Cycling The Cape & Winelands of South Africa

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 30 reviews.

Liam Curran

CYCLING THE CAPE & WINELANDS

Written December 2011
A wonderful way to see Cape Town, the surrounding wine growing regions and the dramatic coast. But be warned, although it is classed as a "moderate" trip there are LOTS and LOTS of hills and it is VERY windy!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Unexpectedly seeing a whale in Hermanus, the wild baboons just chilling by the side of the road, the huge open plains and seriously impressive mountains. Then wine wasn’t bad either!
What did you think of your group leader?
Pete and his crew were great. Really friendly and happy to give some background on the places we saw. Cooking was excellent and just what I needed after a long day on the road.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don’t underestimate how tough the cycling can be as this is really an exhausting trip, not just because of the hills but also because of how difficult it can be cycling in such windy conditions. Take your own saddle, and padded cycling shorts as you’ll need them. Draught beer is cheap but pretty much everything else is the same price as in the UK.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Some of the places you’ll stay are in the middle of nowhere, so expect to make your own entertainment, which, to be fair wasn’t difficult with such a great group of people. I'm sure the samples we got from from the vineyards we visited helped too.
Even in the height of summer it gets cold at night. So make sure you bring a fleece/warm jumper or 3!
The days are long so don't expect much (if any) pool or beach time.
South African electricity sockets are unlike any others in the world, so even if you think you have a "world adaptor" it won't work.
Jane Hardy

CYCLING THE CAPE & WINELANDS

Written November 2011
The tour leader Rudi Swanepoel & driver Jabula worked very hard to ensure the holiday was a success. Rudi is still young but he dealt well with the group. The tour had a great mix of cycling and sight seeing.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The landscape is fantastic and the coastal rides were a real highlight. Trip to Robben Island. Whale watching in Hermanus. ( A must trip ).
What did you think of your group leader?
Rudi came under pressure from the front riders to extend the rides and change the itinery, he coped well with this. Rudi & Jabula worked well as a team.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you want to do some sight seeing in Cape Town then either go prior to the trip or stay for a few days at the end, as there is not enough time without.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The accommodation varied in quality Swellendam & Simonstown were at the lower end.
Andy Fonseca

CYCLING THE CAPE & WINELANDS

Written September 2011
An excellent trip where the first half of it is very European (Dutch and Scottish Highlands) followed by areas with different wildlife. Coastal areas provided great viewing spots for whale watching and the views were great too! Needless to say the wine was very good so bring plenty of cash for this. Local food deffinitely worth trying!!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Last day cycling up to and around Chapman's Peak especially as the rainy weather gave way to sunshine.
What did you think of your group leader?
I can safely say that our leader was second to none compared with all other work/adventure travel I've done. Nothing was too much trouble, attended to all our needs and always provided alternatives if there was no immediate solution.
His local knowledge and enthusiasm was excellent which made the trip that more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Come prepared for the weather!!! The weather can be very variable especially in the winter with strong winds and driving rain followed by glorious days of sunshine. Mornings can be very cold especially at the beginning of every ride.

BRING A UK TO S.A. POWER ADAPTOR. VERY DIFFICULT TO BUY LOCALLY!!!!!!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Mountain bikes supplied were ok but could do with being replaced soon. However, the leader and assistants were always at hand should there be any problems and were excellent. Seriously consider bringing your own mountain bike or hybrid if you can deal with the hassle and cost.
Shark diving is brilliant and worthwhile doing but is around £130.
Lina Sheldon

CYCLING THE CAPE & WINELANDS

Written December 2010
This part of South Africa is definitely the right place to go on this type of tour. Relaxed and quality experience. Out of this world beautiful sceneries, stunning coastal routes... To my taste, the weather is just right for this physically quite demanding experience: not too hot and not humid.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Breathtaking downhills.
What did you think of your group leader?
Peter is a really fantastic, amazing and one of a kind tour leader!
He is very professional and organizing, resourceful and very patient, attentive to every detail, goes extra mile to take care of you. Could not be better.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do not forget to take with you all the proper gear: gloves, gel saddle, cycle shorts etc are essential for long cycling days.
Sport drinks contributed to my performance on last days :-).
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just go on this trip, this going to be an experience of your life time!
Nigel Rouse

