South Africa´s Garden Route
Port Elizabeth – Cape Town
Along the Garden Route
The Addo Elephant National Park, with a surface area of 405 252 acres, serves as a sanctuary to a multitude of diverse wildlife species and abundant bird life. It is also home to the “BIG 7” – leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion, whale and shark. The Tsitsikamma National Park, created in the mists of time, lies at the edge of the Indian Ocean with its foaming breakers and magical world of inter-tidal life and reefs teeming with colours and surprises. The town of Oudtshoorn, situated in the Klein Karoo, is known as the ostrich feather capital of the world, and Cape Town is a vibrant city lying at the foot of Table Mountain not far to the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. On this cycling tour, one cycles through the provinces of the Eastern & Western Cape which, owing to its unique, compact yet varied landscapes, is ideal for exploration by bike.
Dates 2024:
Arrival: see dates
Duration: 12/18 days
Dates:
12 Days-Tour
Season 1:
Feb 05.-16. / Feb 17.-28. / Mar 04.-15. / Oct 21.-Nov 01. / Nov 11.-22. / Nov 25.-Dec 06.
Season 2: Dec 23.-Jan 03.2025
18 Days-Tour
Feb 11.-28. / Nov 04.-21.
1st Day: Port Elizabeth
Individual arrival in Port Elizabeth – Transfer to Dung Beetle River Lodge. Upon your arrival in Port Elizabeth you be met by your tour guide and transferred (0,5 hours) to your Lodge. Accommodation for two nights will be in the beautifully positioned Dungbeetle River Lodge 4. You can relax at the pool, catch some sleep or join the guide for a short bike ride near the lodge.
Dungbeetle River Lodge 4 / Distance by bus 40 km, duration 0.75 h
2nd Day: Safari in Addo Elephant National Park
One of the highlights of the tour – After breakfast you embark on a half day game drive in an open top safari vehicle, one can see elephants, zebras, antelopes and if luck is on your side, buffalos, rhinos and lions. Just as impressive is the vivid and rich birdlife, which the ostrich is a part of. During the game drive you stop at different viewpoints and might also do a short-guided walk in the bush. At lunch time you are back at the lodge. In the afternoon you can head out on another bike tour or join an afternoon boat cruise (optional) from the lodge towards the large sand dunes. The perfect place for a sundowner (not included). (B,L)
Dungbeetle River Lodge 4* / Distance by bus 0 km, duration 0 h
3rd Day: Cycling tour along the Tsitsikamma Mountains, approx. 58 km
Travel via Port Elizabeth, and drive to the Tsitsikamma mountain range from where you start cycling on the quiet Old Cape road towards the Storms River. On a remote gravel road through some rain forest you drop into the valley, where baboons may cross your path. Continue cycling up on the other side to the comfortable Tsitsikamma Village Inn 3* (B)
Tsitsikamma Village Inn 3* / Distance by bike 58 km, 470am, tar/gravel road / Distance by bus 175 km, duration 2 h
4th Day: Cycling tour to Nature’s Valley, approx. 59 km
In the morning, you are descending into the Tsitsikamma National Park where you go on a 1 h walk to the wild and rugged Storms River mouth. A climb back on to the plateau leads you into the deep Bloukrans River Valley filled with lush indigenous forest. You continue to Nature’s Valley, where one of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches entices one to go for a swim. Stay close by in the charming Cornerway Guest Houses 4* for the night. (B,L)
Cornerway Guest Houses 4* / Distance by bike 59 km, 715 am, tar road / Distance by bus 50 km, duration 0.75 h
5th Day: Hike on the Robberg & Cycle Knysna – Sedgefield, approx. 35 km
After breakfast go on a unique hike around the Robberg Peninsula (2 h) and enjoy the beautiful vistas of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean. Later, you cycle along a section of the historic Old Cape Road through fertile farmland and the beautiful Homtini Valley filled with indigenous forests until you reach Sedgefield. Enjoy the stunning views towards the 1600 m high Outeniqua Mountains. A transfer in the late afternoon takes you to the comfortable Acorn Guest House 4* in George. (B)
Acorn Guest House 4* / Distance by bike 35 km, 387 am, gravel/tar road / Distance by bus 30 km, duration 0.5 h
6th Day: Cycling tour from George to Oudtshoorn, approx. 60 km
