Start and end in Cape Town, the trip Cycling The Cape & Winelands is a guided bicycle trip that takes 12 days. You will travel through Gordons Bay, Barrydale, Cape Agulhas and 5 other destinations in South Africa.
Renowned as one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Cape Town and its surroundings provide a stunning backdrop for this tour. Our unique circular route allows us to take in the fantastic sights the Cape Peninsula has to offer. In addition to Table Mounta
Day 01: Start Cape Town; free day to explore.
Arrive Cape Town; the day is free for relaxing, shopping, catching a few rays of sunshine or exploring the endless activities in and around the city. The guide will be on hand to advise and assist, but here are a few recommended options: a cable car ride up Table Mountain for the fantastic view over Cape Town and the coastal regions; a visit to the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens or a half-day trip to the infamous Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela and other members of the ANC served their long sentences (this trip can be done on day 12 depending on the weather on Table Mountain).
Day 02: Ride over Hellshoogte, passing vineyards; to Rosenview.
This morning we have a short transfer from our lodge to the harbour and then we cycle to Bloubergstrand – it’s from here that the iconic pictures of Cape Town with the backdrop of Table Mountain are taken. After taking the obligatory photos, we’re off on a short transfer into the centre of the winelands. In the afternoon we cycle over Hellshoogte’ (Hell’s Heights) and then freewheel the rest of the way to the famous Boschendal vineyards where we stop for a well-earned drink (optional) before transferring to our accommodation at the Rosenview winery in Stellenbosch.
Day 03: Ride the Franschhoek Pass.
In the morning we have a short transfer before cycling through Franschhoek and up the Franschhoek Pass (739m) for some of the most breath-taking views of this region. We then continue to cycle to Villiersdorp. After a lunch we get back on our bikes and cycle towards Nuy Valley and then take a short transfer to Montague.Montague Hotel or similar
Day 04: Ride through the semi-arid desert of Great Karoo.
Today we head east, cycling from our accommodation in Montague to our accommodation in Barrydale. Along the way the landscape changes to the semi-arid desert of the Great Karoo, a huge ancient plateau making up almost a third of South Africa’s landmass and littered with remains of ancient Bushman cultures. We cycle a scenic back road traversing a more fertile region known as the Little Karoo, a short climb brings us to the Tradouws Plateau before arriving in Barrydale, our base for the night. This quiet old Dutch village is in a fertile valley surrounded by a colourful mix of vines, fruits and wild flowers (in season). While here we will visit a local co-op cellar and have an opportunity to taste their produce, including the local Chardonnay which is well respected for its unique taste.Tradouw Guest House or similar
Day 05: Ride through the Langeberge Mountains to Bontebok N.P.
After breakfast a short climb takes us up and over the spectacular Tradouws Pass. Near the top of the pass is the remains of a prison camp once home to the convicts that constructed the pass in 1873. From here the route is mainly downhill through the Langeberge Mountains to the small town of Suurbrak. Built by the London Missionary Society in 1812 many of the buildings have been restored and now the town has the feel of a living museum. Moving on we reach our base for the night – Swellendam. From here we drive to the Bontebok National Park. This park boasts some rare antelope as well as mountain zebra and some endangered crane species. The park has two 2km self guided nature trails, which can be explored independently.
Day 06: Ride and transfer to Cape Agulhas N.P., Africa’s southernmost point.
A short transfer (20km) brings us into the Overburg district, and we cycle through the cultivated farmlands of the Western Cape to Bredarsdorp. The road gently rolls through neat wheat fields and remote fishing villages facing the Indian Ocean, arriving at Cape Agulhas. This is the southernmost point of Africa, and South Africa’s newest national park, encompassing a large area of wetlands and coastline and extending some kilometres out to the sea. Whales and other sea life that frequent the warm waters of the Indian Ocean enjoy the protection within its boundaries. It also provides a home to thousands of sea birds and seals that can be seen along the rugged beaches.Cape Agulhas Guest House or similar
Day 07: Cycle towards Hermanus; sample local beer at Birkenhead.
