Cape Cycling

The tour starts in Cape Town where we enjoy two days the most beautiful city in the world, we ride along the face of Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and on through Stellenbosch (sample some of the latest vintages!). The tour then goes the Whale Coast and White Shark Capital of Gansbaai and Agulhas, the continent's most southerly point. The tour then heads northwards to the Karoo and the Cango Caves and onwards to the indigenous forests in Knysna and Tstsikamma, and finishes off cycling the remote wilderness of Baviaanskloof some 11 days later. One is overawed by the sheer myriad of variety the Garden Route offers...hikes and history, whale watching to wineries! The Garden Route is widely regarded as been amongst the most beautiful and inspiring cycling routes in the World. Our purpose built spacious Four-Wheel Drives support all manner of cyclists, and a custom-built trailer allows us to access roads and tracks not easily reachable - permitting us to use many of the back-routes and quieter roads and passes, and our unmatched guides ensure a uniquely personal experience-something different to a simple bus or self-drive 'tour'-and a highlight of the second sector of this cycling trip is the unspoilt wilderness of Baviaanskloof - truly off the tourist route! Cycling the Garden Route through the Eastern and Western Capes, we will enjoy the spectacular coastal region at Tzitzikama National Park. From Knysna Heads we cycle the exhilarating off-road trails of Harkerville National Forest. Later we visit Tsitsikamma National Park and the spectacular Storm's River Mouth, before cycling the Bloukrans and Nature's Valley Passes. We cycle on average of 26km/day. The route has been planned to maximize flexibility: keen cyclists can tackle longer routes on many days if they want, or on the other hand you can on most days choose to cycle less or not at all, as the support vehicle (with bike trailer) normally follows the routes. The terrain is variable but mostly on small back roads and dirt tracks.

Tour costs start from U$1810-00 for Days 1-6 and U$3500-00 for the entire safari. Costs based on minimum 4 guests (note that costs decrease with higher guest numbers).
Tour code: CCAR

This tour runs on a request basis, minimum number of guests is FOUR. Tour can also Start in Port Elizabeth and end in Cape Town.


• Day 1:
• Cape Town
  
  Cape Town, one of the most vibrant and beautifully located cities on the planet, set before the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain. Founded by the Dutch East India Company in 1652 as a refuelling point along the trading routes between Europe and the spice rich lands to the east, Cape Town grew over the next century to become a thriving town. Over the intervening years it absorbed the cultural influences of the Dutch, French and British, as well as the freed Muslim slaves, who have all left their mark on this city in one form or another. The Cape of Good Hope thrusts down from Africa like the continents last challenge to the eternal ocean and Cape Town sits at the very edge of this challenge of the Atlantic. There are numerous restaurants and theatres on one end of the spectrum, while boasting more plant species that any other place on earth on the other. In fact 10% of all plants occur only in the Cape Peninsula and it is rightly recognised as a floral Kingdom. Having settled in to our hotel we waste no time in getting fitted up with our bikes. We then head out on an introductory ride, most likely on the face of Table Mountain for spectacular views, then back to our guesthouse.
  
  (B: Overnight Guesthouse)
  
  (Approx. 26km cycling)
• Day 2:
• Tour Peninsula, Cape Town & Surrounds
  
  From Hout Bay we cycle over Chapman's Peak, touring the Cape Peninsula. We will spend the whole day enjoying a comprehensive sightseeing tour of some of the many highlights that the Cape Peninsula has to offer, switching from Bicycles to our vehicles. We visit Hout Bay, an attractive fishing port guarded by the impressive 'Sentinel', a towering mountain that dominates the harbour. From Hout Bay we cycle over Chapman's Peak .One of the highlights of today's tour is the opportunity to cycle to the Cape of Good Hope, first seen by a European in 1488 when Diaz sailed round it on his search for a sea route to the East Indies. A century later Sir Francis Drake described it as: 'the Fairest Cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth'. We'll climb up to a viewpoint at Cape Point that sits high above the Atlantic, an experience that is truly awe-inspiring. We will also visit the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach, just on the outskirts of Simon's Town. This is one of only two mainland colonies anywhere in the world for these amazing and endangered birds. From here we return back to Cape Town.
  