A short transfer takes you over the historic Montagu Pass (745 m). En route inland, you are rewarded with stunning views of the coast and the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains. The changing landscape could not be more impressive as you cycle from lush green pastures to and through semi-arid shrub and bushveld. Lunchtime is on an ostrich farm, and one also learns more about this giant bird. Oudtshoorn is regarded as being the centre of the ostrich industry. Accommodation is in the cosy Oue Werf 4. The owner wishes to invite you to a traditional South Africa barbeque which, of course, also includes tender ostrich meat! (B,D)
Adley House 4* / Distance by bike 60 km, 340 am, gravel/tar road / Distance by bus 30 km, duration 0.5 h
7th Day: Cycling tour along the Swartberge, approx. 29 km
After having participated in a tour of the Cango Caves, you cycle through the Schoemanspoort gorge, its warm rocky slopes covered with many unique succulent plant species such as the botterboom and aloes back to Oudtshoorn. In the afternoon, shuttle through the beautiful desert scenery of the Little Karoo to the charming village of Montagu with its beautiful Cape Dutch houses. Accommodation is in the historic Montagu Country Hotel 4. (B)
Montagu Country Hotel 4 / Distance by bike 29 km, 180 am, gravel/tar road / Distance by bus 270 km, duration 3.5 h
8th Day: Cycling tour from Montagu to Robertson, approx. 61 km
After a hearty breakfast, cycle through the narrow Kogmannskloof gorge into the beautiful Breede River Valley Wine Lands region. Enjoy a wine tasting and a picnic basket while doing a boat cruise on the Breede River. Another 15 km takes you to the charming accommodation in Robertson. (B,L)
Gubas De Hoek Guest House 4* / Distance by bike 61 km, 405 am, tar road / Distance by bus 0 km, duration 0 h
9th Day: Cycling tour from Kleinmond to Gordon’s Bay, approx. 51 km
Continue towards Kleinmond at the coast. Here, the bikes are unloaded. Cycle along the unique coastal route to Gordon’s Bay, all the while keeping the Cape Peninsula in one’s view. Whales and seals are seen frequently en route. In Betty´s Bay you visit one of the two land-based colonies of the African Penguin. You reach the seaside village of Gordon´s Bay and spend the night close to the beach in the Manor on the Bay Guest House 4. (B)
Manor on the Bay Guest House 4 / Distance by bike 51 km, 560 am, tar road / Distance by bus 150 km, duration 2 h
10th Day: Cycle in Cape of Good Hope National Park, approx. 52 km
During a township visit in the morning, you have the unique opportunity to visit a Kindergarten in Khayelitsha, which is supported by AFRICAN BIKERS. You can become acquainted with Cape Town’s largest township and its people. Carry on to the Cape of Good Hope National Park. On your bikes you make your way North on the Western Side of the Cape Peninsula. The great views of Cape of Good Hope and the rugged coastline forms the perfect place for a picnic. The following spectacular coastal road, known as Chapman’s Peak, lead into the fishing village of Hout Bay. Stay for two nights in the Bantry Bay Suites Hotel 4* in the quiet suburb of Sea Point close to the Atlantic Ocean. (B, L)
Bantry Bay Suites Hotel 4* / Distance by bike 52 km, 600 am, tar road / Distance by bus 90 km, duration 2 hours
11th Day: Hike Table Mountain
You visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in the morning and, via a shady ravine, hike up to the top Table Mountain, Cape town’s most famous landmark. (4 h, weather permitting). Enjoy stunning views of the mother city as well as the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The descent is by cable car. If somebody finds the hike up the mountain to strenuous, he/she can get up by cable car as well. Undertake a short walking tour of the city, stopping at the Castle, the City Hall, Greenmarket Square, the Company’s Gardens and the Malay Quarter. (B)
Bantry Bay Suites Hotel 4* / Hike est. 4 h (1000am) / Distance by bus 30 km, duration 0.5 h
12th Day: Cape Town
The morning remains at leisure. There are many shops and markets to visit. In addition, the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront or a trip to Robben Island are worthwhile. Depending on your flight departure details, we transfer you to Cape Town International Airport where this beautiful journey ends. (B)
Distance by bus 20 km, duration 0.5 h
18 Days-Tour
1st Day: Port Elizabeth
After arriving in Port Elizabeth, you are welcomed by your tour guide, and with the bikes on our trailer, you transfer to the charming Dungbeetle River Lodge 4. In the afternoon, relax at the poolside or mount any additional gear such as click pedals, seats or paniers to the handlebar.
