Arrive in Cape Town (or arrive a day or two earlier and extend your stay here, price on request). The day is free for relaxing, shopping, catching a few rays of sunshine, or exploring the endless activities in and around the city. Your 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 also be done on day 12 depending on the weather on Table Mountain). Overnight in Cape Town.

Cape Town-Hellshoogte-Franschhoek

This morning we have a very short transfer from our lodge before an orientation tour through the city bowl and then on 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.

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.

Start your Gorilla Trek

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.

Langeberge Mountains

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.

Cape Agulhas National Park

A short transfer (40km) 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.

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. 

Free Day in Hermanus

We have a free day today to rest our legs in Hermanus. In the 1920s the town was known as a place to convalesce and was being recommended from as far afield 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. The World Wildlife Foundation recognizes Hermanus as among the 12 best places in the world for whale watching. September and October departures have the best chance of seeing whales swimming off the coast.

Whale Coast from Hermanus-Gordon’s Bay.

Today we cycle the Whale Coast, from Hermanus to Gordon’s Bay. 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 day of cycling, 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 Gordan’s Bay to Glencairn where we spend the night.

Cape of Good Hope

After breakfast, a short 30km transfer brings us to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. We then do the walk from the Cape of Good Hope to the old lighthouse at Cape Point.

Cape Peninsula

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.

Chapman’s Peak-Hout Bay-Camps Bay-Cape Town

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.

Cape Town

The tour ends after breakfast. The day is free for last-minute shopping, catching a few last rays of sunshine, or take a half-day optional tour to the UNESCO Heritage Site of Robben Island, one of the prisons where Nelson Mandela spent part of his sentence. Just ask and we can extend your stay in beautiful Cape Town for an extra night or two.