This morning we cycle through the picturesque hamlet of Elim and past 55km of undulating farmlands to the coastal town of Kleinbaai. Following lunch, we take a short transfer into Standford where have the chance to sample local beer at the Birkenhead Brewery. We finish our day in the town of Hermanus – famous for the very close sightings of the Southern Right Whale, which come into the secluded bay to mate and calf each year from July through to December, it is a great place to relax. In the afternoon we have the option of cycling from one of the local viewpoints of Walkersbay along the Hermanus coastal road to our accommodation, offering the best chance of spotting the whales.
Day 08: Free day to relax in Hermanus.
We have a free day today to rest our legs in Hermanus. In the 1920’s the town was known as a place to convalesce and was being recommended from as far a field as London. Grand hotels were built and its reputation as a holiday resort was established. Nowadays it still manages a delightful balance between the two industries of fishing and tourism. In addition to this the World Wildlife Foundation recognises Hermanus as among the twelve best places in the world for whale watching. Join us on our September to October departures for the best chance to see whales swimming off the coast. Windsor Hotel or similar
Day 09: Ride the Whale Coast to Gordon’s Bay.
Today we cycle the Whale Coast, from Hermaus to Gordon’s Bay, possible one of the most scenic rides in the world. The road follows the rugged coastline passing through fishing villages with dramatic views over False Bay and the Cape of Good Hope. Along the route there is a good chance that our efforts will be encouraged by the numerous troops of Cape Baboon. Today is the longest cycle day, but those preferring a shorter ride can catch a lift in the support bus for part of the day. We transfer at the end of the day from Gordon’s Bay to Simonstown.
Day 10: Stunning Cape Peninsula ride; visit penguin colony.
After breakfast, a short 30km transfer brings us to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. We then walk from the Cape of Good Hope to the old lighthouse at Cape Point. From here we cycle through the Cape Point Nature Reserve and then along the very scenic coastal road to the historic village of Simonstown, downhill for most of the way, with panoramic views over False Bay. After a rest stop and lunch at Boulders Beach we visit the local penguin colony (optional). We then continue our cycle along the coastal road to our overnight accommodation.
Day 11: Cycle to Cape Town via Chapman’s Peak, Hout Bay and Camps Bay.
The ride today follows part of the annual Cape Argus route, one of the largest cycling events of the world, and is arguably the most scenic route that South Africa has to offer. We complete our circuit by cycling from Glencairn over the redhill pass along an old navy road to Scarborough and then all along the Atlantic coast via the stunning Chapman’s Peak drive into Hout Bay. After lunch in Hout Bay we cycle up Suikerbos Ridge past Llandudno and then on to Cape Town via Camp’s Bay and the 12 Apostles all the way to our accommodation in Seapoint. We celebrate the end of the cycling at one of the many venues at the Waterfront.
Day 12: Optional morning visit to Robben Island; end Cape Town.
The day is free for last minute shopping, catching a few last rays of sunshine or the half-day trip to Robben Island before the trip ends here.
| City | Nights | Hotels |
| Cape Town | 01 | Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront |
| Stellenbosch | 01 | 107 Dorpstraat Boutique Hotel |
| Montagu | 01 | Montagu Country Hotel |
| Barrydale | 01 | Barrydale Karoo Lodge |
| Bontebok N. P. | 01 | Schoone Oordt Country House |
| Cape Agulhas | 01 | Cape Agulhas Guest House |
| Hermanus | 02 | The Marine Hermanus |
| Simon’s Town | 02 | Quayside Hotel |
| Cape Town | 01 | Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– 11 nights accommodation as per program
– English speaking guide
– Meals: Breakfasts & Dinners
– 9 days cycling with full vehicle support95% tarmac, 5% hard pack dirt roads
– All transport and listed activities
– All present government taxes
• International Flights.
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance.
• Accommodation in good hotels.
• Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
• Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost. – Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
• In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.