Dungbeetle River Lodge 4 / Distance by bus 40 km, Duration 0.75 h
2nd Day: Safari in Addo National Park & Bike Tour Tsitsikamma – Stormsriver, approx. 63 km
In the morning, depart to the nearby Addo Elephant National Park. While on a game drive in an open top safari vehicle, you might see zebra, blesbok and elephants, and, with some luck, even black rhinos and lions! Thereafter, transfer to the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range, from where you commence your bike tour to Cape Town. After a final bike check, begin cycling on a beautifully positioned side road with a backdrop of the Tsitsikamma Mountains to the comfortable Tsitsikamma Village Inn 3* where you stay overnight. (B,L)
Tsitsikamma Village Inn 3* / Distance by bike 63 km, 480 am, tar/forest path / Distance by bus 175 km, Duration 2 h
3rd Day: Bike Tour Stormsriver – Tsitsikamma National Park – Nature’s Valley, approx. 58 km
You cycle on a forested plateau before descending to the mouth of the Storms River on the wild and romantic coast. After lunch, cycle back up to the plateau, passing through valleys filled with rich indigenous forest en route to Nature‘s Valley. The dense Tsitsikamma forest draws you deeply into it as you absorb its natural beauty. Overnight accommodation is for two consecutive nights at Holiday Homes Natures Valley, lying at the edge of a secluded beach on the Garden Route. (B,L,D)
Holiday Homes Natures Valley / Distance by bike 58 km, hg 710 am, tar / Distance by bus 0 km, Duration 0 h
4th Day: Hike in the Tsitsikamma Forest, approx. 35 km
After breakfast, the dense Tsitsikamma forest invites you to explore it on foot. In addition to wild boars, bushbucks and baboons, the coastal fynbos is the real attraction. The last kilometers lead along the rocky coast back to the accommodation. In the afternoon you can relax on one of the most beautiful and lonely beaches of the Garden Route or take a 35 km round cycle trip. (B,L,D)
Holiday Homes Natures Valley / Distance by bike 35 km, 300 am, tar/forest paths/tracks / Distance by bus 0 km, Duration 0 h
5th Day: Bike Tour Knysna Forest – Uniondale, approx. 47 km
At first through jungle and pine forests, you later ride through a wild gorge up the Prince Alfred’s Pass (1050 m). Acacia and succulent species now predominantly grow on the mountains. You stay in the historic rooms of a 3* guest house in Uniondale. (B,L)
Uniondale Manor 3* / Distance by bike 47 km, 1170 am, tar/tracks / Distance by bus 60 km, Duration 1.5 h
6th Day: Bike Tour Uniondale – De Rust, approx. 76 km
The serene route leads you past game and goat farms through the eastern Klein Karoo. You have a farm picnic, on the foothills of the towering 2000 m peaks of the Swartberg Mountains. In the evening you have a good rest in a cozy guest house of De Rust. (B, L)
Housemartin Guest House 3* / Distance by bike 76 km, 860 am, tar/gravel / Distance by bus 0 km, Duration 0 h
7th Day: Bike Tour De Rust – Cango Dripstone Caves – Oudtshoorn, approx. 72 km
Today’s journey takes you on a hilly farm road along the imposing Swartberg Mountains to the nearby Cango Dripstone Caves. After a long downhill ride through Schoeman’s Gorge you arrive in the comfortable Adley Guest House 4, where you are accommodated for the next two consecutive nights. The owner prepares a barbeque for you and tender ostrich steaks are included – vegetarian food too. (B,L,D)
Adley Guest House 4 / Distance by bike 72 km, 1000 am, tar/tracks / Distance by bus 0 km, Duration 0 h
8th Day: Day at Leisure – Visit to an Ostrich Farm
Today you don´t touch the bikes. Do a morning visit of an ostrich farm and learn more about this funny creature. How about relaxing by the pool or taking a stroll into town? (B)
Adley Guest House 4* / Distance by bus 0 km, Duration 0 h
9th Day: Bike Tour Oudtshoorn – Klein Brakrivier, approx. 77 km