  (B: Overnight Guesthouse)
  
  (Approx. 37km cycling)
• Day 3:
• Stellenbosch
  
  Today we'll head out of Cape Town to explore the Stellenbosch region. To the north and east of Cape Town are the Cape Winelands, whose rugged mountains rise from sheer rolling green valleys, neatly planted with vineyards and dotted with whitewashed manor houses. This is an image more reminiscent of a central European fairy tale than 'Darkest Africa'! A settlement was first established in Stellenbosch in 1679 following the discovery of a river running through a fertile, green valley by Simon van der Stel, then Governor of the Cape. Grapes were planted in the fertile valleys and soon Stellenbosch became the centre of the wine industry. It now produces some of the finest 'New World Wines', wines that have been honed over several centuries trace their origins to the French Huguenots. So after enjoying a cycle ride through the stunning scenery you may like to reward yourself by sampling some of the latest vintages! Stellenbosch and its sister town Paarl amongst of the oldest towns in South Africa. They nestle beautifully within the hold of Hottentots Holland Mountains and have a specific charm that is unique to this area.
  
  (B: Overnight Guesthouse)
  
  (Approx. 26km cycling)
• Day 4:
• Stellenbosch to Cape Agulhas & Gansbaai
  
  The destination for this cycle ride is the wild and dramatic Cape Agulhas, the Southernmost point in Africa. The route to Cape Agulhas takes in fantastic open farmland and indigenous Fynbos and other vegetation and will take most of the morning to complete on some good flat gravel surfaced and sealed roads. We overnight in the quant town of Gansbaai. From the spectacular cliffs of De Kelders to the miles of white sandy beaches of Pearly Beach, guests will find one of the most unique and astonishing land-based Whale Watching spots in the word. Or onwards to Dyer Island where the mysterious and graceful Great White Sharks have drawn visitors from across the globe, hence Gansbaai having become known as the Great White Shark capital of the world.
  
  (B: Overnight Guesthouse)
  
  (Approx. 41km cycling)
• Day 5:
• Mountain Passes, Cango Caves
  
  We start early on our scenic drive towards the well-known ' Route 62' to the 'Little Karoo'. En route we pass through the heart of the verdant Breede River Valley, passing through Barrydale and Ladismith the scenery changes dramatically to the stark and arid landscapes of the Little Karoo. At Calitzdorp, we turn off the main road into the beautiful Red Stone Hills at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains. Here we take to the bikes and marvel at the dramatic panorama of ancient red and orange sandstone the area is famed for. Our cycle ride takes us to the world famous Cango Caves Please note: in the high summer this ride can be very hot and exposed. Your Tour Leader may substitute another route if necessary. These caverns are Southern Africa's largest and have been extensively researched for the earliest evidence of man. It is now accepted that South Africa has amongst the oldest traces of humanoids yet found. We will overnight in Calitzdorp, an area renowned for its hot springs.
  
  (B,L,D: Overnight Chalets)
  
  (Approx. 17km cycling and 7km optional)
• Day 6:
• Karoo to Knysna
  
  Driving south and east today through George, we return to the coast and arrive at Knysna. Knysna Lagoon is well known in Africa for its imposing 'Knysna Heads', which protect the pristine lagoon from the ocean. In years passed, Knysna was a major port for Tall-Ships and the surrounding town, with its population of eccentric artists and authors, the small guest houses and cozy B&B's reflect this nautical past. There are legends in the area regarding town founder George Rex allegedly the illegitimate son of a British King as well as, legendary elephants and the woodsman who hunted them. Sandwiched between the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean and the misty heights of the Tsitsikamama Mountains, these spectacular vistas present some of the most scenically beautiful along the entire coast. The seas off this coast present rich feeding grounds for Dolphins and Whales and the waters closer to shore are also home to tiny sea horses that breed amongst the abundant currents. The craggy promontories of the Knysna Heads guard the narrow entrance to a lagoon that leads into this charming town. We cycle through the Knysna Harkerville Forest.
  
