Cycling South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route
Experience “The Rainbow Nation” by bicycle with VBT. On this singular itinerary, you’ll cycle the stunning terrain for which South Africa is celebrated, from Table Mountain to the gentle vineyards of Franschhoek. And you’ll discover that this nation’s people are as inspiring as its landscapes when you tour an ostrich farm, taste renowned wines with vintners, share a meal in a local home, and savor an authentic braai, or barbecue. Visits to a penguin colony, the famed Kristenbosch Botanical Gardens, and Cape Town’s Langa township round out this unforgettable cycling sojourn.
Cultural Highlights
- Ride the cableway to the top of Table Mountain and savor the extraordinary view
- Encounter the amazing diversity of plant life at Kirstenbach Botanical Gardens in the mountain foothills
- Visit revealing Langa, of Cape Town’s oldest townships, with an experienced local guide
- Delight in the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and the views of False Bay
- Before a hearty lunch, cycle the inviting roads of Table Mountain National Park
- Bike along the beautiful coastline of Scarborough and Misty Cliffs
- Discover the wine valley of Franschhoek as you cycle to a private estate
- Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch, where you’ll learn about grape cultivation
- Browse the shops in the village of Barrydale, then lunch in Ladismith
- Ride your bike through the lovely foothills of the Swartberg Mountains
- Cycle amid the stunning sandstone formations of the Cape Fold Mountains
- Learn more about the amazing ostrich when you tour a farm where the birds are raised
- Ride a bike path along azure Knysna Lagoon onto Thesen Island
- Cycle through rainforest and farmland downhill into Buffels Bay, perhaps for a dip
- Gather for dinner and hospitality in the home of a local family
- Pedal peaceful forests roads through Nature’s Valley Pass and Bloukrans Pass
What 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 need assistance. This tour is ideal for beginning and experienced cyclists.
Average Daily Mileage: 13 – 26 miles
Average Cycling Time: 2 – 5 hours
Climate Information
Average High/Low Temperature (°F) – Cape Town
Jan 77º/63º Feb 78º/63º Mar 76º/60º Apr 72º/56º Oct 69º/54º Nov 72º/58º Dec 75º/61º
Average Rainfall (in.) – Cape Town
Jan .5 Feb .5 Mar 1 Apr 1.5 Oct 0 Nov 0 Dec 1
What’s Included:
Bicycle Vacation Only – Without Air
- 9 nights in 4-star hotels and guesthouses
- 23 meals – 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners
Bicycle Vacation Plus International Airfare Package
- Roundtrip international airfare
- 9 nights in 4-star hotels and guesthouses
PLUS two nights in-flight
- 23 meals—9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners
- Transfers
- AND the option to add our Low-Cost Trip Extensions:
Pre-trip: Kapama Private Reserve Safari • 3 nights for $1,495*
Post-trip: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe • 3 nights for $1,095*
Both Vacation Options Include
- FREE use of a hybrid bicycle and helmet
- Service of two VBT Trip Leaders
- FULL VAN SUPPORT
- Daily route directions and maps
- Welcome reception with local wine and hors d’oeuvres
- Sightseeing and cultural activities, including park entry fees
- 5% Frequent Traveler Credit to use on your next VBT vacation. See details.