After crossing the Olifants Rivier, the ascending route eventually reaches the top of the Robinson Pass (860m) from where one enjoys magnificent views across the Indian Ocean, before descending to the coast at Klein Brakrivier. Transfer to Bay Lodge Mossel Bay/Hartenbos for your overnight accommodation. (B,L)
Bay Lodge Mossel Bay/Hartenbos / Distance by bike 77 km, 900 am, tar / Distance by bus 30 km, Duration 0.5 h
10th Day: Bike Tour Albertinia – Riversdale, approx. 53 km
The Diaz Museum in Mossel Bay exhibits the history of the maritime exploration and discovery of Africa. This is the last opportunity to swim before your arrival in Cape Town. In our vehicle, you travel inland to Albertinia from where you cycle along the Langeberg Mountains and through the hilly farmland to Riversdale, where you stay in the comfortable. (B,L)
De Doornkraal Country House 4* / Distance by bike 53 km, hg 635m, tar/tracks / Distance by bus 50 km, Duration 0.75 h
11th Day: Bike Tour Riversdale – Swellendam, approx. 85 km
Continue cycling along the mountain tracks on the Langeberg Mountains to Heidelberg, and then mainly on asphalt to Swellendam, the third oldest town in South Africa, lying idyllically at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. Accommodation is at the Aan de Eike Guest House 3* in the historical part of the town. (B,L)
Aan de Eike Guest House 3* / Distance by bike 85 km, 970 am, tar/tracks / Distance by bus 0 km, Duration 0 h
12th Day: Bike Tour Swellendam – Robertson, approx. 73 km
Today, you cycle through the wide Bree Rivier Valley via Bonnievale and vineyards to Robertson, where you spend the next two consecutive nights in the charming Gubas De Hoek Guest House 4. Sometimes you can spot flocks of the indigenous Blue Crane bird next to the farm dams. (B,L)
Gubas De Hoek Guest House 4 / Distance by bike 73 km, 720 am, tar/tracks / Distance by bus 0 km, Duration 0 h
13th Day: Hike to Kogmanskloof in Montagu
Today, you walk through the pretty little town of Montagu and take a short hike to the thermal springs, followed by lunch and a wine tasting on a wine estate. Those who feel energetic can undertake a bike trip (40 km) to the historical village of McGregor. (B)
Gubas De Hoek Guest House 4* / Distance by bus 60 km, Duration 1 h
14th Day: Bike tour Viliersdorp – Stellenbosch, approx. 61 km
A short transfer takes you to Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest water reservoir of Cape Town. The route enters the UNESCO World Heritage Site Capensis and during the steady climb up Franschhoek Pass (732 m) you are rewarded with sights of many different Protea and Heath species as well as Klipspringer antelope and baboon. Enjoy the great views from the top onto one of the famous wine growing areas of South Africa. On Boschendal Wine Estate visit the well-preserved manor house and have a light lunch under the shady oak trees. Carry on over Helshoogte Pass (380 m) and you reach Stellenbosch, the second oldest town of South Africa. It boasts with many historical buildings erected in the local Cape-Dutch style. Ample of roadside cafes, art galleries and craft shops make this a pleasant place for a stroll. Restaurants are just a save and short walk away. (B,L)
Eendracht Hotel 4* / Distance by bike 61 km, 800 am, tar / Distance by bus 90 km, Duration 1.5 h
15th Day: Bike Tour Kleinmond – Gordon‘s Bay, approx. 70 km
During a township tour in the morning, you have the unique opportunity to visit a Kindergarten in the township of Khayelitsha which is supported by AFRICAN BIKERS. You can become acquainted with Cape Town’s largest township and some of its people. Drive to Kleinmond at the coast, where we unload the bikes and, keeping the Cape Peninsula in sight, cycle along the unique coastal route to Gordon‘s Bay. Often you can spot Cape Fur Seals close to the shore. Have a stop and visit the African Penguin Colony in Betty´s Bay. Stay just opposite the beach in the pretty Manor on the Bay Guest House 4. (B)
