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Categorization
Level of fitness   Grading of accommodation

Dates and rates
Booking code: RGR A & B
07.02.11 - 25.02.11	USD 2875
10.10.11 - 28.10.11	USD 0

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South Africa

Cycle vacation along the Garden Route to CapeTown Tour A & B

Since 1993 our classic and still so popular! Cycle from Inn to Inn without transfers. Explore the many faces of the Western Cape on quite roads, enjoy great picnics... – Individual and group travel

From the Indian Ocean to the elephants of the Addo National Park, through indigenous forests on the coast to the ostrich farms of the dry Klein Karoo, from the solitude of the Swartberg Mountains, through the winelands to Cape Town, the lively and multicultural metropolis at the Cape of Good Hope: On this trip we cycle through the Western Cape province where you will experience the unique diversity of landscapes within such a small geographical area, ideally viewed from a bike. On this cycling trip our cook will spoil you at mealtimes with rich and healthy South African dishes. There are two routes to choose from: Route A runs in the cooler months for a longer stretch through the Klein Karoo. During the hotter months Route B runs along the cooler coast, with the exception of a short detour to the Klein Karoo.

Tour itinerary:

ROUTE A & B

Day 1 Arrival and transfer Addo Elephant National Park

On your arrival in Port Elizabeth you are greeted by your tour guide. With the bikes in a trailer we travel in the back-up vehicle to a beautiful lodge situated in the Zuurberg mountains. On a game drive in the nearby Addo Elephant Park you will hopefully see elephant, antelope, rhino and even lions!

Day 2 Cycle Clarkson – Tsitsikamma

We drive to the start of the Tsitsikamma mountain range, the starting point of our cycling tour to Cape Town. One last check of the bicycles and we’re off on the first leg of our trip. We cycle along pretty back roads with a backdrop of the Tsitsikamma mountains to our comfortable lodge. Stay in generously spaced log cabins (28 miles, tar) (B, L)

Days 3 + 4 Cycle Tsitsikamma – Nature’s Valley

We cycle along a forested plateau, before descending to the Stormsriver Mouth on the wild, rugged coast. After lunch we continue along the plateau and through the beautiful forests of Nature’s Valley. Here the dense Tsitsikamma Forest invites closer inspection by foot. In close proximity is one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches on the Garden Route. We spend two nights here in a charming holiday house. (43+22 miles, tar/forest track/gravel road). (B, L, D)

Day 5 Hike Robberg – Relax in Knysna

Today we do an unforgettable hike around the romantically wild Robberg Peninsula (2-4 hours, depending on route) passing ancient caves and a seal colony. Bottle nose dolphins and the endangered black oyster catcher are roaming the coast. In the afternoon the back-up vehicle takes us to a comfortable guesthouse in Knysna. Knysna is famous for its “Heads”, two steeply towering cliffs which mark the entrance to Knysna Lagoon. At dinner time we can sample the local “Mitchell`s Beer”. (B, L)

Day 6 Cycle Knysna forest

We explore the gorgeous forests around Knysna by bike. We cycle to the coast through forested valleys where the tree-ferns are meters high. With some luck we might see the “Knysna Loerie“, an indigenous, brightly coloured type of parrot. We also see twisted trees in the forest, evidence of the small population of elephants that lives here. We can choose between routes and various grades of difficulty. By late afternoon we are back at the guesthouse in Knysna. (15/26 miles, forest tracks/logging trails and mountain bike trails) (B, L)

Routes A and B separate here:

ROUTE A:

Day 7 Cycle Knysna – Uniondale

Today is solitary – and steep. We leave the coast and cycle on good tracks through the dense Knysna Forest up to the Prince Alfred’s Pass (3150 feet). We spend the night on a game farm near Uniondale in comfortable chalets. (26 miles, tar/gravel roads) (B, L)

Day 8 Cycle Uniondale – De Rust

The landscape has changed: The dry Klein Karoo is an impressively vast, bizarre steppe and rock landscape. We arrive in the small village of De Rust. Here we are accommodated in the private houses of local coloured people, a unique opportunity to experience the new South Africa up close. Our hosts will prepare a typical meal and afterwards there is singing accompanied by guitars. (57 miles, tar/gravel roads) (B, L, D)

Day 9 Cycle De Rust – Swartberg Mountains

A in and out ride into magnificent Meiringspoort with its 2400 feet high walls is certainly the highlight of the day. A remote gravel road lead along the imposing Swartberg Mountains to the 60 m high “Rust en Vrede” waterfall, where we eat our lunch in the cool shade of the trees. Not far is the mountain holiday resort where we move into our comfortable chalets. How about jumping in the cool swimming pool as compensation for the hot bike ride? (41 miles, tar/gravel roads) (B, L, D)

