Current as of: December 3, 2024 - 07:30

cycling tours

Cycling the Cape & Winelands Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group
  • Destination: South Africa
  • Programmes: Cycling
  • Activity Level:

    3 out of 7 - Moderate

  • 12 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: MZC
  • Carbon Footprint: 30kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Ride through vineyards, over mountain passes and along the spectacular coastline of South Africa

Renowned as one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Cape Town and its surroundings provide a stunning backdrop for this cycling tour. Our unique circular route allows us to take in the fantastic sights of the Cape Peninsula. In addition to Table Mountain and the chance to sample wine from the Stellenbosch estates, the wild coastline and rugged interior provide classic riding on peaceful roads with little traffic. The scenery, a rich cultural history, unique flora, and unusual wildlife encounters make this a fantastic destination to discover on two wheels.

At a Glance

  • Accommodation: 3 Superior nights (hotel), 8 Classic nights (hotel/guesthouse/lodge)
  • Nine days cycling with full vehicle support
  • 95 percent paved, 5 percent hard-pack dirt roads
  • Group normally 4 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • E-bikes available for an additional cost

Highlights

  • Ride a selection of beautiful South African landscapes: vineyards, mountain passes and coast
  • Cycle part of the stunning Cape Argus route, one of the largest cycling events in the world
  • Take the chance to sample exquisite produce from the Stellenbosch vineyards
  • Visit Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point in Africa
  • Begin and end in Cape Town with the option of visiting Robben Island, Table Mountain and more

Is This Trip for You?

This tour is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

There are nine days of cycling with an average distance of approximately 34mi (55km) per day with full vehicle support. Cycling durations stated in the itinerary are approximations and vary depending on the group’s pace.

This is a classic road tour with some relaxed rides and the opportunity to tackle a few challenging climbs. We primarily use good quality paved roads with a few excursions onto hard-packed graded roads. This trip uses main roads, which can be busy, but the scenery is wonderful.

Legal note: All group members joining this tour will be asked to sign an indemnity form at the start of the holiday. This indemnity form is a requirement of the South African Tourism Service Association, of which our local supplier is a member. As a client of Exodus Travels Ltd, your rights under the Package Travel Regulations (1992) are unaffected, and Exodus remains liable for the actions of our sub-contractors.

Group

Normally 4 to 14 plus leader and driver.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 14

Itinerary

Cycling the Cape & Winelands

Land Only

  • Start City: Cape Town
  • End City: Cape Town

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Cape Town; free day to explore

We arrive in Cape Town. The day is free to relax, shop, catch a few rays or explore the endless activities in and around the city. The guide can advise and assist, but here are a few recommended options: a cable car ride up Table Mountain for fantastic views over Cape Town and the coast; a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; or a half-day trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other members of the ANC served long prison sentences (this trip can be done on Day 12, depending on the weather on Table Mountain).

Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)

Day 2
Ride over Hellshoogte, passing vineyards; to Stellenbosch

This morning, we have a short transfer from our lodge to the harbour and then we cycle to Bloubergstrand, where the iconic pictures of Cape Town with Table Mountain as a backdrop are taken. After taking the obligatory photos, we have a short transfer into the centre of the winelands. In the afternoon, we cycle over Hellshoogte (Hell’s Heights) and then freewheel the rest of the way to the Boschendal vineyards where we stop for a well-earned drink (optional) before transferring to our accommodation in Stellenbosch.

Accommodation: San Gabriel Homestead (or similar)

Distance covered: 24mi (38km)

Ascent: 1,096ft (334m); Descent: 837ft (255m); Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Ride the Franschhoek Pass

In the morning, we have a short transfer before cycling through Franschhoek and up the Franschhoek Pass (2,425ft/739m) for some of the most breath-taking views in the region. We then continue to cycle to Villiersdorp. After lunch, we cycle towards Nuy Valley and then take a short transfer to Montague.

