South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route
Scenery, wildlife, and a unique culture—this land has it all, as you’ll see on our bike tour through South Africa.
Guided Biking
- Daily Mileage: 7 - 31|
- Biking: 1 - 3 hr|
Starting From
11-day Air Package
$5,645
10-day Bike Tour Only
$4,395
Per person, double occupancy

South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route
Experience the full complexity and diversity of an astonishing country on our bike tour through South Africa. You’ll touch its controversial history on a township tour—as well as its contemporary culture on visits to an ostrich farm, a wine estate, and a local home. Venture to the top of Table Mountain by cable car. Ogle at dramatic landscapes of sandstone mountains, flower-filled valleys, semi-arid plains, and a teeming lagoon on carefully crafted cycling routes. Journey along the Garden Route, admiring the forests, cliffs, and coastline that have made it famous. Visit a penguin colony. Explore a little pocket of France in the middle of its celebrated wine country. And end each exhilarating day in charming accommodations that reflect the true character of each amazing destination. Daily Mileage: 7-31 milesWhat to Expect
This tour offers a combination of easy terrain mixed with moderate hills. The VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who would like assistance. This tour is good for beginner to experienced cyclists.
- Daily Mileage: 7 - 31|
- Biking: 1 - 3 hr|
- Group Size: 20
Cycling
Cyclists
Support
Tour Highlights
- Float to the top of Table Mountain by cable car, and marvel at the dazzling views.
- Join a guided tour of a local township, for an up-close view of post-apartheid South Africa.
- Sample South African wine and learn about local wine culture during a private tasting.
- Encounter local wildlife, including a visit to an African penguin colony and tour of an ostrich farm.
- Contrast the many facets of South Africa’s landscape, from wild coastline and lush vineyards to semi-arid plains and the world-famous Garden Route.
- Feel right at home with a local family as they invite you in for a home-cooked meal and camaraderie.
- Savor a traditional South African braai (barbecue).
Average High /
Low Temperature (°F):
Jan77º/63º
Feb78º/63º
Mar76º/60º
Apr72º/56º
Oct69º/54º
Nov72º/58º
Dec75º/61º
Average
Precipitation:
Jan0.6 in
Feb0.6 in
Mar0.8 in
Apr1.6 in
Oct0.1 in
Nov0 in
Dec0.7 in
Air Package | Tour Only |
|
---|---|---|
Roundtrip international airfare | ||
Transfers to and from international airport | ||
Two nights in-flight | ||
9 nights in 4-star hotels and guesthouses | ||
23 meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners |
Step-Through (Mixte Hybrid) Comfort Bicycle
See More >Step-Over (Diamond) Comfort Bicycle
See More >
Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike) (South Africa only)
See More >Biking Packages Include:
Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
Vehicle Support
Luggage Transfers
Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
Welcome Reception
Facilitated Cultural Experiences
Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure
Accommodations
Enjoy Your Vacation Longer With Low-Cost Trip Extensions
Air Package Only
2021 Pre-Trip Extension - Kapama Private Game Reserve
3 Nights From $1945 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $545
- 1 night with breakfast in Johannesburg at the Premier Hotel O.R. Tambo International Airport Hotel
- 2 nights on a Private Game Reserve at the Kapama River Lodge+
- Flights between Johannesburg and Hoedspruit and between Hoedspruit and Cape Town
- 4 game drives, including park entrance fees and all meals, at the Private Game Reserve
- Airport transfers in Johannesburg and the Private Game Reserve
Depart home for South Africa. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary.
Please note: Passports for travelers to South Africa should contain at least two completely blank (unstamped) visa pages each time entry is sought. These pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages (as many as four) typically found at the back of U.S. passports. While South African statutes require only one completely blank visa page, this rule has been applied inconsistently by South African immigration officials. In addition, any trips to neighboring countries would necessitate another blank page upon return. Travelers lacking adequate blank pages in their passport may be refused entry into South Africa, fined, and returned to their point of origin at their own expense.
Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, claim your luggage, then clear customs. A VBT representative will meet you outside the customs area in the international arrivals terminal and help you transfer by minibus (approximately 10 minutes) to your hotel. They will also give you information about tomorrow’s transfer time. The remainder of the day is yours to check-in and relax.
If you are going to be delayed for more than 15 minutes at the Lost & Found desk due to delayed or lost luggage, please contact Allianz Global Assistance to advise of your delay, and they will contact our transfer service.
Hotel: Premier Hotel O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
After breakfast, a VBT representative assists with your transfer to the Johannesburg airport. Once there, catch your one-hour flight to Hoedspruit Airport (HDS). On arrival, transfer by van to the lodge (approximately 1 hour). Check in and relax in your comfortable room with a view of the wilderness. In the late afternoon, enjoy high tea, then head out on your first game drive, accompanied by a ranger and a tracker. You’ll return to the lodge in time to freshen up before dinner.
