Cycling the Cape & Winelands

Overview

Ride through vineyards, over mountain passes and along the spectacular coastline of South Africa

Renowned as one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Cape Town and its surroundings provide a stunning backdrop for this cycling tour. Our unique circular route allows us to take in the fantastic sights of the Cape Peninsula. In addition to Table Mountain and the chance to sample wine from the Stellenbosch estates, the wild coastline and rugged interior provide classic riding on peaceful roads with little traffic. The scenery, a rich cultural history, unique flora, and unusual wildlife encounters make this a fantastic destination to discover on two wheels.

Highlights

Ride a selection of beautiful South African landscapes: vineyards, mountain passes and coast
Cycle part of the stunning Cape Argus route, one of the largest cycling events in the world
Take the chance to sample exquisite produce from the Stellenbosch vineyards
Visit Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point in Africa
Begin and end in Cape Town with the option of visiting Robben Island, Table Mountain and more

Included

All accommodation: 3 Superior nights (hotel), 8 Classic nights (hotel/guesthouse/lodge)
All breakfasts and one dinner
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Arrival transfer for any flight, group departure transfer available
Local bike hire of a fully serviced Giant Escape 2 Disc (touring/hybrid) bike

Not included

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations, and to hire an E-bike (available at an additional cost).

Itinerary

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Day 1: Adventure starts in Cape Town
Begin your adventure in cosmopolitan Cape Town, undeniably beautiful, culturally rich and a gateway to the Cape and Winelands. If you arrive in good time we recommend a cable car ride up Table Mountain for fantastic views over Cape Town and the coast; a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; or a half-day trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other members of the ANC served long prison sentences (this can also be done on Day 12, depending on the weather on Table Mountain). Around 6pm, 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 a group dinner. Want to explore Cape Town further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Day 2: Ride over Hellshoogte, passing vineyards; to Stellenbosch
This morning, we have a short transfer from our lodge to the harbour and then we cycle to Bloubergstrand, where the iconic pictures of Cape Town with Table Mountain as a backdrop are taken. After taking the obligatory photos, we continue cycling to Melkbosstrand, followed by 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 Boschendal vineyards where we stop for a well-earned drink (optional) before transferring to our accommodation in Stellenbosch.
Day 3: Ride the Franschhoek Pass
In the morning, we have a short transfer before cycling through Franschhoek and up the Franschhoek Pass (2,425ft/739m) for some of the most breath-taking views in the region. We then continue to cycle to the T junction, and do a short transfer to Villiersdorp. After lunch, we cycle towards Nuy Valley and then take a short transfer to Montagu.
Day 4: Ride through the semi-arid desert of Great Karoo
Today we head east, cycling from our accommodation in Montagu 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 indigenous cultures. We cycle a scenic backroad 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 wildflowers (in season). While here, we visit a local co-op cellar and have an opportunity to taste their produce, including the well-respected local chardonnay.
Day 5: Ride through Langeberg Mountains to Bontebok National Park
After breakfast, a short climb takes us up and over the spectacular Tradouws Pass. Near the top are 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 Langeberg 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, with a short transfer, we reach our base for the night, Swellendam. From here, we drive to the Bontebok National Park, home to rare antelope, mountain zebras and endangered crane species. The park has two 1.2mi (2km) self-guided nature trails, which can be explored independently.
Day 6: Ride and transfer to Cape Agulhas National Park, the southernmost point in Africa
A short transfer (12mi/20km) brings us into the Overberg district, and we cycle through the cultivated farmlands of the Western Cape to Bredasdorp. 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 in Africa, and the newest national park in the country, encompassing vast wetlands, coastline and extending some kilometres out to sea. Whales and other sea life that frequent the warm Indian Ocean here enjoy the protection. It also provides a home to thousands of sea birds and seals that can be seen along the rugged beaches.
Day 7: Cycle towards Hermanus; sample local beer at Birkenhead
This morning, we cycle through the picturesque hamlet of Elim and past 34mi (55km) of undulating farmlands to the coastal town of Kleinbaai. Following lunch, we take a short transfer into Stanford where we can 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 June to November. In the afternoon, we have the option of cycling from one of the local viewpoints of Walker Bay along the Hermanus coastal road to our accommodation, offering the best chance of spotting the whales. Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 8: Free day to relax 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. 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 best places in the world for whale watching. Our September to October departures give the best opportunity to see whales swimming off the coast. Today you'll have the chance to join an optional wine tasting just outside of Hermanus. Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 9: Ride the Whale Coast to Gordon's Bay
Today we cycle the Whale Coast, from Hermaus to Gordon's Bay, 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 our efforts will be encouraged by numerous troops of Cape baboon. We pause at Bettie’s Bay, where you have the option to visit a resident penguin colony. This offers a quieter and more intimate wildlife experience than other penguin colonies. Today is the longest cycle day, but those preferring a shorter ride can catch a lift in the support bus for part of the journey. We transfer at the end of the day from Gordon's Bay to Simonstown.
Day 10: Cape Peninsula ride; visit penguin colony
After breakfast, an 18mi (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 in the world, and is arguably the most scenic route in South Africa. We complete our circuit by cycling from Glencairn over the Red Hill pass along an old navy road to Scarborough and then 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 onto 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. There is a 10km stretch along Chapman’s Peak where the support vehicle cannot accompany the group. We rejoin the vehicle in Hout Bay at the end of this section.
Day 12: Adventure ends in Cape Town
Our adventure ends in Cape Town after breakfast. If you have free time before your flight home you may want to discover more of the waterfront or take a half-day trip to Robben Island. Alternatively, if you’d like to stay in South Africa longer, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.

