Cycling the Cape & Winelands

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Day 1: Start Cape Town; free day to explore
We arrive in Cape Town. The day is free to relax, shop, catch a few rays or explore the endless activities in and around the city. The guide can advise and assist, but here are a few recommended options: 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 trip can be done on Day 12, depending on the weather on Table Mountain). Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)
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 have 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. Accommodation: San Gabriel Homestead (or similar)
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 Villiersdorp. After lunch, we cycle towards Nuy Valley and then take a short transfer to Montague. Accommodation: Montague Hotel (or similar)
Day 4: 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 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. Accommodation: Karoo Art Hotel (or similar)
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, 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. Accommodation: Aanhuizen Guest House (or similar)
Day 6: Ride and transfer to Cape Agulhas National Park, the southernmost point in Africa
A short transfer (12mi/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 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. Accommodation: Cape Agulhas Guest House (or similar)
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 Standford 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 Walkersbay along the Hermanus coastal road to our accommodation, offering the best chance of spotting the whales. Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)
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. Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)
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. 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. Accommodation: Quayside Hotel (or similar)
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. Accommodation: Quayside Hotel (or similar)
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. Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)
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 taking the half-day trip to Robben Island before the trip ends.

Important Information

The trip destination

Nine days cycling with full vehicle support
95 percent paved, 5 percent hard-pack dirt roads
Group normally 4 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Seven nights in guesthouses and four nights in lodges
E-bikes available for an additional cost

Food

All breakfasts are included on this holiday. For breakfast, expect continental buffets with fresh fruit, cereals, bread, yogurts and tea and coffee. On some days, our guides prepare a cooked breakfast when they have the facilities to do so. 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.

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).

There are nine days of cycling with an average distance of approximately 34mi (55km) per day with full vehicle support.

This is a classic road tour with relaxed rides and the opportunity to tackle a few challenging climbs. We primarily use good quality paved roads with a few excursions onto hard-packed graded roads. This trip uses main roads, which can be busy, but the scenery is wonderful.

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, 15 Sep 2024 / Thu, 26 Sep 2024	NOK 38 185	On request	NOK 7 160	Available
Sun, 06 Oct 2024 / Thu, 17 Oct 2024	NOK 38 185	On request	NOK 7 160	Available
Sun, 27 Oct 2024 / Thu, 07 Nov 2024	NOK 38 185	On request	NOK 7 160	Available
Sun, 17 Nov 2024 / Thu, 28 Nov 2024	NOK 38 185	On request	NOK 7 160	Available
Sun, 15 Dec 2024 / Thu, 26 Dec 2024	NOK 38 185	On request	NOK 7 160	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 15 Sep 2024 / Thu, 26 Sep 2024	NOK 38 185	On request	NOK 7 160	On request
Sun, 06 Oct 2024 / Thu, 17 Oct 2024	NOK 38 185	On request	NOK 7 160	On request
Sun, 27 Oct 2024 / Thu, 07 Nov 2024	NOK 38 185	On request	NOK 7 160	On request
Sun, 17 Nov 2024 / Thu, 28 Nov 2024	NOK 38 185	On request	NOK 7 160	On request
Sun, 15 Dec 2024 / Thu, 26 Dec 2024	NOK 38 185	On request	NOK 7 160	On request

Cycling the Cape & Winelands

Overview

Itinerary

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Important Information

Prices / Dates