Day 10 Rest day – visit Cango Caves and ostrich farm

Today is rest day. We visit the nearby Cango Caves and an ostrich farm. Continuing through the beautiful Schoemanns Gorge to Oudtshoorn, we stay in a comfortable guest historic guest house. We relax by the pool and do a tour of town passing many grand houses built some 120 years ago by wealthy Ostrich farmers. (B)

Day 11 Cycle Oudtshoorn – Calitzdorp

First on tar and later on gravel road, with the peaks of the majestic Swartberg in the background, we cycle through a beautiful, isolated valley, past ostrich farms to the idyllic wine-making town of Calitzdorp where we are accommodated in a comfortable victorian-style guest house. (49 miles, tar/gravel roads) (B, L)

Day 12 Cycle Calitzdorp – Ladismith

Leaving Calitzdorp the ride continues into Huisriver gorge. After climbing over Huisriver Pass (1950 feet) we arrive at Amalienstein, a former mission station. Visit of the local school and church. Heading in the direction of Ladismith we arrive at our idyllic and peaceful guesthouse situated in the centre of the village on foot of the 6000 feet high Swartberg Mountains. (48 miles, tar/gravel roads) (B, L)

Day 13 Cycle Buffelspoort – Montagu

After a short transfer we cycle on a hard surfaced gravel road through the sparse expanse of the Klein Karoo. A few farms making use of the little water available down the valleys, otherwise this dry and barren landscape full of succulent plants craving for rain is a unique experience by bicycle. After reaching the top of Ouberg Pass (2850 feet) a long downhill lead to the wine and fruit village of Montagu with its charming colonial-style houses – and we once again ride on tarmac. We spent the night in a comfortable guesthouse. (71 miles, tar/gravel roads) (B, L)

Day 14 Cycle Montagu – Robertson

After breakfast we do a short hike through a rugged gorge to the hot springs, very beneficial for sore muscles. We cycle on through the lovely Kogmanns Gorge, after which the landscape opens up: we continue along the Breede river riding past wine lands and horse breeding farms to Robertson, where we spend the night in rustic chalets on a wine farm. A great place to sample the excellent local wine. (33 miles, tar/gravel roads) (B, L, D)

Day 15 Cycle Robertson – Wellington

Amidst the impressive scenery of the Hex River Mountains we cycle along the Breede River valley to Worcester. After sipping an ice café in artist gallery continue past wine estates, arriving finally at idyllic Bainskloof Gorge, a welcoming rest spot offering great swimming in the natural river pools. In cool shade ride over most beautiful Bainskloof pass, built by Thomas Bains 160 years ago, enjoying stunning views of the Cape wine lands. Stay on wine estate near of Wellington. (65 miles, tar/gravel roads) (B, L)

Day 16 Cycle Kleinmond – Gordon’s Bay

We continue in back-up vehicle to Stellenbosch, the leafy University town close to Cape Town. A walk through town centre provides some insight into the history of the second-oldest town in South Africa. We continue to coastal town of Kleinmond, where we unload the bikes and cycle along a scenic stretch of coastline to Gordon’s Bay with the Cape Peninsula in sight. A short transfer takes us into Cape Town’s city bowl where we spend three nights in a comfortable hotel/guest house (31 miles, tar) (B, L)

Day 17 Hike onto Table Mountain

In the morning we visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and afterwards walk, weather permitting, onto Table Mountain (4 hours). The views of Cape Town some 3000 feet below are breathtaking. We take the cable car back down. In the afternoon a city tour on foot lead past Greenmarket Square, the Parliament Gardens, the Cultural History Museum, the Castle, the City Hall and the Malay Quarter. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own activities. We provide tips on things to do and see in the Mother City. The Waterfront houses countless shops, good restaurants and the famous Two Ocean Aquarium! (B)

Day 18 Cycle to Cape of good hope

By back-up vehicle shuttle along the Indian Ocean to the Penguin colony at Boulders and continue on to the Cape of Good Hope. After a one hour walk along the rocky coastline we reach Cape Point. Enjoy the great views across False Bay. Cycle along the Atlantic side of Cape Peninsula back to Cape Town. The coastal road along Chapman’s Peak and Hout Bay is rightly considered one of the most breathtaking in South Africa, one of the reasons that the popular anual Argus Cycle Tour takes place here, with more than 35.000 participants from around the world. (39 miles, tar) (B)

