Compare Cycling the Cape & Winelands by Exodus Travels vs The Cape Revisited for solo travellers by Saga Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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3.5 | Average
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| Duration | 12 days | 17 days |
| Price From | $ 4,050 | $ 3,463 |
| Price Per Day | $ 338 | $ 204 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | 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. |
31 Meals: 14 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 10 Dinners |
| Description |
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.Ride through vineyards, over mountain passes and along the spectacular coastline of South Africa |
South Africa's Western Cape awaits… Explore South Africa's Western Cape where wild flowers create a landscape of colour in the coastal parks and nature reserves. Learn more about the ancient Bushmen's culture and traditions, go in search of wildlife on game drives and enjoy sampling some of the Winelands local delicacies during this scenic and leisurely tour, exclusively for solo travellers. If you've already visited South Africa's Garden Route and would like to see another side to this diverse country, then this tour is especially good for you! |
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)
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)
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)
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 similar)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Day 1: UK-Cape Town
After taking Saga's included UK door-to-door travel service to the airport, fly overnight to Cape Town.
Day 2: Cape Town-Simonstown
Meals: Dinner
Continue to Simonstown on the Cape Peninsula, where you will spend the first three nights of your tour at the Quayside hotel (4Q), a boutique hotel with a scenic harbourside setting, close to the famous penguins of Boulder's Beach. Dinner is included at a local restaurant this evening. D
Day 3: Simonstown
Meals: Breakfast
A full-day optional excursion heads into Cape Town for a city tour and the chance to take a cable-car ride up Table Mountain, weather permitting.
Day 4: Tour Cape Peninsula
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Look forward to a full-day tour of the peninsula, including visits to see the penguins at Boulder's Beach and the most south western point of Africa. Lunch and dinner are included at local restaurants.
Day 5: Simonstown-Aquila Game Reserve
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Following a scenic drive inland through the Hex river pass and into the arid Karoo, you'll arrive at the Aquila Private Game Reserve (4Q) for a two-night stay. Go in search of the big five on an included game drive this evening.
Day 6: Aquila Game Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After a morning game drive you have the choice of continuing your search for wildlife in the reserve or you could visit a local hydroponics vegetable garden project where plants are grown without soil. You may like to head out for an organised stargazing session this evening.
Day 7: Aquila Game Reserve-Citrusdal
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Stop in the quaint village of Riebeek Kasteel to browse the handful of boutique shops and to purchase lunch; then visit the Wheat Industry Museum in Mooressburg before arriving in Citrusdale at the base of the Cederberg Mountains. Stay two nights at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort (3Q+) set within dramatic mountain scenery.
Day 8: The Cederberg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Enjoy a full-day tour of the Cederberg, where you can walk along trails to see delicate Bushman rock art, centuries old. You'll also get the chance to taste Rooibos tea, which is derived from a plant endemic to Cederberg and has been made famous by Alexander McCall Smith's novel, 'The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency'.
Day 9: Citrusdal-Saldanha Bay
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Travel back towards the coast, pausing at the fishing town of Velddrif to visit the SA Fisheries Museum at the mouth of the Berg River. The following three nights will be spent at the Protea Hotel Saldanha Bay (4Q) on the pretty waterfront of Saldanha Bay.
Day 10: Cape Columbine Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
See magnificent coastal scenery on today's full-day excursion to the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, an area known for its West Coast fynbos and Karoo succulents. Lunch is included at a restaurant in the fishing village of Paternoster, where you also have time to stroll along the glorious beach.
Day 11: West Coast National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, a full-day tour heads to the best viewing points in the park and also explores the fascinating West Coast Fossil Park, where the huge collection includes the fossils of sabre-tooth cats and short-necked giraffes that once roamed the west coast.
Day 12: Saldanha Bay-Winelands
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Pause in Darling for a taste of local wine and olive oil before stopping for lunch and a guided walk at the Khwa tu San Centre where you'll discover more about the culture and heritage of the Bushmen. You spend the final four nights of your tour at Le Franschhoek Hotel (4Q), set in the heart of the winelands.
Day 13: Winelands
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Spend a full day exploring the historic university town of Stellenbosch on an included excursion that also includes lunch and a wine tasting at a local vineyard in this renowned wine-producing region.
Day 14: Winelands
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Explore the area surrounding the small town of Franschoek, surrounded by soaring mountains and lush vineyards, on a full-day tour. Then tickle your tastebuds with the chance to pair wine and chocolate produced in the area.
Day 15: Winelands
Meals: Breakfast
Relax on the final day of your tour with a day at leisure.
Day 16 – 17: Cape Town-UK
Meals: Breakfast
After a final morning at leisure it's time to head to the airport for your return overnight flight and your included UK door-to-door travel service.