Please note: This is an independent extension; there is no VBT trip leader. The lodge maintains a full staff, including professional safari guides, all of whom are at your service during your stay.
Hotel: Kapama River Lodge, Kapama Private Game Reserve
Included Meals: Breakfast, High tea, Dinner
Enjoy a full day on the grounds of the game reserve. The lodge offers both an early-morning and late-afternoon game drive, the latter of which extends into a night drive with a stop for sundowners, so you can watch the sun set over the African horizon. The reserve is blessed with a diverse array of animal species, and the off-road game drives provide a unique safari experience that allows you to get tantalizingly close to Africa’s wildlife. You have some time at leisure to relax, take a dip in the swimming pool, or treat yourself at the spa. Or you may wish to partake in some of the activities offered by the lodge, such as a bush walk, a hot-air balloon ride (please note that this does coincide with the game drives), or a visit to a nearby animal facility. All meals are at the lodge today.
Hotel: Kapama River Lodge, Kapama Private Game Reserve
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, High tea, Dinner
This morning, you have an opportunity for one last game drive followed by breakfast before your transfer to the airport. Upon arrival in Cape Town, a VBT representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Cape Town at leisure, using VBT’s City Information as your guide.
All guests arrive in Cape Town today. Your trip leaders, who will be wearing VBT staff garments, will be available in the hotel in the early evening for informal introductions.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Air Package Only
2021 Post-Trip Extension - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
3 Nights From $1345 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $345
- 1 night with breakfast in Johannesburg at the Premier Hotel O.R. Tambo International Airport Hotel
- Two nights in Victoria Falls at the Ilala Lodge, within walking distance of the falls
- One-way flight from George to Johannesburg and round-trip airfare between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls
- 3 breakfasts
- Airport transfers in Johannesburg and Victoria Falls
Fly from George to Johannesburg, where you will spend the night at our airport-area hotel. Upon your arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, a VBT representative meets you and helps you transfer to your nearby hotel. Check in and relax. The representative will advise you at what time you will be picked up for the airport tomorrow.
Hotel: Premier Hotel O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
Included Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, a VBT representative assists with your transfer to the Johannesburg airport. Once there, catch your flight (1 hour and 45 minutes) to Victoria Falls airport. On arrival, transfer by van to the lodge (approximately 25 minutes), check in, and relax.
Please note: You will be required to purchase a visa in U.S. cash once you arrive at Victoria Falls Airport. Please consult your VBT Handbook Travel Documents section for contact information to help you get the most accurate information regarding this cost. Please ensure you have sufficient cash to cover this expense. If you are planning to visit Zambia, it is advisable to purchase a joint visa at the airport. You will be asked by airport staff upon arrival if you wish to take this option.
You’ll want to take a walk down to the falls for a look (about a 10-minute walk from the hotel and a US $30 entrance fee). Then, you’ll have time to plan your visit or get started on one of the many activities available, which can be reserved upon arrival at the hotel.
Remarkably preserved in its natural state, Victoria Falls inspires visitors as much today as it did David Livingstone in the 1860s. The falls and the surrounding area have been declared National Parks and a UNESCO World Heritage site, thus preserving the area from excessive commercialization. The falls are spectacular throughout the year. February onward, after the rainy season, has the heaviest flow of water and volume of spray.
Please keep in mind that this is an independent extension, and there is no trip leader. A number of activities are available to you, however. The “Flight of Angels” helicopter flight provides a wonderful vista of the falls, the upstream river, and its many islands. For the more adventurous, there is micro lighting with stunning views of the falls. Canoeing on the Upper Zambezi is a very popular gentle adventure, with the possibility of seeing wildlife such as hippos, elephants, and giraffe. A sunset Zambezi cruise and a vintage train excursion are also available, along with several different guided tours. You can also stroll to the nearby Elephant Walk local market or enjoy afternoon tea. There is so much to do here. Enjoy!
We recommend that you book Victoria Falls activities in advance of arrival to ensure preferred scheduling. A comprehensive list of activities may be found on the lodge’s website at ilalalodge.com/activities/. Please email Tours Manager Jane Masamba at [email protected] to book.
Hotel: Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls
Included Meals: Breakfast
You have another day to explore or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of this unique place.
Hotel: Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls
Included Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a final breakfast on the hotel’s terrace accompanied by the sound of the falls, perhaps while watching the warthogs. Transfer to the Victoria Falls airport for your flight home via Johannesburg.
We recommend that you check the time of your transfer in your Transfer Reminder. VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you are extending your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Guest Reviews 53 out of 53 (100%) of reviewers recommend this tour
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