Cycling
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New: MTB tour from Table Mountain to Addo Elephant National Park (13 days)
6-15 guests
Highlights
Bike
tour onto Table Mountain
On single trails in the
Cape winelands and in the Jonkershoek Mountains near Stellenbosch
Bike excursion in the Groenland
Mountains on Jeep tracks and single trails near Grabouw
Tough biking through Fynbos
and rain forest in the Grootvaddersbos Nature Reserve
The special designed Mountain
Bike Trail in the Harkerville Forest
Safari in Addo Elephant
National Park: to be seen are elephant, antelopes, buffalo,
black rhino and lion
(B = Breakfast, L
= Lunch, D = Dinner) (km = kilometer,
am = altitude meters)
Day
1
Arrival at Cape Town airport. A transfer takes us to our hotel. Depending
on arrival time and weather conditions we do an excursion up Table Mountain.
Sightseeing by foot leads us through the history of Cape Town: the old
castle, parade ground with city hall, parliament gardens, the big “Groote
Kerk“ church, Green Market Square, District Six and the Malay Quarter.
Day 2
A short transfer takes us to Tokai Forest on the Cape Peninsula. We cycle
through a beautiful old pine forest and later through exquisite Cape fynbos
(Ericas and Proteas) on the Constantiaberg Mountains, which at 920 m height
provides magnificent views over Cape Town and the surrounding areas. (35
km, height 950 m, dirt roads/Jeep tracks/single trails). In the back-up
vehicle we travel along the Indian Ocean to Boulders penguin colony and
on to the Cape of Good Hope. Besides blessbuck, bontebuck, kudu and ostriches,
cheeky baboons also make their home here. A short hike takes us on a panoramic
route from Cape Point down to the Cape of Good Hope. We travel back to
the city along the stunning, rocky cliffs of the Atlantic coastline. (B)
Day
3
Transfer to Stellenbosch. We cycle on the Dirtopia Trail around Stellenbosch.
This beautiful trail was designed by a local mountain biking expert and
offers challenging ascents to the Simonsberg Mountain and Jonkershoek
Valley. We spend the night in a comfortable guest house (58 km, height
860 m, tar/dirt roads/Jeep track/single trails). (B, L)
Day 4
After a transfer to Grabouw we cycle in the popular mountain biking district
of the Groenland Mountains (42 km, height 860 m, dirt roads/Jeep track/single
trails). This area is well-known for its large number of single trails
through plantations and fynbos-covered mountains. Following this, a transfer
takes us through the wine farming district of the Breede River Valley
to Montagu, where we are accommodated for the next two nights in a stylish
guest house. (B, L)
Day
5
A short transfer brings us to the nearby Mount Eco Nature Reserve, where
we cycle on Jeep tracks through the stark mountain landscape (30 km, height
1000 m). The views of the surrounding mountains are simply breathtaking.
We can observe various types of antelope such as bontebok and springbok.
With a little bit of luck we might see the spoor of the shy mountain leopard.
In the afternoon we can relax at the pool. (B, L)
Day 6
A transfer takes us through the Tradouw Gorge to the foot of the Langeberg
Mountains. On dirt roads, Jeep tracks and single trails we bike in the
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve. (35 km, height 1070 m). The BS&G
(Blood, Sweat & Gears) Pass offer a real challenge; a 2,2 km long
ascent with a 450 m rise in altitude. The vegetation ranges from forested
areas with flowing rivers to the Klein Karoo where Ericas and succulents
grow. We spend the night in a stylish guest house in nearby Swellendam,
the third oldest town in South Africa. (B, L)
Day
7
We drive via Mossel Bay to George and Wilderness. Victoria Bay is the
perfect place for a swim in the Indian Ocean. The afternoon in Knysna
is free for your own activities. We spend the following two nights in
spacious holiday apartments on the Knysna Lagoon. (B)
Day 8
We cycle past a gigantic 800 year old Yellowwood tree to the Diepvalle
forest station. Via an old woodcutters trail across many streams we bike
downhill to Garden Eden, where we have our lunch break. In the afternoon
we cycle a specially designed mountain bike trail through the Harkerville
forest. Snapped trees are evidence of the forest elephants. From the coast
we have gorgeous views over the Indian Ocean. (58 km, height 1150 m, tar
/Jeep track/single trails) (B, L)
Day
9
A transfer brings us back to Diepvalle. We cycle through the rugged Outeniqua
Mountains, where a couple of long ascents and descents need to be mastered.
We enjoy our lunch with a sculptor who has withdrawn here to the solitude,
before we arrive at the Prince Alfred’s Pass (1050 m). Our goal
for today is to reach a game farm. Among other animals, springbuck, zebras
and eland can be found here. We spend the night in comfortable chalets.
(65 km, height 1500 m, tar/dirt roads) (B, L, D)
Day 10
After a short transfer to Ouposberg we cycle through farmland to the start
of the Baviaanskloof Gorge. A wonderful descent takes us through the Nuwekloof
Gorge into the main valley. The landscape and vegetation change: Acacias
and fig trees earmark a savannah-type flora. We spend the night at an
ostrich farm. (94 km, height 600 m, dirt roads) (B, L, D)
Day
11
Today we traverse the Baviaanskloof, a world heritage site, on a trail
intended just for 4 x 4’s. With a little luck we might see kudu,
blesbok, monitor lizards and even buffalo. A demanding ascent takes us
to the Bergplaas plateau. Magnificent views of the secluded Winterberg
Mountains await us. (78 km, height 1100m, gravel road). In the late afternoon
a transfer takes us to Jeffrey’s Bay. (B, L)
Day 12
We continue on to Addo Elephant National Park, the second largest park
after the Kruger National Park in the country. On a safari in an open
vehicle we might be lucky enough to see elephants, ostriches, tortoises,
warthogs, zebras, blesbok, kudus, white rhinos and even lions. We are
accommodated in a beautifully situated mountain lodge. (B)
Day 13
A transfer takes us to Port Elizabeth airport, which marks the end of
this challenging mountain bike tour. (B)
Travel
Information:
A good level of fitness as well as cycling ability is recommended
for this trip. The routes consist of stony single trails with a
couple of steep ascents and descents and sections where it is necessary
to carry or push the bikes. In the Baviaanskloof Gorge the path
has steep ascents and descents, and in parts there are passes. During
the offered dates of travel comfortable temperatures of between
18-27 °C prevail in the areas of the Eastern Cape which are
visited, and it is dry and sunny. In the Western Cape the temperatures
are between 25-30 °C. It can also become cold at night.
Included: qualified
English-speaking tour guide all
accommodation in double rooms with shower/toilet as above incl. breakfast
(2-3*) transport
of bikes on trailer permanent
back-up all
entrance fees all
transfers & travel in air-conditioned minibus
Excluded: flights
to and from South Africa gratuity
Giant
mountain bikes We offer Giant Mountain Bikes with 27 gears, front shocks, water-bottle
holder and a small carrier for an additional charge on loan.
Book this tour
If our fixed departure doesn't
suit you, don't despair! Contact
us for exclusive itineraries for small groups or individual travelers,
we will be happy to put together a special tour for you.
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