Important Information

The trip destination

Food

For breakfast, expect continental buffets with fresh fruit, cereals, bread, yogurts and tea and coffee. Lunches can consist of a good spread of fresh salads, cold meats, cheese, bread, condiments, fresh fruit and a selection of cold drinks. For evening meals, expect a large braai (barbecue) with lots of locally sourced steaks, sausages and vegetables. Restaurant menus are very varied and our guide will be available to recommend the best options for your personal tastes and budget. You can expect stews, pasta, curry and steaks. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared. Drinking water: While the tap water in South Africa is generally considered safe to drink, we recommend avoiding drinking directly from the taps during your stay. Standards and sensitivities can vary, and we want to make sure you stay well throughout your trip. For your comfort and peace of mind, we recommend using filtered or bottled water instead. The water we provide on our vehicles are either from water outlet shops or they've been treated with water purification tablets.

Weather

February is the hottest month in Cape Town with an average temperature of 23C (73F). June is the coldest month of the year with an average temperature of 13C (55F). At the times we run most of our trips, expect warm days with the temperatures around 20C (68F).

The best time to see the carpets of wildflowers and fruit blossoms is August and September. In summer, the southeasterly wind can blow up to 43mph (70kph) at least a few times a month. This helps to cool things off but can be a little tiring if cycling into it. Our programme is flexible enough to accommodate any major changes in weather, and yet still be enjoyable.

Is this trip for you?

This tour is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

There are nine days of cycling with an average distance of approximately 34mi (55km) per day with vehicle support for all but 10km of the route (a section of the ride on Chapman's Peak, Day 11). Cycling durations stated in the itinerary are approximations and vary depending on the group's pace. This is a classic road tour with some relaxed rides and the opportunity to tackle a few challenging climbs.

The scenery along this route is outstanding, and we ride on good-quality paved roads throughout. While these are typically main roads and can be busy with fast-moving traffic, they feature wide hard shoulders for safer cycling. Occasionally, road closures occur in South Africa without advance notice. In these cases, routes will be adjusted as needed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Legal note: All group members joining this tour will be asked to sign an indemnity form at the start of the holiday. This indemnity form is a requirement of the South African Tourism Service Association, of which our local supplier is a member. As a client of Exodus Travels Ltd, your rights under the Package Travel Regulations (1992) are unaffected, and Exodus remains liable for the actions of our sub-contractors.

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 11 Oct 2026 / Thu, 22 Oct 2026	NOK 38 295 NOK 34 530	On request	NOK 9 005	On request
Mon, 21 Dec 2026 / Fri, 01 Jan 2027	NOK 37 625 NOK 30 095	On request	NOK 9 005	On request
Sun, 03 Jan 2027 / Thu, 14 Jan 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 24 Jan 2027 / Thu, 04 Feb 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 28 Feb 2027 / Thu, 11 Mar 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 28 Mar 2027 / Thu, 08 Apr 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 19 Sep 2027 / Thu, 30 Sep 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 03 Oct 2027 / Thu, 14 Oct 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 24 Oct 2027 / Thu, 04 Nov 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 14 Nov 2027 / Thu, 25 Nov 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 05 Dec 2027 / Thu, 16 Dec 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 11 Oct 2026 / Thu, 22 Oct 2026	NOK 38 295 NOK 34 530	On request	NOK 9 005	On request
Mon, 21 Dec 2026 / Fri, 01 Jan 2027	NOK 37 625 NOK 30 095	On request	NOK 9 005	On request
Sun, 03 Jan 2027 / Thu, 14 Jan 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 24 Jan 2027 / Thu, 04 Feb 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 28 Feb 2027 / Thu, 11 Mar 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 28 Mar 2027 / Thu, 08 Apr 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 19 Sep 2027 / Thu, 30 Sep 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 03 Oct 2027 / Thu, 14 Oct 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 24 Oct 2027 / Thu, 04 Nov 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 14 Nov 2027 / Thu, 25 Nov 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request
Sun, 05 Dec 2027 / Thu, 16 Dec 2027	NOK 38 295	On request	NOK 9 475	On request

Cycling the Cape & Winelands

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates

Cycling the Cape &amp; Winelands

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates

Cycling the Cape & Winelands