Most Inspirational Moment
The highlight was seeing the Right Whales. Was one of the most beautiful places I have visited
Thoughts on Group Leader
I think he needs a change
Advice for Potential Travellers
Watch out for the strong winds
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
cycling the cape
the views are fantastic the cycling is good but I was a bit disappointed with the tour guide he either wanted to cook for us or take us to a restaurant of his choice so we never had a chance to look around the towns we visited. It would have been nice to have a choice a few evenings just to do your own thing .
Cape and Winelands Cycling Tour
Very enjoyable trip. Wynand, the guide, was good company, very informative and kept the group well organised throughout the trip.
Beautiful country, particularly enjoyed the coastal areas and Cape Peninsula.
As usual, large group meals can be restricting.
Most Inspirational Moment
Argus Route
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be aware that there are 3 consecutive afternoons of Wine Tasting
Suggestions
Disappointed that the gears on my bike couldn't be fixed and I therefore had to use a bigger bike.
Cycling the Western cape and Winelands.
Excellent trip, totally wonderful experience. The cycling was great but be prepared to be cycling into a head wind most days! Accomdation overall was excellent but 2/3 nights were less so. Lovely scenery and plenty of wildlife to spot.
Most Inspirational Moment
Highlights included spotting whales, cycling chapmans peak and visiting table mountain. Cycling the coast was fantastic, with some great views and some great climbs.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Group leader and support driver were both excellent. Super organised, full of energy and enthusiasm. Nothing was too much trouble. We were well looked after from day 1.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take some layers, it's a cold wind at times. Food is excellent value for money and eating out is not expensive. If you like wine, this trip will suit you!
Suggestions
Cycling the Vineyards and Wineries
No matter how much reading you do, you can never be totally prepared for any cycle tour. There are always surprises in store and of course the people you meet, the guides and fellow cyclists are a key factor in the ultimate overall experience.
The scenery on this tour was dramatic and at times absolutely fabulous, especially in the 2nd half when we returned to Cape Town along the coast.
There were times when the weather was a little difficult and on one stretch of coastline with mountainous cliffs on one side and a sheer drop to the sea on the other, we were frequently ‘blown about’ or stopped in our tracks by the wind in our faces. It all added to the excitement and sheer enjoyment of the cycling, it certainly wasn’t boring!
The guides were excellent, they didn’t allow us to cycle when it was too dangerous but at the same time we were able to tackle some demanding climbs and descents and the cycling was generally just within the capabilities of the group.
Most Inspirational Moment
Although we weren't there at the right time for Whale watching, we spotted a school of Dolphins one day on a descent down towards Cape Town on the coast road down the mountains and stopped to take photos and watch them (200+) swimming along in front of us!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader Talis was very able and capable. He allowed us to enjoy the challenge of each days cycling, while making sure that the risks were kept within acceptable boundaries. We had many enjoyable stops for food, coffee, beers etc and he ensured we sampled as much local culture as we could in the time allowed. His judgement was excellent, making sure that decisions about where and when to stop, what to eat and safety did not impact on our enjoyment of the cycling while taking full account of the varying skill and fitness levels of all participants.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't be afraid to do this trip. I wondered about security in South Africa but I felt that Cape Town and the surrounding area had more of a Mediterranean feel to it and never felt 'threatened' once.
Suggestions
If you've never been on a cycling trip, this would be a good one. However, there was some climbing on every day so, make sure you've done some training. Unless of course you're like me - two days in the saddle and my legs are 'about right' for a tour of this difficulty. A bit of time spent training for the rides would have saved a little 'pain' on those first two days. Either way, if you haven't done it before, why the devil not?!
Brilliant Experience
The Western Cape area of South Africa was so different to my first experience in the Kruger area. Outstanding scenery, well organised, fairly easy cycling, homely accommodation. The only negative would be the food and wine was INCREDIBLE so there is no chance of weight loss on this trip!
Most Inspirational Moment
Definitely Tallis (our guide). Otherwise it would be cycling with different scenery and getting a 'wow' moment every day. The Braai we had near Bontebok National Park would have to be a true South African experience washed down with ice cold Amarula Gold. The accommodation in Barrydale (where?!) with Leon and Dennis our hosts would have to be the favourite on the trip. It is so unique and we felt so valued to be guests here that it didn't matter there is nothing to do in Barrydale… except climb a fabulous hill.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tallis was outstanding. I have many Sth African friends but none of them have as much passion as Tallis about his country, the wildlife, people, history, fauna etc. It was so nice to have someone so excited about sharing their country with us. His culinary skills were faultless, excellent organisation, we never saw him upset and he always had a smile on his face while showing outstanding professionalism. An asset to Exodus for sure.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is a 'cycling' holiday. So it is good if you can cycle at least 1 hour without stopping and an average of 20-25k per hour. The feedback on the bikes that people have commented on is rubbish. Exodus have brand new bikes and they are in excellent condition. Tallis is a bit of a bike nazi so he wants to keep them this way. Definitely hire when you get here. Bring your own pedals if you can as there are a few hills. I have done a Croatia Exodus Cycle trip and the accommodation was rubbish compared to Sth Africa. I thought it was an excellent standard.
