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Cycling South Africa's Garden Route

Activity

Cycling

Overview

Join talented cycling leaders to ride the ‘greatest road trip in South Africa’ by bike

Designed alongside Cape Town’s Tarryn Povey, one of southern Africa’s top marathon mountain bikers, this thrilling mountain bike adventure in South Africa showcases the utter beauty of the Garden Route. Riding from Cape Town to Knysna along Route 62, we explore the Cape Winelands, tackle mountain passes, and discover the semi-arid desert of the Little Karoo. There’s also time to stay on a wine estate, visit the ostrich capital of the world, and quiz your tour leaders on all things bikes.

Key Information

Trip Code: MGR
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: South Africa
Carbon Footprint: 49.2kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All accommodation: 8 Superior nights (hotels), 5 Classic nights (hotels)
All breakfasts, five lunches and one dinner
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Arrival transfer for any flight, group departure transfer available
Local bike hire of a fully serviced Silverback Stride or Titan Racing mountain bikes

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

12 days of Cycling

Pace:

Moderate, averaging 8mph-10mph (13kph-16kph), with slightly slower speeds on days that include more climbing

Terrain:

Low-altitude routes comprising approximately 45% asphalt, 40% hard-packed gravel, and 15% mixed gravel and sand. Expect mostly rolling hills with a few steady climbs that will reach over 1500m.

Day 2: 50 km / 31.1 miles
Day 3: 42 km / 26.1 miles
Day 4: 67.5 km / 41.6 miles
Day 5: 66.2 km / 41 miles
Day 6: 62.7 km / 38.5 miles
Day 7: 36 km / 22.4 miles
Day 8: 54 km / 33.6 miles
Day 9: 40 km / 24.9 miles
Day 10: 32 km / 19.9 miles
Day 11: 73 km / 45.4 miles
Day 12: 51.2 km / 31.7 miles
Day 13: 53 km / 32.9 miles

Highlights

Cycle Route 62 of the Garden Route, the greatest road trip in South Africa
Gaze over vineyards and mountains as you ride through the Cape Winelands
Ride through the rugged semi-desert of the Karoo, enjoying more rustic, desert-like mountain scenery
Stay at an award-winning wine estate in the Cape Winelands

Itinerary

First Destination: Cape Town
Next Destination: Knysna

Accommodation:Harbour Bridge (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Accommodation:Stellenbosch Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Centre-Ville (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Wildekrans Wine Estate (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:theLAB Robertson/The Grand Robertson (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Montagu Country Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Karoo Art Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Rooiberg Lodge (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:The Riempie Estate – Oudtshoorn (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:The Swartberg Hotel - Prince Albert (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:House Martin (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Mountain Pastures Game Lodge
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:The Rex Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Cape Town
Next Destination: Knysna

Begin your adventure in cosmopolitan Cape Town, undeniably beautiful, culturally rich and a gateway to world-leading vineyards.

Around 5pm, say howzit to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big South African welcome by arranging dinner at a local restaurant.

Want to explore Cape Town further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation:Harbour Bridge (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Ride from Hout Bay along the Atlantic edge, following Chapman’s Peak Drive, an early-20th-century feat of engineering cut directly into sheer coastal cliffs. Guided by our tour leader, we trace the natural curves of the peninsula rather than forcing a line through it, with ocean far below and mountains rising sharply inland.

The route continues through Table Mountain National Park towards Cape Point, where seabirds circle above the headlands and the scale of the coastline becomes clear.

We finish cycling in Simon’s Town at Boulders Beach, home to a protected colony of African penguins. We stop for lunch before taking a transfer to Stellenbosch in the heart of the Cape winelands.

Terrain: 100% paved.

Accommodation:Stellenbosch Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Ride through the Cape Winelands today, where vineyards and mountain backdrops create a scenic cycling route.

Our journey takes us from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek, two of the most iconic wine towns in South Africa, via vineyards and historic towns. Enjoy the peaceful countryside, with plenty of opportunities to slow down and take in the views. This route offers a mix of gentle climbs and scenic descents.

Terrain: 90% paved, 10% gravel

Accommodation:Centre-Ville (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Embark on a captivating ride to the riverside community of Botrivier through a mix of vineyards and farmlands. Riding through the heart of the Cape Winelands, enjoy quiet country roads and dramatic mountain views on a route that combines rolling terrain and scenic descents. Highlights include the Franschhoek Pass, Theewaterskloof Dam and the Van Der Stel Pass.