Manor on the Bay Guest House 4 / Distance by bike 51km, 560 am, tar / Distance by bus 70 km, Duration 1.25 h
16th Day: Bike Tour through the Cape of Good Hope National Park, approx. 71 km
Transfer to the Cape of Good Hope National Park and maybe spot ostriches on the beach. After a scenic 1-hour hike to the Cape Point start riding north of Cape Peninsula along the Atlantic seaboard back to Cape Town. The coastal route via Chapman‘s Peak Drive and Hout Bay is truly one of the most breathtaking routes in South Africa. It is not a coincidence that the annual Cape Town Cycle Tour Race, with over 35,000 participants, takes place here. You reach Camps Bay with its beach pubs and a bit later the Bantry Bay Suites Hotel 4* close to the Atlantic Ocean. (B,L)
Bantry Bay Suites Hotel 4* / Distance by bike 71 km, 870 am, tar / Distance by bus 90 km, Duration 2 h
17th Day: Hike on Table Mountain
In the morning, you visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and, weather permitting, hike up Table Mountain (4 – 5 h). The view across Cape Town, 1000 m below you, is breathtaking. The descent is by cable car. In the afternoon, you walk to Greenmarket Square, the Houses of Parliament in Government Gardens, the Castle and City Hall, and the Malay Quarter. The rest of the afternoon remains at leisure. African Bikers advise you on what there is to discover in the mother city. The V&A Waterfront has many shops, good restaurants and the famous Two Ocean Aquarium! (B)
Bantry Bay Suites Hotel 4* / Hike 4-5 h (1000 m) / Distance by bus 30 km, Duration 0.5 h
18th Day: Cape Town
The morning remains at leisure. There are many shops and markets to visit. In addition, the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront or a trip to Robben Island are worthwhile. Depending on your flight departure details, we transfer you to Cape Town International Airport where this beautiful journey ends. (B)
Distance by bus 20 km, Duration 0.5 h
YOUR ACCOMMODATION:
For this trip you will find all accommodation examples below “Itinerary” at the daily descriptions.
Please note that accommodation requests are always updated daily at the time of booking. The selection is based on availability. Of course, we are happy to accept non-binding customer requests. Tell us your wishes when booking.
You will receive the accommodation we have actually booked with the hotellist and the travel documents (after the booking confirmation at the earliest).
YOUR BICYCLES:
27-/30-speed MTB Hardtail
E-Bikes
- Including drinking bottle holder, on request with luggage rack and pannier bag
ARRIVAL INFORMATION:
Airport
- Next airport: Port Elizabeth (PLZ) and Cape Town (CPT)
- Please note that the arrival flight has to be booked to Port Elizabeth and the return flight from Cape Town.
- Please inquire about visa requirements at the responsible embassy
- 11 nights stay in double rooms with shower/toilet as stated in the above itinerary/program
- All Accommodations in double room (3 & 4* level)
- Qualified English-speaking tour guide
- Meals: 11x breakfast, 4x picnic, 1x dinner
- Transport of bikes on trailer and permanent back-up
- All entrance fees
- All transfers & travel in air-conditioned minibus
With 18 Days-Tour:
- 17 nights in hotels, guest houses and chalets with private bathroom
- English speaking tour guide on bicycle
- 17x breakfast, 12x lunch, 3x dinner
- Constant vehicle backup as well as transport for bikes
- All entrance fees for sightseeing program
12 Days-Tour | Season 1 | Season 2 |
Double room | 2.395,- | 2.495,- |
Single room | 2.685,- | 2.975,- |
18 Days-Tour | |
Double room | 3.195,- |
Single room | 3.685,- |
Additional bookable
Rental bikes | |
MTB Hardtail (12 days) | 240,- |
MTB Hardtail (18 days) | 290,- |
E-Bike (12 days) | 345,- |
E-Bike (18 days) | 460,- |
Operator: African Bikers
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.