Current as of: December 23, 2025 - 18:18
Cycling South Africa's Garden Route Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: South Africa
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 14 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: MGR
- Carbon Footprint: 49.2kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Join talented cycling leaders to ride the ‘greatest road trip in South Africa’ by bike
Designed alongside Cape Town’s Tarryn Povey, one of southern Africa’s top marathon mountain bikers, this thrilling cycling adventure in South Africa showcases the utter beauty of the Garden Route. Riding from Cape Town to Knysna, we explore the Cape Winelands, tackle mountain passes, and discover the semi-arid desert of the Little Karoo. There’s also time to stay on a wine estate, visit the ostrich capital of the world, and quiz your tour leaders on all things bikes.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 8 Superior nights (hotels), 5 Classic nights (hotels)
- 12 days of cycling with support vehicle available for most of the adventure
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Highlights
- Cycle the Garden Route, the greatest road trip in South Africa
- Gaze over vineyards and mountains as you ride through the Cape Winelands
- Tackle Route 62, the most scenic cycling road in the country
- Ride through the rugged semi-desert of the Karoo
- Stay at an award-winning wine estate in the Cape Winelands
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
- Average daily distance: 35mi (57km)
- Cycling days: 12
- Maximum ascent: 3,940ft (1,200m)
- Maximum distance: 53mi (85km)
Support vehicle: We have a support vehicle with us for most of the adventure, except for the mountain passes on days 10 and 12, and across the Red Bridge on Day 13.
Flexibility: Cycling routes may change due to weather, roadworks or other circumstances. However, your tour leader is an expert at adjusting itineraries while maintaining your enjoyment of the adventure.
Legal note: All group members joining this tour are asked to sign an indemnity form at the start of the trip. It’s a requirement of the South African Tourism Service Association, of which our local supplier is a member. As a client of Exodus Travels Ltd, your rights under the Package Travel Regulations (1992) are unaffected, and Exodus remains liable for the actions of our sub-contractors.
Water safety: This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Cape Town
- End City: Knysna
Land Only Itinerary
Adventure begins in Cape Town
Begin your adventure in cosmopolitan Cape Town, undeniably beautiful, culturally rich and a gateway to world-leading vineyards.
Around 6pm, say howzit to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big South African welcome by arranging dinner at a local restaurant.
Want to explore Cape Town further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Harbour Bridge (or similar)
Ride along the Cape Peninsula to the wine town of Stellenbosch
Our first ride of the adventure takes us along the Cape Peninsula to Stellenbosch, the beating heart of South Africa’s wine country. Along the way, we pass rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and dramatic mountain passes, and ride through lively seaside communities.
Highlights include: Chapmans Peak, which ranks among the most scenic coastal roads in the world; the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve; and Boulders Beach, which is populated by a protected rookery of critically endangered African penguins.
Accommodation: Stellenbosch Hotel (or similar)
Through the Cape Winelands to Franschhoek
Ride through the Cape Winelands today, where vineyards and mountain backdrops create a scenic cycling route.
Our journey takes us from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek, two of the most iconic wine towns in South Africa, via vineyards and historic towns. Enjoy the peaceful countryside, with plenty of opportunities to slow down and take in the views. This route offers a mix of gentle climbs and scenic descents.
Accommodation: Centre-Ville (or similar)
Ride to the Wildekrans Wine Estate
Embark on a captivating ride to the riverside community of Botrivier through a mix of vineyards and farmlands. Riding through the heart of the Cape Winelands, enjoy quiet country roads and dramatic mountain views on a route that combines rolling terrain and scenic descents. Highlights include the Franschhoek Pass, Theewaterskloof Dam and the Van Der Stel Pass.
We end the day at Wildekrans Wine Estate, an award-winning producer of wines and olive oil set within the beautiful Bot River Valley among fields of indigenous renosterbos shrubs.
Accommodation: Wildekrans Wine Estate (or similar)
Cycle through vineyards and olive groves in the Robertson Valley
After a scenic one-hour transfer to the starting point, gear up for an exciting ride through the Robertson Valley, another renowned wine-producing region.
Our route includes tranquil roads surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and expansive farmlands, offering a peaceful escape with views of the valley and mountains.
Accommodation: theLAB Robertson (or similar)
Ride through the Breede River Valley to Montagu
Set off for Montagu, part of the Little Karoo (or Klein Karoo) region. This ride, one of the most scenic routes in the Western Cape, takes you through the vast open landscapes of the Breede River Valley, with views of rugged mountains, expansive vineyards, and rural farmlands.
