town’s Tarryn Povey, one of southern Africa’s top marathon mountain bikers, this thrilling cycling adventure in South Africa showcases the utter beauty of the Garden Route. Riding from Cape Town to Knysna, we explore the Cape Winelands, tackle mountain passes, and discover the semi-arid desert of the Little Karoo. There’s also time to stay on a wine estate, visit the ostrich capital of the world, and quiz your tour leaders on all things bikes.
Activity Areas
Cycling
New Cycling Holidays
Road Cycling
Region & Country & City
Africa: Cape Town, South Africa, The Garden Route
Included in the Price
- All breakfasts, five lunches and one dinner - All accommodation - All transport and listed activities - Tour leader throughout - Arrival transfer for any flight, group departure transfer available
Not Included In The Price
- Travel insurance - Single accommodation (available on request) - Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation Information
- Accommodation: 8 Superior nights (hotels), 5 Classic nights (hotels) - 12 days of cycling with support vehicle available for most of the adventure - Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Adventure begins in Cape Town
Begin your adventure in cosmopolitan Cape Town, undeniably beautiful, culturally rich and a gateway to world-leading vineyards.
Around 5pm, say howzit to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big South African welcome by arranging dinner at a local restaurant.
Want to explore Cape Town further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Harbour Bridge (or similar)
Day 2 Ride along the Cape Peninsula to the wine town of Stellenbosch
Our first ride of the adventure takes us along the Cape Peninsula to Stellenbosch, the beating heart of South Africa’s wine country. Along the way, we pass rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and dramatic mountain passes, and ride through lively seaside communities.
Highlights include: Chapmans Peak, which ranks among the most scenic coastal roads in the world; the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve; and Boulders Beach, which is populated by a protected rookery of critically endangered African penguins.
Accommodation: Stellenbosch Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 Through the Cape Winelands to Franschhoek
Ride through the Cape Winelands today, where vineyards and mountain backdrops create a scenic cycling route.
Our journey takes us from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek, two of the most iconic wine towns in South Africa, via vineyards and historic towns. Enjoy the peaceful countryside, with plenty of opportunities to slow down and take in the views. This route offers a mix of gentle climbs and scenic descents.
Accommodation: Centre-Ville (or similar)
Day 4 Ride to the Wildekrans Wine Estate
Embark on a captivating ride to the riverside community of Botrivier through a mix of vineyards and farmlands. Riding through the heart of the Cape Winelands, enjoy quiet country roads and dramatic mountain views on a route that combines rolling terrain and scenic descents. Highlights include the Franschhoek Pass, Theewaterskloof Dam and the Van Der Stel Pass.
We end the day at Wildekrans Wine Estate, an award-winning producer of wines and olive oil set within the beautiful Bot River Valley among fields of indigenous renosterbos shrubs.
Accommodation: Wildekrans Wine Estate (or similar)
Day 5 Cycle through vineyards and olive groves in the Robertson Valley
After a scenic one-hour transfer to the starting point, gear up for an exciting ride through the Robertson Valley, another renowned wine-producing region.
Our route includes tranquil roads surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and expansive farmlands, offering a peaceful escape with views of the valley and mountains.
Accommodation: theLAB Robertson (or similar)
Day 6 Ride through the Breede River Valley to Montagu
Set off for Montagu, part of the Little Karoo (or Klein Karoo) region. This ride, one of the most scenic routes in the Western Cape, takes you through the vast open landscapes of the Breede River Valley, with views of rugged mountains, expansive vineyards, and rural farmlands.
The terrain offers a mix of smooth stretches and gentle climbs, providing a perfect balance of challenges and relaxation. As you approach Montagu, known for its orchards, vineyards and hot springs, the landscape transitions into dramatic mountain passes, offering sweeping views that make every pedal stroke worthwhile.
Accommodation: Montagu Country Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 Cycle the iconic Route 62 to Bonnievale
Embark on a captivating ride along Route 62, one of the most iconic and scenic cycling routes in South Africa. Pedal through a mix of small towns, vast vineyards, and rolling farmlands as you make your way to Bonnievale.
The route is lined with impressive mountain backdrops, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. Known for its rural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, this journey offers an immersive way to experience the heart of the Little Karoo.
Accommodation: Karoo Art Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 Discover the semi-arid desert of the Karoo
Jump on the bike for a proper introduction to the Klein Karoo. Quiet backroads lead us across arid plains framed by rocky ridges and distant mountains, a setting that quickly explains why this semi-desert has shaped both livelihoods and attitudes here.
The terrain is open and absorbing, giving us time to settle into the rhythm of the ride and notice the hardy vegetation adapted to these dry conditions. After the ride, a short transfer brings us to our accommodation.
Accommodation: Rooiberg Lodge (or similar)
Day 9 Cycle to Calitzdorp, testing yourself against the Rooiberg Pass
Start your day with a challenging yet rewarding ride to Calitzdorp, taking on the formidable Rooiberg Pass. As you ascend the pass, enjoy views of the rugged landscape and vast plains that stretch for miles, while also stopping for mid-morning snacks.
The descent into Calitzdorp offers a thrilling finish, with sweeping views of the Little Karoo’s unique terrain.
Wrap up the day with a transfer to Oudtshoorn, known for being the ostrich capital of the world.
Accommodation: The Riempie Estate – Oudtshoorn (or similar)
Day 10 Ride from the Cango Caves and over the Swartberg Pass
Begin with a scenic transfer to the Cango Caves, a natural wonder in the Swartberg Mountains, where we gear up for a thrilling ascent to the Swartberg Pass. The climb offers challenging terrain, but the reward is panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.
After reaching the summit, enjoy the exhilarating descent to the charming village of Prince Albert, a historic oasis where you can unwind, refuel, and soak in the character of this quaint Karoo town.
Accommodation: The Swartberg Hotel - Prince Albert (or similar)
Day 11 Journey through the Karoo
Start your ride in the peaceful village of Prince Albert and follow the quiet backroads that skirt the northern side of the Swartberg Mountains. The route winds through wide-open Karoo landscapes, passing farmland, koppies and rugged foothills with gentle rolling terrain.
As you loop around the back of the range, the scenery gradually softens and opens toward the Klein Karoo basin.
The ride finishes at the Meiringspoort Waterfall outside the charming village of De Rust, where you can do a short walk to the waterfall pools where you will have a scenic lunch stop.
Accommodation: House Martin (or similar)
Day 12 Explore the Kammanasie foothills
Leave De Rust and head east into the quiet backcountry roads leading toward the Kamanassie Mountains. The route rolls through farmland and wide-open valleys before narrowing into the more rugged, remote terrain of the Kamanassie foothills.
Expect winding gravel sections, rocky ridgelines, and a few river crossings as you make your way through this untouched mountain landscape.
Once you emerge on the far side, the scenery opens toward the Langkloof, where an easy final stretch brings you into the historic village of Uniondale − an inviting end to a beautifully varied ride.
Accommodation: Mountain Pastures Game Lodge
Day 13 Journey from Karoo to coast
Begin your ride from the game lodge in the Outeniqua foothills. The route gradually climbs into cool, green stretches of indigenous forest, where the scenery shifts from open valleys to dense woodland and towering mountain views.
Winding along quiet backroads, head deeper into the Knysna forest, finishing at the iconic Big Tree − a majestic, centuries-old giant that marks a fitting end to this beautifully varied and scenic ride.
Accommodation: The Rex Hotel (or similar)
Day 14 Adventure ends in Knysna
After an unforgettable cycling trip, we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