After lunch, we continue our ride (or there is an optional short transfer) to Wildekrans Wine Estate, an award-winning producer of wines and olive oil set within the beautiful Bot River Valley among fields of indigenous renosterbos shrubs.

Terrain: 80% paved, 20% gravel

Accommodation:Wildekrans Wine Estate (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

After a scenic one-hour transfer to the starting point, gear up for an exciting ride through the Robertson Valley, another renowned wine-producing region.

Our route includes tranquil roads surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and expansive farmlands, offering a peaceful escape with views of the valley and mountains.

Terrain: 60% paved, 40% gravel

Accommodation:theLAB Robertson/The Grand Robertson (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Set off for Montagu, part of the Little Karoo (or Klein Karoo) region. This ride, one of the most scenic routes in the Western Cape, takes you through the vast open landscapes of the Breede River Valley, with views of rugged mountains, expansive vineyards, and rural farmlands.

The terrain offers a mix of smooth stretches and gentle climbs, providing a perfect balance of challenges and relaxation. As you approach Montagu, known for its orchards, vineyards and hot springs, the landscape transitions into dramatic mountain passes, offering sweeping views that make every pedal stroke worthwhile.

Terrain: 100% paved

Accommodation:Montagu Country Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Embark on a captivating ride along Route 62, one of the most iconic and scenic cycling routes in South Africa. Pedal through a mix of small towns, vast vineyards, and rolling farmlands as you make your way to Barrydale.

The route is lined with impressive mountain backdrops, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. Known for its rural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, this journey offers an immersive way to experience the heart of the Little Karoo.

Terrain: 100% paved

Accommodation:Karoo Art Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Jump on the bike for a proper introduction to the Klein Karoo. Quiet backroads lead us across arid plains framed by rocky ridges and distant mountains, a setting that quickly explains why this semi-desert has shaped both livelihoods and attitudes here.

The route is open and absorbing, giving us time to settle into the rhythm of the ride and notice the hardy vegetation adapted to these dry conditions. After the ride, a two-hour transfer brings us to our accommodation.

Terrain: 40% paved, 60% gravel

Accommodation:Rooiberg Lodge (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day with a challenging yet rewarding ride to Calitzdorp, taking on the formidable Rooiberg Pass. As you ascend the pass, enjoy views of the rugged landscape and vast plains that stretch for miles, while also stopping for mid-morning snacks.

The descent into Calitzdorp offers a thrilling finish, with sweeping views of the Little Karoo’s unique terrain.

Wrap up the day with a transfer to Oudtshoorn, known for being the ostrich capital of the world.

Terrain: 35% paved, 65% gravel

Accommodation:The Riempie Estate – Oudtshoorn (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Begin with a scenic transfer to the Cango Caves, a natural wonder in the Swartberg Mountains, where we gear up for a thrilling ascent to the Swartberg Pass. The climb offers challenging terrain, but the reward is panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.

After reaching the summit, enjoy the exhilarating descent to the charming village of Prince Albert, a historic oasis where you can unwind, refuel, and soak in the character of this quaint Karoo town.

Terrain: 15% paved, 85% gravel

Accommodation:The Swartberg Hotel - Prince Albert (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Start your ride in the peaceful village of Prince Albert and follow the quiet backroads that skirt the northern side of the Swartberg Mountains. The route winds through wide-open Karoo landscapes, passing farmland, koppies and rugged foothills with gentle rolling terrain.

As you loop around the back of the range, the scenery gradually softens and opens toward the Klein Karoo basin.

The ride finishes at the Meiringspoort Waterfall outside the charming village of De Rust, where you can do a short walk to the waterfall pools where you will have a scenic lunch stop.

Terrain: 100% paved

Accommodation:House Martin (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Leave De Rust and head east into the quiet backcountry roads leading toward the Kamanassie Mountains. The route rolls through farmland and wide-open valleys before narrowing into the more rugged, remote terrain of the Kamanassie foothills.

Expect winding gravel sections, rocky ridgelines, and a few river crossings as you make your way through this untouched mountain landscape.

Once you emerge on the far side, the scenery opens toward the Langkloof, where an easy final stretch brings you into the historic village of Uniondale. It’s an inviting end to a beautifully varied ride and we have a transfer to our hotel after finishing.

Terrain: 100% gravel

Accommodation:Mountain Pastures Game Lodge
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Begin your ride from the game lodge in the Outeniqua foothills. The route gradually climbs into cool, green stretches of indigenous forest, where the scenery shifts from open valleys to dense woodland and towering mountain views.