The terrain offers a mix of smooth stretches and gentle climbs, providing a perfect balance of challenges and relaxation. As you approach Montagu, known for its orchards, vineyards and hot springs, the landscape transitions into dramatic mountain passes, offering sweeping views that make every pedal stroke worthwhile.
Accommodation: Montagu Country Hotel (or similar)
Cycle the iconic Route 62 to Bonnievale
Embark on a captivating ride along Route 62, one of the most iconic and scenic cycling routes in South Africa. Pedal through a mix of small towns, vast vineyards, and rolling farmlands as you make your way to Bonnievale.
The route is lined with impressive mountain backdrops, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. Known for its rural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, this journey offers an immersive way to experience the heart of the Little Karoo.
Accommodation: Karoo Art Hotel (or similar)
Discover the semi-arid desert of the Karoo
Jump on the bike for a proper introduction to the Klein Karoo. Quiet backroads lead us across arid plains framed by rocky ridges and distant mountains, a setting that quickly explains why this semi-desert has shaped both livelihoods and attitudes here.
The terrain is open and absorbing, giving us time to settle into the rhythm of the ride and notice the hardy vegetation adapted to these dry conditions. After the ride, a short transfer brings us to our accommodation.
Accommodation: Rooiberg Lodge (or similar)
Cycle to Calitzdorp, testing yourself against the Rooiberg Pass
Start your day with a challenging yet rewarding ride to Calitzdorp, taking on the formidable Rooiberg Pass. As you ascend the pass, enjoy views of the rugged landscape and vast plains that stretch for miles, while also stopping for mid-morning snacks.
The descent into Calitzdorp offers a thrilling finish, with sweeping views of the Little Karoo’s unique terrain.
Wrap up the day with a transfer to Oudtshoorn, known for being the ostrich capital of the world.
Accommodation: The Riempie Estate – Oudtshoorn (or similar)
Ride from the Cango Caves and over the Swartberg Pass
Begin with a scenic transfer to the Cango Caves, a natural wonder in the Swartberg Mountains, where we gear up for a thrilling ascent to the Swartberg Pass. The climb offers challenging terrain, but the reward is panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.
After reaching the summit, enjoy the exhilarating descent to the charming village of Prince Albert, a historic oasis where you can unwind, refuel, and soak in the character of this quaint Karoo town.
Accommodation: The Swartberg Hotel – Prince Albert (or similar)
Journey through the Karoo
Start your ride in the peaceful village of Prince Albert and follow the quiet backroads that skirt the northern side of the Swartberg Mountains. The route winds through wide-open Karoo landscapes, passing farmland, koppies and rugged foothills with gentle rolling terrain.
As you loop around the back of the range, the scenery gradually softens and opens toward the Klein Karoo basin.
The ride finishes at the Meiringspoort Waterfall outside the the charming village of De Rust, where you can do a short walk to the waterfall pools where you will have a scenic lunch stop.
Accommodation: House Martin (or similar)
Explore the Kammanasie foothills
Leave De Rust and head east into the quiet backcountry roads leading toward the Kamanassie Mountains. The route rolls through farmland and wide-open valleys before narrowing into the more rugged, remote terrain of the Kamanassie foothills.
Expect winding gravel sections, rocky ridgelines, and a few river crossings as you make your way through this untouched mountain landscape.
Once you emerge on the far side, the scenery opens toward the Langkloof, where an easy final stretch brings you into the historic village of Uniondale − an inviting end to a beautifully varied ride.
Accommodation: Mountain Pastures Game Lodge
Journey from Karoo to coast
Begin your ride from the game lodge in the Outeniqua foothills. The route gradually climbs into cool, green stretches of indigenous forest, where the scenery shifts from open valleys to dense woodland and towering mountain views.
Winding along quiet backroads, head deeper into the Knysna forest, finishing at the iconic Big Tree − a majestic, centuries-old giant that marks a fitting end to this beautifully varied and scenic ride.
Accommodation: The Rex Hotel (or similar)
Adventure ends in Knysna
After an unforgettable cycling trip, we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Accommodation
Hotels
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Single supplement from USD 1320
Food & Drink
Food on this trip is very similar to the kind of food you are used to at home, though there may be the opportunity to try local meats such as ostrich, kudu or eland. Vegetarians can be well catered for on this trip – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.
