Cycling in South Africa map & highlights
Our cycling tours of South Africa take place in two contrasting regions: the Western Cape in the southwest and the Drakensberg Mountains and national parks in the east. Both areas boast stunning scenery with the Cape Peninsula, Gordon’s Bay and Cape Agulhas on the Western Cape encapsulating the gloriously green Garden Route whilst, in the east, Blyde River Canyon, Kruger and the dramatic Drakensberg come to the fore. Wine regions, including Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, encourage sociable cycling close to Cape Town whilst witnessing the natural wonders of God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes make pedalling the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga all the more rewarding.
1.
The Cape Argus Route
2. Drakensberg Mountains
3. Panorama route
4. Songimvelo Game Reserve
5. Stellenbosch
6. The Whale Coast
2. Drakensberg Mountains
3. Panorama route
4. Songimvelo Game Reserve
5. Stellenbosch
6. The Whale Coast
The Cape Argus Route
1. The Cape Argus Route
This 109km route starts and completes in Cape Town with an annual race, held in March, attracting thousands of cyclists looking to test themselves in less than seven hours. Cycling a 70km section of the Cape Argus is an achievement in itself with Chapman's Peak, Camp's Bay and the 12 Apostles ensuring cyclists are left in no uncertain terms as to why this scenic stretch of SA is held in such high esteem.
Drakensberg Mountains
2. Drakensberg Mountains
There are some beautiful back roads to be found leading over the foothills of the Northern Drakensberg with a stimulating 30km route from the soft green folds of the Sungubala Valley into Royal Natal National Park providing rich rewards from the top of every rise. Pause for a well deserved picnic in the park before taking a dip in a tiered waterfall and exploring surrounding trails on foot.
Panorama route
3. Panorama route
Blyde River Canyon has some of South Africa's most prominent rock formations, many of which can be found on the 65km Panorama Route that leads past God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the aptly named 'Wonderview' over Kruger National Park. Take your time to feel the ground beneath your feet before completing a solid day's cycling overlooking the canyon and the Three Rondavels.
Songimvelo Game Reserve
4. Songimvelo Game Reserve
Many of South Africa's nature reserves were once mined for their abundant minerals however, these days, abandoned mines are more likely to be occupied by monkeys as you'll discover on the 60km cycle route through Songimvelo Game Reserve, close to Swaziland. Follow the gravel track winding around the base of the Hlumu Mountains that leads onwards and upwards for gorgeous valley views.
Stellenbosch
5. Stellenbosch
If you're hoping to combine wine and wheels then may we suggest a 50km ride to Stellenbosch from Bloubergstrand featuring clear roads, natural notes and glorious visions over Table Mountain? Furthermore, if you fancy a fresh and flirty freewheel there's a delicious descent into Franschhoek Valley from Hellshoogte which brings you to Boschendal; always worth a cheeky Chardonnay upon completion.
The Whale Coast
6. The Whale Coast
The 90km ride from Hermanus to Gordon's Bay is considered one of South Africa's most scenic, which is really saying something. Not only does the route pass through several seaside villages (perfect pit stops for fish cakes) but you'll also be treated to some cracking views over the Cape of Good Hope and False Bay, as well as finding chances to spot whales if cycling in season (Jun - Dec).
South Africa cycling adventure, tailor made
A fully supported and guided African Cycling Adventure.
From
US $1800 to US $2200
7 days
ex flights
South Africa cycling vacation, Western Cape
Superb scenery, culture & wildlife
From
US $3915 to US $4275
12 days
ex flights
Cycle the Garden Route, South Africa
Cycling and diving adventure across South Africa
From
£4445
10 days
ex flights
Gravel bike cycling adventure, South Africa
Adventurous cycling vacation on remote gravel roads
From
£3599
9 days
ex flights
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CYCLING IN SOUTH AFRICA TRAVEL ADVICE
David Sear from our specialist cycling partner, Exodus:
“I think it really adds to the experience when you share the trip with other people; on our challenging trips the physical effort really brings the group together, whereas on our leisurely trips the group provides a great atmosphere, conversation and fun. You are guaranteed to make friends on a group tour and having a local guide to give you all the information means you don’t miss a thing.”
Wine and wheels
“Our favorite area to combine cycling and wineries has to be Stellenbosch. Home to the first ever official South Africa wine route (founded in 1971), it is packed with great wines and vineyard stops. This, coupled with the beautiful jagged mountains and nature parks full of quiet roads that surround the area, makes it a truly ideal spot for a cycling break.”
Waves and whales
“One of the best coastal rides in South Africa has to be the whale route between Hermanus and Gordon's Bay. This stretch of coastal road is known to be one of the most scenic rides in the world as it passes False Bay and the Cape of Good Hope. Throughout the ride we will most likely see troops of baboons wandering the inland paths, and in season (June to November) this stretch of coast is famous for humpback whales swimming just offshore.”
What to expect
“Road conditions in South Africa are very good with wide, smooth tarmac roads throughout the country. Though specific cycle lanes are not common, the roads we use feature a large shoulder area which is perfect for cycling and allows us to stay away from any road traffic. On some of our cycling tours we use gravel or unsurfaced roads to enable us to visit more remote destinations. These are not technical and allow us to cycle away from any motorised vehicles, one of the most spectacular tours is around the Hlumu Mountains.”
Cycling sustenance
“Though it doesn’t fit in our panniers, the best food to fuel our cycling in South Africa has to be a braai (barbecue). On specific days of our tours, the support crew goes ahead and fires up the braai, usually at an extremely scenic spot. Our groups will then cycle round a bend and find the crew all set up with the braai smoking away and loaded with fresh, locally sourced meat and veggies ready to be tucked into.”
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