Winding along quiet backroads, head deeper into the Knysna forest, finishing at the iconic Big Tree − a majestic, centuries-old giant that marks a fitting end to this beautifully varied and scenic ride. We end with a transfer to our hotel, where we spend our final night together.

Terrain: 100% gravel

Accommodation:The Rex Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

After an unforgettable cycling trip, we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, deposit-only payments, and full ATOL protection available.

Call us: 020 3733 5948

Your Group, Your Adventure

Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.

View Details

Accommodation

Hotels

We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.

Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Extend Your Trip

Exclusive Add-ons

Cape Town Hotels

With its iconic Table Mountain backdrop, world-class food scene and vibrant waterfront, additional nights in Cape Town can make your adventure feel even more extraordinary. Here are a few of our favourite hotels to inspire your stay:

Bay Hotel: Set along the palm-lined shores of Camps Bay, this stylish beachfront hotel offers elegant rooms with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. With multiple pools, a relaxed coastal atmosphere and easy access to cafés and restaurants, it’s perfect for unwinding after your tour.

V&A Hotel by Newmark: Located in the lively V&A Waterfront, this contemporary hotel blends historic charm with modern comfort. Spacious rooms, harbour views and direct access to shops, dining and attractions make it an ideal base for exploring Cape Town.

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel: A luxury retreat at the foot of Table Mountain, the Mount Nelson offers lush gardens, refined rooms and classic afternoon tea on its iconic pink terraces. Its serene setting, exceptional service and rich heritage make it one of Cape Town’s most memorable places to stay.

This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.

Essential Information

This trip is graded Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Average daily distance: 35mi (57km)
Cycling days: 12
Maximum ascent: 3,274ft (998m)
Maximum distance: 45mi (73km)
Terrain: 57% paved, 43% gravel

Suitability: As this trip spends significant time riding on unpaved roads, we recommend you train on some gravel roads before the adventure.

Support vehicle: We have a support vehicle with us for most of the adventure, except for the mountain passes on days 10 and 12, and across the Red Bridge on Day 13.

Flexibility: Cycling routes may change due to weather, roadworks or other circumstances. However, your tour leader is an expert at adjusting itineraries while maintaining your enjoyment of the adventure.

Legal note: All group members joining this tour are asked to sign an indemnity form at the start of the trip. It’s 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.

Key information

Start hotel: Harbour Bridge, 1 Dockrail Rd, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 431 9202
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 5pm.
Airport: Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Getting to the start hotel

We provide free arrival transfers from the airport to the start hotel for everyone arriving on Day 1 of this trip. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Flying via Johannesburg
If you are travelling on flights via Johannesburg, please note that you will need to collect your baggage in Johannesburg, even if your bag has been checked all the way through to Port Elizabeth (and even if you are told 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 one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start hotel and from the end hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

South Africa

Travellers from the UK, US and most (though not all) EU states normally do not need a visa to enter South Africa. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/south-africa
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-africa
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthAfrica.html

Please note, all travellers to South Africa who require a visa need at least two consecutive blank pages in their passport (ie a left- and right-hand page) to enable an entry visa to be issued.

Additionally, 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 one parent, they will also have to have an affidavit, no less than three 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.

Food on this trip is very similar to the kind of food you are used to at home, though there may be the opportunity to try local meats such as ostrich, kudu or eland. Vegetarians can be well catered for on this trip – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.

The provided water is safe, clean drinking water, normally from boreholes. It is not bottled water, however. If you would rather have bottled water then this will be at your expense, though we would encourage you to make use of the safe drinking water provided as this helps diminish plastic consumption.

Drinking water: While the tap water in South Africa is generally considered safe to drink, we recommend avoiding drinking directly from the taps during your stay. Standards and sensitivities can vary, and we want to make sure you stay well throughout your trip. For your comfort and peace of mind, we recommend using filtered or bottled water instead.

Summer is from October to April and the average daytime temperature is 25C-30C (77F-86F). The average night-time temperature is 10C-20C (50F-68F). Summer is typically dry and warm, but the southeasterly wind can blow up to 43mph (70kph) at least a few times a month. This helps to cool things but can be a little unpleasant if one is walking in exposed areas.

Winter is from May to September and average temperatures are colder. In general, however, the Cape Town climate is quite mild. Most of the rainfall is in winter but it is frontal rain off the Atlantic. Therefore, it can rain solidly for two days, and in between there will be warm, sunny days. It is fairly common to experience tabletop clouds on the higher mountains.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.