Suggestions
Do it! I was posting stuff on Facebook and I have Sth African friends from Cape Town asking me for tips when they come home! The hidden treasures you experience with Exodus, you will find impossible to have yourself! The money to do this tour is worth it. You might as well see an area well and with experts than by yourself and blind.
SOUTH AFRICA: CYCLING THE CAPE & WINELANDS
A wonderfull way of experiencing the Western Cape of South Africa. Superb cycle rides, great food , marveloous cheap wine and some lovely people. Truly a memorable holiday and just one long party.
Most Inspirational Moment
Standing on the viewpoint at the top of Chapmans Peak Drive on the last day with all nine friends ( the group plus Tallis the guide), looking down and seeing at the bottom of the cliff a Southerm Wright Whale and her albino calf. The perfect happy way to bring the tour to its conclusion.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Well for an Africaans lad Tallis is not a bad cook ! Seriously, became more a friend than a member of staff. Organized, helpful & considerate and a great knowledge of his suroundings. Patience in the extreme with our one difficult member.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Try the Pinotage red wine - SA`s own red wine cultivar - brilliant !If your travelling to The Cape at Christmas dont bring warm cloths - not needed ! Plenty of sunblock, aftersun, lip-ice and a little stick of mosquito repellant (Tabard the local prouct is best).
Suggestions
I had a wonderfull time and I think that I might get to meet a number of the group again hopefully on another tour. Highly recommended !
SOUTH AFRICA: CYCLING THE CAPE & WINELANDS
This was an excellent well planned tour. It gave me exactly what I wanted in the middle of an English winter; warmth, light and greenery. The cycling is quite challenging. I did 250 miles in 8 days and climbed c 4000m (but with an equivalent of exhilarating downs!)
Most Inspirational Moment
Going up Table Mountain and seeing the fantastic views and the rides from Bettys Bay to Gordon's Bay and up (and down) Chapman's peak stand out.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tallis was excellent. He is a great cook providing the included lunches and dinners. He also went out of his way to meet the needs and demands of individual members of the group. He kept his cool at all times especially when circumstances or individuals were difficult and he was always charming and positive.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I'd say probably go for the premium departures if you can. Be prepared for a lot of climbs and strong headwinds at times If you have time do the Robben Island and Township Tours in Cape Town. If it's sunny and clear when you arrive go up Table Mountain!
Suggestions
I would echo some of the comments of earlier travellers. Although not a premium tour we had upgraded accommodation on three occasions which made the tour very comfortable. I paid the single supplement and had no complaints. The cycling was challenging but doable including for this unfit (before the tour!) 65 year old. The third day was especially tough with a strong head wind and very undulating terrain and a big hill near the end. When you went down hill with a tail wind this was very exhilarating.
SOUTH AFRICA: CYCLING THE CAPE & WINELANDS
Spectacular holiday made very special by the company present
Most Inspirational Moment
Stunning scenery
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tallis was superb and a great asset to the tour
Advice for Potential Travellers
no
Suggestions
words are not required to explain how truely spectacular it was - expereince for yourself.Although unfortunately this may not be possible - not sure whther there are any future tours planned with premier departures
SOUTH AFRICA: CYCLING THE CAPE & WINELANDS
This was my 4th cycling holiday with Exodus and was the best – fantastic scenery, food, wine and of course the cycling!
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling around False Bay - coffee and cake in the morning (always a requirement for a Sunday ride), blue skies and sunshine, the most fantastic scenery along the coast, and 'undulating' cycling (plus not too strong a head wind!!!). And champagne and nougat tasting......
Thoughts on Group Leader
Really good - extremely knowledgable of the local wildlife, very good at riding up and down the group to make sure no-one got left behind, and pretty adaptable (always good when the heavens open and riding is off for the day!). Oh and very good at lunches!
Advice for Potential Travellers
There will be a strong headwind at various points of the holiday which can be a little scary on the downhills, but this is just part of the holiday and there is the bonus of having some great tail winds. The wine's are superb as is the food, but do remember to take a proper SA plug adaptor! And I wouldn't recommend the goat or sheep smiley for the western palate! When you arrive in Cape Town do the red sight seeing bus to see a lot in a short time period
Suggestions
Really great holiday, very well guided, enjoyable cycling and great food and wine - what more could you want??? Oh and came back with a sun tan in November - always a bonus!
SOUTH AFRICA: CYCLING THE CAPE & WINELANDS
The vital aspect of any Exodus trip is the mix of the group. This was no different; 13/14 folks eager to get on, and one awkward $*?ck£r … there is always one! (his name available on request)Plus a great guide and driver.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling Chapmans Peak, and seeing the views to Nordhoek and Houts Bay.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Peter (Albert) handled most situations very well and always in a calm manner.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Definitely do this trip, but ask for the premier accommodation version.
Suggestions
Best trip ever! Scenery fantastic; weather wonderful; exchange rate helpful; food and wines awesome.Definitely going back. Hey Exodus ... how about cycling Namibia ? Windhoek/Walvis Bay/down to Cape Town ... make it a camping trip (rather than using low-grade accomm)
Reply from Exodus
As it happens we have a brand new Namibian cycling trip this year – http://www.exodus.co.uk/holidays/mzn/overview – It takes in various places in the South and North of the country and includes a couple days on safari in Etosha as well! Oh and it has a good amount of camping too! 🙂
Tom – Product Manager for South Africa