Day 19 Township tour and transfer to Cape Town airport

Today you have the unique opportunity to take a tour through various townships and visit a kindergarten project in the township of Khayelitsha which is supported by AFRICAN BIKERS. You will get to know the largest township in Cape Town and the people who live here. In the afternoon we transfer to Cape Town International airport and take leave of South Africa. (B)

ROUTE B:

Day 7 Cycle Knysna – George

Cycle on historic old Cape road passing many cattle farms and into Homtini valley. Under shady canopy of ancient rain forest climb up on other side. We cycle through the National park Lake District to Wilderness. Plenty of bird life such as pied and giant king fisher can be seen. Nearby Victoria Bay offers great swimming and body surfing. Stay at victorian guest house in George with views of the Outeniqua Mountains. (34 miles, tar/gravel roads) (B, L)

Day 8 Cycle George – Oudtshoorn

We cycle over the historic Montagu Pass (2250 feet) into the interior. It is well worth the effort for the spectacular views stretching to the coast. Here the landscape changes quickly. From the evergreen coast we enter the Klein Karoo where Erika and succulents grow. Cycle through the “Paardepoort“ – horse canyon, before relaxing by the pool at an ostrich farm. On remote gravel road continue to the “ostrich capital” – Oudtshoorn. We are accommodated in a comfortable guest house. (38 miles, tar/gravel roads) (B, L)

Day 9 Rest day – visit Cango Caves and ostrich farm

Rest day. After a tour through town our bus takes us to nearby Cango Caves and an ostrich farm. In the afternoon we travel to the village of De Rust. Stay in the small but clean private homes of local coloured people, a unique opportunity to discover the new South Africa up close. Our hosts will prepare us a typical meal and afterwards there is singing accompanied by guitars. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Cycle Oudtshoorn – Mossel Bay

Back on the bikes, we leave the Klein Karoo over the Robinson Pass (2580 feet). The mountain range is a protected area and many protea and Erika species can be found. Arriving at Mossel Bay, where we stay in a guesthouse with beautiful views over the bay. (57 miles, tar) (B, L)

Day 11 Cycle Mossel Bay – Riversdale

The Diaz Museum in town offers a glimpse into the exploration of sea routes and the discovery of Africa. The beach offers a last chance to swim before we reach Cape Town, as we now travel into the interior by back up vehicle to just past Albertinia. From here cycle along the beautiful evergreen Langeberg Mountains through hilly farmland until Riversdale, where we are accommodated in a guest house. (31 miles, tar/gravel roads) (B, L)

Day 12 Cycle Riversdale – Swellendam

We cycle on quite farm roads along the Langeberg Mountains to Heidelberg. After lunch ride through wheat growing country onto Strawberry hill and the mission village of Suurbraak. Stay in thatched cottages of a lovely guest house in Swellendam. (59 miles, tar/gravel roads) (B, L)

Day 13 Cycle Swellendam –Robertson

Swellendam, the third oldest settlement in the country, has many architectural gems such as the drosty or the coach house. Cycle on through the wide Breede River valley past Bonnievale and through vineyards to Robertson, where we are accommodated for the next two nights in cozy chalets on a wine farm. (47 miles, tar/gravel roads) (B, L, D)

Day 14 Hike Kogmanskloof Montagu

Today we take a detour to the beautiful village of Montagu. A hike through Kogmanskloof valley lead to the local hot springs. Afternoon laze around the pool or go for a bike ride to the historic village of McGregor. (B, D)

The itinerary for the rest of route B is identical to days 15-19 of route A.

Services

Included:

• Qualified English-speaking tour guide
• All accommodation (2-3*) in double rooms with shower/toilet, except in Nature´s Valley where 2 rooms share one bathroom
• Catering: 18x breakfast, 14x lunch, 5x dinner
• Transport of bikes on trailer and permanent back-up
• All entrance fees
• All transfers & travel in air-conditioned minibus

Excluded:

• Flights to and from South Africa
• Gratuity

Hints

Travel Information: A medium to good level of fitness and some team spirit is required for this trip. The route is mountainous in parts and lead over some passes between 1800 and 3000 feet. The climate is as varied as the route: The temperatures in the Klein Karoo can soar to 95° Fahrenheit, and at night it can be cold, especially in the higher altitudes.

You are only 2, or the dates don’t fit into your holiday? Contact us and we design your customized tour according to your needs.