Cycling
>>
Along the Garden Route to Cape Town (12 days) 6-15
guests
Highlights
Addo
Elephant Park: 164000 hectare sanctuary with a
multitude of game species and abundant birdlife and also
the home of the “Big 7” game
Tsitsikamma National
Park: 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:
An idyllic town of shear beauty and awesome scenery
Oudtshoorn:
The ostrich-feather capital of the world nestled in the
Klein Karoo
Cape Town:
Where the Atlantic and Indian Ocean meet lays this vibrant
city
Penguin Colony at
Boulders: Visit one of the two land based colonies
of these amazing creatures
( B = Breakfast, L
= Lunch, D = Dinner ) ( km = kilometer,
am = altitude meters )
Day
1 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
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. (45 km, gravel/tar) (B)
Day 3
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. (35 km, tar) (B)
Day 4
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. (58 km, forest road/mountain bike trail) (B)
Day
5
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. (60 km, gravel/tar) (B)
Day 6
The scenic climb up to the historic Montagu Pass (745 am) 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. (61 km, gravel/tar) (B)
Day 7
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. (45
km, gravel/tar) (B)
Day 8
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. (60 km, tar) (B)
Day
9
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.
(40 km, tar/gravel) (B)
Day 10
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
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. (62 km, tar) (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 ends. (B).
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 38 °C, and at night
it can be cold, especially in the higher altitudes.
Included: qualified
English-speaking tour guide all
accommodation in double rooms with shower/toilet as above incl. breakfast
(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
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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