GARDEN ROUTE TO CAPE TOWN MOUNTAIN BIKE TOUR

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About this tour

 

This is a pretty full itinerary traversing some of the most scenic and beautiful parts of the Garden Route down to Cape Town. It incorporates a wonderful combination of stunning coastline and beaches, beautiful indigenous forest, the majestic mountains ranges that make up the Cape Fold Mountains, the great expanse in the semi desert area of the Karoo and the magnificent Cape Floral Kingdom.

 

 We cycle some of the most famous and dramatic dirt road passes in this part of South Africa but there are also stunning coastal roads and country roads with some wonderful opportunities to walk and hike in National parks and nature reserves.

 

The cycling is on both gravel and tar roads so naturally we will use mountain bikes. The cycling will be quite tough ( if you are not fit ) but by no means technical, and there is always  100 %  back up support so if you are not feeling strong on a particular day, or at any given time, then just load up your bike and ride in the vehicle until you feel up to it again. There is a good mix in this itinerary of cycling, walking, sightseeing and relax chill out time to enjoy the beaches and towns as well as all the attractions of Cape Town.

For more info on the passes and routes, such as gradient, altitude gained etc. please check out the links in the itinerary.

 

 

 

Day 1 : TOUR START IN STORMS RIVER: Transfer to Tsitskamma- Storms River from either George or Port Elizabeth airports.

 Arrive Port Elizabeth or George Airport and transfer to Storms River in the Tsitsikamma National Park.

Opportunity to do the Zip lines through the indigenous forest of the Tsitsikamma National Park (optional and at own expense). Time permitting we enter into the Tsitsikamma National Park and go for a walk along the boardwalk through the indigenous forest to the suspension bridges over the Storms river by the mouth and up to the viewpoint.

Overnight in Storms River Rest Camp in chalets in the Tsitsikamma National Park or at a lodge in Storms River Village.

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Day 2 : Storms river to Knysna (B)

In the morning we do a beautiful walk along this rugged coastline where the beautiful indigenous forest meets the wild rugged coastline of the Indian Ocean. This is the beginning of the Otter Trail, one of the most famous hiking trails in South Africa. We walk part of the first day of the trail, that is open to the public, out to the Waterfall and back...enjoy lunch at own expense at the restaurant. After lunch we cycle the old Bloukrans Pass, which is closed to vehicles but accessible by bicycle, through the beautiful forest to Natures Valley, with an optional steep climb up and out of the valley towards The Craggs ( 37km ). Thereafter we will transfer to rest of the way to  Knysna, a beautiful town along the famed Garden route of South Africa.

 Overnight Knysna.

 

 

 Day 3 : Knysna (B,D)

Today is a very chilled cycling day and it is more about sightseeing and exploring this beautiful town. However there are two steep climbs in preparation for the following day. In the morning we cycle up to the Heads...Enjoy the magnificent views from the top. Then we will  cycle down and explore Knysna. We will cycle down to Leisure isle, then onto Thesen Island, around through the town and Waterfront and onto Brenton on Sea (Cycle 31km). Enjoy a swim in the sea.  Afternoon free to enjoy a cruise on the Lagoon, walk on the beach....Option to cycle back or transfer back in the vehicle. Alternatively enjoy an extended cycle through the forests of Knysna.

 Overnight Knysna. 

 

Day 4 : Knysna to Wilderness (B,L)

Today we cycle parts of the 7 passes road starting in Knysna we leave the beautiful lagoon behind us and climb the Phantom Pass, then onto the Homtini, Karatara and Hoogekraal Passes and then take the tarred Hoekewill pass  down to the Wilderness. Time permitting in the afternoon... here we have the chance to canoe up the river and or hike through the forest.... this would be an optional activity and highly recommended.  The full cycle is about 70km but can transfer some of this distance to accommodate optional afternoon of canoeing and or hiking.

 Overnight Wilderness.

 

 Day 5 : Montague Pass to Oudtshoorn (B,L,D)

 Today we leave the coast and head up into the beautiful semi desert area of the Klein Karoo. We do a short transfer to George and then onto the bikes and  cycle up through the Outeniqua Mountains on the  Montague pass  (17km) a short but very tough climb,  and then onto Oudtshoorn -75km in total. Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world and steeped in history of the boom era, at a time when ostrich feathers were all the rage in fashion. The beautiful Karoo is renowned for it’s warm, genuine hospitality, amazing night skies, lots of sunshine and stunning vistas. Here we visit an Ostrich farm... and time permitting go for a wine tasting.

Overnight Oudtshoorn.

 

Day 6 : Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert (B,L,D)

After a hearty breakfast we cycle to the Cango Caves, where we do a tour of the impressive Caves and then up the Swartberg Pass, one of SA’s most impressive passes  up to the charming town of Prince Albert.  57km cycle.

Overnight Prince Albert.

 

 

Day 7 : Meiringspoort to Prince Alfred Pass (B,L,D)

 After a transfer of  53km to Klaarstroom, we explore the magnificent Meiringspoort Pass, there is no better way of doing this than cycling this magnificent engineering achievement in road building, admiring the amazing geological splendours of Table mountain sandstone group formed some 200 million years ago (cycle 25km). At De Rust we will transfer to the town of Avontuur (93km) and then back on the bikes to begin cycling one of the longest and most spectacular passes in South Africa, the Prince Alfred Pass.