  (B: Overnight Guesthouse)
  
  (Approx. 14km cycling and 20km optional)
  
  *Cyclists may choose to start or end the Cycling tour at this point by joining or ending at George Airport.
• Day 7:
• Knysna to Tsitsikamma
  
  This morning we drive out to Tsitsikamma NP and the Storm's River mouth. The Tsitsikamma NP is a marine and forest reserve stretching for 80km from Nature's Valley to the mouth of the Groot River. Afterwards we drive into the NP and walk to the Storm's River mouth. A popular short walk is to the suspension bridge that spans the mouth of the river. With lunch taken en route, we begin our afternoon ride at the forestry village of Coldstream. From here we ride through the magnificent Tsitsikamma Forest along the Bloukrans and Nature's Valley Passes. The descents through the forest are a real highlight of the trip. Tsitsikamma, South Africa's first coastal National Park, is an area renowned for its astonishing variety of marine and bird life. From within the park we are able to view the Storms River cut through the Outeniqua Mountains on its Journey to the Indian Ocean. One has to visit to appreciate the difference in scenery and environment. In a relatively small area we have waves crashing against rock pools, sugar white sea sand, plunging water-falls and towering forests covered with a tremendous variety of trees, the most well-known being the Outeniqua Yellowwood. Wherever one stands in Tsitsikamma there is nothing in front of you but the sea rolling in with the tide, the breathtaking backdrop of the Outeniqua mountains and the unending cacophony of birdsong.
  
  (B,: Overnight Chalets)
  
  (Approx. 36km cycling)
• Day 8:
• Tsitsikamma
  
  Along the South Coast of South Africa lies one of the most beautiful stretches of Coastline in the world, home to the Tstsikamma Coastal National Park. A mosaic of ecosystems, it encompasses the world renowned Tsitsikamma and Wilderness sections, the Knysna Lake section, a variety of mountain catchment, Southern Cape indigenous forest and associated Fynbos areas. These areas resemble a montage of landscapes and seascapes, from ocean to mountain areas, and are renowned for its diverse natural and cultural heritage resources. It hosts a variety of activities and places of interest. A jewel in South Africa's crown, the Park is a prime example of the country's unique Fauna and Flora and will offer unforgettable views and life-long memories.
  
  (B,: Overnight Chalets)
  
  (Optional Cycling - Rest Day)
• Day 9:
• Tsitsikamma to Baviaanskloof
  
  We depart the park mid-morning, and head out towards the mountain wilderness area of Bavianskloof, making our way on the remote back-roads small towns like Patensie, our accommodation is situated in the unspoilt Gamtoos River Valley. The Baviaanskloof is nestled between the Baviaans Mountain range in the north and the Kouga Mountain Range in the south. This 192 000 ha conservation area, recently awarded World Heritage Site status, is home to an amazing diversity of habitat types and species. From Forest Yellowoods to Karoo flowers, thickets and Proteas, the Kloof is a nature lover's paradise. Numerous hiking and 4x4 trails are a must-see, as is the San Art which adorns the pristine cliffs.
  
  (B,L,D: Overnight Chalets)
  
  (Approx. 56km cycling)
• Day 10:
• Baviaanskloof
  
  Baviaanskloof Mountains and passes. We drive along the remainder of Baviaanskloof, the name of which translates roughly as 'cliffs for baboons'. This route takes us through the most remote passes and rivers in the Cape, well away from the regular tourist routes. Baviaanskloof is only accessible by Four-Wheel-Drive.
  
  (B,L,D: Overnight Chalets)
  
  (Approx. 36km cycling)
• Day 11:
• Port Elizabeth, Tour Ends
  
  After Breakfast we drive to Port Elizabeth, where the tour ends.
  
  (B)
  
  While we endeavour to ensure the itinerary runs as advertised, Wilderness Dawning reserves the right to change this due to unforeseen circumstances or external influences beyond our control. E&OE
  
  
  

Included:

Use of specially modified 4x4 vehicles, Professional Guide. Meals as specified (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner).Accommodation on a share basis. South African National Parks and Game Reserves entrance fees. Use of 24-gear mountain bikes; support vehicle and bike trailer. Group Size 4-15.Cycling Guide cycles with you each day while the support vehicle and guides are available to provide back up or assistance if needed. All luggage is transported in the support vehicle.

Excluded:

All airfares, mineral water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, activities in Gansbaai and Cape Town, any gratuities, any personal expenses, visa fees, departure taxes. Travel Insurance (compulsory).Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers. All safety equipment (compulsory). All energy supplements. All private bike transport.