Trip at google maps

Categorization
Level of fitness   Grading of accommodation

Dates and rates
Booking code: RGR
27.01.12 - 07.02.12	USD 2895
26.10.12 - 06.11.12	USD 2895
21.12.12 - 01.01.13	USD 2995

Gallery

South Africa

Cycling along the Garden Route to Cape Town - 12 days

Our Garden Route trip with shorter cycling distances: On tar and gravel, 25 - 40 miles daily, discover the most beautiful places along the Indian Ocean and Karoo savannah... – Individual and group travel

The tour highlights: Addo Elephant Park, thst means a 164000 hectare sanctuary with a multitude of game species and abundant birdlife and also the home of the “Big 7” game,
Tsitsikamma National Park has been created in the mists of times, the foaming breakers of the Indian ocean creates a magical world of inter-tidal life and reefs teeming with colour and surprises, Knysna is the idyllic town of shear beauty and awesome scenery, Oudtshoorn is the ostrich-feather capital of the world nestled in the Klein Karoo, and Cape Town where the Atlantic and Indian Ocean meet lays this vibrant city. At the Penguin Colony at Boulders visit one of the two land based colonies of these amazing creatures.

Tour schedule:

mi = miles

Day 1 Addo Elephant National Park

On your arrival in Port Elizabeth you will be greeted by your guide. A transfer takes us to the Addo Elephant National Park. On a game drive in an open vehicle we can see elephant, buffalo, antelope, rhino, ostrich and lion. We transfer to our beautiful mountain lodge where we will be accommodated in thatched rondavels.

Day 2 Tsitsikamma National Park

Back via Port Elizabeth, we drive to the Tsitsikamma mountain range where we start cycling on a quiet gravel road. Baboons may cross our path. We pass the old Storms River Bridge before descending into the Tsitsikamma National Park. We do a 1 hr. walk to the wild and rugged Storms River mouth. A climb back onto the plateau leads us to the comfortable guest lodge. (28 mi, gravel/tar) (B)

Day 3 Nature’s Valley & hike Robberg peninsula

In the morning we cycle into the deep valley of the Bloukrans River comprising lush indigenous forest on to Nature’s Valley. One of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches invites you for a swim. After lunch, we go on a unique hike around the Robberg Peninsula (2 hrs.) with beautiful vistas of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. A short transfer takes us to the beautiful town of Knysna, which is known for the “Heads”, two massive sandstone cliffs guarding the entrance to the Knysna lagoon. For two nights we stay over in a friendly guesthouse. (22 mi, tar) (B)

Day 4 Knysna rain forest

On our bikes, we explore the magnificent indigenous forests around Knysna. We visit an 800 years old yellowwood tree. Passing through lovely valleys with tree ferns, we cycle down to the coast. You might see the “Knysna Loerie”, a colorful, local parrot species. Broken branches and droppings are the most common sights of the forest elephants. The coast offers magnificent views of the Indian Ocean. (36 mi, forest road/mountain bike trail) (B)

Day 5 Lake District National Park

In the morning we cycle along a stretch of the historic Cape road with its beautiful valleys comprising dense indigenous forests to Sedgefield. In the afternoon a cycle through the Lake District National Park with its unique birdlife follows, before we reach our hotel in George. A beautiful beach ideal for swimming is close by. (37 mi, gravel/tar) (B)

Day 6 Outeniqua Mountains

The scenic climb up to the historic Montagu Pass (2250 ft) is rewarded by stunning views of the coast and surrounding Outeniqua Mountains as we enter the arid Little Karoo. The change could not be more impressive. We cycle from lush green pastures to semi arid shrub and bush veld. Lunchtime is spent at the pool on an ostrich farm, before we continue to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich-feather capital of the world We spend the night in a cozy lodge. (38 mi, gravel/tar) (B)

Day 7 Ostrich country Klein Karoo

Today we cycle through the Schoemanspoort gorge to the famous Cango Caves and visit an ostrich farm, where you will learn more about this giant bird! In the afternoon we shuttle through the beautiful desert scenery of the Little Karoo to the charming village of Montagu with its beautiful Cape Dutch houses. We spend the night in a comfortable guesthouse. (28 mi, gravel/tar) (B)

Day 8 Wine area Breede valley

After a hearty breakfast we cycle through the narrow Kogmannskloof gorge into the beautiful winelands of the Breede River Valley. We are invited for a wine tasting on a wine estate. A one hour shuttle takes us to the green university town of Stellenbosch. An informative walk through town will show you many examples of the unique cape dutch-style architecture. We are accommodated in a charming lodge. (37 mi, tar) (B)

Day 9 Stellenbosch

After breakfast we cycle to Jonkershoek Valley in the Hottentots-Holland Mountains with its beautiful species of Protea and Erika, part of the Floral kingdom of the Cape. We then head for Cape Town, the Mother City, where we are accommodated for three nights in a quiet and charming guest house/hotel not far from the sea, the city and Table Mountain. We go on a short walking tour of the city, stopping at the Castle, the City Hall, Parade, Greenmarket Square, the Company’s Gardens and Malay Quarter. (25 mi, tar/gravel) (B)

Day 10 Hike Table Mountain

This morning we will visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and climb the most famous landmark of Cape Town, Table Mountain, up a shady ravine. (4hrs., weather permitting). You will be able to enjoy the stunning views of the mother city and both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean. We will come down by cable car. (B)

Day 11 Cape of Good Hope National Park

Today we will visit the Cape of Good Hope National Park. Along the way we will visit the African Penguin colony at Boulders along the Indian Ocean. A hike takes us from the famous Cape of Good Hope to Cape Point with great vistas over the rugged coastline. On the way back we cycle the spectacular coastal road known as Chapman’s Peak and down into the fishing village of Hout Bay to Cape Town. (39 mi, tar) (B)

Day 12 Township tour and return home

In the morning, during a township tour you will have the unique opportunity to visit a kindergarten in the township of Khayelitsha, which is supported by AFRICAN BIKERS. You can get to know Cape Town’s largest township and its people. Depending on your flight departure we transfer you to Cape Town International Airport where this beautiful trip ends. (B).

The Africa fever ist still burning? We recommend a 3 day extension to either the world reknown Kruger National Park or the mighty Victoria Falls in combination with Chobe National Park or Okavango Delta. Contact us for further details.

This way to our picture gallery

October 2011: Cycling tour along the Garden route to Cape Town – 12 days

April 2010: Cycling tour along the Garden route to Cape Town – 12 days

March 2010: Cycling tour along the Garden route to Cape Town – 12 days

September 2009: Cycling tour along the Garden route to Cape Town – 12 days

March 2008: Cycling tour along the Garden route to Cape Town – 12 days

October 2006: Cycling tour along the Garden route to Cape Town – 12 days

December 2004: Cycling tour along the Garden route to Cape Town – 12 days

February 2004: Cycling tour along the Garden route to Cape Town – 12 days

Services

Included in package:

• Qualified English-speaking tour guide
• Accommodation in double rooms with shower/toilet as above incl. breakfast (3*)
• Transport of bikes on trailer and permanent back-up
• All entrance fees
• All transfers & travel in air-conditioned minibus

Hints

Travel Information:
A medium to good level of fitness and some team spirit is required for this trip. The climate is as varied as the travel route: The temperatures in the Klein Karoo can soar to 100 °F, and at night it can be cold, especially in the higher altitudes.