Accommodation: Montague Hotel (or similar)

Distance covered: 44mi (70km)

Ascent: 3,278ft (999m); Descent: 3,330ft (1,015m); Activity hours: 4.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Ride through the semi-arid desert of Great Karoo

Today we head east, cycling from our accommodation in Montague to our accommodation in Barrydale. Along the way, the landscape changes to the semi-arid desert of the Great Karoo, a huge ancient plateau making up almost a third of South Africa’s landmass and littered with remains of ancient indigenous cultures. We cycle a scenic backroad traversing a more fertile region known as the Little Karoo, a short climb brings us to the Tradouws Plateau before arriving in Barrydale, our base for the night. This quiet old Dutch village is in a fertile valley surrounded by a colourful mix of vines, fruits and wildflowers (in season). While here, we visit a local co-op cellar and have an opportunity to taste their produce, including the well-respected local chardonnay.

Accommodation: Karoo Art Hotel (or similar)

Distance covered: 39mi (63km)

Ascent: 2,972ft (906m); Descent: 2,497ft (761m); Activity hours: 3.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Ride through Langeberg Mountains to Bontebok National Park

After breakfast, a short climb takes us up and over the spectacular Tradouws Pass. Near the top are the remains of a prison camp once home to the convicts that constructed the pass in 1873. From here, the route is mainly downhill through the Langeberg Mountains to the small town of Suurbrak. Built by the London Missionary Society in 1812, many of the buildings have been restored and now the town has the feel of a living museum. Moving on, we reach our base for the night, Swellendam. From here, we drive to the Bontebok National Park, home to rare antelope, mountain zebras and endangered crane species. The park has two 1.2mi (2km) self-guided nature trails, which can be explored independently.

Accommodation: Aanhuizen Guest House or Aan de Eike Guest House (or similar)

Distance covered: 21mi (34km)

Ascent: 928ft (283m); Descent: 1,837ft (560m); Activity hours: 2

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Ride and transfer to Cape Agulhas National Park, the southernmost point in Africa

A short transfer (12mi/20km) brings us into the Overberg district, and we cycle through the cultivated farmlands of the Western Cape to Bredasdorp. The road gently rolls through neat wheat fields and remote fishing villages facing the Indian Ocean, arriving at Cape Agulhas. This is the southernmost point in Africa, and the newest national park in the country, encompassing vast wetlands, coastline and extending some kilometres out to sea. Whales and other sea life that frequent the warm Indian Ocean here enjoy the protection. It also provides a home to thousands of sea birds and seals that can be seen along the rugged beaches.

Accommodation: Cape Agulhas Guest House (or similar)

Distance covered: 34mi (54km)

Ascent: 1,877ft (572m); Descent: 2,300ft (701m); Activity hours: 2.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Cycle towards Hermanus; sample local beer at Birkenhead

This morning, we cycle through the picturesque hamlet of Elim and past 34mi (55km) of undulating farmlands to the coastal town of Kleinbaai. Following lunch, we take a short transfer into Stanford where we can sample local beer at the Birkenhead Brewery. We finish our day in the town of Hermanus, famous for the very close sightings of the southern right whale, which come into the secluded bay to mate and calf each year from June to November. In the afternoon, we have the option of cycling from one of the local viewpoints of Walker Bay along the Hermanus coastal road to our accommodation, offering the best chance of spotting the whales.

Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)

Distance covered: 31mi (50km)

Ascent: 945ft (288m); Descent: 860ft (262m); Activity hours: 2.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Free day to relax in Hermanus

We have a free day today to rest our legs in Hermanus. In the 1920s, the town was known as a place to convalesce and was being recommended from as far afield as London. Grand hotels were built and its reputation as a holiday resort was established. It still manages a delightful balance between the two industries of fishing and tourism. In addition to this, the World Wildlife Foundation recognises Hermanus as among the best places in the world for whale watching.

Our September to October departures give the best opportunity to see whales swimming off the coast.

Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9
Ride the Whale Coast to Gordon's Bay

Today we cycle the Whale Coast, from Hermaus to Gordon’s Bay, one of the most scenic rides in the world. The road follows the rugged coastline, passing through fishing villages with dramatic views over False Bay and the Cape of Good Hope. Along the route, there is a good chance our efforts will be encouraged by numerous troops of Cape baboon. Today is the longest cycle day, but those preferring a shorter ride can catch a lift in the support bus for part of the journey. We transfer at the end of the day from Gordon’s Bay to Simonstown.

