Cycling the Cape & Winelands

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).*

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.