 Avontuur to De Vlugt -20km cycle....Total cycle 45km

 

 Day 8 : Prince Alfred Pass to Plettenberg Bay (B,L)

After breakfast we continue to cycle the rest of this fantastic pass- The Prince Alfred Pass and then back down to the coast to Plettenberg Bay( 55km).  Rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy arguably South Africa’s premiere coastal destination Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy the beautiful beaches and swim in the enticing Indian Ocean, or canoe up the Keurbooms River..hire available , Sea kayak safari is also an option.

 Overnight: Harkerville

 

Day 9 : Plett and Robberg Nature reserve (B)

Today we have a rest day off the bikes and instead have the option to go walk in the Robberg Nature reserve. It is a beautiful hike that varies in options along the peninsula: the Full walk to the Point and back along the other side is around 4-5 hours with opportunity to swim in the ocean as well. It is a beautiful walk with great views and opportunity to see a Cape Fur Seal colony, dolphins and maybe a whale if they haven’t all left by this time. There are other options in and around the area as well such as beautiful beaches, ocean safaris to see dolphins, seals and whales in season, Monkeyland ( monkey sanctuary), Birdworld, Elephant sanctuary, and a big Cat sanctuary as well.

Overnight: Harkerville

 

Day 10 : Cape Agulhus (B)

After breakfast it is a long transfer ( of 411km) to Cape Agulhas. In the afternoon we will take a short cycle along the coast out to the most southerly point of Africa. After that you the afternoon is free for you to enjoy time on the beach, walks along the coastline or explore on your bike.

Overnight: Cape Aghullus

 

Day 11 : Hermanus (B)

We cycle through the Cape Agulhas National Park and then through the quiet farmlands of the Overberg to Pearly Beach. (77km) From here we transfer to the beautiful town of Hermanus and we can explore the town, take a walk along the coastal cliff path or a walk in Fernkloof Nature Reserve with beautiful views of Walker Bay and the town of Hermanus. Grotto beach close by is a fantastic place to swim and walk along the beach.

Overnight in  Hermanus

 

 

Day 12 : Whale route to Gordons Bay (B)

Cycle perhaps the most stunning coastal road in South Africa taking in great views of the coastline along the Whale route when we cycle Clarence Drive from Hermanus to Gordons Bay. 90km. We then transfer to near Simonstown outside Cape Town and visit the Penguin Colony near Boulders Beach in the afternoon.

Overnight near Simonstown.

 

Day 13 : Cape Point to Cpt (B)

 We transfer to Cape Point and visit the lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope. From here we cycle the most scenic part of the famous Cape Argus cycle tour along the coastline, including Chapmans Peak drive, for the very best scenery this breathtaking part of Cape Town has to offer. We cycle along the Atlantic seaboard and roll into the Waterfront to enjoy a well deserved drink. Cycle 86km

Overnight Cpt

 

Day 14 : Cape Town (B)

A free day to enjoy all the splendid attractions of Cape Town.

• Take in the Winelands of Stellenbosch and or Franschhoek

• Visit Robben island.

• Climb Table mountain or use the Cable car.

• Climb Lions Head

• Constantia Winelands

• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

• Do a City Tour of Cape Town on a bicycle.

• Visit the Company Gardens and surrounding museums

• Shopping at the Waterfront.

• Visit one of the many beautiful beaches of Cape Town.

• Single track cycle options down Table mountain and in the winelands

 Overnight Cape Town.

 

Day 15: Cape Town and fly home (B)

Another day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Cape Town and leave in the late afternoon to fly back home on overnight flight.

 TOUR ENDS.

 

PRICE:  for the 2 week tour based on a min of 6 people is from: CHF 4250.00 per person sharing , if less than 6 people it works on a sliding scale and can be quoted on request. Single supplements are available on request from ZAR 5 000.

Passengers must book their own flights to and from the starting point in Port Elizabeth and end point in Cape Town. A road transfer to starting point can be arranged on request .

 

 

This tour is based on 3 - 4 star accommodation.

 

Includes: 

• All accommodation for the 14 nights specified whilst on tour, in 3-4 star accommodation.

• Bicycle hire.

• Only meals specified as per itinerary denoted each day by: (B)- breakfast, (L)- Lunch, (D)- Dinner

• Driver and backup vehicle.

• Transportation as per itinerary only and not on free days in Cape Town, and not to starting point of the tour.

• Fuel and all tolls.

• Guide for the duration of the tour- except on free days in Cape Town.

• All entrances to National parks and Natures reserves, including activities, as per itinerary, but not included if stated as optional and on free days.

 

Excludes:

• Flights to South Africa and Port Elizabeth airports

• Travel insurance (a must in Africa and especially when on a cycle tour ).

• Meals not stipulated as per itinerary

• All drinks

• Additional accommodation not stipulated as part of the tour, either pre or post tour.

• Transportation, not stipulated in the itinerary and on free days.

• Gratuities

• Items of a personal nature.

• All attractions and activities not stipulated in itinerary, or stated as optional.