Accommodation: Quayside Hotel (or similar)

Distance covered: 48mi (78km)

Ascent: 2,178ft (664m); Descent: 2,178ft (664m); Activity hours: 2.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10
Cape Peninsula ride; visit penguin colony

After breakfast, an 18mi (30km) transfer brings us to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. We then walk from the Cape of Good Hope to the old lighthouse at Cape Point. From here, we cycle through the Cape Point Nature Reserve and then along the very scenic coastal road to the historic village of Simonstown, downhill for most of the way, with panoramic views over False Bay. After a rest stop and lunch at Boulders Beach, we visit the local penguin colony (optional). We then continue our cycle along the coastal road to our overnight accommodation.

Accommodation: Quayside Hotel (or similar)

Distance covered: 14mi (23km)

Ascent: 823ft (251m); Descent: 1,194ft (364m); Activity hours: 2.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11
Cycle to Cape Town via Chapman's Peak, Hout Bay and Camps Bay

The ride today follows part of the annual Cape Argus route, one of the largest cycling events in the world, and is arguably the most scenic route in South Africa. We complete our circuit by cycling from Glencairn over the Red Hill pass along an old navy road to Scarborough and then along the Atlantic coast via the stunning Chapman’s Peak drive into Hout Bay. After lunch in Hout Bay, we cycle up Suikerbos Ridge past Llandudno and then onto Cape Town via Camp’s Bay and the 12 Apostles all the way to our accommodation in Seapoint. We celebrate the end of the cycling at one of the many venues at the Waterfront.

Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)

Distance covered: 34mi (55km)

Ascent: 3,461ft (1,055m); Descent: 2,602ft (793m); Activity hours: 4

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12
Optional morning visit to Robben Island; end Cape Town

The day is free for last-minute shopping, catching a few last rays of sunshine or taking the half-day trip to Robben Island before the trip ends.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotels, Lodges and Guesthouses

Cycling the Cape & Winelands

We have selected a combination of three- and four-star hotels and lodges for this cycling adventure across the Western Cape. Each property is well located for our cycling or for nearby attractions. Many of the hotels and lodges have lovely views and most have pools. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay.

Montague: Montague Hotel (night 3)

Cycling the Cape & Winelands

Between the Cape Winelands and the Garden Route is the Montague Hotel, an architectural gem that opened in 1875. It was refurbished with original art deco and Victorian furniture and has two swimming pools, two restaurants, a spa and a flower-filled garden. An idyllic stop while travelling through the Langeberg mountains.

Hermanus: Windsor Hotel (nights 7-8)

Cycling the Cape & Winelands

The 120-year-old Windsor Hotel sits opposite Walker Bay, one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world when southern right whales migrate to the bay to breed (July to November). Whale-watching is even possible from the comfort of the hotel restaurant. However, the location of the property is also ideal out of season with a central setting within town and quick access to the 7.5mi (12km) Hermanus Cliff Path.

Simonstown: Quayside Hotel (nights 9-10)

Cycling the Cape & Winelands

This bright and breezy boutique hotel is centrally located in Simonstown on the water’s edge. Rooms are outfitted with an elegant nautical design and have views of either the Simonskloof mountains or False Bay.

Single supplement from £ 550

Food & Drink

All breakfasts are included on this holiday.

For breakfast, expect continental buffets with fresh fruit, cereals, bread, yogurts and tea and coffee. On some days, our guides prepare a cooked breakfast when they have the facilities to do so. Lunches can consist of a good spread of fresh salads, cold meats, cheese, bread, condiments, fresh fruit and a selection of cold drinks. For evening meals, expect a large braai (barbecue) with lots of locally sourced steaks, sausages and vegetables. Restaurant menus are very varied and our guide will be available to recommend the best options for your personal tastes and budget. You can expect stews, pasta, curry and steaks.

Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.

Transport

To transfer to our cycle rides we use a minivan. All have comfortable seating and are good quality, up-to-date vehicles. Our bicycles are carried on a trailer. Your drivers and guide are at your disposal during the day to take you on the planned route and make any necessary route changes.

Weather & Seasonality

February is the hottest month in Cape Town with an average temperature of 23C (73F). June is the coldest month of the year with an average temperature of 13C (55F). At the times we run most of our trips, expect warm days with the temperatures around 20C (68F).