CYCLING THE CAPE & WINELANDS

Written October 2010
An excellent trip for those who enjoy some exercise with the opportunity to celebrate each stage success with the odd tipple, plenty to see and do and with variety wildlife, wine, whales, wine gums. The scenery is fantastic and varied plenty of high speed down hill stretches after the odd climb a hidden gem. Local food was fantastic and plentiful 460 km in the saddle and I put on weight!!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Probably finally ticking whale watching off my list unfortunately the wind off the coast prevented the planned cage diving and trip to Robben Island.
The final coast route into Cape Town caps of the trip longest day but it flies by
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent leader and driver always part of the group as well as doing the organisation, cooking and demonstrating patience with some of the groups "characters".
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Local bikes were fine although they need some maintenance through the trip, bring a gel saddle and padded shorts to protect those piles
Barbara Arndt

CYCLING THE CAPE & WINELANDS

Written March 2010
This trip certainly exceeded all my expectations. It was simply overwhelming. I have never been to South Africa before and did not know what to expect. I was well prepared though mentally. If it is your first time going there, please read "A Traveller's History - South Africa." ISBN 1-84212-694-6. If you want it or not, you will be confronted with present problems and this might come as a shock to northern Europeans. We only experienced a tiny part of this big country but the locals in Cape Town I have spoken to, told me that this part of the country is NOT like the rest. On our arrival on the 6th March 2010 we even watched a big Gay Parade. Cape Town could pass as an European Mediterranean city. I was very lucky to be part of a wonderful international group of cyclists and we all had a fantastic time together. We all looked out for eachother when to going got tough. I did not expect such a mountainous terrain in the Winelands, littered with the history of the Afrikaner people. Stellenbosch was my favourite.The landscape was just breath taking and changing all the time. The trip was very well planned with lots of wine tasting, excellent accomodation and brilliant food. Be prepared to get up early to beat the heat of the day. In our case over 40 degrees.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were so many but two really stick out. Our 90k trip, thankfully with tail wind, from Hermanus to Simons Town. It felt like a real achievement. The other was Chapman's Peak. The ascent was not too difficult and the scenery just breathtaking. Cycling down Chapman's peak was a real challenge. We had a head wind of 80k and sometimes it felt that you were cycling on the spot. The famous "Cape Doctor". I called it the "Cape Professor!" Also I want to mention the overnight stay in Barrydale at the Tradouw Guesthouse. It was like home from home. Wonderful food and decor! Our hosts were extraordinary and we talked until the early hours. And last not least our last night in Capetown. We went to Marco's with wonderfull African music/dancers and super food. It was very sad thinking that we would be on the plane home next day.
What did you think of your group leader?
We were extraordinary lucky that we had 2 Group leaders. Peter Albert (the Boss) and Tallis Wessels and our driver Suffiso. It beats me how only one guide can cope. These guys worked their socks off and really looked after us well. Very knowledgeable and answered all our many questions. How on earth did they had the energy after a full day's cycling to shop and cook for us! They had a great sense of humour and I even learnt some Africaans. Ja. As the group was such a great bunch of people it made their job easier.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I have indeed. The trip is classified "moderate". This is fine if you are fit and a regular cyclist. You also should be confident to travel on busy roads. Not for beginners. One should also take into account the intense heat we have experienced in March. Climbing up a pass at over 40 degrees is no easy task. Lots of water!! I brougt my own roadbike ( in a bike box /free with SAA) and I was glad I did. Especially on the flats and zooming down the passes. Bring lots of spare tubes for that as there is glass on the road. I brought only cash with me and that was fine even there are ATMs in bigger towns. Be prepared to get saddle sore and numb fingers. Take some zinc ointment with you. Helmets and gloves are a must! Get also a 3 pin converter plug from Amazon ( £3).
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I loved it so much that I intend to do the trip again next year if possible. Who knows.
Learnt new words from our guides: False Flats === up and down and Flat Dogs === Crocodiles.
Michael Stephens

CYCLING THE CAPE & WINELANDS

Written March 2010
This was indeed a great trip. The cycling was great - if a little demading at times - , the scenery wonderful and the acommodation, wine and food of the highest order.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Thus is hard to say following a trip that was memorable in so many respects. The cycling on the last day back along the west coast of the Cape Peninsula would take some beating though.
What did you think of your group leader?
The leadership of the Group was excellent. In Peter and Tallis, we found enthusiasm, knowledge and information about South Africa and excellent caring and communication skills. They are great chaps to travel with!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Simply go and enjoy it!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
No; it has all been said above!