The provided water is safe, clean drinking water, normally from boreholes. It is not bottled water, however. If you would rather have bottled water then this will be at your expense, though we would encourage you to make use of the safe drinking water provided as this helps diminish plastic consumption.
Transport
We use a minibus for this trip. Each is fitted with forward-facing seats and tows a luggage trailer. They have large windows for good views while touring.
Weather & Seasonality
Summer is from October to April and the average daytime temperature is 25C-30C (77F-86F). The average night-time temperature is 10C-20C (50F-68F). Summer is typically dry and warm, but the southeasterly wind can blow up to 43mph (70kph) at least a few times a month. This helps to cool things but can be a little unpleasant if one is walking in exposed areas.
Winter is from May to September and average temperatures are colder. In general, however, the Cape Town climate is quite mild. Most of the rainfall is in winter but it is frontal rain off the Atlantic. Therefore, it can rain solidly for two days, and in between there will be warm, sunny days. It is fairly common to experience tabletop clouds on the higher mountains.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Harbour Bridge, 1 Dockrail Rd, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 431 9202
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm.
Airport: Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Getting to the start hotel
We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for everyone. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Flying via Johannesburg
If you are travelling on flights via Johannesburg, please note that you will need to collect your baggage in Johannesburg, even if your bag has been checked all the way through to Port Elizabeth (and even if you are told you do not need to pick it up). After collecting the bag, you are required to clear customs, and you should then drop it off at the bag drop for the onward flight. This only applies to the outbound flight – you do not need to do this at the end of the trip on the return flight.
Catching your return flight
There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Cape Town
Location end: Knysna
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Fleece top for cooler days and nights
- Waterproof
- Windbreaker: For your backpack should the cooler winds pick up
- Warmer clothes for winter
Water included: Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Equipment Hire
Included standard bike
The standard bikes for this trip are Silverback Strides or Titan Racing Bikes (mountain bikes).
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
E-bike upgrade
A limited number of electric bikes are available on this trip. Speak to your sales representative as soon as possible for more information.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Accessories and clothing
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on our guided cycling trips. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For this cycling trip we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
- Fingerless cycling gloves
- Bandana/cloth: To keep cool in the heat
- Light weight, sun cycling sleeve protectors
Practical Information
Visa
South Africa
Travellers from the UK, US and most (though not all) EU states normally do not need a visa to enter South Africa. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/south-africa
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-africa
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthAfrica.html
Please note, all travellers to South Africa who require a visa need at least two consecutive blank pages in their passport (ie a left- and right-hand page) to enable an entry visa to be issued.
Additionally, any child under 18 travelling to South Africa needs to be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate with the names of both parents. If a child under 18 is only travelling with one parent, they will also have to have an affidavit, no less than three months old, from the absent parent confirming the child can travel with the other parent; a court order granting full legal guardianship of the child; or a death certificate of the deceased parent.
Vaccinations and Health
South Africa
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential if travelling in the greater Kruger area; seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic about which tablets to take. The rest of South Africa, including the Garden Route, has a low risk of malaria.
Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is also a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend taking the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
Local Time
South Africa's time zone: Africa/Johannesburg (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
South Africa's electricity: Plug types M (three round pins), N (three round pins) and C (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
South Africa's currency: South African rand (ZAR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are fairly widely available throughout this trip but not necessarily every day so please advise your leader in advance if you want to use one.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Meals not included: Dinners cost on average 340-510 rand (US$20‐US$30) per person and lunches are around 135-220 rand (US$8-US$13). Allow about 170 rand (US$10) per day for incidentals.
Optional excursions
All prices listed are subject to change:
- Robben Island, Cape Town: 600 rand (US$35). If you would like to book this excursion, please advise us at least four weeks before travel (ideally when you book the trip). We will take all names and the tickets will then be payable locally – this is to avoid disappointment as it is a popular tour. Once you have signed up, we cannot accept cancellations. Refunds will only be issued if we are refunded by the ticket office for adverse weather conditions etc.
- Cape Town township tour: 850 rand (US$45) per person
- Cable car up Table Mountain: 370 rand (US$20)
Please note that the Table Mountain cable car closes during winter for its annual maintenance. We advise checking their website for exact dates: https://www.tablemountain.net/
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. Tipping is optional but we recommend approximately 80-100 rand (US$4.70-US$5.80) per person per day. You may also want to budget for porter tips if you need help taking your luggage to your rooms.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
Important Information
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
Travel Safety
For additional information please have a look at the travel safety advice page on our website.
How to Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
- Where free transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
- Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
