Cycling
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Mountain bike tour from the Wild Coast to Cape Town (12 days) 6-15
guests
Highlights
The Wild Coastal Area: Bike
on ancient slay tracks, footpaths and hard sand along this
treacherous stretch of coast, ruggedly beautiful, a wilderness
of green hills, deeply incised river valleys and lagoons.
Addo Elephant Park:
Home of the “Big 7” including whales
Baviaanskloof Wilderness
Area: Bike trough 270000 hectares of unspoilt rugged
mountain terrain with many streams to cross
Swartberg Pass:
Steep cycle up with rewarding views
Table Mountain:
Awesome views reward after a sweaty ride
Cape Town:
With its colourful culture and rich heritage
(
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D
= Dinner ) ( km = kilometer, am = altitude
meters )
Day 1
Your guide is expecting you in East London situated on the Indian Ocean.
In our Backup vehicle we depart for the beautiful Wild Coast, the first
bike region of our tour. We reach a comfortable hotel located right next
to the sea.(D).
Day
2
After a good breakfast, we cycle close to the coast, partly on firm sea
sand and partly on the “sleigh roads” that have been used
for hundreds of years and on which the Xhosa still use their wooden sleighs
drawn by a team of oxen over the grasslands. We eventually reach a shipwreck
called “Jacaranda”. We cross numerous streams and will pass
through many friendly Xhosa villages and the most southern mangrove swamps
in Africa, before reaching our beach front hotel. (25 km, jeep tracks/single
trails, beach) (B, L, D).
Day
3 + 4
Today’s stretch of our mountain bike tour takes us on fi rm beach
sand and along single tracks to Mazeppa Bay, where we reach a small rocky
island via an adventurous suspension bridge. We continue to the mouth
of the Qora River. On the way, we are guests in a Xhosa village. The hospitality
of these people and getting to know the Xhosa culture are a magical experience!
Nelson Mandela was born and grew up here. We then go on an unforgettable
boat trip up the Qora River until we reach an almost untouched jungle.
We are accommodated for two nights in the spectacularly situated Kob Inn
Hotel right on the cliff of this wildly romantic coast. (35 km, jeep tracks/single
trails, beach) (B, L, D).
Day
5
Today we have to bid farewell to the rural Wild Coast. We transfer back
via East London and Port Alfred to the Zuurberg Mountains above the Addo
Elephant National Park where we are accommodated in thatch roofed chalets
of a country hotel. (B)
Day 6
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. In the afternoon we carry on until we reach the beginning of
the magnificent, rugged Baviaanskloof gorge, where we are accommodated
in cozy chalets on a farm. A bike excursion on farm roads takes us to
the Kamdoberg. (20 km, gravel) (B,L)
Day
7
On our bikes, we cycle through the ever-narrowing gorge. Two steep climbs,
rough down hills and crossing river beds take us into the heart of the
Wilderness area. Buffalo, kudu and other antelope has been introduced.
In the afternoon we arrive at an ostrich guest farm, where we are accommodated
in chalets and enjoy the hearty farm cuisine. (50 km, gravel). (B, L,
D)
Day 8
We carry on cycling through the Baviaanskloof gorge until we reach the
Nuwekloof Pass. We cross many streams and bike through arid valleys in
this unique wilderness. At the end of the gorge we load our bikes and
drive to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich city, where we will be accommodated in
a cozy country-house hotel. (60 km, gravel). (B, L)
Day
9
Today, we will go on an early morning visit to the world-famous Cango
Caves. We start biking up the slopes of the marvelous Swartberg Pass (1450m)
with its fantastic views of the Small and Great Karoo. The breathtaking
downhill takes us into the narrow “Die Hel” gorge, meaning
“the hell”. We sleep over in lovingly restored cottages at
the end of this acacia tree-covered, deserted valley. (55 km, gravel)
(B,L,D)
Day 10
A steep climb takes us back onto the Swartberg Mountain range. Past some
impressive folded rock formations a long downhill on the historic Swartbergpass
road takes us to Prince Albert. We load the bikes and drive via the Hex
River Valley until we finally reach the Wine lands and Cape Town, regarded
by many as the most beautiful situated city in the world. Here we will
be accommodated for two nights in a comfortable hotel near the city. Since
Cape Town is situated between two oceans, seafood is a must! As far as
nightlife is concerned, the legendary Long Street, Seapoint and the waterfront
are at your doorstep! (60 km, gravel) (B,L)
Day
11
In the morning, we ride up to the area of the Constantia berg Mountain
(915m). From here you can marvel at the whole Cape Peninsula. The downhill
partly on gravel track or single trail is exciting! In our back-up vehicle
we visit the African Penguin colony in Boulders and the famous Cape of
Good Hope. A hike takes us from Cape Point to the Cape of Good Hope. Seagulls
and Cape cormorants as well as ostrich, various species of antelope and
rock dassies can be seen. The spectacular coastal road following the Atlantic
Ocean takes us back to Cape Town. (35 km, gravel/jeep track/single trail)
(B)
Day 12
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 on a mountain
bike ends. (B).
Travel
Information:
Average to good fitness as well as cycling skills are required for
this trip. Along the Wild Coast, certain sections of the route consist
of single tracks with steep climbs and descents, with a few stretches
of pushing or carrying the bike. In the Baviaanskloof Gorge and
the Swartberg Mountains, the route consists of a few steep and often
longer climbs and descents, or passes. The prevailing temperature
in the areas that are visited during the offered travel periods
range from 18° - 27° C and the weather is mostly dry and
sunny. The temperatures in the Baviaanskloof and in the Western
Cape range from 25° - 32° C, but it can get colder here
at night.
Included: All
road transfers, including bike transport in air-conditioned mini bus All
accommodation as mentioned above in 2-3* hotels and chalets. All
meals as mentioned above. Constant
backup by the escort vehicle. Entrance
fees for all the mentioned activities. Qualified
English-speaking tour guide. Additional
Xhosa-speaking tour guides along the Wild Coast.
Excluded: flights
to and from South Africa gratuity
Abreviations:
B - Breakfast, L - Lunch packets, D - Dinner
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.
(
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D
= Dinner ) ( km = kilometer, am = altitude
meters )
Day
2
Day
3 + 4
Day
5
Day
7
Day
9
Day
11
All
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