The best time to see the carpets of wildflowers and fruit blossoms is August and September. In summer, the southeasterly wind can blow up to 43mph (70kph) at least a few times a month. This helps to cool things off but can be a little tiring if cycling into it. Our programme is flexible enough to accommodate any major changes in weather, and yet still be enjoyable.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Dock Rd &, Alfred St, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8012
Phone: +27 21 419 9450
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Cape Town Airport (CPT)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Please note: If you are travelling on flights via Johannesburg, you will need to collect your baggage in Johannesburg, even if your bag has been checked all the way through to Cape Town (and even if you are told that you do not need to pick it up). After collecting the bag, you are required to clear customs, and you should then drop it off at the bag drop for the onward flight. This only applies to the outbound flight – you do not need to do this at the end of the trip on the return flight.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Cape Town
Location end: Cape Town

What To Take

Essential Equipment

We recommend packing the following items:

  • Normal daily clothes (for earlier departures you may need some warmer layers)
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Head torch, spare batteries and a portable charger for potential load shedding (power blackouts)

Equipment Hire

Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Giant Escape 2 Disc.

We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.

E-bike upgrade
Electric bikes are available on this trip; prices from £255/US$360/485 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.

Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible­­ f­or any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.

Accessories and clothing

Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.

Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.

Cycling clothing
For this cycling trip we recommend:

  • Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
  • Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
  • Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
  • Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
  • Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
  • Breathable top or cycling jersey
  • Waterproofs and long cycling trousers

Practical Information

Visa

British passport holders and most European and Commonwealth Passport holders do not require a visa to travel to South Africa. Please note that all travellers to South Africa who do require a visa are required to have a minimum of 2 blank consecutive pages in their passport i.e. a left hand page and a right hand page to enable an entry visa to be issued.

Please note that new regulations from the 1 June 2015 mean that any child under 18 travelling to South Africa needs to be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate with the names of both parents.

If a child under 18 is only travelling with a single parent, they will also have to have an affidavit, no less than 3 months old, from the absent parent confirming the child can travel with the other parent; a court order granting full legal guardianship of the child; or a death certificate of the deceased parent.

Vaccinations and Health

South Africa

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Malaria prophylaxis is essential if travelling in the greater Kruger area; seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic about which tablets to take. The rest of South Africa, including the Garden Route, has a low risk of malaria.

Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is also a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend taking the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

We are advised that there is no risk of malaria on this trip.

Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.

The Travel Health Pro website recommends to have a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.

Local Time

South Africa's time zone: Africa/Johannesburg (UTC +02:00)

Electricity

South Africa's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins), M (three round pins) and N (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Cycling the Cape & Winelands

Money

South Africa's currency: South African rand (ZAR)

ATM Availability

Cards are widely accepted in this region but there are ATMs available at the airport and in Cape Town should you wish to retrieve cash. There may also be some ATMs en route, please check with your guide at the start of your trip. If you wish to exchange cash, US dollars and British pounds are both accepted.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

We recommend you budget approximately 595 South African rands (US$33) per day to cover incidentals and food and drink not included.

Optional excursions:

All prices listed are subject to change:

  • Table Mountain cable car: 360 South African rand (US$19) per person
  • Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: 220 rand (US$12) per person
  • Township tour  half day (Cape Town): 850 rand (US$45) per person
  • Penguin Colony (Boulders Beach): 190 rand (US$10) per person
  • Wine tasting: 95-220 rand (US$5-US$12) per person
  • Hermanus whale-watching boat trip: 1320 rand (US$72) per person
  • Robben Island: 650 rand (US$35). Please note: If you would like to book this excursion then please advise Exodus at least four weeks before travel (ideally when you book on the trip). We will take all names and the tickets will then be payable locally – this is to avoid disappointment as it is a popular tour. Once you have signed up, we cannot accept cancellations. Refunds will only be issued if we are refunded by the ticket office for adverse weather conditions etc).
  • Cape Town Township & Robben Island tour 1600 rand (US$86) per person

Please note that the Table Mountain cable car closes during winter for its annual maintenance. We advise checking their website for exact dates: https://www.tablemountain.net/

Tipping

This is entirely at your own discretion. However, as a guideline, we suggest you allow about 110-125 rands (US$6‐US$7) a day for the guide.

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Important Information

Optional activities and excursions

If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.